The most effective outreach efforts are led by outreach staff who understand how to address the needs of people living in encampments and who often already have developed relationships with them. The City’s outreach team engages in street-level outreach with people, meeting them in encampments or where ever they may be staying. When meeting a new client, they offer help and support; provide access to shelter and services; and make life-saving connections with people.  Their goal is to connect every person to shelter and services to help them overcome and avoid future experiences of homelessness.

City Outreach Team works to engage and stabilize vulnerable individuals by voluntarily placing them into shelter and housing or connecting with other available resources. To make these placements, the team often works seven days a week to provide outreach and case management to people experiencing homelessness living on the streets and in encampments in Santa Cruz. Services are provided by our skilled teams who have expertise in the complex issues and barriers to stability.

Their aim is to provide people with compassionate, practical support, information and referrals, in-depth assessment, and access to  case management. For individuals who are not ready to accept the services that the City has to offer,  the City Outreach Team, continues to outreach and build motivation to ensure services are available when they are needed. They engage approximately 35 people a day in neighborhoods throughout the City, including our open spaces, river ways, and beaches.

The City operates two, 24/7, emergency shelters  throughout the year, the City Overlook and 1220 Transitional Community Camp (TCC). While doing outreach, our team is able to offer shelter to anyone who is interested. These shelters stabilizes individuals by addressing the numerous day-to-day and long-term problems related to homelessness.

The City Overlook shelter at the Armory is often the first step into shelter for someone who is unhoused. Access to meals, medical and hygiene services, and a stable living environment supports people in connecting with case managers and accessing vital services.  

At 1220 Transitional Community Camp people can live in a supportive community while they work towards more stable housing. This shelter program requires that people are self-motivated and want to make progress on stated goals. Participants meet with City staff and case managers regularly. 

Our Outreach Team works collaboratively throughout the County with case managers, health workers, and other local service providers to address medical and behavioral health needs, using an individualized approach that includes wrap-around services and promotes harm reduction and stability-based recovery.

The team also activates severe weather protocols during hot weather, cold weather, wet weather, and air quality incidents.  The team increases wellness checks, distributes appropriate supplies, and provides information on additional resources.