Are the homeless fined for common nuisances such as littering and making unlawful fires?
Homeless are subject to the same regulations as others.
How can someone in need access services?
There are a variety of service providers available to assist people who may be homeless or at risk of homelessness.
How can the community report issues of concern?
The City has an online portal that allows community members to report any homeless related issues, such as: individuals in need of assistance, concerns related to encampments, safety, and/or any other concerns.
How is the Police Department Involved in Homelessness?
The City has two full time Homeless Liaison Officers to response to issues within the community related to homelessness. These officers are actively engaged with the homeless community and work closely with service providers, the District Attorney’s office, Zone 7, CalTran, LARPD, the School District, and related partners.
How many people are homeless in the Livermore?
Alameda County conducts a comprehensive count of homeless individuals every two years. The most recent count in 2022 identified 242 homeless individuals in Livermore. 68 people were sheltered and 174 were unsheltered.
It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to camp, establish, maintain, operate or occupy camping facilities, or use camp paraphernalia in the following areas:
Any public property, improved or unimproved, including but not limited to public streets and sidewalks, open space, and other property, not including a space or stall in an off-street parking facility owned or operated by the City; or
Any private property where the public has right of access.
This prohibition does not apply to:
Overnight camping on private residential property with the consent of the property owner or a person in lawful possession of the property, provided the camping does not pose a threat to the public’s health, safety, and welfare or otherwise create a public nuisance or private nuisance;
Mobile home parks and special occupancy parks;
Camping on public or private property in connection with a special event, when authorized pursuant to LMC 12.65.040; and
Day use for lawful activities on public property where authorized. (Ord. 2065 § 1(A), 2018; Ord. 1993 § 1 (Exh. A), 2014)
Is it illegal to sleep in your car?
The City does not have an ordinance that makes it illegal to sleep in your car on City streets.
What else is the City doing about Homelessness?
City staff from Housing and Human Services work actively with community partners to support the provision of supportive services for homeless and other community members in need. This includes housing/shelter services, outreach, case management support, food services, medical, mental health, and a range of other services. The City also actively pursues grant funding from County, State, and Federal Sources.
What is Homelessness?
A person is homeless if they lack a fixed, adequate nighttime residence, or reside in a public or private location not intended for habitation.
What is the City’s Homeless Subcommittee?
Recognizing the impacts of homelessness in our community, on December 10, 2018, the City Council appointed Vice Mayor Carling and Council Member Munro to a Subcommittee on Homelessness (Subcommittee). The intent of the Subcommittee was to evaluate issues and identify alternatives in response to the homeless crisis in Livermore. The Subcommittee hosted a series of community meetings with presentations from experts and service providers to develop short-, medium-, and long-term strategies.
What is the difference between unsheltered and sheltered homeless?
Unsheltered: A person sleeping anywhere not designed for habitation such as a car, abandoned buildings, or anywhere outside.
Sheltered: A person staying in an emergency shelter, transitional housing, supportive housing, or similar facility.
Who is Homeless in Livermore?
There are a wide range of people experiencing homelessness including families, veterans, youth, seniors, working poor, people with mental, behavioral, or physical challenges, those escaping domestic violence, and those with alcohol or substance abuse problems. A detailed survey in 2022 identified the following major reasons for homelessness in the Tri-Valley. Some respondents listed more than one reason from this list.
16% Family/Friend couldn't let me stay
11% Eviction/Foreclosure
19% Alcohol/Substance Abuse
18% Illness/Medical/Mental Health
22% Family/Domestic Violence
Who responds to the Online Portal?
The response will depend on the referral submitted. For example, the Police Department will respond to health and safety concerns. Neighborhood Preservation will respond to property damage. Abode will respond to provide outreach and support services for those in need.
