Homeless shelter crisis declared in Paso Robles

Correction: The original version of this story incorrectly stated that Morro Bay has not declared a homeless shelter crisis; it did so on Feb. 9.

The city of Paso Robles has joined San Luis Obispo County in declaring a homeless shelter crisis.

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the declaration, which will allow the use of government-owned buildings as warming shelters. The city will also work with other agencies and community organizations to help protect the health and safety of the homeless population this winter.

“There is existing statistical documentation that the volume of homeless individuals is greater than the shelter resources currently available in the North County,” said Meg Williamson, assistant city manager. “Therefore, in the event of prolonged or unusually inclement weather, the unmet need for temporary shelter to a large number of individuals will become a critical health and safety need.”

On Feb. 2, the county Board of Supervisors made a similar declaration and made $10,000 in funding available for community organizations to use for warming shelters. No other cities have taken a similar action. Both declarations will sunset on April 15, unless they’re extended.

A week later on Feb. 9, the Morro Bay City Council declared a homeless shelter crisis, but said the city lacks the resources to operate a facility. Instead, city officials said they would seek input from the county on how the city can help, including whether to help transport the homeless to San Luis Obispo or other communities with better resources.

In January 2015, the county’s point-in-time homeless count showed that, at 235 individuals, Paso Robles had the second greatest number of unsheltered homeless persons of any city in the county. Countywide, there are 1,515 homeless persons on a single night, with 74 percent unsheltered.

The nonprofit group Paso Cares operates a warming center in the North County on weekdays. It rotates among churches in Paso Robles and Templeton and can serve about 12 people. However, no warming facility is available on weekends.

“Supplementing those efforts may have the highest likelihood for success in meeting the winter needs,” Williamson said.

No facilities have been identified for use as warming shelters at this time. The declaration will provide certain liability protections as long as the city has made a finding that there is a health and safety crisis as a result of the shelter shortage.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 4:28 PM with the headline "Homeless shelter crisis declared in Paso Robles."