City of Santa Cruz
Home Menu
Get Homelessness Services
Are you currently experiencing homelessness? Please contact City outreach staff with questions and to learn more about local resources at 831-359-5996.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
If you need immediate mental health crisis support, call Santa Cruz County Mental Health: 1-800-952-2335 (24 hours a day)
If you need healthcare, information on local food programs, or referrals you can stop in to see a public health nurse at the Homeless Persons Health Project at 115-A Coral Street in Santa Cruz. They provide a number of services to people that do not have insurance and can help you apply for Medi-Cal and other benefits. Walk-ins are welcome. Clinic hours and more information can be found here.
SHELTER PROGRAMS
City Overlook Emergency Shelter
This tent-based managed camp is located on the National Guard Armory property and operated by the Salvation Army. It is a 24/7 shelter where you’ll receive three meals a day, shower facilities, private tent-space, and transportation to and from the site. This site is low barrier — pets, possessions, and partners are welcome.
This site currently has places for 135 tents.
How to Participate: Availability at the site is limited and changes regularly. Individuals interested in the City Overlook program should contact City outreach staff at 831-359-5996 so they can complete an intake procedure and be notified when openings occur. Participants must adhere to a code of conduct.
River St. Transitional Camp
The River Street Transitional Community Camp, which has 27 tent spots, is located on City-owned property. Participants have access to basic services such as showers and cooking facilities, with staff providing daily oversight and support. Participants are required to meet with City staff once a week, and work with them to complete an Individual Service Plan. The Plan will help identify steps to move you toward stable, permanent and affordable housing. This site is low barrier — pets, possessions, and partners are welcome.
How to Participate: Individuals interested in the transitional camp should contact City staff at 831-359-5996 to complete an intake procedure, interview to determine readiness to participate in an individual case plan, and be notified in the event of an opening. Participants must adhere to a code of conduct and a set of community-generated agreements.
SAFE PARKING
The City has developed a Safe Parking Program, where oversized vehicles used for habitation can safely park.
The Overnight Safe Parking Program provides space for oversized vehicles in City-owned lots. This program provides overnight parking and participants can stay up to 30 says with the possibility of an extension. Hygiene services and refuse disposal are available on site. There is currently space in this program with the ability to expand if necessary. Participants must adhere to a code of conduct. To enroll, call 831-420-5093 or email: safeparking@santacruzca.gov.
Locations for Overnight Safe Parking Program
Lot 8: 710 Cedar St.
Lot 4: 610 Cedar St.
Lot 2: 1100 Cedar St.
Lot 25: 119 Center St.
Lot 3: 118 Walnut Ave.
Lot 16: 204 Church St. (In Reserve)
Parking spots are pre-assigned to enrolled program participants and every vehicle will receive an overnight parking permit. Vehicles parked in this lot without an overnight parking permit may be ticketed and towed.
The Long-term Safe Parking Program provides space for oversized vehicles at the National Guard Armory. This program provides 24/7 parking and participants may stay up to six months. Case management, housing navigation, health care, and hygiene services are provided on-site. Space is limited for this program. Participants must adhere to a code of conduct. To learn more, please call 831-515-8665 or email: Email: RVsafeparking@thefreeguide.org.
Learn more about the City's Oversized Vehicle Ordinance. Regular updates about the ordinance will be posted to CityofSantaCruz.com/OVO.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
The County of Santa Cruz offers a wide variety of supportive services. Learn more at:
Santa Cruz County Resource List 2022 (printable PDF)
Homeless Persons' Health Project
Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.
Windows Media Player
Word Viewer
Excel Viewer
PowerPoint Viewer
