SAN LUIS OBISPO: "In Camp" Humanitarian Services

INTRODUCTION: After years of talking to elected officials, committees, and regular old citizens like me, many still do not get it. We talk about "low income housing", "workforce housing", "affordable housing" — even "low low low income housing" (yes, that's a "thing"!) - what we don't talk about is what to do about the 100's (or even 1,000's) of homeless people living in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County encampments, where they (unfortunately) live like animals. 

Since homelessness in California is getting worse, and we have proven that we cannot or will not get them into housing, it is time to provide services where they are in their homeless camps. These are located primarily in creek beds and under concrete overpasses throughout SLO county. 

This movement has already begun, started by Ann Gillepsie (agillespie@co.slo.ca.us - office 805 781-5259) of the SLO County Stormwater Program Coordinator. In mid to late 2019, Ms. Gillepsie spearheaded the so-called "Blue Bag Partnership", a homeless camp trash pick up "Pilot Program" that was tested for 4 weeks in September 2019. Read the Ms. Gillepsie's Final Report here: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Forms-Documents/Press-Releases/Blue-Bag-Partnership-Pilot-Final-Report.aspx

Initial Humanitarian Services can be implemented one at a time in the following order. This is based on a combination of the most needed services and the least expensive. 

STEP 1. Homeless Encampment weekly trash pick up. 
- The "Blue Bag Partnership" proved the effectiveness of this step.
- Benefits both the environment and the health of the homeless campers.
- Trash pick up at my home in SLO is $15 per month - this should be an inexpensive service, when partnered with nonprofit homeless advocacy organizations.

STEP 2. Porta-potti and hand sanitizing station.
- Prevents feces, urine, and toilet paper from entering the environment and the creek.
- Provide health benefits through modern sanitation.
- Homeless people would be tasked with providing security at these sites to prevent vandalism.

STEP 3. Mobile Shower Trailer and Clean Clothing.
- Regular bathing reduces illness and disease caused by dirty bodies and clothing.
- There are already 2 nonprofit shower trailer services in SLO County, with more expected.
- The shower trailers can operate completely "Off Grid" and provide 20 to 30 showers at a time.

STEP 4. Permanent lockable secure strorage stations.
- Homeless people live in unsecured camps where their vital supplies are frequently stolen.
- They care HUGE HEAVY backpacks around town with their needed personal belongings, preventing their theft.
- Yet, theft still occurs. I am often called upon to replace these stolen items.

OPTIONAL but highly desired services.

O1. Coping services, such as counseling, mental health services, job training, etc. Often referred to as "Case Management". Note that in this space, I have recommended 2 level of Case Management, that I have dubbed Case Management I (CMI) and Case Management II (CMII). CMI would be the "traditional" case management that we have now, while CMII would be a milder but still impactful version for those with a greater range of living, coping, and management skills.

O2. Community work space, such as communal work activities, communal gardens for raising food items, etc.

O3. Battery powered transportation, such as eBikes and eScooters. Could include onsite solar and wind farms to make the site as energy independant as possible. These ePower facilities could be the source of employment for those living there with engineering type skills.

CONCLUSION: I kept this as simple as possible. Maybe more people will "get it". We have to ask ourselves - "are we our brothers keeper?" - I think we are. Peace.

NOTE: This shortened article is a rewrite of a much longer article that once occupied this space. Like this shorter article, the longer article was also ignored in its entirety by those who have the power to make these things come about (i.e. our elected government officials).