Significant progress was achieved to resolve homelessness encampments in the Santa Maria Riverbed during a multi-month collaborative project that recently concluded, providing approximately 100 people with case management and housing options, in addition to removing about 150 tons of debris.
 
The operations took place starting in July and covered three phases. Unhoused individuals were contacted by experienced homeless service providers. They were offered humane and effective options to obtain food, health care, and shelter as encampments were cleared. It is crucial to note that encampments are resolved only when there are available shelter beds to accommodate the individuals being asked to move.
 
The project also focused on sanitation, fire risk (fires attributed to homelessness encampments occurred this summer), and the environmental impact on waterways.
 
An estimated 110 to 150 people were living in the riverbed which follows the border of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, within view of Santa Maria. These were located near the City’s border by Preisker Lane, under and west of the Highway 101 Santa Maria River bridge.

"This collaborative effort highlights the importance of partnerships to tackle issues across geographical boundaries. We appreciate this comprehensive approach to improve the situation for the unhoused, the environment, and our community,” Mayor Alice Patino said.
 
“Over the past few months, we have been able to implement a successful plan working with the various agencies,” Patino said. “We have learned so much from the challenges that we face month after month, and here we are today with a clean riverbed. I really want to thank the people of Santa Maria for calling us with their issues and for their patience as we persevered through this.”
 
Participating agencies were Santa Barbara County staff, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Deputies, Good Samaritan Shelter, Caltrans, 5CHC Outreach workers, QwikResponse cleanup team, Santa Maria Police Department and City of Santa Maria Park Rangers.
 
The City will continue to coordinate with partner agencies to ensure that the riverbed stays clean. The City Rangers will continue regular patrols to ensure a safe environment for members of the community who recreate on the Santa Maria River Levee trail and riverbed.
 
Questions may be directed to the City Manager’s Office at (805) 925-0951 extension 2240.