The City of Santa Rosa is working to support individuals experiencing homelessness and is closely following interim guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as it works to protect this vulnerable population and the community at large from the coronavirus disease. Read Interim Guidance for Responding to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness.
- On Sunday, March 22, the City facilitated the relocation of 45 residents from the Samuel Jones Homeless Shelter to the Sandman Hotel in Santa Rosa. This action was taken ensure social distancing of at least six feet between bunk beds at the Homeless Shelter site.
- Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) and patrol officers with the Santa Rosa Police Department are conducting outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness to provide education about the importance of maintaining social distancing and the need for safe hygiene to slow the spread of the virus.
- The City will not disperse any encampments of individuals experiencing homelessness during the coronavirus emergency, as this can cause people to move throughout the community and increase the potential spread of the virus.
Progress is also being made to have all cities in Sonoma County merge with a Sonoma County Emergency Operation effort to implement $150 million in State funding to protect homeless Californians from COVID-19. This effort includes additional shelter support and emergency housing, portable toilets and hand-washing stations, and services to support these vulnerable individuals.
