Help the unhoused in Contra Costa County at Thanksgiving and all year
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Nov. 20, 2024) — November marks not only Thanksgiving, but also Homelessness Awareness Month.
As we gather around our tables to give thanks, let’s also acknowledge that many in our community continue to face challenges – and for them, this season can be particularly hard.
From my experience as a former police officer, I’ve come to understand that homelessness is a complex issue with no single cause. It stems from a variety of factors, such as unemployment, mental health struggles, addiction and the financial strain of trying to make ends meet. Each situation requires a personalized and holistic response.
Homelessness affects a range of individuals, encompassing different ethnicities, ages and family backgrounds. In 2023, homeless services were provided to 9,632 households in Contra Costa County, marking a 28% increase since 2019. These households accessed services through nonprofits, shelters, city resources and county programs.
Contra Costa Health’s Health, Housing and Homeless Services (H3) is the lead administrative agency for the Contra Costa County Continuum of Care (CoC), as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CoC works with many service providers and is guided by the Contra Costa Council on Homelessness, a governing body that the Board of Supervisors appoints. The CoC currently coordinates more than 100 programs and received $42 million in funding.
Given the variety of these programs, it can be overwhelming to navigate all the available options. However, the CoC has streamlined access to services in three simple ways:
Option 1: Text “HOPE” to 20121 for 24/7 free, confidential help from the Contra Costa Crisis Center, or visit 211cc.org for resources.
Option 2: Visit the Central County Care Center at Trinity Center, 1888 Trinity Ave., Walnut Creek, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday for meals, hygiene, mail services and case management.
Option 3: Call 211 to connect with the Coordinated Outreach Referral Engagement (CORE) program for shelter, transportation and other homeless services.
Through any of the entry points, unhoused individuals can interact with multiple types of services depending on their needs, including prevention and diversion programs, crisis response programs and permanent housing solutions.
Support can be directed to housing solutions. First, engagement with the CoC can take place through the Council on Homelessness, which offers opportunities for community engagement via public meetings. Many partners come together to report on their activities, apply for funds and develop services to meet new needs.
In my role with the Board of Supervisors, specific funding has been allocated to support programs for the unhoused and to increase our supply of affordable housing. Many of the decisions are based on recommendations from the Council on Homelessness.
Volunteering is another way to offer support. An annual opportunity is to help H3’s Point-in-Time Count, which census the unhoused population. This information is crucial for funding.
The CoC is also full of volunteer opportunities and other ways to support their work. You can find the complete listing of community partners at www.cchealth.org/services-and-programs/homeless-services/continuum-of-care/funding/partners-funders.
Finally, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to give back to those in need. Supporting the unhoused community, whether through volunteering, engagement with the CoC or learning about available services, is a meaningful way to make a difference this season. For more information on getting involved with the CoC and homeless services across the county, please visit www.cchealth.org/services-and-programs/homeless-services.
Ken Carlson is Contra Costa County District IV supervisor. Email questions or comments to SupervisorCarlson@bos.cccounty.us or call his office at 925-655-2350.