Santa Cruz’s well-meaning homeless policies are backfiring, drawing more unhoused than the city can support, writes Craig James, who grew up here and returned as a retiree. He calls for a coordinated state and national strategy, warning of disproportionate consequences without shared responsibility.
homelessness
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
A promise of shelter, but not soon enough: Pajaro River levee residents face uncertain future even as ‘tiny village’ breaks ground
As construction finally begins this week on the 34-unit “tiny village” shelter intended to house people living along the Pajaro River levee, time is running out for residents to figure out their next move as an encampment cleanup could happen sooner than the anticipated opening of the shelter.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Construction on 34-unit ‘tiny village’ shelter in Watsonville set to begin next week
Construction on the 34-unit “tiny village” homeless shelter at Westview Presbyterian Church in Watsonville is set to begin next week. It is anticipated to open at the end of the year.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
California, epicenter of nation’s housing crisis, is finally getting a housing agency
Aside from giving housing and homelessness its own box atop Gov. Gavin Newsom’s organizational chart, the reorg is supposed to simplify the state’s snarled affordable housing financing system.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
We won’t solve homelessness in Santa Cruz County until we face this one truth
Nearly 90% of people experiencing homelessness have endured significant trauma before the age of 18. And those who have adverse childhood experiences are also more likely to develop serious mental health conditions, writes Kevin Norton, a public health professional and trauma survivor. He urges Santa Cruz County to expand trauma screening and public education, especially if we want to truly support unhoused people.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Facing eviction in encampment sweeps, homeless residents along Pajaro River levee brace for uncertain future
Homeless residents along the Pajaro River levee face displacement from planned sweeps for safety and levee repairs, leaving them anxious about limited housing options and what will happen to their belongings and pets.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘The governor is running for president’: Newsom’s homelessness critique finds few fans in Santa Cruz County
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants local jurisdictions to “take back the sidewalks” from homeless encampments; leaders in Santa Cruz County have largely pushed back against what they say is mostly talk from the state’s top political leader.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Nonprofit unveils plans for managing Watsonville 34-unit ‘tiny village’ homeless housing
South County-based nonprofit Community Action Board provided new details to the Watsonville City Council this week on how it plans to manage a 34-unit “tiny village” shelter for the homeless at Westview Presbyterian Church. The nonprofit anticipates the shelter to open in the fall.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
What happens after a homeless person is arrested for camping? Often, not much
Wickey Two Hands was supposed to be the first person tried for camping in Fresno. Instead, after the city and county poured resources into his case, it was dismissed at the last minute.
Posted inLatest News
March to End Homelessness set for May 4 in downtown Santa Cruz
The Coalition to End Homelessness SCC will host the annual March to End Homelessness on Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in downtown Santa Cruz. The coalition consists of 27 service providers dedicated to organizing the Santa Cruz community to find solutions for homelessness. The march unites local nonprofit providers, businesses and residents in homelessness advocacy.
