Answers to difficult questions about homelessness in Sonoma County

For us that are fortunate enough to have a home, it might be difficult to imagine what it would be like to be stuck outside in the cold, without a home to call your own. For some 3,000 homeless Sonoma County residents, this is reality.

Sonoma County has a "distressingly high homeless rate," according to Jennielynn Holmes, director of shelter and housing for Catholic Charities of Santa Rosa, about three times the national average.

In January, a homeless count identified 3,107 unhoused Sonoma County residents, though 1,037 were in homeless shelters the day of the census. An additional 2,070 had no shelter at all. Sonoma County's population stands at roughly 500,000.

The question of how to help a homeless person in our community is not an easy one. Sonoma County's task force for the homeless has a frequently updated list of resources available including where to find housing, health care, and pet assistance. A digital edition or downloadable PDF can be found here.

Some general answers to common inquiries have been provided here by Continuum of Care, a program working to end homelessness. But these answers are just a start, it is important to remember the humanity of our homeless neighbors, and treat them with dignity and respect.

Below are a few answers to questions you may have regarding the homeless population, and what your role should be. For a full list of information, click through the gallery above.

What should I do if….

Someone on the street asks for money or food?

Responding to requests for food or money from someone experiencing homelessness is an individual choice and there is no preferred response. But as a general rule, the most helpful response is to encourage a person who asks for such help to call 211 if they have access to a phone, as 211 can connect people in crisis to a range of services.

I want to help a homeless person I pass on the streets every day, or who is sleeping in front of my home?

The Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) provides outreach and referrals to services, paid for by Sonoma County and the City of Santa Rosa. The HOST hotline is 1-855-707-HOST (4678). Anyone can call and provide specific information to HOST staff about individuals and they will follow up.

I see a homeless person who looks like she or he might be suffering from the cold, heat, or other extreme weather?

During the months of December – March, homeless shelters throughout the County have expanded beds and services during extremely cold or wet weather. This expanded service is referred to as “Code Blue,” and updated information about services can be obtained by contacting 2-1-1 or online at www.211sonoma.org.

I see someone who appears to need assistance due to an illness or injury, or might be unconscious?

Contact 911. If the individual is a senior or someone who appears to be dealing with self-neglect, contact Adult Protective Services at (707) 565-5940

I've called 211 about a homeless person, or told that person about the Coalition, but I still see the same person on the street every day?

Contact the HOST Team at 1-855-707-HOST (4678).

I see a homeless parent and child who need help?

The Coordinated Intake Project in Sonoma County serves as a front door for services for homeless families. Catholic Charities is the operator for Coordinated Intake, and the Mobile Intake Assistant can be contacted at (707) 800-5771. HOST outreach workers can also be contacted at 1-855-707-HOST (4678).

I think one of my child's classmates is homeless and I want to help without offending or embarrassing her?

All public schools have homeless liaisons who are there specifically to provide services and support to homeless families in schools. Ask your school's principal to put you in touch with the liaison and make a referral. Additionally, the Foster Youth Liaison with the Sonoma County Department of Education, Debra Sanders, advocates in some individual cases. Debra can be contacted at (707) 524-2661.

I see a homeless person on the street who is severely inebriated or acting erratically or taking to himself or herself?

The HOST Team can be contacted at 1-855-707-HOST (4678). If you believe that someone is having a mental health crisis, 24-hour mental health crisis services can be contacted at 1-800-746-8181.