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Victorville nonprofit asks planning staff for help securing space and permits for events serving unhoused
Summary
Caitlin Jones of 111 Hope Foundation told the Planning Commission the group has been barred by code enforcement from holding its monthly "Day of Blessings" for unhoused people in Old Town without city approval; planning staff said the department can assist with temporary use permits and homelessness engagement resources.
Caitlin Jones, executive director of the 111 Hope Foundation, asked the City of Victorville Planning Commission on March 12 for help finding a site and permitting pathway for monthly events that serve people experiencing homelessness.
Jones said the foundation has held “Day of Blessings” events in Old Town near Seventh Street and D Street since November and had permission from private property owners to hold them. She told the commission that code enforcement informed the group last month it could no longer hold the events without city approval, and that the foundation could not find a clear permitting path through the city forms.
The request matters because the events provide services to unhoused residents and children in a concentrated area of Old Town. Without an approved location or permitting guidance, Jones said the foundation is unable to continue providing regular services.
A planning department staff member told the commission the department includes homelessness solutions and can assist the foundation. “Getting an understanding of what the event is, if we can permit it via temporary use permit, or at minimum, putting you in contact with our homeless engagement team to make sure we're following all the rules and regulations,” the staff member said. Staff asked Jones to leave contact information on a speaker card so planning can follow up.
No formal action was taken by the commission; the matter was handled as general public comment and staff follow-up. Jones said she would provide contact details to staff at the meeting.
The transcript indicates the planning staff response emphasized temporary use permits and coordination with the city’s homeless engagement team as the likely next steps for the foundation. Further details on the permitting timeline, specific permit fees, or a designated city contact were not specified during the public comment period.
