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Homelessness In Eastern County
Homelessness In Truckee
Addressing homelessness is a complex challenge that requires collective action, compassion, and persistence. As we work to create a better, more equitable future for those experiencing homelessness in our region, we also acknowledge the limitations of the resources available to us. These resources, both human and financial, must be shared across counties, requiring a collaborative approach to ensure that every individual has access to the support and services they need. This is not a journey we can take alone; it is a community-wide effort.
For over 20 years, various entities such as Nevada County, Placer County, Sierra Community House, North Tahoe-Truckee Homeless Services, and faith-based partners, as well as many others, have been providing homelessness services in the Tahoe Truckee region. As the number of unhoused individuals has grown in the region over the past five years, it became clear that a more coordinated plan, grounded in specific regional data and agreed-upon objectives, was needed to address the issue.
Ending homelessness in Truckee will require a multipronged approach that addresses the unique needs of individuals by providing a variety of housing options to meet residents needs. This includes temporary emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, rental assistance and increasing the availability of low income housing units.
A Milestone for Our Community: Tahoe Truckee Homeless Action Plan
We are proud to share the completion of the Tahoe Truckee Regional Homeless Action Plan, developed by the Tahoe Truckee Homeless Advisory Committee. This collaborative effort reflects key values: regional teamwork, compassion, and the belief that housing solves homelessness. Check out the complete action plan at Tahoe Truckee Regional Homeless Action Plan. Nevada County is dedicated to continuing to work with the community and partners in Truckee to reach the goals outlined in the action plan.
The plan outlines a five-year roadmap to end homelessness in our region, championing solutions such as permanent supportive housing—an approach combining affordable housing and supportive services to create stable living environments. It calls on local governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals to take action and contribute to meaningful progress.
Permanent Supportive Housing In Truckee
There has recently been much focus on the need for and development of permanent supportive housing in Truckee. The county continues to work with our partners in Truckee to identify and plan for future permanent supportive housing sites in Truckee.
- In the last Point in Time Count, Truckee has about 30 people experiencing homelessness.
- Compared to western Nevada County, the availability of programs and housing to help people experiencing or at risk of homelessness is extremely limited.
- Currently there are approximately 18 locations providing housing to 221 residents in western Nevada County, and zero in Truckee. This includes 11 Permanent Supportive Housing locations providing 79 people with permanent housing, zero in Truckee
- The County and other stakeholders have heard loud and clear the gap in services in Tahoe Truckee. A recent analysis identified a total need of 44 Permanent Supportive Housing beds in Tahoe/Truckee. Placer County currently has 13 beds available and there are zero in Truckee.
Emergency Shelter
Emergency shelter is one of many tools needed to assist residents who are experiencing homelessness, at this time there is no year round warming shelter in Truckee, primarily due to operational limitations: unpredictable activation schedules, difficulty securing consistent overnight staffing, high per-night costs, and lack of a location where the services could be offered. The County and partners continue to look into options for funding and location of a future emergency shelter location.
While working to address homelessness in Truckee, the county has received many questions from residents, below are a list of the questions we have received and our responses. If you have additional questions, please reach out to HHSA@nevadacountyca.gov
1. Will Nevada County’s acquisition of residential properties in Truckee create additional competition for housing, negatively impact the availability of real estate for local workers, or diminish the value of adjoining real estate assets for Truckee residents who live and work in our community? Nevada County's acquisition of properties for supportive housing aims to address homelessness without significantly impacting the broader housing market. Studies, such as one by NYU’s Furman Center, have found that supportive housing does not negatively affect nearby property values; in some cases, property values increased more than in comparable areas without such housing.
2. Realtors, for example, have suggested that the installation of Scattered Site Homeless Housing facilities will trigger disclosure requirements for adjacent properties. Disclosure requirements vary by state and situation. In California, sellers must disclose known material facts that affect the value or desirability of the property. The presence of a supportive housing facility nearby is not automatically considered a material fact.
3. Truckee workers continue to experience increasing costs for groceries and gas, childcare and trade work, property tax increases, and Real Estate. Please explain how the community will benefit from scattered supportive homeless housing, while the housing needs of the essential workforce are failing to be met, causing displacement? Scattered site supportive housing addresses chronic homelessness, which can reduce strain on emergency services and improve community health outcomes. While it doesn't directly solve workforce housing shortages, it is part of a broader housing strategy. Nevada County is also working on affordable housing initiatives with partners in the Tahoe-Truckee region to support the essential workforce.
4. Is data available on how many essential workers that serve Truckee commute to and from Reno on a daily basis? Mountain Housing Council has done a variety of studies on our local workforce including those who commuting from Truckee to Reno daily.
5. How does Nevada County balance efforts to provide supportive housing for individuals facing behavioral health and substance use challenges with the need to create more affordable housing for local workers and long-term residents who are also struggling to remain in the area? Nevada County aims to support all residents, including those with behavioral health and substance use challenges, by providing stable housing and services. This approach seeks to reduce homelessness and its associated community impacts. Efforts to increase affordable housing for the broader population are also ongoing.
6. What is the reasoning behind providing publicly funded housing for individuals experiencing chronic behavioral health and substance use challenges, while some working community members face economic pressures that make it difficult to remain housed in the area? The Housing First model recognizes housing as a basic human right. This approach has been funded through various state and federal funding sources to create specific programs aimed at reducing homelessness and its societal costs. Efforts to expand affordable housing options for all residents are also part of the county's strategy.
7.Why is Nevada County prioritizing investments in housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness locally, rather than referring them to other areas in the region that may have more extensive behavioral health, vocational, or environmental resources? Housing individuals within their community supports better outcomes by maintaining social connections and access to familiar services. Relocating individuals can disrupt these connections and may not lead to improved outcomes. Investing in local a homeless continuum of care for our community which includes a variety of services supportive to address homelessness effectively within the community.
8. Does Nevada County assert that property values in impacted neighborhoods will not be affected? Studies have shown that well-managed supportive housing does not negatively impact, and may even enhance, nearby property values. For instance, research in New York City found property values increased more near supportive housing than in comparable areas without such housing.
9. If values are negatively impacted, how does Nevada County propose to make owners whole, who suffer diminishment of their real estate assets? Nevada County is committed to ensuring that supportive housing is well-managed to prevent negative impacts on neighborhoods. There is no current policy for compensating homeowners for perceived property value changes. Ongoing community engagement and property management aim to maintain neighborhood standards.
10. What strategies will be used to ensure that supportive housing is thoughtfully integrated into neighborhoods while maintaining community well-being and neighborhood stability? Strategies include on-site property management, regular maintenance, resident support services, and community engagement to address concerns promptly. These measures aim to integrate supportive housing seamlessly into neighborhoods. Nevada County maintains 18 sites of permanent supporting housing in Western Nevada County and has proven this model is successful and goes un-noticed in other communities.
11. Why would the County choose to purchase individual homes to service only 4-5 individuals when Truckee is a community containing 16,000 people, many of whom struggle with substance use issues and mental health challenges, and would greatly benefit from an affordable outpatient program that does not exist? Permanent Supportive housing is one solution needed that provides immediate, stable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, which is a critical first step. Substance use and mental health treatment programs are also available locally for Medi-Cal recipients who live in Truckee. The county continues to explore expanding existing treatment services.
12. Why does Nevada County seek to prioritize 5 people instead of our entire community, when Homeless programs that lack sufficient supportive services have been unsuccessful? The county's approach includes providing supportive services alongside housing to ensure program success. While initial projects may serve a small number, they are part of a broader strategy to address homelessness and housing needs across the community.
13. Why isn't opening a substance use treatment program that services more people a higher priority than this project concept? Both housing and treatment programs are priorities. Housing First models recognize that stable housing can improve engagement in treatment. The county continues to assess current treatment options available and develop expanded treatment services to meet community needs.
14. Why is the County exploring scattered site supportive housing in residential neighborhoods instead of concentrating services in mixed-use or commercial areas? The county aims to identify locations for services that meet the needs of the community. In Western Nevada County, scattered site housing has been successfully integrated into a variety of neighborhoods, helping people live in stable housing while maintaining the character of the community.
15. Will residents of supportive housing be required to meet sobriety or drug testing conditions as part of their tenancy? The Housing First approach promotes tenant stability and does not require drug testing as a condition for housing. Supportive services are offered to meet the needs of the individual and support them in maintaining stable housing. If an individual is displaying disruptive behavior and is unable to correct this behavior, they will be removed from the program.
16. Will residents of Scattered Site Supportive Housing be required to participate in mental health treatment or take medication as a condition of residency? Residents are encouraged to engage in services that meet their unique needs. Tenant stability is the goal of permanent supportive housing. The housing first model recognizes that each individual has unique needs to maintain stability If an individual engages in disruptive behavior and is unable to correct this behavior, they will be removed from the program.
17. Under what circumstances, if any, can individuals who are experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance dependency be asked to leave Scattered Site Homeless Housing? Residents may be asked to leave the program for lease violations not their health status. Lease violations are based on behaviors, that disrupt the well-being other tenants and neighbors, Eviction processes follow standard legal procedures applicable to all tenants.
18. What are the rules of compliance for residents? Please cite the proposed rules, and the facilities’ proposed methods of enforcing these rules. Residents are expected to adhere to standard lease agreements, including paying rent, adhering to quiet hours, and maintaining the property. Enforcement involves regular communication and support from case managers and the property management team to address issues proactively.
19. Will the Homeless facilities be located a minimum distance from schools, childcare facilities, and other sensitive uses? What distance? There is no specific distance requirements mandated for housing facilities. Site selection for programing considers community integration and compliance with local zoning laws. Program rules for permanent supportive housing exclude people with sex offenses and significant and/or violent felonies.
20. Please define the term “permanent” as it applies to “permanent supportive Scattered Site Homeless Housing.” "Permanent" refers to housing without time limits, allowing residents to stay as long as they comply with lease terms. This contrasts with transitional housing, which is time-limited.
21. Which organization and person (or group of persons), specifically, will choose residents for each residential facility setting, and what is the criteria for their selection? Resident selection is managed by the property manager using a combination of strategies including the homeless coordinated entry systems and established tenant selection policies. Criteria include vulnerability assessments, housing needs, and the person’s perceived ability to succeed in the program
22. What are the grounds for placing one person over another at a particular facility? Placement prioritizes individuals with the highest needs, such as chronic homelessness or severe health conditions, a person’s ability to succeed in programing is also included in the standardized assessment process.
23. Will felons be eligible to live in Scattered Site Supportive Housing? Criminal history does not automatically disqualify individuals from housing under the Housing First model. Each case is assessed individually. People with a history of violence or with any history of sex offenses are not eligible to live in scattered site housing.
24. Will violent offenders and arsonists be eligible? Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like rehabilitation efforts and current risk assessments. People with a history of arson, violence or sex offenses are not eligible for scattered site housing.
25. Are weapons of any kind permitted in the facilities? Standard lease agreements prohibit weapons on the premises to ensure the safety of all residents.
26. Can you describe a typical day and week for individuals who will be live in Scattered Site Supportive Housing, including the services they will receive (schedule, hours per week, qualifications of staff providing care, etc.)? Residents live independently, with access to voluntary supportive services such as case management, counseling, and healthcare referrals. Service engagement varies based on individual needs and preferences. Residents are also supported in engaging with other community activities and may be supported in learning to effectively use community resources such as public transportation, recreation facilities, libraries etc.
27. Is employment or participation in a vocational rehabilitation program a condition? Employment or vocational program participation is encouraged for those that are eligible to work and do not have a disabling condition that would limit them from working.
28. What will tenants of Supportive Housing programs do during the day, if they are not employed? Participants may engage in various activities, including attending appointments, participating in community programs, or pursuing personal interests. Supportive services can assist in identifying meaningful daily activities.
29. Can you provide examples of the varying needs and abilities among individuals who will be housed, ranging from those with higher levels of independence to those requiring more intensive support? Individuals with higher levels of independence may be able to pursue employment or engage in community activities with minimal support. In contrast, individuals with more complex needs may have chronic health conditions or disabilities that require ongoing, intensive support, such as assistance with daily living tasks, healthcare management, or accessing specialized services. Each resident’s support plan is tailored to their specific needs to ensure they receive the appropriate level of care and resources to thrive in the housing environment.
30. Please specifically cite the “evidence-based practice” that has been used to justify the Scattered Site Homeless Housing concept, and how this evidence is applicable to a community like Truckee, which contains fewer behavioral health and substance abuse recovery resources than in other locations such as Grass Valley and Nevada City? Studies have shown that scattered site housing effectively reduces homelessness and improves stability, by integrating residents into existing communities and leveraging available local services through the Nevada County Behavioral Health office based in Truckee.
31. Please characterize and cite research regarding frequency of fire and police calls to Scattered Site Homeless sites vs average residential conditions in Truckee. Specific data for Truckee scattered site permanent supportive housing is not readily available due to not having this resource in our community.
32. Please characterize and cite research that addresses impacts upon neighbors from Scattered Site Homeless sites.
Studies, including from the National Alliance to End Homelessness and Urban Institute, show that well-managed supportive housing—including scattered site models—do not negatively impact surrounding property values or public safety. A 2008 study by the Furman Center (NYU) found no evidence that supportive housing developments led to neighborhood decline and often brought improvements in property upkeep and investment.
33. Please provide research concerning the success or failure of Scattered Site Homeless Housing projects including the Brown Bear facility at Kings Beach.
Scattered Site Housing has a strong track record nationally. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Housing First models like scattered site supportive housing reduce chronic homelessness and emergency service use. At Brown Bear Studios in Kings Beach, AMI Housing and Placer County reports this program is a strong a community with successful tenant engagement in services.
What resources do property managers have if are concerned about a resident's behavior or safety?
Property managers are supported by trained case managers and Nevada County Behavioral Health staff. While they are not crisis clinicians, protocols include contacting Mobile Crisis Teams, which are available 24 hours/day or law enforcement only as a last resort. Staff receive de-escalation and trauma-informed care training and are part of a coordinated care team that addresses such situations preemptively.
35. Will noncompliant residents face any consequences of their actions? What?
Residents must comply with basic lease and behavioral expectations. Serious lease violations such as violence, threats, or property damage can result in eviction. However, case managers work to resolve issues supportively before taking that step.
36. How will staff vacancies at a Scattered Site Supportive Housing programs be handled, for example if an employee quits or takes time off? What is the plan to maintain continuity of service and supervision in the facilities?
The operating nonprofit and Nevada County partner to provide backup coverage and on-call staff. Supportive housing is not staffed 24/7, but coordinated care through Nevada County Behavioral Health ensures continuity. In urgent cases, mobile outreach or other staff can respond.
37. How will supportive housing staff be trained ? Who will reside on the premises to supplement this employee during times when they are absent, including regular days off?
Employees receive onboarding in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, crisis de-escalation, and Fair Housing. Training is supplemented through Nevada County Behavioral Health and partner agencies. These homes are not staffed 24/7, and residents live independently. No live-in staff are required for this model. Clinical care and support for residents is provided by appropriate professionals within the Nevada County Behavioral Health treatment system.
38. Please identify the specific factors and criteria that will be considered in selecting homes to be used for Scattered Homeless Housing.
Key criteria include: proximity to services and transit, ADA accessibility or feasibility for modifications, property condition, neighborhood compatibility, and zoning compliance. The goal is to integrate housing discreetly and respectfully into the community.
39. What metrics will be utilized to measure and evaluate the success of Scattered Site Homeless Housing Projects, and how frequently will the criteria be reported upon and evaluated?
Metrics include housing retention, reduction in emergency service use, income or benefit access, behavioral health engagement, and neighbor feedback. Data collection varies based on program design and funding sources.
40. What inspection and ADA requirements will be pursued to ensure that the homes are safe and appropriate for the homeless residents?
Homes must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and local building code. Local building codes are driven by the lead jurisdiction, the Town of Truckee for properties within Town limits or Nevada County for properties located in unincorporated areas State and federal funding often specify ADA requirements for the project. Homekey funding represents one funding source with specific ADA requirements. Reasonable accommodations and modifications will be made where feasible for residents with disabilities.
41. What staff or agency will conduct the inspection of buildings, and what standards will be applied?
Inspections are conducted by staff who are employed by the lead jurisdiction agency: The Town of Truckee for properties within Town limits or Nevada County for properties located in unincorporated areas. Inspectors follow Housing Quality Standards (HQS), ADA, and building code standards.
42. What specific improvements or standards will be applied to prepare the facilities for occupancy?
Homes will be updated to meet habitability standards: plumbing, heating, electrical, ADA access (as needed), safety, and repairs. Homes are also furnished, and staff ensure readiness for long-term use.
43. How will the County invest in the homes that are leased or purchased for Scattered Site permanent supportive housing, to ensure they do not become blight?
The County has a responsibility to maintain properties in good condition for County-acquired or County leased homes only. Capital funds and maintenance reserves are set aside to ensure homes are well-kept, updated, and meet community standards. If a non-profit or a community member acquired property for supportive housing, the county would not be involved in this process.
44. When real estate changes hands in Truckee, subsequent owners typically invest to improve their homes and in turn, the neighborhood. Will the County do this with the homes it acquires?
County-acquired or County leased homes for supportive housing will receive necessary renovations and be maintained to neighborhood standards. The goal is long-term investment, not temporary use. If a non-profit or a community member acquired property for supportive housing, the county would not be involved in this process.
45. How much will the County commit to investing to improve each home that it acquires or leases?
Investment levels vary by property condition and needs. Funds for these improvements may include state grants (e.g., HHAP, No Place Like Home, Prop 1 funding, and more) and local matching dollars. If a non-profit or a community member acquired property for supportive housing, the county would not be involved in this process.
46. Please cite and explain Nevada County’s plans to create affordable workforce housing specifically for Nevada County Mental Health specialists and substance abuse specialists who will be based in Truckee to support the Scattered Site Homeless Housing facilities.
Nevada County recognizes the need for affordable housing for our local workforce. While there is no standalone project exclusively for mental health specialists, the County is actively collaborating with the Town of Truckee, developers, and regional partners to expand on workforce housing initiatives that are currently available for the community.
47. Does Truckee have Mental Health and Behavioral Health services that can be accessed on short/immediate notice if needed? Do we have a Drug and Alcohol treatment facility in Truckee?
Truckee has mental and behavioral health services available for both routine and urgent needs:
- Short/Immediate Access:
- Nevada County Behavioral Health (NCBH) Truckee Office: Offers outpatient mental health services for Medi-Cal eligible adults with serious mental illness and youth with serious emotional disturbance. Walk-in support is available for urgent needs during business hours.
- 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-530-265-5811, available countywide including Truckee. Also supports mobile crisis response.
- Mobile Crisis Team: NCBH and contracted partners operate a Mobile Crisis Team that can respond in-person to mental health emergencies in Truckee 24/7.
- Substance Use Treatment:
- Truckee provides access to substance use disorder treatment from the NCBH Truckee Office. In addition:
- Outpatient services including counseling and Medication Assisted Treatment are provided through contracted partners including and accessible from Truckee with transportation support from an individual’s care team.
- NCBH provides screening, referrals and transportation to residential SUD treatment within the region.
- Truckee residents also have access to 12-step recovery meetings, harm reduction services, and outpatient counseling within the community.
Together, these services form a safety net of care that includes both place-based and countywide supports, reflecting Nevada County’s commitment to serving vulnerable populations in Truckee.
48. How does resource availability match the specific resource requirements that are identified in the Homeless Plan? Supportive Housing and homeless services are typically funded through a variety of revenue streams including grant funds and Medi-Cal billable services. These funding sources require specific staffing models, interventions, and delivery of services. Funding sources such as No Place Like Home and HomeKey both have specific staff to client ratios and require a Housing First model. When a project is identified a staffing model is created to meet the needs of the specific project requirements.
49. Why have the warming shelters in both the downtown location and at the county courthouse been closed to the homeless population in our community? Why why are resources being used for permanent supportive housing?
Warming shelters were not closed due to failure but due to operational limitations: unpredictable activation schedules, difficulty securing consistent overnight staffing, high per-night costs, and lack of a location where the services could be offered. These shelters provided only short-term relief and did not address the root cause of homelessness—lack of housing. The Truckee community will benefit from having a range of services that provide emergency shelter and long-term housing solutions which will include permanent supportive housing.
50. Why is Scattered Site Homeless Housing a higher priority than warming shelters that could serve the needs of many? Warming shelters offer temporary relief for some, but not a long-term path out of homelessness. Scattered Site Supportive Housing creates permanent homes for individuals with the highest needs, often those cycling through ERs, jails, and shelters. Housing First research shows that long-term housing with supportive services is more cost-effective than repeated emergency responses. This model helps people stabilize and thrive, rather than returning to homelessness each day. Warming shelters serve a role, but they do not end homelessness—housing does.
51. How will an agency in Auburn (AMI) be able to adequately supervise the residents of facilities located 60 miles away (over Donner Pass, which is frequently closed or impassable during Winter)? AMIH has staff who live and work at locally through North Tahoe-Truckee Homeless Services (NTTHS). Staff provide on-the-ground case management, crisis response, and tenant support. AMIH/NTTHS has operated successfully in this region for almost 10 years. In addition, treatment services for permanent supportive housing residents in Truckee will be provided by local Nevada County Behavioral Health staff at the Truckee clinic.
52. Will Nevada County or the Town of Truckee be required to cover costs of Scattered Site Housing projects in Truckee? Which costs, how much, and what is the source of funding?
Scattered Site Supportive Housing in Truckee is funded primarily through state and federal grants, including HHAP, No Place Like Home, Prop 1 funding, and more. Costs of scattered site supportive housing is based on the specific project.
53. What will happen if vulnerable homeless people are placed in residential settings, and funding availability diminishes through actions of the Federal government or otherwise? Will the residents be moved back onto the street, or will the financial responsibility be placed upon the Town of Truckee?
Housing programs funded through state and federal sources include multi-year funding commitments to ensure residents aren’t displaced. Nevada County also strategically blends funding sources to maintain housing stability. In the event of a funding gap, Nevada County would work to rehouse tenants using other housing options (vouchers, rapid rehousing, etc.) or reassign funds.
54. How does town zoning impact Navigation Center and Interim Bed services?
Zoning determines where shelter and service facilities can legally operate. Identifying a site that meets zoning requirements is key to establishing a Navigation Center or interim housing.
55. Is there joint support from all the necessary jurisdictions for a navigation center? Why has Truckee gone without a navigation center for so long?
There is increasing collaboration among jurisdictions, but aligning on funding, zoning, and operations has taken time. The region's size and cross-county complexity have also contributed to delays.
56. Can the old CHP site become a crisis center? This site is being developed into Pacific Crest Commons, a 55-unit affordable housing complex, 10 of these units will be dedicated to supportive housing
57. How do we ensure that stranded travelers are not taking beds intended for our homeless residents?
The Tahoe Truckee Homeless Advisory Committee continues to assess the best model to meet local needs, including how to support stranded travelers in severe weather without displacing local unsheltered residents.
58. How will Emergency Shelter beds be funded and where will they be located?
Funding and location will be determined by ongoing evaluation from the Homeless Advisory Committee. Zoning regulations will influence where shelter options can be placed.
59. What would referral system look like?
The region will use Homeless Coordinated Entry to prioritize and refer individuals to appropriate housing and services.
60. Is there any data on Truckee/Tahoe homeless mortality due to weather?
There is no formal data, but there is awareness of weather-related deaths over the years across the region.
61. Can domestic animals join their person?
Programs will consider best practices for accommodating pets, recognizing they are often essential companions for people experiencing homelessness.
62. Do we need both an extreme weather warning center AND a daily unhoused services shelter? Or one place with enough beds for both?
This is under evaluation by the Advisory Committee. A combined site may improve efficiency but will depend on funding, location, and service design.
63. Is County funding coming in?
Nevada County continues to be a partner in funding housing and homelessness solutions in the Truckee region.
64. Is there any data/correlation between emergency housing provided vs. camping? Risk of campfires/forest fires?
We do not have any formal data however, camping in forests present fire risks. Providing emergency and permanent housing reduces this risk and aligns with fire safety goals.
65. Where does hotel voucher money come from?
Funding for hotel vouchers often comes from a mix of County, State, and nonprofit sources, and varies by program and funding availability.
66. Is the town actively working to revise zoning regulations so we can have a navigation center?
Zoning considerations are part of the continued discussions to expand homeless services for our region.
67. Do we have housing for the service providers of both the navigation center and PSH project?
Workforce housing is a broader community challenge. There are a variety of workforce housing initiatives underway that are supporting the broader community.
68. Can convicted felons live in permanent supportive housing?
PSH follows fair housing laws and assesses eligibility on a case-by-case basis while prioritizing safety and support.
69. How will housing without services support mentally ill or substance-abusing individuals?
Housing without services is not the goal. Permanent Supportive Housing includes wraparound services tailored to support behavioral health and stability.
70. Do any members of the homeless committee live in affected neighborhoods?
The committee includes a cross-section of stakeholders who are committed to a regional, inclusive approach.
71. How will permanent housing in Pacific Commons affect other residents, especially women and families?
Permanent Supportive Housing promotes stability and safety for all. Properties are professionally managed, and supportive services are in place.
72. Do women living at Artist Lofts or Cold Stream Commons feel safe given the issues?
While specific experiences vary, safety is a key priority in all housing developments, and concerns are addressed through property management and community engagement.
73. In an August 2024 presentation, Bowling Business Services, the consultant to the Homeless Advisory Committee, reported that “[i]t would cost $2M in program investment to house and serve the gap population with an ongoing cost of $1.8M annually.” Does that remain the estimated cost? Two studies were reviewed to inform the community cost calculation: 1) Homelessness In California, 2024 Audit report (An analysis of program documentation and homelessness cost estimates cited by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and the Legislature), and 2) Boise State University - New Path Community Housing Report (a longitudinal study on the impact of chronic homelessness). Neither of these studies give a community cost figure that is exact for Truckee, of course; only a local study could do that. Given the cost of housing in Truckee this is likely a low estimate. Page 39 of the TTHAC action plan reviews this methodology in more detail.
74. The Homeless Action Plan, at agenda page 238, projects that homelessness will grow 13% per year. This is a far higher rate than the town’s population growth, which the 2040 General Plan projects to be less than 1% per year. Do we know why the projected growth of homelessness is relatively high and how reliable that figure is? The projected 13% annual growth in homelessness cited in the Tahoe Truckee Homeless Action Plan is based on broader state and national data trends, not a region-specific forecast. This projection serves as a planning tool to illustrate the potential scope of need if current trends continue without increased intervention. While not a precise prediction for our area, it aligns with evidence showing that homelessness has been rising in our region due to factors like high housing costs and lack of affordable units.
75. What information do we have on the percentage or number of homeless that have lived in Truckee or this region for more than one and five years? “Localness” or the definition of the true home of someone who is experiencing homeless is of great interest to many in the community. The annual Point in Time Count measures this by their residence prior to when they became homeless. For Nevada County as a whole, 73% of people who were counted reported living in Nevada County prior to becoming homeless. For individuals served through North Tahoe Truckee Homeless Services (53%) of the homeless households that NTTHS has housed between 2023-2025 had already lived here more than five years.
Data collected July 1,2023 - December 31, 2024
- Guests Housed
- 11 households (11 individuals)
- 10 households chronically homeless - 1 households Newly Unhoused
- 7lived here 10+ years
- 2 lived here 5-9 years
- 2 lived here 1-4 years
- 0 lived here less than 1 year
Data collected July 1,2022 - June 30, 2023
- Guests Housed
- 18 households (25 individuals)
- 6 households chronically homeless - 12 households Newly Unhoused
- 6 lived here 10+ years
- 2 lived here 5-9 years
- 8 lived here 1-4 years
- 2 lived here less than 1 year