To eliminate homelessness in Monterey and San Benito Counties by promoting regional partnerships and interagency collaboration for a comprehensive system of housing for our diverse population.
The Coalition of Homeless Services Providers is proud to announce the roll out of the Encampment Solution Set. This policy was designed by service providers in the community and outlines the various ways providers are committed to supporting people in encampments before, during and after a clean up. This policy was developed in response to the growing concern from the Governor and community, to ensure that there are adequate resources to either prevent the clean up from happening or provide person-centered, trauma-informed services and connections for those being displaced. In partnership with the Monterey County Homeless Services Division, this funding aims to mitigate encampment clean ups whenever possible and provide shelter and services when mitigation is not possible. This could include organizing community clean ups of encampments by providing trash receptacles, motel vouchers and storage when encampments are unsafe, and essentials like blankets, meals, and hygiene kits.
The work of CHSP impacts all of Monterey County and because CHSP functions as a bi-county Continuum of Care (CoC), our work also impacts San Benito County. By focusing on encampment outreach this year and providing creative ways to abate clean ups, Monterey County residents experiencing homelessness will face less trauma and build trusting relationships with the service providers that work hard to provide them with resources. Additionally, Monterey County’s housed residents will be able to take active part in helping clean up encampments that have become dirty, usually due to lack of sanitation resources like trash cans. The CoC Outreach Committee has held multiple successful encampment events to link people to resources and provide survival necessities without funding. With funding from MCGives!, the committee will be able to expand that work and give people more creative options to resolving a messy encampment.
The CHSP Encampment Solution Set represents a compassionate, common sense approach to addressing encampments in our community. Rather than defaulting to harmful and costly sweeps, this initiative invests in prevention, mitigation, and human centered solutions. By funding community clean ups, we create healthier spaces for everyone and reduce the need for forced displacement. When a sweep is unavoidable, providing secure storage for personal belongings preserves dignity and stability for those affected. Resource fairs at large encampments that are complete with hygiene supplies, blankets, backpacks, and food and connect unhoused neighbors directly to services that can help them transition to stability. This is not just an investment in people experiencing homelessness; it’s an investment in the health, safety, and well being of our entire community. The CHSP Encampment Solution Set bridges compassion with practical action, fostering trust and hope while working toward long term solutions.
- Tim Heavin, Monterey and San Benito County L.E.A.D. Chair
