Homelessness
This site keeps you updated on the City’s efforts to reduce homelessness and crime. Learn how you can help make Yucaipa a safer place for everyone.
Our Efforts
The City of Yucaipa is committed to creating a safe environment for residents and families. Addressing homelessness is a key part of this effort. On September 25, 2023, the City Council adopted the Homeless Strategic Plan to reduce homelessness and related crime.
Solutions Oriented Policing (SOP) Team
To support homeless individuals, the City formed the Solutions Oriented Policing (SOP) Team. This multidisciplinary team includes Sheriff deputies, mental health workers, park rangers, code enforcement officers, and other City staff. Every day, the SOP Team reaches out to homeless individuals to offer help, both proactively and in response to reports made through the City’s app.
Strengthening the Municipal Code
In the Spring of 2023, the City Council updated the municipal code:
- Strengthened the Camping Ordinance.
- Adopted a prohibition on aggressive solicitation.
These updates give deputies the tools needed to protect the health and safety of residents and businesses.
Progress and Impact
According to the latest County Point in Time Count and resident feedback, our plan is working. In 2023, we counted 22 unsheltered people in Yucaipa. From the adoption of the Homeless Strategic Plan in September 2023 to the 2024 Point in Time Count in January 2024, we reduced the homeless population by 9, down to 13, a 41% reduction. The Point in Time Count is a lagging indicator, and since January, staff and residents have noticed even more progress and improvement. However, addressing homelessness remains a challenge, and we need your continued support.
View the San Bernardin County 2024 Homeless Count Report.
How You Can Help
We need everyone’s help to keep Yucaipa the Jewel of the Inland Empire. Here’s what you can do:
- Understand the Homeless Strategic Plan.
- Report crime when you see it.
- Report the location of homeless camps.
Review the Plan
Read the Homeless Strategic Plan: Homeless Strategic Plan.
Fighting Crime
The best way to reduce crime is by reporting it.
- For emergencies, call 911.
- For non-emergencies, call Yucaipa PD at (909) 387-8313.
- Report crimes like trespassing, blocking public areas, illegal camping, and aggressive panhandling.
Helping the Homeless
The SOP Team helps homeless individuals get off the streets and become self-sufficient. If you see someone who is homeless or a campsite:
- Report it using the Yucaipa App from your phone’s app store.
- The SOP Team will provide the necessary help.
Leading with Compassion
The Homeless Strategic Plan focuses on compassion, helping people get the resources they need to become self-sufficient. Living on the streets exposes individuals to severe weather and crime. Report their location through the Yucaipa App to connect them to services.
Enforcing the Law
This plan ensures strict enforcement of the law while aiming to help people. In Yucaipa, homelessness does not excuse endangering public health, blocking pathways, aggressive solicitation, theft, public intoxication, trespassing, blight, fire hazards, or preventing others from enjoying public spaces.
Homeless Resource Guide
For more resources, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s H.O.P.E. Team has a comprehensive guide: HOPE Homeless Resource Guide.
FAQ
Q: Have we solved the problem?
A: No, but we are making great progress. The City has helped many homeless individuals change their lives for the better, thanks to the SOP Team. You can help by using the Yucaipa App to report the location of people in need.
Q: Homelessness is not a crime. So why do you keep talking about safety and crime when discussing it?
A: Being homeless is not a crime, but it often involves issues like drug addiction, which can lead to crime. By connecting those in need with housing and treatment, we can improve lives and community safety.
Q: Is the City really helping homeless individuals, or just moving the problem?
A: The City is providing real help and changing lives. We created the Solutions Oriented Policing (SOP) Team, which includes professionals trained to assist homeless people. The SOP Team has successfully helped dozens of individuals by providing job training and housing, helping them become self-sufficient.
Q: How can I help?
A: Download the Yucaipa App and report those in need when you see them. The SOP Team will connect them with the help they need.
Q: How can I review app stats?
A: You can see submission and response stats by clicking HERE.
CONTACT US
(909) 797-2489
