Paso Robles completes search of homeless camps, find fewer people than expected

Paso Robles police found 46 homeless encampments, including 24 occupied camps, along the Salinas River over the past three days, city officials said Saturday.

Police conducted the search to warn people living in the riverbed that they need to move out as well as to provide information on services available to them, according to a news release by Assistant City Manager Meg Williamson. Officers spoke in person to at least one person in each of the occupied camps to offer the information, she said. The focus of the evacuation is to prevent loss of life because of the storms expected this weekend and into early next week.

The city had estimated between 70 and 90 people were living in the riverbed, but the three-day survey showed that significantly fewer people were in need of shelter. The city is partnering with the nonprofit Paso Cares, which is working with local churches and other organizations to provide overnight shelter. Volunteers and resources are needed.

Anyone wanting to volunteer or in need of shelter is encouraged to call Paso Cares at 712-7067 or visit www.pasocares.org.

This story was originally published March 5, 2016 at 1:36 PM with the headline "Paso Robles completes search of homeless camps, find fewer people than expected."