Placer County Homelessness Digest

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.

The Emergency Warming Shelter for those experiencing homelessness is open in a new location under new management following a two-month closure.

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.

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.

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.

The Placer County Board of Supervisors received an update on Regional Homeless Response planning from Dr. Rob Oldham, director of Health & Human Services, who shared principles of leveraging existing behavioral health support and taking a decentralized approach to supportive services.

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.

Over the last few weeks, some community members have publicly addressed their concerns with homeless encampments near their homes and businesses in Lincoln.

The annual Point-in-Time survey of people experiencing homelessness in Placer and Nevada County was conducted Jan. 25=Feb. 3 by 150 volunteers, nonprofit, and city and county staff.

Placer County staff members presented an update to the Board of Supervisors on the temporary shelter at the Government Center in North Auburn.

As part of the effort to bring a low-barrier mobile temporary shelter into North Auburn, the Placer County Board of Supervisors chose First Step Communities of Sacramento to manage the shelter.

Placer County is establishing a mobile temporary shelter in the Auburn area near the Placer County Government Center.

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.”

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 Auburn Police Department wrapped up its Homeless Strategic Plan, noting a nearly 50 percent decrease in chronic homelessness over the three-year study. Police Chief Ryan Kinnan said the city put together a plan to “navigate through the homeless problem” by working with outside agencies.

To complete Phase 2 of the Placer County Regional Homeless Response, the Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with Moore Iacofano Goltsman Inc. The contract provides facilitation, planning and technical assistance.

Placer County's recent count of unhoused citizens has stabilized, with a less than 1% increase over the last year. While homelessness is still an issue all over California, this census conducted by the Homeless Resource Council of the Sierras shows that things are going in the right direction locally.

The Placer County Housing Authority earlier this month began offering $1,000 bonuses to landlords who agree to rent to homeless veterans.

A new project developing in Roseville will provide a small step in the right direction in response to the city's increasing homeless issue. It will house 82 people at a time in central Roseville.

The Roseville City Council recently approved a resolution that will bring additional funding to four different nonprofits focusing on homelessness and housing resources. This is part of Roseville's Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program.

As part of the Homekey 2.0 program, the California Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded Placer County $23,516,978 for the intended purchase of a Roseville hotel to serve as supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.

The Placer County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the extension of the temporary emergency shelter at the Placer County Government Center in Auburn. Operated by The Gathering Inn, it accommodates up to 100 individuals.

Carolyn Verheyen, the principal-in-charge at MIG Consultants, delivered the phase one report for Placer Regional Homelessness Response Emerging Strategies to the Rocklin City Council.