Outreach and Shelter Programs

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.

Safe, welcoming, low-barrier, and housing-focused shelter is a  critical component of an effective homeless response system. Our Safe Parking Parking Program and two shelters — 1220 River Street Transitional Community Camp and City Overlook at the National Guard Armory — are key parts of the City’s homelessness response efforts. At City shelter sites, pets, possessions, and partners are welcome and we provide stable access to food, health, hygiene services. This consistent support gives people more ability to focus on searches for jobs and longer-term housing. Program participants confirm that a critical step for moving out of an encampment is the availability and access to these types of shelter programs where they can move beyond day-to-day focus on survival. Weekly check-ins with shelter staff and regular community meeting occur onsite with participants. 

All City shelter sites require a referral and enrollment process (no drop-in access). Many program participants have been working with shelter staff prior to enrollment to ensure that they are a good fit for the program. Availability at shelter sites is limited and changes regularly. Individuals interested in shelter programs can contact City staff at 831-420-5093.

City shelter locations are not open to the public. Please contact the City’s Homelessness Response Team for more information.

1220 River Street Transitional Community Camp 

Located on City-owned property, 1220 River Street is part of the City’s temporary, tent-based safe-sleeping program.  1220 River Street provides:

• Space for up to 30 tents: Secure and supportive environment
• Access to basic services such as hygiene services, community space, and cooking spaces
• Collaborative work to maintain shared spaces
• Daily oversight and support from City Outreach Team
• Consistent interaction with case managers

Effective shelter practice requires listening to people with lived expertise and making cultural, philosophical, and operational shifts according to their feedback. This shelter program was developed with specific input from unhoused community on the barriers to accepting shelter, ideal on-site services and more. The operations model starts with deepening relationships with unhoused people to better understand the needs, challenges, and perspectives affecting their housing.

City Overlook at the National Guard Armory 

Located on state-owned property, the City Overlook at the Armory is part of the City’s temporary, tent-based safe sleeping program.

Participants meet with shelter staff regularly to remove barriers to jobs and housing. Supports include help applying for housing, job interview coordination, setting appointments to see apartments, and more. 

City Overlook offers:

• Space for up to 135 tents
• 24/7 staff support
• Three meals a day
• Hygiene facilities
• Electrical charging
• Access to health care Transportation to and from the site In-person support services
• Reliable space to meet with case workers and service providers

The Homeless Persons Health Project, a program of Santa Cruz County, brings their mobile health unit, doctors, and other health care providers twice a month to offer General medicine, Urgent care, Wound care, Vaccinations Preventative care, Medication assisted treatment, and Care coordination.

Extreme Weather Shelter (activated only in times of need)

To protect the unhoused from a severe weather system and possible flooding, temporary protective extreme weather shelters may be activated.  Extreme weather conditions are defined as either two or more consecutive days with predicted temperatures at or below 38F or in the event of a formal flood warning due to anticipated heavy rains. The shelter system is the result of a collaboration between the County of Santa Cruz, City of Santa Cruz, and City of Watsonville.

In 2024, severe weather shelters were located at Depot Park in Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Veterans Hall, and the Watsonville Veterans Hall.

The shelter sites provided:

Beds on a first-come, first-served basis, with preference for people with disabilities and those experiencing significant health/safety risk sleeping outdoors.

Cots, blankets, and ready-to-eat meals.

Pets were allowed if they were leashed and can be kept under voice control. No aggressive animals will be allowed at shelter sites.