Placer County Homelessness Digest

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.

Auburn City Council members listened to the findings of the Placer Regional Homeless Response Phase 1 Report, which highlights potential strategies to tackle local homelessness.

Tenants still waiting on rent relief will now likely have more time before facing eviction. The Legislature voted to extend eviction protections through June 30. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.

The results of this year’s point-in-time homeless count for Placer County are expected this summer. The annual count is a requirement to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

California Republicans are advocating for a package of bills to tackle homelessness and mental health issues—but they claim their approach is more fiscally responsible.

The Placer Homelessness Response Emerging Strategies Phase 1 Report, released March 11, outlines potential strategies for mitigating homelessness impacts within Placer County. The ad-hoc committee plans to make presentations to local city councils.

According to a Placer County news release, a newly introduced ordinance—Camping and Personal Property Storage on County Property and Public Areas—aims to regulate camping and storage on county property where signage is posted and allows camping by necessity when shelter is not available.

The Placer County Board of Supervisors is expected to hear an amended camping ordinance on March 8. The proposed ordinance involves removal of camping paraphernalia in county public space and high fire severity zones between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Volunteers fanned out across the state for the first statewide count of California’s homeless population since 2020. The number is expected to be higher, raising more questions about the impact of the state’s increased spending.

The city of Roseville participated in a Placer County homeless count, which was completed on Feb. 24 with the help of local organizations. The count is required in order to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Senator Alex Padilla will introduce legislation to push some $531 billion into affordable housing projects around the country. The bill could dramatically boost federal aid for homelessness and a shortage of affordable housing.

Gov. Gavin Newsom is doling out $50 million to help cities and counties clear out camps and house people living outdoors. San Jose, Richmond and Santa Cruz are among those cities that might benefit.

The Placer County Grand Jury recently reported that a new homeless housing program lacked appropriate oversight. The county has now responded to the critique.

Governor attaches earmarked monies to budget in what the Merc is calling the “largest state investment in homelessness in U.S. history.”

Placer County is stepping up efforts to address health and safety concerns at encampments near its government center campus in North Auburn.