The City’s Homeless Encampment Assistance Pilot (HEAP) Program recently began efforts to address encampments along Prince Memorial Greenway and Olive Park and will be continuing in the area of Morgan Street and the Highway 101 underpasses in coming weeks. The HEAP Program employs a multi-disciplinary team focused on a compassionate approach to address the health, safety, and shelter needs of people living in encampments and to ease impacts to surrounding communities.

On Monday, July 8th, staff hosted a community informational meeting in Council Chambers on efforts to address encampments in these downtown areas. The meeting was facilitated by City's department of Community Programs and Engagement and a panel comprised of representatives from Police, Fire, Housing and Community Services, and Catholic Charities responded to questions from the audience. The meeting was well attended by community members. 

The Santa Rosa Police Department’s Downtown Enforcement Team and Catholic Charities’ Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) have been coordinating enforcement and outreach efforts since mid-July along the Prince Memorial Greenway and Olive Park, with eight individuals accepting shelter so far.  These efforts will continue in the areas of Morgan Street and Highway 101 underpasses. Staff from multiple City departments and divisions, including Water, Transportation and Public Works, Community Programs and Engagement, Parks, Fire, and the City Attorney’s office have played a key role in these recent efforts. More information about HEAP and additional City programs and initiatives to address homelessness is available on the Homelessness Solutions web page.