In a unanimous decision, the Board of Supervisors in Redwood City approved a controversial ordinance targeting homelessness by coaxing individuals out of illegal encampments into shelters. Termed "Hopeful Horizons: Empowering Lives," the initiative was introduced by Board President Warren Slocum and Supervisor Dave Pine, as reported by the county's press release. The measure stipulates that after a minimum of two written warnings and declined offers of shelter, those residing on public property can be charged with a misdemeanor.
The ordinance, still awaiting a final read before it can fully come into force in unincorporated areas, also mandates medical and mental health screenings before any warnings are issued. "Think to quickly remedy this situation. Forty homeless people die in San Mateo County every year.... That’s just not acceptable," Slocum said, according to the county's statement. He emphasized that society should actively address such concerns.
An encampment, as defined by the ordinance, can be anything from a tent to a makeshift structure or even a collection of belongings in an area not meant for living. Officials can only clear these areas if adequate shelter options are available, ensuring the measure stands on firm constitutional ground. Provisions for pets, gender, sexual orientation, and family status are to be considered during shelter placements. Accepted individuals will have their possessions itemized, photographed, and stored for 90 days, while a shelter bed will be held for 72 hours.
"The hope is it will be to effectively use this tool to help move individuals into shelter and will give us additional abilities to achieve our goals of reaching functional zero homelessness," Pine said. Critics argue that by enforcing such measures, the county is penalizing homelessness. However, supporters, which include County Executive Mike Callagy, believe this approach is crucial for those who are "drowning and can’t or won’t help themselves." Encampment residents will first be engaged by Homeless Outreach Teams and street medicine teams to encourage voluntary compliance and assess their needs.
Current data from the county reveals 1,697 homeless individuals, with 800 sheltered and 897 unsheltered. Since the COVID-19 pandemic onset, the county has added new housing units and consistently reports 15 to 30 unused shelter beds nightly. With the new ordinance, the Board anticipates serving as a blueprint for other cities within the county. Updates on the initiative's implementation are to be reported back in six months and one year.
