Former Panhandler 'Now Employed, Has Home': Rohnert Park Officers Reach Out To Homeless In The Community

ROHNERT PARK, CA -- After learning of at least one success story involving a former transient, officials with the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety continued their efforts this week to clean up the city's creek area and steer the individuals who live there toward the help that is available through programs within Sonoma County.

On Tuesday, Officer Thompson and Sgt. Marshall took to the creek paths, where they located three established homeless encampments and made contact with seven of the individuals living there -- providing them with pamphlets containing information about the resources available to them in the way of food, shelter, housing, medical, psych services, veteran services and other programs.

Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Commander Aaron Johnson said the officers will continue conducting the sweeps every two weeks for the next several months not only to combat the dangers of homeless camps which include "public urination, defecation, drug paraphernalia, garbage and other public nuisances," but to show members of the homeless community there are options they can take to rise above the transient lifestyle.

"The Department is sensitive to the issue of homelessness and wants to be a conduit to help those individuals who need a hand," Johnson said.

The fruit of these efforts has become evident in at least one instance. A former transient was known to panhandle at the same location every day -- until Director of Public Safety Brian Masterson provided the man with a pamphlet containing resources available to him, Johnson said.

"He [the transient] sought the help and is now employed, has a home and [is] getting medical care that he desperately needed," Johnson said. "All of us have aspirations to have a job, a home and a family. Sometimes, life takes us down a road we never imagined. We don't get to change the road, we have to navigate it and get to our destination. This is our chance to be their 'Google Map.' If we can help in setting them on the right course, it is up to them to follow the directions. If you see a homeless camp, please contact the Department of Public Safety and we will start working with the individuals to help them seek services if they choose."

Above photo: Officer Thompson speaks with a man during a homeless outreach along the city's creek areas, July 18, 2017. (Photo courtesy of Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety)