Community protests proposed homeless shelter location near schools and elderly care

Concerns over the proposed location of a new center for homeless services dominated the Placer County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 18, 2025. Residents voiced strong opposition, citing proximity to schools and elderly communities as significant issues. One speaker emphasized the need for an audit to trace the funding sources for the project, questioning the lack of public notice and input from taxpayers. The speaker also raised alarms about potential conflicts of interest, noting campaign contributions from TGI, the organization involved in the project, to several board members.

In response to public concerns about homelessness, county officials discussed the current state of homelessness in Placer County. They noted that while there has been an uptick in homelessness in Southern California due to recent fires, Placer County has not seen a similar increase. Officials highlighted ongoing efforts to address homelessness, including a residency requirement for shelter access and the role of the faith community in providing support services.

The discussion also touched on the effectiveness of current homeless services, with officials asserting that Placer County's rates of homelessness are decreasing compared to neighboring jurisdictions. They acknowledged the complexities of measuring the cost-effectiveness of services but indicated that investments in programs like whole person care have yielded positive outcomes.

As the meeting concluded, the board members were urged to consider the community's feedback seriously, particularly regarding the proposed center's location and the broader implications for local residents. The board's next steps will likely involve further discussions on the project and continued engagement with the community to address their concerns.