The City’s Encampment Team proactively addresses the health, safety, and environmental concerns associated with encampments.  The Team is comprised of various City departments (Housing and Community Services, Fire, Police, Planning and Economic Development, Transportation and Public Works) who work in coordination with the City’s contracted outreach provider, Catholic Charities’ Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST).  City protocols prioritize outreach and offering services to individuals residing in encampments prior to any enforcement action.  The Team focuses on smaller encampments (5 or fewer dwellings) on public and private property to prevent large scale encampments from forming and, ultimately, to reduce City resources required to resolve encampments and mitigate broader impacts to the community.  While in-the-field, the Team evaluates health, safety, and environmental risks posed by the encampments; enforces laws where appropriate; removes trash/debris; and contacts HOST for individuals seeking services and shelter.  Encampments that pose an immediate threat to health and safety are given the highest priority.

The City recognizes that ending homelessness requires on-going coordination with regional partners and community stakeholders as outlined in its recently adopted Homelessness Solutions Strategic Plan.  

Encampment Map & Resources

Encampment Map: This map shows encampments actively monitored by the City for the purpose of providing transparency and community awareness about the scope and nature of encampments in Santa Rosa, VIEW MAP.

City Encampment Team: For questions, concerns, or to report encampments on public property, please email [email protected], or submit the issue online.

Code Enforcement: To report an encampment on private property, please contact the City's Code Enforcement division at [email protected], 707-543-3198, or submit a complaint.  

Debris Response Team: To report debris left on public property (along roadsides, trails, creeks, parks and around public buildings), please contact the Debris Response Team by calling 707-543-3800 (ext. 7), or emailing [email protected], or submitting the issue online.

Additional Resources: To make a referral to the Homeless Services Outreach Team, report criminal activity, or access additional resources for encampment or homelessness related concerns, visit the Resources page.