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Merced County supervisors back ‘help‑first’ encampment ordinance rollout and review homelessness program progress
Summary
County staff presented a proposed two‑reading ordinance intended to prioritize offering services before penalties at encampments and briefed supervisors on recent shelter and housing gains, including navigation center placements and Homekey project timelines.
Merced County supervisors on Monday heard staff describe a “help‑first” approach to encampment enforcement and an update on homelessness programs that county leaders said have markedly expanded shelter capacity since 2017.
The proposal presented by county staff would require two readings of an ordinance designed to emphasize offering supportive services before moving to penalties for people living in encampments; staff recommended returning the ordinance for introduction on March 11 and for a second reading on March 25, provided there are no substantive changes after the first reading.
Why it matters: Supervisors framed the ordinance as part of a broader effort to connect people experiencing homelessness with services and housing. Speakers highlighted measurable program outcomes (including housing placements from the county’s navigation center), identified persistent gaps in outreach and inflow prevention, and flagged project delays and potential gap financing needs for state-funded housing projects.
John Checkley, a county HSA staff member overseeing homelessness programs, told the board the navigation center — now approaching three years of operation — has produced…
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