CSET team works on getting ponchos, screening, handwashing stations and portable toilets for the homeless

The Eureka’ Police Department’s Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET), along with UPLIFT EUREKA staff, are on the front lines of this COVID-19 emergency in our community, protecting and serving our most vulnerable and risky population with courage, conviction and purpose every day.

They have my respect and admiration and the appreciation of their community partners who work with the homeless (and who are also on the front line of this crisis serving that vulnerable population).

Many eyes are on the homeless situation asking what is being done. EPD officers are continuing to police the gaps in a broken system (mental health, addiction, homelessness), only now they are doing so during the time of the greatest test our nation’s has faced in generations. They suit up and go out there every day even as some others have apparently largely abandoned the arena at least for now.  (Though we also have some very dedicated, caring community partners working with us, and others who want to be there but have apparently been pulled back.) They are the compassionate and courageous leaders Eureka needs.

We are continuing to advocate and push hard for a comprehensive, concrete action plan from County Public Health and DHHS leaders et al. for managing the homeless situation in partnership with the City of Eureka during this pandemic.  A high level meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, including City Manager Dean Lotter and DHHS Director Connie Beck, and I am hopeful some real progress and action will soon take place through our partnership.

For instance, we are pushing hard for assistance with proactive, daily COVID-19 monitoring and screening by medical professionals for our homeless population where they are (such as Free Meal which about 80% use regularly).  Streamlined testing for those displaying symptoms also (some preliminary arrangements have already been made by the County for sheltering and isolating homeless individuals who have tested positive or are strongly suspected of infection but there are still needs in this area). 

EPD is currently in the middle of conducting a comprehensive homeless survey. Here are some early results from data we have collected so far (~200 surveys so far). These results help define the scope of the challenges faced in helping the most vulnerable among this population:

• More than 50% have a physical disability or chronic health problem.
• More than 50% self-reported being diagnosed with, treated for, or are supposed to be taking medication for a mental health issue.
• Almost 60% have self-reported issues with substance abuse

EPD is very mindful of the increased pressures and needs among the homeless community as a result of this pandemic (which has also in some cases temporarily reduced capacity and services offered by some of our local community homeless services partners).  The City’s CSET/UPLIFT team is out working with the homeless on the streets every day, continuing to build relationships, offer support and services, advocate for their needs, and communicate these to our other community homeless stakeholders (including County public services, non-profits etc. We are also continually assessing our response protocols and operational strategies and making adjustments to meet Eureka's needs.

Sergeant LaFrance, CSET’s supervisor, purchased and distributed over 100 ponchos to the homeless this week and worked with the City to obtain a special permit to close 3rd Street in front of the Saint Vincent de Paul Dining Facility (Free Meal) during the hours they are serving meals (they are currently serving meals there 7 days a week). The street is closed during these periods and areas delineated for seating (pop-up canopies also being used)  so that social distancing can be maintained to help protect the homeless from getting sick). Portable toilets and hand washing stations have been procured with the assistance of Community Services and placed for the homeless to use outside the facility.  The City is also working with DHHS to place at least one more these at another site in Eureka. CSET is also checking in daily with each of our community homeless partners (such as the Eureka Rescue Mission, Saint Vincent de Paul, Betty Chinn etc.) to offer our support and listen to their needs, which are being shared with key city staff.  Much more is being done on the homeless front by EPD, UPLIFT and City staff partnering with our community stakeholders but I wanted to share the above information before I go home.

Please remember to stay at home, adhere to the spirit and intent of the shelter in place order,  and do your part to get us through this time.

EPD Chief Steve Watson