The Plan. The Policies.

Below is a recently revised plan for a transitional community and parking area to provide safety and assistance for our unsheltered neighbors.

THE PLAN

It is our goal to bring awareness to all interested parties (individuals, non-profits and government leaders) to begin to address the hundreds of people in our community living outside in unsafe situations. Everyday in Nevada County, well more than 200 people have no clear idea where they will sleep that night.

We urge our local government officials and our non-profit community to take the actions needed to select a location(s) to create space for a fenced transitional managed community living area (s) and parking area(s) that provide safety and basic needs of this unhoused portion of our community.

  • TINY VILLAGE CONCEPT

    A community area developed to accommodate a yet to be determined number of either uniform modular rooms, tough sheds, yurts or tiny homes. Besides this area, it is recommended to include an outdoor common space for clients and a separate zone for pets. The plan could include a pre-manufactured building or trailer that will provide bathrooms, showers and limited kitchen facilities as well as space to meet and for an on-site manager.

    Proposed Community General Operations

    24/7 trained staff onsite

    • Only pre-approved clients will be allowed in the community fenced living area or fenced safe parking area.

    • No fires or open flames allowed.

    • All participants should be allowed access to the new Navigation Center , set to open summer, 2023.

    PARKING DAY and OVERNIGHT

    The Safe Parking space will require a paved or blacktop to accommodate a yet to be determined number of cars, campers or trailers.

    Parking permitted 24/7 for pre-approved individuals who use their cars for shelter and sleep.

    The parking area will be within the community area and share all facilities.

    Clients may park indefinitely as long as client follows policies in place.

  • Experts in the homeless field acknowledge that not all who are unsheltered are the same. Many are ready for housing, some are not, and some, particularly the chronically homeless, may have no interest in a shelter, but are ready for a secure community living area with access to the services the Navigation Center can offer. These are baby steps to the crucial building of trust that comes well before permanent successful housing outcomes can be reached.

    Unsheltered women in particular are at a much higher rate of sexual abuse. A secure and safe community living area is crucial to their health and well-being.

  • Showers, bathrooms, laundry, electrical, wifi, mail delivery, office for staff person, warming room with tables and chairs and ability to access and warm food.

  • Smoking permitted in specified area only with use of ash cans

    Picnic tables and benches in grassy area with trees to be provided for clients to congregate

    Pet Outdoor Area

    Enclosed area to be developed with grass and trees where dogs can be off-leash

    Dogs on leash outside the enclosed area

    Dogs spayed or neutered and have up to date shots

    Owners clean up after their pet

  • The following are some best practices recommended by shelter experts and subject to adoption by the selected service provider. NOTE: These are recommendations only.

    Drug and Alcohol Policy

    Drug and alcohol use will not be allowed in common areas. Whatever Non Profit Management group that is identified as the management provider will instill their own policies on drug and alcohol use at the site. Staff will be trained on the use of NARCAN and how to identify drug overdoses.

    Self Governance

    • Recommendations include clients to participate in weekly meetings to develop policies that will support a clean and safe living environment.

    • The meetings could be hosted by staff or clergy trained in community self governance over-site to facilitate the meeting and encourage discussion.

    • The council meetings will be relevant to the space in which the clients are staying (Parking, Community area).

    • Recommendation that council meetings follow an established format and serve as an opportunity to air grievances and problems as they arise: violence, conflict resolution, drug and alcohol issues, pet concerns, noise, cleanliness, chore responsibilities.

    • Council to craft solutions which support the mission and are aligned with good neighbor policy.

    • Recommended all clients be assigned responsibilities and chores.

    Formal Complaint and Grievance Procedures and Termination Plan to be developed by the Non-profit service provider selected to manage these locations.