The future of a city-run homeless camp in Santa Cruz is unclear. The camp was supposed to move to a new location by now. But securing the next site has been challenging.
Since March, a group of about 60 homeless men and women have been staying at River Street Camp. Located in Santa Cruz’s Harvey-West neighborhood, the fenced-in site has rows of tents, a restroom facility and picnic tables.
Although she’s sleeping outside, Lauren Dixon says it’s provided a stable home.
“There are a lot of people that live here that do have jobs and they just want peace and some stability in their lives and to take that away would be a huge disservice,” Dixon said.
River Street Camp was always supposed to be temporary. In fact, it was scheduled to close in late June. By now, the city had hoped to secure a new indoor location; one that would fit more people and could stay for at least two years.
City of Santa Cruz Principal Management Analyst Susie O’Hara says the city has identified locations, but needs community support.
“There has been a lot of pushback with neighbors that are adjacent to those sites,” O’Hara said.
The deadline for closing River Street Camp has been extended to the end of August. Lauren Dixon hopes it’s extended through the year if a second site doesn’t come to fruition.
“I don't think it'd be very wise of the city to uproot everybody,” Dixon said.
In addition to trying to secure this homeless camp’s second location, the city is working to establish a permanent, year-round shelter.
