Our Tahoe Truckee Homeless Response System: Gap Analysis completed by Bowling Business Strategies in October 2024 shows 78 households unhoused at anytime. This is supported by analysis of 3 years of data. Current data also supports this: We have 45 individuals registered in our Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) which provides a By Name list of individuals experiencing homelessness in our region. (Truckee, Tahoe City, Kings Beach and borders of El dorado county on the West Shore and Washoe county on the East shore). Other newly homeless, those connected with Sierra Community House domestic violence supports and additional neighbors are living under-sheltered in their cars and other places not meant for habitation.

With impacts from COVID and a regional housing crisis, this continues to be common. Support is vital in order to prevent a temporary situation from becoming a chronic condition. Clients are provided basic necessities, case management to complete a housing assessment, and then connection to local resources or out of area resources depending on their need. One strategy for someone able to find new housing, and have the ability to maintain the payments and requirements of the lease would be Rapid Rehousing funds to help with move in costs or other short term support.

Often individuals are referred through the police, hospital and local businesses. People become stranded here because of unplanned emergency situations or come from out of the area with unrealistic expectations of living here. We strive to get them the support needed to return to their county of residence and connect with family or other support services as able.

About one-third of the guests we serve identify as female.

The EWC has always been weather triggered so the number of nights open is based on the number of very severe winter weather nights from November through April each year. Last year Nevada County ran the EWC and for the 2024-2025 winter season there will be no weather triggered EWC option.

Homelessness has always existed in the Truckee-North Tahoe region and grows more prevalent and visible each year. Having support services can attract people who are experiencing homelessness, but the relationship between services and homelessness is complex.

There are several factors at play in our region that contribute to the growth in unhoused neighbors: lack of affordable housing to rent or buy, many seasonal jobs and low wages, high cost of living, and minimal safety net services all have an impact.

Having safety net services may prevent neighbors from becoming unhoused and allow our neighbors that become unhoused to stay in their community longer. These services also play a role in helping people in crisis by providing basic support thus alleviating that burden from law enforcement and the hospital.

If you have questions about any of our programs or other related topics, please email: NTTHS@amihousing.org or call our Program Phone: 530-386-7954

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