County Statement on California Executive Order to Address Encampments
Author: Homeless Services Division
Date: 7/29/2024 5:00 PM
County of San Luis Obispo complies with Governor Newsom's order to address homeless encampments, expanding housing and services with a compassionate, trauma-informed approach.
San Luis Obispo, CA—On July 25, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order directing local jurisdictions to address homeless encampments while respecting the dignity and well-being of all Californians.
The County of San Luis Obispo’s priorities and policies related to homelessness comply with the order. Partnering with local agencies, the County continues to expand its housing and human service programs and follows the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness’ guidance on addressing encampments.
“We know simply disbanding encampments without providing housing solutions just moves the issue elsewhere. Our goal is to address encampments, not shuffle people around,” said Linda Belch, the Deputy Director overseeing the County of San Luis Obispo’s Homeless Services Division. “We are balancing the urgent need to address encampments with a trauma-informed, person-centered approach. Using all the tools at our disposal, the County is adding more housing and sheltering capacity to give people a place to go as encampments are cleared. This way, we know our response is both humane and effective.”
The County’s current encampment resolution practices include the following:
- Conducting early outreach through homeless service providers to connect people with interim and permanent housing options,
- Providing adequate advance notice, and
- Offering temporary storage for personal belongings.
These practices are guiding the County’s efforts to address encampments found near the Santa Maria Riverbed, San Luis Creek, and other unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County.
As outlined in the San Luis Obispo Countywide Plan to Address Homelessness, the County aims to improve how public spaces are shared by all community members.
