Partnerships in Action: Addressing Encampments Through Outreach and Engagement
Welcome to our Homelessness Blog series! This series offers updates on Redwood City’s efforts to address homelessness through strategic programs, strong partnerships, and impactful community outreach. If you missed September’s edition, you can find it here. This installment, we’re spotlighting the City’s coordinated approach to encampment outreach, offering compassionate support and essential resources to residents affected by encampment removals.
Caltrans Partnership: A Model of Coordination
When encampments are located on property owned by other public agencies, such as Caltrans, Redwood City coordinates closely with these agencies to ensure that comprehensive services are offered leading up to and during clean-up efforts. This approach ensures that people impacted by the clean-ups are offered shelter and services in advance, helping to prevent displacement without support.
Many encampments currently in the city are located on Caltrans-owned land, where the City does not have jurisdiction. However, Redwood City has built a strong partnership with Caltrans to ensure coordinated efforts that provide essential support and resources to encampment residents.
According to Caltrans data, 100% of encampment removals on Caltrans-owned land have included outreach support from Redwood City. Caltrans recently shared that this is the best record in the Bay Area, a testament to the City’s strong coordination efforts.
Our partnership with Caltrans has been key to our efforts to support individuals living in encampments. By receiving advanced notice of scheduled removals — often up to two weeks ahead — our Inter-Agency Outreach Strategy Team (OS Team) has the opportunity to make multiple visits, connecting individuals to essential services and resources well before the clearing process begins.
This collaboration ensures that removals are handled with care and respect for the individuals involved, prioritizing personal connections and compassionate outreach.
Building Trust Through Outreach
While the OS Team routinely visits encampment residents, once a site meets the established criteria for clean-up, the team conducts targeted outreach to make residents aware of the planned action and importantly, connect residents with services, make them aware of available support, and offer housing options. This team includes representatives from LifeMoves, Nation’s Finest, WeHOPE, Street Life Ministries, and Downtown Streets Team.
Each member of the OS Team brings a unique background and expertise to the outreach effort. Some specialize in supporting veterans, while others are trained in harm reduction and trauma-informed care techniques to support individuals affected by substance use challenges. Many outreach workers share similar lived experiences of homelessness with the people they serve, helping build trust and rapport.
Trained in motivational interviewing, a proven counseling method that encourages individuals to embrace change, the team combines this approach with peer outreach to build relationships, validate community members’ feelings, and gain deeper insights into their experiences.
Connecting Individuals to Essential Services
The OS Team connects individuals to essential services, such as medical care, hygiene kits, food, clothing, showers, laundry services, and transportation. The goal is to address immediate challenges faced by people living in encampments and to offer meaningful support that improves their living conditions.
For those interested in accessing shelter, the OS Team connects them to same day overnight shelter placement. Once placed, the individuals complete a Coordinated Entry System (CES) assessment for regular shelter placement.
Your Role in Supporting Our Community
Through these coordinated efforts, the City is committed to addressing the immediate needs of people living in encampments, but long-lasting solutions require community involvement. As we work together to create safer spaces and better outcomes for those in need, your support plays a critical role in these efforts.
We invite you to stand with us in supporting those facing the challenges of homelessness. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to access the resources they need to thrive.
Volunteer or donate to one of Redwood City’s non-profit community partners:
Use the MyRWC app or visit the Redwood City website to report concerns or request homeless outreach.
Refer someone who may need support or services to Fair Oaks Community Center.
Through these efforts, Redwood City is committed to providing compassionate support and practical resources to those experiencing homelessness. By working closely with partners and offering tailored outreach, the OS Team aims to help individuals transition toward stable housing and a healthier future. For more information on the City’s homelessness initiatives and available resources, please visit www.RedwoodCity.org/Homelessness.
