Safe camping and safe parking are in the works for the homeless in San Joaquin County.
The Board of Supervisors took steps Tuesday to amend the building code to allow the construction of such facilities on county owned or leased property where various homeless support services will be located.
At the same time, the county conducted the second reading of an anti-camping ordinance that will go into effect in 30 days.
The bottom line of the two actions means the sheriff’s department will not only be able to move homeless who are trying to set up an encampment or sleep in public places, but will have a place they can go.
Even though a recent Supreme Court decision gave the green light for local jurisdictions to enforce anti-camping laws, it would be akin to playing whack a mole if the homeless — who do not want to go to a traditional shelter or can’t do so because there is no space — don’t have a place to go.
Those that refuse to take advantage of the safe camping and safe parking, not only can be prosecuted but law enforcement will be able to essentially apply non-stop pressure.
In such cases, the homeless that don’t want to take advantage of the services being offered would essentially be forced to leave the county.
“Our Board understands that a no camping ordinance is not a solution to the issue of homelessness in our County, but it is one piece of the puzzle,” noted Board Chairman Miguel Villapudua.
“We have spent the last decade under the 9th Circuit Court’s misguided ruling, which allowed for essentially no enforcement. If we look around our cities today, I believe we can agree that this is a failed policy. We are putting in place reasonable expectations for shared community spaces.”
The county plans to model the safe camping facility after one Placer County developed on its property in Auburn.
Uniform tents are provided that are lined up in rows with considerable spacing in between.
The homeless aren’t limited to the amount of items they have as long as it is kept in the tents that are fairly good-sized.
There are also facilities such as bathrooms, showers, and food service.
Outreach services such as medical and assistance to get off the streets are also available.
The entire complex is fenced in and has 24/7 security.
An area withing the fencing will be available for the homeless who opt to live in vehicles they may own.
“I strongly believe that safe camping and safe parking locations are a central part of ending homelessness in San Joaquin County,” commented Vice Chair Paul Canepa. “Today's action moves us toward making that policy a reality.”
“We are allowing for an emergency housing facility with a specific use in a narrow scope on county-owned land. This will allow us to pursue safe camping and parking locations that include wraparound services for a holistic approach in efforts to help the unsheltered population. Safe camping and safe parking are two options in the transition from being unsheltered to finding permanent housing.“
The amendments to the no camping ordinance specifically prohibit arranging bedding, erecting a tent or other form of shelter for the purpose of sleeping, or using a standing or parked vehicle for the purpose of sleeping longer than 60 minutes or within 300 feet of any previous stopping point in a 24-hour period.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
