Council members highlight homeless outreach team work, warn Fourth and Hope faces federal funding cuts

Mayor Pro Tem Tom Stellard told the City Council on Oct. 21 that a ride-along with Officer Brandon Swanger and the Homeless Outreach Services Team illustrated both successes and ongoing needs in Woodland—s approach to unsheltered residents.

Stellard said the outreach team focuses on connecting people to treatment and services, carries supplies such as socks and shoes for people encountered on outreach, and enforces a shopping-cart ordinance that prevents residents from keeping carts belonging to businesses. He said the team removed business-owned carts in two of eight interactions during the ride-along.

Stellard and Council Member Tanya Garcia Cadena warned that Fourth and Hope, a local shelter and service provider, has experienced "major reductions in federal support" and is operating at roughly half capacity because of staffing shortfalls. Garcia Cadena reminded the public of the Empty Bowls fundraiser to benefit Fourth and Hope (1616 West Street; $35; noon and 5:30 p.m. seating) and encouraged charitable giving.

Council members framed outreach as a mix of voluntary services, treatment referrals and limited enforcement when camping occurs in prohibited locations. No formal actions or policy changes were adopted at the meeting; council members asked the public to consider donations and community support for the shelter.