El Dorado County Homelessness Digest

“Street releases” have resumed after the nonprofit that operated a migrant welcome center announced its “finite resources have been stretched to the limit.”

No issue matters more to Californians than housing and homelessness. Catch up on where the major Senate candidates stand on the subject.

California voters this spring are considering a $6.4 billion bond to house people with serious mental health conditions. A similar 2018 ballot measure offers lessons about the obstacles that stand in the way of construction.

Prop. 1 would funnel more money into housing and treatment for homeless Californians struggling with mental illness and addiction. But it’s far from a one-stop solution.

A multi-year, $750 million California program aimed at doing away with homeless encampments has had mixed results. Local leaders say ongoing funding is needed.

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case related to whether cities and towns can ban camping on public property. The high court could overturn Martin v. Boise, a 2018 federal court decision that keeps western cities and counties from blocking public camping when sufficient shelter space is unavailable.

María Vela’s family has lived in East L.A. nearly 30 years, but new owners of her duplex asked her family to vacate by Christmas. Most evictions are due to nonpayment of rent, but owner move-ins also cause family displacement.

Federal funding for domestic violence shelters and housing programs is declining. Advocates want the state to step in, but with a record projected deficit new spending is unlikely.

All but two California counties are delaying their implementation of a new law that makes it easier for a court to place someone in involuntary confinement if they can’t care for their own medical needs or personal safety.

Federal judge David O. Carter has declined to dismiss a lawsuit that could force the Veterans Administration to house veterans experiencing homelessness in the Los Angeles area. Carter’s 41-page ruling could pave the way for a trial in mid-2024.

San Diego-area nonprofits and faith organizations struggle to provide for tens of thousands of migrants border agents have released on San Diego streets.

Berkeley public works staff and police officers began closing the longstanding encampment along Seventh and Eighth streets in an “imminent health hazard and emergency abatement,” which was ordered to tackle safety concerns.

California’s population of homeless veterans has plateaued despite billions of dollars in state spending to create housing for former service members. Now, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to shift resources to focus on veterans with serious mental health conditions.

Tiny homes are increasingly California cities’ shelter option of choice — but how far they go in solving homelessness is a contentious question.

Trash reportedly left behind by illegal campers that has over the years piled up in the Johnson Meadow area of South Lake Tahoe has been hauled out in recent weeks.

More than 350 people participated in the 17th annual Empty Bowl benefit for Hospitality House. The fundraiser raised more than $23,000, and funds will directly support residents experiencing homelessness to receive emergency shelter, food, case management, housing aid, medical respite and more.

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants counties to spend some revenue from California’s so-called “millionaire’s tax” on the state’s homeless crisis. That alarms advocates for programs that are getting that money today.

Despite efforts by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to shelter more than 14,000 people this year, the city's homeless population keeps growing. That does not necessarily mean her signature program is failing. The larger question: How does California measure success?

The lack of enough places for everyone to live has sent coastal rent prices inland, removing large swaths of previously cheaper rental units.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.