Roseville council adopts homelessness strategy, stops short of city-funded emergency shelter

The Roseville City Council on Sept. 17 adopted a citywide homelessness strategy and response plan that emphasizes prevention, transitional and permanent supportive housing while saying the city does not support developing a traditional city‑funded emergency shelter under current conditions.

The 5-0 vote adopted a resolution affirming the council’s commitment to a coordinated approach that prioritizes rental assistance, rapid rehousing, partnerships with nonprofits and health providers, and the city’s social services unit embedded in the police department. The resolution includes a clause saying a traditional low‑barrier emergency shelter is not viewed as a cost‑effective or sustainable solution “based on local service outcomes and operational cost,” but lists criteria under which the city would consider supporting a shelter in the future: clearly demonstrated need, comprehensive wraparound services, regional funding agreements and robust operational standards.

Council members and staff framed the plan as a consolidation of work already underway across departments. Economic development director Melissa Anguiano and government and community relations manager Rob Bequera told the council the plan organizes eight pillars of response—prevention and stability; access to support services; transitional housing; increasing affordable housing supply; community partnerships; public safety and crisis response; reducing community impacts; and securing diversified funding—and formalizes operational expectations and regional coordination.

Supporters and critics spoke during a lengthy public comment period. The Gathering Inn, faith leaders and several residents urged the council to revise or remove the sentence that appears to rule out a city‑funded emergency shelter. Nick Golling, executive vice president of The Gathering Inn, described the group’s nomadic shelter and its work connecting residents to housing and services. "This gala is about celebrating the transformation of lives that takes place at TGI every day," Golling said in support of local programs that serve people experiencing homelessness.

Several faith leaders and advocates said an emergency shelter or navigation center can be an important bridge to services. The Rev. Angel Rivera of First United Methodist Church said shelter “is not the end goal. It's the starting point,” and asked the council to “keep all effective solutions on the table.” Other speakers, including some residents and the Roseville Area Chamber of Commerce, praised the city’s emphasis on prevention, housing vouchers and partnerships.

City staff said the city already spends substantially on homelessness initiatives—more than $25 million last year when federal, state and local contributions and personnel costs are combined—and that emergency shelters carry significant operational costs and staffing demands. Staff also noted the city participates in regional planning through the Homeless Resource Council of the Sierras and the local government advisory committee to coordinate siting and services.

Councilmembers described the resolution as a strategic statement, not an absolute ban. Mayor Bernasconi said the plan affirms "compassion and accountability" and focuses funds on proven approaches. Multiple members noted that any future shelter proposal would require the city’s involvement and meet the criteria outlined in the plan. Councilmember Tracy Ricucci said the motion does not preclude future action if needs or circumstances change, but that the plan places priorities on programs that staff and council consider more effective now.

The resolution (No. 205-297) was adopted unanimously. Staff said they will continue to report metrics—such as placements and voucher use—and pursue regional funding and grant opportunities.

A final note: the plan will be posted publicly and staff said they will continue outreach with community partners, nonprofits, and county agencies while tracking outcomes through the city’s homelessness dashboard.