$11M to battle homelessness
A pair of state grants totaling a little more than $11 million will help two southern Monterey County cities contend with growing homeless populations.
The grants were awarded to the county of Monterey to help individuals move from homelessness and into stable and secure housing. Two major homeless encampments have been targeted for assistance.
The city of Soledad will receive $4.7 million and King City will receive $6.4 million from the state's Encampment Resolution Funding program.
“Partnering on a grant isn't just about securing funding; it's about amplifying success through shared purpose, creating ripples of positive change that resonate far beyond the initial grant,” said Roxanne Wilson, the Monterey
County Homeless Services director.
The Housing Authority of the County of Monterey, the Coalition of Homeless Services Providers, the Central Coast Alliance on Health, Caltrans and the cities of Soledad and King City will all contribute to implementing the grant money.
Supervisor Chris Lopez, whose District 3 encompasses both projects, said the projects the grants fund will be a significant step forward in resolving homelessness in southern Monterey County.
“By leveraging partnerships and resources, we are making tangible progress toward ensuring every individual has access to safe and stable housing,” Lopez said.
In King City, the funding will help address the aftermath of a recent fire in a river-bed encampment that claimed the life of one person. Through a coordinated approach, individuals will initially be provided with interim housing at a local motel, and then within a year to a permanent housing solution with comprehensive supportive services.
The project also benefited from a 50% match provided by the Central California Alliance on Health. Support services can mean such things as help with state and federal housing assistance, mental health care and employment assistance.
King City Mayor Mike LeBarre said in a press release that the grant money will help the city to provide both a comprehensive and long-term approach to homelessness in that city.
“We hope to become a model for other small communities by showing we can achieve meaningful solutions to homelessness throughout California by working together and each doing our part,” LeBarre said in the release. The project showcases a successful partnership between the city and county, illustrating the effectiveness of joint initiatives in addressing homelessness.
In Soledad, the emphasis is on community outreach and collaboration. Efforts have been directed toward establishing communications with encampment occupants, ensuring their views and needs are heard.
“You have done the hard work, know each encampment occupant by name and have conducted the outreach to ensure that this transition is something that is wanted,” said state Sen. Anna Caballero, whose district includes both communities.