Community Voices, Santa Cruz Lookout, August 28, 2024

The City of Santa Cruz is not changing its homeless policies in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order to clear homeless encampments. Rather, it is moving forward with programs that increase affordable housing, offer shelter and provide outreach, writes City Manager Matt Huffaker. Here, Huffaker outlines the city’s programs, efforts and grants, which he says have led to a 36% decrease in homelessness in Santa Cruz over the past year.

There’s been a lot written and said across the state about the Supreme Court’s decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which permits the enforcement of laws regulating camping on public property and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent executive order to clear homeless encampments throughout the state. 

So, how does this really impact us here in Santa Cruz?

While these decisions alter the practical and legal landscape, our dedication to treating people with dignity and respect and compassionately addressing homelessness is unwavering. The only way forward is to continue working together to create a community where everyone can thrive and be safe.

To get to the heart of the issue: We cannot enforce our way out of the complex issues surrounding homelessness. 

History has shown that ticketing and arresting people for camping on the street doesn’t solve the problem. It is an endless drain on resources and only makes it more difficult for unhoused people to move forward and find jobs or stable housing. While enforcement of certain regulations is necessary for public health and safety, it is not a standalone solution. 

Our approach will continue to prioritize comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of homelessness. Our city council-approved Homelessness Response Strategic Plan (HRSP) focuses on building more affordable housing, offering shelter, increasing outreach and managing large camps that pose health, environmental and safety risks. 

These efforts have led to a remarkable 36% decrease in homelessness over the past year in the city of Santa Cruz — a testament to the effectiveness of our approach.

We understand that some may want increased enforcement while others wish to have no enforcement. However, our strategic plan aims to help people experiencing homelessness while benefiting our entire community. Providing outreach and shelter to people experiencing homelessness supports people in rebuilding their lives and it helps the whole community. 

This is why we remain committed to providing supportive services, affordable housing and shelter options while prioritizing partnerships with community organizations.

We have made significant progress in addressing homelessness in Santa Cruz. We also recognize we have more work to do. 

The city operates 165 tent-based safe sleeping spaces, including those at the armory and 1220 River St., as part of our temporary program to provide secure accommodations. Participants in this program regularly meet with shelter staff to overcome barriers to employment and housing. They receive support for housing applications, job interviews, apartment viewings and more. 

We launched our Homelessness Response programs in 2022. Since then, the city has helped 184 people move into more stable housing situations and reconnected 126 people with family and friends through our Homeward Bound program, which helps people return to their support networks. Additionally, we have contributed to the creation of 1,100 new, affordable housing units. Since January 2024, we have also collected 149 tons of refuse related to homelessness from neighborhoods, open spaces and beaches.

Since the launch of our shelter and safe parking programs in 2022, we have served 932 people with critical services and shelter options.

The city’s Safe Parking Program offers a secure space for oversized vehicles used for habitation. Additionally, the long-term safe parking program provides 24/7 parking and allows participants to stay for up to six months. On-site services include case management, housing navigation, health care and hygiene facilities to help participants receive comprehensive and reliable support during their stay.

Our severe weather shelter collaboration with the county, the City of Watsonville and other partners has served over 300 people during extreme weather conditions. We activate these shelters during severe weather systems to protect the unhoused. 

The recent Supreme Court decision and the governor’s executive order will not drastically alter our approach to addressing homelessness. Our homelessness response strategy prioritizes outreach, engagement, offers for shelter and connecting individuals with essential services. This method allows us to manage encampments without relying on punitive actions. 

When we close an encampment, we use a compassionate strategy that prioritizes the safety and well-being of both the community and those experiencing homelessness. We also consider wildfire risks. Encampments in areas like the Pogonip pose risks, and our priority is ensuring the safety of people in encampments, emergency personnel and neighborhoods.

The city focuses on outreach, engagement, and connecting individuals to shelter and services before any closures are considered. This year, between Jan. 1 and June 30, our outreach team successfully supported 47 people in moving from city-run shelters to more stable housing. 

This builds trust and support within the community.

That said, as a state and nation, we must improve systems for those facing mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. However, until those broader systemic changes occur, we remain committed to continuing the programs that are demonstrating measurable progress.

Our team will continue to provide people living in encampments throughout the city with kind, practical support and referrals to case management knowing that it can take months or even years to build trust with new clients. There will always be some who are not ready to accept the services that the city has to offer, but our outreach team will continue to check in, build a connection and ensure services are available when they are needed.

Facilities like the City Overlook Emergency Shelter at the National Guard Armory, the 1220 River Street Transitional Community Camp, and our safe parking programs will continue. These low-barrier shelters offer a supportive environment where pets and couples are welcome. Onsite case management, housing navigation, health services and other wraparound support services are essential to help those in need stabilize their lives, in addition to providing shelter until permanent housing solutions become available.

State funding has been a critical part of the positive impact we have seen here in Santa Cruz. The city was recently awarded a $500,000 grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development to support a local eviction prevention and rental assistance program. Funds will be available in fall through Community Action Board and are anticipated to serve up to 80 low-income city households. 

This funding will help families maintain the housing they currently have when faced with life challenges such as illness, job loss or injury. Eviction prevention and rental assistance programs like this can help support people with extra resources so they can preserve a connection to their homes and community.

Earlier this summer, the city received a $4 million grant from the state’s Encampment Resolution Fund. The grant will: add 20 interim housing units on the Housing Matters campus, provide additional outreach, service coordination and housing navigation and support people living in encampments to move to more stable housing. 

Since June, the city outreach team has helped 16 people move off the street and into more stable shelter.

While the Supreme Court’s decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson may influence the broader legal context, Santa Cruz remains committed to our strategic, data-driven approach to addressing homelessness. Our continued efforts to implement the HRSP reflect our dedication to sustainable solutions that ensure the well-being and safety of everyone in our community. 

We have made significant progress over the past year, but there is still so much work to be done.

Matt Huffaker is city manager for the City of Santa Cruz.