City of Stockton
Stockton Safe Grounds Initiative
Goals
• Humane, lawful
alternatives for
unsheltered residents
• Reduce illegal
encampments and
trespassing
• Protect rights while
addressing community
safety
Legal Guardrails
• Martin v. Boise (2018):
cannot criminalize if no
shelter available
• Lavan v. Los Angeles
(2012): property
protections
• California Constitution &
Civil Rights
• SB 1380 – Housing First
principles
The 1-2-3 Model
• Option 1: Shelter or
Navigation
Placement
• Option 2: Safe
Camping & Parking
• Option 3: Voluntary
Relocation Assistance
Option 1: Shelter or
Navigation Placement
• Individuals who select this option will
be transported immediately to the City’s
Navigation Center or a local partner shelter
(St. Mary’s Shelter, Pathways, or others).
• Services include 24/7 access to showers,
laundry, case management, mental health
and housing referrals.
• City-provided transport ensures
placement on the spot.
Option 2:
Safe Sleeping
• Designated safe sleeping
villages with basic
services: bathrooms, trash,
security.This option is not
long-term housing and
participants will be
connected to outreach and
support services from local
community-based
organizations (CBOs).
Option 3: Voluntary Relocation
Assistance
• For those who request travel to
family/other cities
• Bus/train fare, food voucher,
coordination with destination
• Strictly voluntary, not forced
Operational
Process
• Initial Contact – Outreach team + SPD
• Notification – Individual given written info on 3 options • Choice & Transport – Based on individual selection
• Property Protocol – Stored for 90 days if seized
Citywide Plan
Elements
• Identify sites (North, Central,
South Stockton)
• Staffing: Outreach + SPD
Community Response Officers
• Funding: Measure M, HHAP ,
ERF, private partnerships
• Accountability: Monthly
council reports
Next
Steps
• Site feasibility study
• Legal review
• Draft SOP for staff & SPD
• Funding strategy
• Pilot program launch (6–12
months)
Closing
Remarks
• The Safe Grounds Initiative will only
succeed through partnerships—between
the city, nonprofits, and our community.
Together, we can move from plans on
paper to real impact on our streets. And
as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us,
‘The time is always right to do what is
right.’ Providing safety and dignity for our
most vulnerable is the right step for
Stockton.
Questions