Redwood City’s September 2024 Homelessness Update: Successes, Challenges, and Community Involvement
Welcome to our new Blog series! Routinely, we will be sharing an update on our efforts to address homelessness, spotlighting key programs, community partnerships, and individual stories that reflect the impact of our work. This series will provide insights into the challenges we face and the innovative solutions we’re developing as we work towards a community where everyone has a place to call home.
As Redwood City continues its journey, here are key takeaways from this Blog post:
· Homelessness Reduction Success: Through strategic initiatives and strong partnerships, Redwood City has achieved a significant 23% reduction in its unsheltered homeless population from 2022 to 2024, setting an example for effective local action.
· A Balanced and Compassionate Approach: Redwood City’s strategy focuses on both compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness and addressing public health and safety concerns, offering a model for other cities to follow.
· Innovation and Collaboration are Key: The City’s efforts to coordinate with various stakeholders, including CalTrans, the County of San Mateo, non-profit organizations, and community members, highlight a collaborative approach that maximizes resources and drives success.
· Community Support Needed: Everyone can help by volunteering, donating, and reporting concerns.
Join the Conversation: City Council to Hear Update on Homelessness Initiatives on September 9
On September 9, staff updated the City Council on Redwood City’s homelessness initiatives and our focused efforts to help individuals secure and maintain housing. To view the discussion, please click here (agenda item 8.A.). For the PowerPoint presentation, click here.
Addressing Homelessness in Redwood City: A Commitment to Compassion, Collaboration, and Effective Solutions
Homelessness is one of the most challenging issues the City faces. While Redwood City cannot solve it alone, we are investing heavily in effective strategies in partnership with property owners, the State of California, and service providers, including the County of San Mateo and various non-profit agencies. Although progress is slower than any of us would like, we remain dedicated to developing innovative local solutions to support our community, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected. The City has made significant strides in reducing homelessness through a comprehensive approach that balances compassion, safety, and collaboration.
Effective Reduction in Homelessness Through Outreach and Engagement
Redwood City has achieved a remarkable 23% reduction in its unsheltered homeless population from 2022 to 2024. This success stands out even more when considering that the overall homeless population in San Mateo County increased by 18% during the same period. Key to this achievement are programs like the RV Safe Parking Program, which successfully transitioned 60% of its participants into permanent housing, and the efforts of the Redwood City Outreach Strategy (RWC OS) Team, which focuses on connecting those most in need with services and shelter options. Additionally, the opening of new facilities such as San Mateo County’s 240-unit Navigation Center has provided essential housing capacity for individuals in need.
Strategic and Humane Approach
Redwood City’s approach to homelessness is strategic and humane, aiming for lasting change. The City strives to meet people where they are, helping them access services and housing, and ensuring they remain housed. This balanced approach also addresses community public health and safety concerns, reflecting a commitment to both the wellbeing of individuals and the community at large. By collaborating with a wide range of partners, including health and behavioral health providers, and offering a variety of resources, Redwood City has created a comprehensive framework to support unhoused residents effectively.
Redwood City as a Model for Homelessness Solutions
Our City’s efforts have made Redwood City a model for innovative homelessness solutions: leveraging resources, coordinating activities and strategies, and building on the existing relationships with our unhoused residents — across City departments, with multiple County departments and the State, and with multiple non-profit community partners providing services in the field.
This commitment has enabled the City to obtain $2.9 million in grants to address urgent community needs. Additionally, CalTrans has recognized Redwood City as a “role model” on partnership for encampment resolution.
Addressing Health and Safety Concerns at Encampments
Like many jurisdictions, Redwood City continues to face challenges related to encampments. To address these issues effectively, we have implemented several initiatives that focus on proactive outreach, public health, and safety. These efforts balance care for individuals experiencing homelessness while addressing the needs of the broader community.
Proactive Outreach to Encampment Residents
We prioritize engaging with encampment residents through civilian outreach programs that offer services, shelter, and housing opportunities. This includes access to On-Demand Units at the Navigation Center, which serve as a bridge to long-term shelter and housing solutions through San Mateo County’s Coordinated Entry System (CES). By meeting people where they are and providing tailored support, the City aims to help individuals transition out of homelessness and into stable living situations.
Weekly Encampment Waste Services
To mitigate health and safety concerns and reduce the impact of encampments on the surrounding community, the City provides weekly waste management services to encampment sites. This service addresses potential health hazards, helps maintain cleanliness, and prevents waste buildup that could attract vermin or pose other risks. Regular waste services are an essential component of the City’s efforts to ensure the well-being of both encampment residents and the broader community.
Encampment Clean-Up on City Property
Some encampments are on City property and the City conducts targeted clean-ups where encampments pose significant health and safety risks. These include locations near critical infrastructure, areas at risk of fire, sites with criminal activity, the presence of biohazardous materials, or places where encampments obstruct pedestrian or wheelchair access. Clean-ups on City property are carried out carefully, with a focus on maintaining safety for all residents while providing necessary support for those affected.
Coordination with Other Agencies
Other encampments are on property owned by other public agencies, such as CalTrans, and the City coordinates closely with multiple agencies when they conduct clean-ups. This coordination ensures that all parties are prepared and can provide comprehensive services to those impacted by clean-up activities.
Priority Shelter Placement
When addressing encampments, the City ensures that individuals affected by clean-ups are offered shelter and services well in advance. Civilian outreach teams provide notifications before any scheduled clean-up, ensuring that affected individuals are aware of their options and can make informed decisions. This proactive approach helps ensure that people are not simply displaced but are given opportunities for immediate shelter placement and access to supportive services.
We Need Your Help
Although Redwood City has made meaningful progress in addressing homelessness, our work must continue. To sustain and expand these efforts, we need your help. Community members can support by volunteering with or donating to local non-profit partners like LifeMoves, WeHOPE, and Downtown Streets Team. You can also get involved by reporting concerns, referring individuals who may need services, or simply spreading awareness about available resources. Your engagement is crucial in continuing to build a compassionate and effective response to homelessness in our community.
· Volunteer or donate to one of Redwood City’s non-profit community partners:
· Use the MyRWC app or website to report concerns or request homeless outreach.
· Refer someone who may need support or services to Fair Oaks Community Center.
Redwood City’s ongoing and expanding efforts to address homelessness demonstrate a commitment to compassion, collaboration, and effective action. As we continue to make strides, we invite everyone to join us in this vital work. Together, we can ensure that all our residents have access to safe and stable housing and help create a more inclusive and supportive community.
