Rohnert Park Homeless Encampment: Police Provide Latest

ROHNERT PARK, CA — The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety is working alongside Catholic Charities, the Rohnert Park Unsheltered Friends Outreach — UFO— and county staff to find a housing option for each person staying at the homeless encampment at Roberts Lake Park & Ride, police said in an update Friday.

The population at the homeless encampment at the park-and-ride grew after two other encampments in the city were recently cleaned out, according to police.

Courts have ruled that the city cannot require people to leave the site without first providing adequate shelter or housing opportunities.

Housing options will likely include beds at the Los Guilicos facility operated by the County of Sonoma; beds at the two largest homeless shelters in the County (Sam Jones Hall in Santa Rosa, and the Mary Isaak Center in Petaluma); and a hotel operated by the county in Windsor for those with medical needs or at higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

Police noted that while the capacity at Sam Jones Hall was expanded Friday, it is still well below normal because of COVID-19. There are also people from other parts of the county who have been waiting for beds to open up, so not all are available for the people at the Rohnert Park encampment.

"There are never enough beds in Sonoma County’s shelters to house all of those experiencing homelessness, and this is even more challenging with COVID," police said.

Police are still planning a cleanup day Tuesday when trash and debris will be removed from the site. People will not be required to leave the encampment as part of the cleanup.

"We are looking into the question of requiring people to leave if they do not accept shelter when we offer it to them," police said.

Police have started giving warnings and citations to cars and other vehicles left parked overnight in the lot.

"We prohibit parking from 1-4 a.m. as part of promoting safety at the SMART intersection. Police are continuing to patrol the area, as they do throughout the City."

SEE ALSO: Rohnert Park Homeless Encampment: Police Provide Another Update | Homeless Encampment Grows In Rohnert Park, Police Give Update