El Dorado County Local News: Homelessness

05/05/2023
El Dorado County leaders have decided to take a “wait and see” approach regarding a newly proposed plan to solve the state’s homeless crisis drafted by the California State Association of Counties. District 1 Supervisor John Hidahl, who sits on the CSAC board, brought the plan to his fellow supervisors for discussion and possible adoption.

05/02/2023
Fast food is the largest employer of homeless workers in California, with one of 17 unhoused individuals in the state working in the industry. That is according to a new report released by the Economic Roundtable.

04/12/2023
Democratic voters in California cities are pushing mayors and city councils to clear homeless camps. Leaders are responding with new ordinances, from Sacramento to San Diego.

03/01/2023
The encampment cleanup in Placerville is being facilitated by Caltrans and specialized crews from American Integrated Services donning hazmat gear. The cleanup is part of a statewide operation on state-owned properties near highways.

02/08/2023
Those experiencing homelessness in El Dorado County can utilize the new navigation center and shelter in Placerville. Approximately 511 of El Dorado County's residents are experiencing homelessness, according to the 2022 point-in-time count.

01/08/2023
After years of scrapping ideas on addressing homelessness, El Dorado County leaders are implementing a temporary navigation center/shelter while also making plans to build a permanent site.

12/18/2022
El Dorado County is moving forward with its plan to implement a permanent homeless shelter/navigation center. Deputy chief administrative officer Laura Schwartz shared a timeline with county supervisors.

12/15/2022
The temporary inclement weather shelter in Scout Hall at Placerville's Benham Park received praise from locals and the support of the Placerville City Council despite some concerns about its location.

11/02/2022
Gov. Gavin Newsom is not pleased with local leaders' plans to reduce homelessness, and will hold back state funding until they take more aggressive action: “Everyone has to do better.”

09/26/2022
The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless has announced its search for new leadership after the departure of Executive Director Cheyenne Purrington. In the interim, its board of directors aid the team with daily operations.

09/25/2022
It’s a common misconception that a physical address is required to cast a ballot. For individuals living in shelters or encampments, California offers several options for participating in local elections.

09/22/2022
The Fair Political Practices Commission has dropped a conflict of interest inquiry aimed at District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas, who claims the anonymous complaint that sparked it was “a nasty political hit piece meant to discredit me and derail plans for a [homeless] navigation center.”

09/21/2022
El Dorado County supervisors voted to implement a temporary homeless shelter/navigation center at the former juvenile detention facility in Placerville, which includes ending an agreement between the county and Cal Fire for use of the building in seasonal operations.

08/24/2022
It appears El Dorado County’s proposed homeless shelter/navigation center will not break ground this fall. A motion to award a construction contract and transfer funds failed to get a necessary four-fifths vote, with Lori Parlin and George Turnboo voting no.

08/02/2022
An increase in homelessness and impacts from the Caldor Fire has the Upper Room Dining Hall making plans to expand its dining hall and kitchen services. The nonprofit served around 76,000 meals in 2021.

07/31/2022
A California Fair Political Practices Commission complaint has postponed the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors’ plans to build a homeless navigation center and shelter in Placerville. District 3 Supervisor Wendy Thomas recused herself from a July 27 vote on the center, pending clearance from the FPPC. The supervisors continued the matter to Aug. 23.

07/10/2022
The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless is starting a new project at their location called the Bear's Den. They are currently inviting electric companies to submit RFPs to come in and do the much-needed electrical improvements.

07/06/2022
Placer County and the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors partnered for the second year in a row to provide a nomadic winter housing program. Operations expanded beyond last year’s 90 days, and the number of filled beds doubled.

07/04/2022
After evaluating other potential sites, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors will focus on opening a short-term homeless shelter at Perk’s Court. Additional reports will be reviewed, and then a short-term lease negotiation is expected.

06/13/2022
El Dorado County Public Housing Authority will distribute 70 emergency housing vouchers via the Front Door. Those eligible for the vouchers include both individuals and families who are homeless, have fled domestic violence, and other unstable/dangerous situations.