Homeless Action Sonoma, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization started in 2020 with a goal to end homelessness in the Community of the City of Sonoma. We believe that the homeless are members of our whole community. We are working to unite the whole community behind a working concept, so that our community can take responsibility for transitioning the unhoused into housing. Too often, the homeless are afraid and mistrusting those that are housed, and the housed are afraid and mistrusting of the homeless. Sharing a meal is a great way to bring these two communities together to learn about each other and create trust, fun, and connection. At HAS, we have always believed that without the support of the community there will be no success. We treat every single homeless person as a total individual.
HAS was founded when Anne Falandes started doing volunteer work with the homeless and found she did not like the way the homeless were treated. Anne concluded that there's got to be a better way. Anne started a think tank and had about a year where she met people at the library who were interested in talking about this and coming up with a better plan. At the end of that year, we came up with a four-pillar mission statement that we thought would be a unique way to end homelessness. The goal is not to help those that are homeless. It's not to maintain homelessness, it’s not to warehouse homeless people. It's to end homelessness. Therefore, we came up with the four-pillar approach. The pillars include education, innovation, integration. And then, and only then, is when you can create a facility that will support all these all these ideas in this concept. That's what Homeless Action Sonoma has been doing. The formal organization was started, a board of directors was created of amazing, passionate people who share the visions. We then became a 501(3)c non-profit organization.
Homeless Action Sonoma is based upon four pillars for success:
One of the common questions asked of our organization is how our efforts will end homelessness when countless other government and non-governmental organizations have spent millions of dollars; but have made little progress in curbing the growth of the unhoused. HAS believes that the issue of homelessness is a problem that is facing the whole community; and through partnerships in the community and that of the government could we hope to tackle this rising social issue. HAS believes that it truly “will take a village” to address this issue. Through that, we partner with many non-profits throughout Sonoma Valley, and government representatives at the city, county, and national level. Through these partnerships, we can build a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling the issue of homelessness, with a variety of solutions tailored to the needs of our clients.
Our active and successful programs that are building community and solutions:
Q: Homeless centers will bring more criminals to Sonoma, leaving residents and businesses of Sonoma, especially our children, vulnerable to crime.
A: Crime statistics do reveal that the homeless do experience, and/or commit crime in a higher proportion than the housed community. According to research conducted by KABC-TV, while the number of crimes involving homeless individuals as suspects is disproportionately high when compared to the size of the homeless population, it represents a relatively small portion of overall crime. Los Angeles Police Department data reveals that in both 2021 and 2020, around eight percent of the city's crimes involved homeless people. This percentage encompasses incidents where homeless individuals were either suspects or victims, or in some cases, both. Therefore, the actual proportion of violent crimes committed by the homeless is lower than this figure suggests. (1)
While the crimes involving homeless individuals do not necessarily consist solely of violent or property-based offenses, a noteworthy portion of these crimes in 2021, as highlighted in the KABC study, were neither violent nor property-related. According to a 2018 study conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, which involved interviews with 255 homeless individuals over a two-year period, the most common charges fell into the category referred to as "homeless status offenses." These offenses stem from behaviors that are intrinsic to homelessness, such as "loitering," "vagrancy," and "trespassing," which are often unavoidable for individuals who lack a place to reside. The study revealed that arrests for these offenses tend to contribute to further criminal activity because being apprehended and, in many cases, incarcerated significantly hinders the ability to secure housing. (2) As the National Alliance to End Homelessness points out.
By “criminalizing” homelessness, the group is referring to the fact that homeless people who engage in such normal human activities as sleeping, walking, or “simply existing” can bring homeless people into contact with police, who may arrest them for “loitering” or other such purported crimes. “When their existence is considered a crime, people experiencing homelessness can be punished with expensive tickets and citations, ‘sweeps’ which force them to evacuate the areas they’ve come to know as a home, and even arrest and incarceration. (3)
Homeless people are the most vulnerable, especially those that move locations frequently, to being a victim of crime, and/or falling into criminal behavior. However, "Criminal activity isn't a staple characteristic of these people," Sean Fischer, the author of a New York University study on homelessness and crime, said in an American Psychological Association report. "It may be more accurate to think of them as people struggling to get by."(4)
We at Homeless Action Sonoma have provided secure, transitional housing to our clients. Unlike a shelter, our clients have been interviewed for acceptance into the Home and Safe Village. The location will be a secure environment at night, where only accepted residents will be allowed.
References
Q: How will we keep our clients away from drugs and alcohol?
A:
Substance abuse rates tend to be higher among the homeless population compared to the housed population. Homelessness itself can be a risk factor for substance abuse, as individuals facing homelessness may turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism or to numb the challenges they face on the streets. Housed individuals also have generally better access to healthcare services, including substance abuse treatment. They may have health insurance coverage or financial resources to seek professional help. In contrast, homeless individuals often face significant barriers in accessing treatment due to lack of resources, limited healthcare options, and other challenges associated with their living situation. The reality is that a high percentage of homeless people do struggle with substance abuse, but these should be considered as illnesses which require treatment, counseling, and support to overcome. The National Coalition for the Homeless has found that 38% of homeless people are alcohol dependent, and 26% are dependent on other harmful chemicals. Oftentimes, addiction is a result of homelessness. The difficult conditions of living on the street, having to find food, struggling with ill health, and being constantly away from loved ones create a highly stressful state of being. Individuals suffering from homelessness may additionally develop psychiatric conditions in response to a harsh lifestyle often characterized by feeling threatened by violence, starvation, and a lack of shelter and love. (1) Substance abuse, both alcohol and drug, is both a cause and a result of homelessness, often arising after people lose their housing. The homeless often fall into the trap of substance abuse to temporarily cope with their situation, which further exacerbates their problems and decreases their ability to achieve housing and employment stability. (2)
Ensuring a safe and supportive environment in homeless shelters can be crucial in addressing drug and alcohol use among residents. Alcohol- and drug-free housing is essential to support and maintain recovery. Psychology services can contribute in the development of effective programs for homeless individuals struggling with addiction and alcoholism. (3). Many clients have medical situations and need prescription drugs. Our resident clients can either administer themselves or we can lock them in the safe and administer for them. The comfort zone and their privacy are our concern.
Homeless Action Sonoma have plans to implement several strategies, often through our community partners, to help our clients succeed.
References:
Q: What about all the homeless that will flock here from everywhere else because they hear of this program?
A: People experiencing homelessness in California have been Californians. Nine out of ten homeless studied lost their housing while in California. 75% of those continue to live in the same county as their last housing. These results are from the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative published June 2023. The reality is that many of the homeless have been our neighbors and have experienced income loss as the main reason for being homeless. (21%) Other states, such as Texas with more affordable housing, have established successful homeless programs that have been improving their homeless situation, while California continues to struggle with homelessness.
Q: Will we provide 24-hour security or supervision?
A.We will have staff on the property 24x7 to help our resident clients with any issues that might arise. Our success with our winter warming center demonstrated our clients willingness to be part of the solution in keeping our environment safe for all involved.
Q: What if a resident breaks the rules?
A: Like in your own home it depends on what rules are broken. If they commit a true crime, it will be answerable to the legal system. If they break a house rule, they will be subject to their peers. If a person continues to be unresponsive to peer counseling, they will be subject to the non-profit Board. We have all resident clients sign a contract for acceptance into the program.
Q: What about COVID and other contagious diseases?
A: Every client will be COVID tested upon arrival. The first arrangement we will make is to get them a baseline medical for both mental and physical health. We will work together to get all clients the medical care and social support services they need.
Q: How long can someone stay in the Home and Safe Village?
A: All residents will sign a contract agreeing to work on a program towards good health and permanent housing. If they continue to participate in their program, they can stay. In the time we were waiting to open our Village we have been able to transition 2 residents out to permanent community-based housing.
HAS was founded when Anne Falandes started doing volunteer work with the homeless and found she did not like the way the homeless were treated. Anne concluded that there's got to be a better way. Anne started a think tank and had about a year where she met people at the library who were interested in talking about this and coming up with a better plan. At the end of that year, we came up with a four-pillar mission statement that we thought would be a unique way to end homelessness. The goal is not to help those that are homeless. It's not to maintain homelessness, it’s not to warehouse homeless people. It's to end homelessness. Therefore, we came up with the four-pillar approach. The pillars include education, innovation, integration. And then, and only then, is when you can create a facility that will support all these all these ideas in this concept. That's what Homeless Action Sonoma has been doing. The formal organization was started, a board of directors was created of amazing, passionate people who share the visions. We then became a 501(3)c non-profit organization.
Homeless Action Sonoma is based upon four pillars for success:
- EDUCATE Without both the homeless community and the housed community educated to an understanding of the needs and fears of each, there can be no "one" community.
- INTEGRATE Create avenues where these two communities can get to know one another to alleviate the fears that exist in both, with an end goal being, create a desire to help and be helped.
- INNOVATE So much money has been put into homelessness and it hasn't reduced the numbers or made either community happy. It's time to innovate and approach the situation from different directions.
- CREATE When there is an understanding in the communities that there is a viable path out of homelessness, a successful facility can be built supported by these four pillars.
One of the common questions asked of our organization is how our efforts will end homelessness when countless other government and non-governmental organizations have spent millions of dollars; but have made little progress in curbing the growth of the unhoused. HAS believes that the issue of homelessness is a problem that is facing the whole community; and through partnerships in the community and that of the government could we hope to tackle this rising social issue. HAS believes that it truly “will take a village” to address this issue. Through that, we partner with many non-profits throughout Sonoma Valley, and government representatives at the city, county, and national level. Through these partnerships, we can build a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling the issue of homelessness, with a variety of solutions tailored to the needs of our clients.
Our active and successful programs that are building community and solutions:
- Home and Safe Village – HAS Home and Safe Village provide transition housing for 20 clients. Each tiny house can accommodate an individual or couple in a safe and comfortable environment. We're going to have a certain number of single occupancy rooms. And the value of that is that's really when people first come off the streets, they need that place to decompress and just get their head back on straight and come up with a plan. As we build our capacity, we plan to have dedicated women and children's apartments available.
- Wrap Around Services – HAS provides services for its clients to navigate the countless forms and processes involved with social security, disability, therapy, veteran’s benefits, job training, resume help, section 8 housing, medical, EBT, clothing vouchers, bus passes and so much more. Our temporary housing and wrap around services are totally transitional programs. We have no interest in the permanent “warehousing” of people. We believe in providing our clients with a chance to change their life trajectory by starting with a safe and comfortable place to sleep. When the client is ready, we will pair them with social workers, mental health services, career specialists, and other professionals to provide them with access to the social services they are entitled to and start them on the way back to being housed.
- Sunday night dinners - For the last few years we have been holding Sunday night dinners for all community members. It is an opportunity to get a hot meal on Sunday for the hungry and an avenue for the homeless and the housed to sit at a table together and get to know each other as fellow members of the same community.
- Befriending - With this program a housed person befriends a homeless person and with trust together they navigate the existing programs to get available help ie. social security, social security disability, therapy, veteran’s benefits, section 8 housing, job training, mediCal EBT, clothing vouchers, bus passes, and so much more.
- Sonoma Professionals Share - This program matches a professional with a homeless person with the agreement that they would offer pro bono services for one year - such as, dentists, oral surgeons, life coaches, doctors, hairdressers, therapists and so many more.
Q: Homeless centers will bring more criminals to Sonoma, leaving residents and businesses of Sonoma, especially our children, vulnerable to crime.
A: Crime statistics do reveal that the homeless do experience, and/or commit crime in a higher proportion than the housed community. According to research conducted by KABC-TV, while the number of crimes involving homeless individuals as suspects is disproportionately high when compared to the size of the homeless population, it represents a relatively small portion of overall crime. Los Angeles Police Department data reveals that in both 2021 and 2020, around eight percent of the city's crimes involved homeless people. This percentage encompasses incidents where homeless individuals were either suspects or victims, or in some cases, both. Therefore, the actual proportion of violent crimes committed by the homeless is lower than this figure suggests. (1)
While the crimes involving homeless individuals do not necessarily consist solely of violent or property-based offenses, a noteworthy portion of these crimes in 2021, as highlighted in the KABC study, were neither violent nor property-related. According to a 2018 study conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, which involved interviews with 255 homeless individuals over a two-year period, the most common charges fell into the category referred to as "homeless status offenses." These offenses stem from behaviors that are intrinsic to homelessness, such as "loitering," "vagrancy," and "trespassing," which are often unavoidable for individuals who lack a place to reside. The study revealed that arrests for these offenses tend to contribute to further criminal activity because being apprehended and, in many cases, incarcerated significantly hinders the ability to secure housing. (2) As the National Alliance to End Homelessness points out.
By “criminalizing” homelessness, the group is referring to the fact that homeless people who engage in such normal human activities as sleeping, walking, or “simply existing” can bring homeless people into contact with police, who may arrest them for “loitering” or other such purported crimes. “When their existence is considered a crime, people experiencing homelessness can be punished with expensive tickets and citations, ‘sweeps’ which force them to evacuate the areas they’ve come to know as a home, and even arrest and incarceration. (3)
Homeless people are the most vulnerable, especially those that move locations frequently, to being a victim of crime, and/or falling into criminal behavior. However, "Criminal activity isn't a staple characteristic of these people," Sean Fischer, the author of a New York University study on homelessness and crime, said in an American Psychological Association report. "It may be more accurate to think of them as people struggling to get by."(4)
We at Homeless Action Sonoma have provided secure, transitional housing to our clients. Unlike a shelter, our clients have been interviewed for acceptance into the Home and Safe Village. The location will be a secure environment at night, where only accepted residents will be allowed.
References
- “Homelessness and Crime: California’s Hot-Button Political Issues Are Even More Complex Than You Think What causes the cycle of homelessness and crime, and how to stop it.;” BY JONATHAN VANKIN, CALIFORNIA LOCAL, published on JUN 17, 2022 2:24 P.M.
- A longitudinal study of housing status and crime in a homeless population. Barbara Burton, David E Pollio, Carol S North, Ann Clin Psychiatry, 2018 Nov
- Is Being Homeless a Crime? Written by NAEH, June 1, 2021 National Alliance to end Homelessness
- New insights on homelessness and violence. American Psychological Association. December 2009, Vol 40, No. 11
Q: How will we keep our clients away from drugs and alcohol?
A:
Substance abuse rates tend to be higher among the homeless population compared to the housed population. Homelessness itself can be a risk factor for substance abuse, as individuals facing homelessness may turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism or to numb the challenges they face on the streets. Housed individuals also have generally better access to healthcare services, including substance abuse treatment. They may have health insurance coverage or financial resources to seek professional help. In contrast, homeless individuals often face significant barriers in accessing treatment due to lack of resources, limited healthcare options, and other challenges associated with their living situation. The reality is that a high percentage of homeless people do struggle with substance abuse, but these should be considered as illnesses which require treatment, counseling, and support to overcome. The National Coalition for the Homeless has found that 38% of homeless people are alcohol dependent, and 26% are dependent on other harmful chemicals. Oftentimes, addiction is a result of homelessness. The difficult conditions of living on the street, having to find food, struggling with ill health, and being constantly away from loved ones create a highly stressful state of being. Individuals suffering from homelessness may additionally develop psychiatric conditions in response to a harsh lifestyle often characterized by feeling threatened by violence, starvation, and a lack of shelter and love. (1) Substance abuse, both alcohol and drug, is both a cause and a result of homelessness, often arising after people lose their housing. The homeless often fall into the trap of substance abuse to temporarily cope with their situation, which further exacerbates their problems and decreases their ability to achieve housing and employment stability. (2)
Ensuring a safe and supportive environment in homeless shelters can be crucial in addressing drug and alcohol use among residents. Alcohol- and drug-free housing is essential to support and maintain recovery. Psychology services can contribute in the development of effective programs for homeless individuals struggling with addiction and alcoholism. (3). Many clients have medical situations and need prescription drugs. Our resident clients can either administer themselves or we can lock them in the safe and administer for them. The comfort zone and their privacy are our concern.
Homeless Action Sonoma have plans to implement several strategies, often through our community partners, to help our clients succeed.
- Comprehensive intake and assessment: Conduct thorough screenings during the intake process to identify individuals with substance abuse issues. This can help in understanding their specific needs and tailoring support accordingly.
- Safe and substance free environment. For the good of the people who are trying to be clean and sober we have agreed on no drugs and alcohol on property. We have established rules about destructive behavior, so if they return and are destructive that is another issue which will be dealt with.
- Education and prevention programs: Implement educational initiatives within the shelter to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of drug and alcohol use. Offer prevention programs that provide information on healthy coping mechanisms, stress management, and addiction recovery resources.
- Access to counseling and treatment: Collaborate with local healthcare providers and substance abuse treatment centers to offer counseling services and treatment options for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Provide referrals and assistance in accessing these services.
- Peer support and mentorship: Encourage the development of peer support networks within the shelter. Establish mentorship programs where residents who have successfully overcome substance abuse can support and guide others on their recovery journey.
- Recreational and therapeutic activities: Organize engaging recreational activities and therapeutic programs that promote wellness and provide alternative outlets for stress relief. This can include art therapy, sports, music, yoga, or group therapy sessions.
- Staff training and support: Train shelter staff on recognizing signs of substance abuse, understanding addiction, and utilizing effective communication techniques. Equip staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate support and referrals.
- Collaboration with community organizations: Establish partnerships with local community organizations that specialize in substance abuse treatment and prevention. Leverage their expertise and resources to enhance the support available to shelter residents.
- Aftercare and transitional support: Offer post-shelter support to residents, including assistance in finding stable housing, employment opportunities, and continued access to counseling and treatment services. This can help reduce the risk of relapse.
- Ongoing evaluation and improvement: Regularly assess the effectiveness of strategies implemented within the shelter. Collect feedback from residents and staff to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to the support systems in place.
References:
- Homelessness And Addiction. Addiction Center Web page
- Substance Abuse and Homelessness, National Coalition for the Homeless, July 2009.
- Alcoholism, drug abuse, and the homeless, D McCarty 1, M Argeriou, R B Huebner, B Lubran, Am Psychol. 1991 Nov;46(11):1139-48. doi: 10.1037//0003-066x.46.11.1139.
Q: What about all the homeless that will flock here from everywhere else because they hear of this program?
A: People experiencing homelessness in California have been Californians. Nine out of ten homeless studied lost their housing while in California. 75% of those continue to live in the same county as their last housing. These results are from the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative published June 2023. The reality is that many of the homeless have been our neighbors and have experienced income loss as the main reason for being homeless. (21%) Other states, such as Texas with more affordable housing, have established successful homeless programs that have been improving their homeless situation, while California continues to struggle with homelessness.
Q: Will we provide 24-hour security or supervision?
A.We will have staff on the property 24x7 to help our resident clients with any issues that might arise. Our success with our winter warming center demonstrated our clients willingness to be part of the solution in keeping our environment safe for all involved.
Q: What if a resident breaks the rules?
A: Like in your own home it depends on what rules are broken. If they commit a true crime, it will be answerable to the legal system. If they break a house rule, they will be subject to their peers. If a person continues to be unresponsive to peer counseling, they will be subject to the non-profit Board. We have all resident clients sign a contract for acceptance into the program.
Q: What about COVID and other contagious diseases?
A: Every client will be COVID tested upon arrival. The first arrangement we will make is to get them a baseline medical for both mental and physical health. We will work together to get all clients the medical care and social support services they need.
Q: How long can someone stay in the Home and Safe Village?
A: All residents will sign a contract agreeing to work on a program towards good health and permanent housing. If they continue to participate in their program, they can stay. In the time we were waiting to open our Village we have been able to transition 2 residents out to permanent community-based housing.
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