Costs for Proposition HHH-funded projects continued to rise and only half the projects are set to be ready for occupancy by 2023, the audit found.
homelessness
Posted inCoast Life
Unhoused Santa Cruz: Three universal truths about why this county remains among the capitals of homelessness
In this first part of a three-part Sunday series, Lookout digs into the questions surrounding homelessness in Santa Cruz County. First up, how has a beautiful place with a progressive and generous population become a statewide epicenter for the needy?
Posted inPolitics & Policy
One man’s lonely journey through California’s plan to end homelessness
The pandemic gave a chronically homeless veteran in Los Angeles a chance at permanent supportive housing, but his experience differed from what state leaders envision. Can California offer the right support as it adds tens of thousands of new units?
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How many are homeless in Santa Cruz County? An already COVID-delayed count pushed by Omicron
Though the Point-In-Time Count normally happens every two years, next month will be the first time Santa Cruz County’s unhoused have been tallied since before the pandemic. And that date itself was pushed back a month due to the Omicron surge. The last time — in January 2019 — the unhoused totaled 2,167 people, though many believe the current number is far greater.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘We need more safe spaces’: As more weather approaches, city, homelessness advocates seek solutions
With another stretch of inclement weather on the way, the city of Santa Cruz looks to mitigate the impact on the unhoused — particularly those rooted at the Benchlands encampment along the San Lorenzo River.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Just in time for Veterans Day: Village for homeless vets becomes a reality with site in Ben Lomond
The former Jaye’s Timberlane Resort will house as many as 40 in its dwellings. “This project is led by veterans for veterans,” said Vets Hall executive director Chris Cottingham. “And the village atmosphere will support community as well as self-sufficiency.”
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘It saved my life’: Ex-Marine David Pedley gives back, helping homeless vets as he was once helped
David Pedley, who served in the Marines for 13 years, came to Santa Cruz in 2018 with nowhere to go and not much to live on. He was homeless for four months, but is now a building manager for Vets Hall, working to get other veterans the housing he once desperately needed.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
The criminalization of car homelessness? How oversized vehicle ordinance could affect Santa Cruz’s unhoused
With a vote of 5-2 last week, the Santa Cruz City Council approved an oversized vehicle ordinance in its first reading, with a second reading yet unscheduled. Opponents to the ordinance, both local activists and legal experts, say it criminalizes homelessness, and could lead to greater issues for the city in addressing the unhoused.
Posted inCOVID Today
What sways homeless people to get COVID-19 shots? It could be other homeless people
In L.A. County, health officials are enlisting people living in tents, RVs and makeshift shelters to help get unhoused people vaccinated.
Posted inHousing & Development
‘There needs to be collective ownership’: City’s new homelessness point person on work, solutions
Santa Cruz officials named Larry Imwalle the city’s new homelessness response manager Oct. 5. As he get into the job, he spoke to Lookout about what he thinks needs to be done to address the issue at both the government and community levels.
