Program Summary Jack Tibbetts

Jack Tibbetts tall stature accented to his overview of homelessness in Sonoma County, in particular the City of Santa Rosa.  Direct and to the point, Jack provided a quick summary of current FAQ’s on the issue of homelessness:  Is our area attracting homeless people?  What are the statistics?  What are the best approaches?

Fortunately the numbers are down from the 2011 high estimated at 12,000, to 3,107 in 2015.  Does Sonoma County & Santa Rosa attract indigent people?  Not according to interviews.  86% of current homeless previously owned or rented here and 50% have lived here for over 10 years.  What greatly disturbs planners and advocates for the homeless is the dramatic rise in the number of working homeless: 67% earned sufficient to rent, but affordable housing was not available.  What are the options?

Jack’s research points to the current collaborative efforts underway between city, county and not-for-profit and faith based agencies.  One such is the public-private partnership between The Palms Inn and the county.  All advocates agree that “Housing First” is the right strategy toward stabile living.  Palms Inn, a former floundering motel on Santa Rosa Avenue now houses nearly 100 people and provides onsite “wrap around” services such as counseling, substance abuse treatment and mental health services.  Vocational advising is also available.  With government grants to help modify the property into a more permanent residential mode, the owner is now able to operate at a sustainable level.

Jack also spoke of faith-based communities exploring “micro communities” within and on feasible property.  Catholic Charities offers training and supervision in their “Safe Parking” program, where all is needed is space for overnight parking.  A federal government HUD program, Individual Development Accounts can allow people to accumulate a financial cushion for leaner times, thereby helping reduce eviction and provide down payment support for purchasing a home.  The county is also assessing a tiny homes project near their Health Services Department.

One of the most disturbing facts is the number of students at Santa Rosa Junior College who are homeless:  800.  Research is presently exploring possibilities for converting some campus buildings to housing.