Appendix 5: Homeless Encampment Template
Subchapter 6.6 Prohousing Designation Program requires applicants to confirm that its treatment of encampments on public property complies with and will continue to comply with the constitutional rights of persons experiencing homelessness. An application must include a one-page summary demonstrating how the applicant has enacted best practices in their jurisdiction related to the treatment of unhoused individuals camping on public property, consistent with the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness’ “7 Principles for Addressing Encampments (June 17, 2022). The following template and certification are included to help jurisdictions meet this threshold.
Principle 1: Establish a Cross-Agency, Multi-Sector Response to Encampments – Describe how system partners (name partners) work together to prioritize health and safety both for residents and unsheltered individuals. (350 characters max) The Visalia Homeless Outreach and Proactive Enforcement (HOPE) Team, Sweep Team, and Code Enforcement work together to address health and safety for residents and unsheltered people by removing encampments and providing storage for personal items. They also work with service providers to conduct outreach to provide services and housing solutions.
Principle 2: Engage Encampment Residents to Develop Solutions – Describe street outreach efforts to engage with encampment residents to find alternative shelter, housing, and service options using the housing first approach before an existing encampment is closed. (350 characters max) Street outreach conducts weekly engagement with encampment residents notifying them of resources to find shelter, housing, and services using the housing first approach. Every Monday, the Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance (KTHA) who serves as the local CoC holds an event to provide services and housing assessments to begin housing placement.
Principle 3: Conduct Comprehensive and Coordinated Outreach – Describe multidisciplinary connection strategies and linkages to resources and permanent housing solutions that is customized to individual needs. If applicable, describe how the jurisdiction uses the coordinated entry system to connect individuals to resources and permanent housing. (350 characters max) The City partners with the local CoC KTHA who oversees the Coordinated Entry System (CES) for the bi-county region that coordinates people to permanent housing solutions based on their individual needs. A vulnerability assessment is conducted to determine a person’s unique needs and match them with the most appropriate support and housing options.
Principle 4: Address Basic Needs and Provide Storage – Describe efforts to meet basic needs, health, safety, and access to storage (timeframes) for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness while creating clear pathways to permanent housing. (350 characters max) City partners provide basic needs for people in encampments such as daily meal assistance from the Bethlehem Center and the Visalia Rescue Mission. The Kaweah Health Street Medicine conducts street health screenings and services. The Visalia Navigation Center provides storage to hold belongings while creating clear pathways to permanent housing.
Principle 5: Ensure Access to Shelter or Housing Options – Describe how low barrier resources to housing and supportive services are communicated to encampment residents. Include how strategies involve alternative measures to criminalization, focusing on service engagement and harm reduction. (350 characters max) The City in partnership with CSET opened the Visalia Navigation Center (VNC) in 2024, which is a 20,000 sq. ft. low-barrier navigation center for people experiencing homelessness in encampments. The VNC provides harm reduction care that meets people where they are and serves as a pathway to social services and permanent housing placement.
Principle 6: Develop Pathways to Permanent Housing and Supports – Describe Housing First strategies emphasizing low barriers, a harm-reduction model, and services to support people obtaining permanent housing more efficiently. Identify efforts to align federal, state, and local funding/programs to provide clear pathways to permanent housing. (350 characters max) The City utilized ERF funds to develop the Visalia Navigation Center to provide harm-reduction interim housing, the Majestic Gardens project to provide 42-units of permanent supportive housing, and a rapid-rehousing program to assist people obtain permanent housing more efficiently that align with federal, state, and local funding programs.
Principle 7: Create a Plan for What Will Happen to Encampment Sites After Closure – Describe plans for former encampment spaces (long-term solutions to prevent encampments from reoccurring). Include efforts to emphasize safety, accessibility, and inclusivity that improve infrastructure. Example: Communities can include curb cuts to increase mobility access and enhanced lighting to encourage safety. (350 characters max) The City partners with CSET to administer the Environmental Cleanup Opportunities (ECO) program, which is a litter abatement paid training program for people experiencing homelessness that can assist restoring encampment sites to their original intended use. The City is also adding fences and lighting to encampment sites to enhance safety.