Addressing Homelessness: Collaborative Strategies for a Safer, Stronger Stockton Business Community

Homelessness is a pressing issue affecting not just Stockton, but business communities across the state and nation. It's a complex challenge that demands collaboration and concerted efforts from various stakeholders. On April 7th, 2024, the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Caltrans, convened to discuss crucial matters concerning homelessness and encampments in Stockton, CA.

Caltrans' Stance and Actions

Caltrans, as a responsible entity, does not permit encampments on its right-of-way due to the myriad of risks they pose. These risks extend beyond the safety of people experiencing homelessness to encompass the traveling public, highway infrastructure, adjacent neighborhoods, emergency responders, and more. To address this, Caltrans has implemented a strict encampment removal policy and protocols.

Encampment Removal Protocols:

Level 1: In critical circumstances, immediate removal without notice is initiated with the presence of the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
Level 2: Removal requires posting a notice to vacate at least 48 hours in advance, ensuring communication and providing opportunities for retrieval of stored property.

Coordination with City/County

Recognizing that solving the homelessness crisis requires collaborative efforts, District 10 of Caltrans has forged robust partnerships with various entities through initiatives such as the San Joaquin Homeless Task Force. This task force, comprising law enforcement, social service providers, governmental and non-governmental agencies, meets weekly to foster communication and collaboration.

Trends and Preparedness

Recent surveys conducted by Caltrans Maintenance forces reveal 463 individual encampments across 71 locations in San Joaquin County alone. Understanding these trends is crucial for preparedness. It's worth noting that Caltrans' annual encampment survey supplements the annual Point in Time Count mandated by HUD, providing valuable insights into the scope of homelessness in the region.

Engaging the Business Community

The business community plays a vital role in addressing homelessness. Here are some ways they can contribute:

• Grants: Supporting initiatives like Cal ICH/ERF.
• Adopt-a-Highway: Contributing to highway cleanliness and safety.
• Community Cleanups: Participating in efforts to maintain the cleanliness of public spaces.
• Community Watch Programs: Enhancing security and fostering a sense of community.
• Reaching Out to Caltrans: Utilizing resources such as the District 10 Main Line and Customer Service Request for assistance and collaboration.

In conclusion, tackling homelessness requires a multifaceted approach, and the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Caltrans and other stakeholders, is committed to making a positive impact. By working together, we can address this humanitarian crisis and create a safer, more prosperous community for all.

For more information, please contact Caltrans at 209-948-7977 or visit dot.ca.gov.