Homelessness remains one of the most pressing social issues of our time, particularly in communities like Watsonville.
The latest 2024 Point-In-Time (PIT) count shows that Santa Cruz County has maintained gains from the previous year, recording the lowest number of people experiencing homelessness since counting began. This encouraging trend is a testament to the collaboration fostered by “Housing for a Healthy Santa Cruz County,” which is a three-year framework aimed at addressing homelessness through a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
However, the PIT count in Watsonville also reveals that significant challenges remain. This data confirms what our neighbors, community service providers, elected officials, and others have long observed—the number of individuals living on the streets or without access to safe and stable housing is increasing in Watsonville.
The PIT Count data highlights trends that have been developing for some time, including the expansion of homelessness among Latino populations, a pattern which reflects broader state and national trends. This serves as a stark reminder that homelessness disproportionately impacts and disenfranchises economically disadvantaged communities. The full impact on housing instability and homelessness after last year’s tragic flooding in the community remains unclear.
We are all in this together. Addressing homelessness in Watsonville is not solely Watsonville’s burden; it is a collective responsibility that requires collaborative, county-wide solidarity, action, and involvement from community-based organizations.
The good news is that the County is investing in Watsonville by adapting some of the successful strategies used to reduce homelessness in other parts of the state. Through local nonprofits such as the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, the County has invested $500,000 in homelessness prevention and rent support. Additionally, the County is collaborating with the Association of Faith Communities (AFC) to expand their rotating faith shelter and safe parking programs. Moreover, the proposed encampment resolution and tiny homes project—developed in partnership with County of Monterey, and in collaboration with the City of Watsonville and Community Action Board, aims to support 34 housing units, while also facilitating the construction of the Pajaro River Flood Management Project.
One of the primary drivers of homelessness in Watsonville is the exorbitant cost of housing coupled with a lack of affordable housing units. The recent National Low Income Housing Coalition “Out of Reach” report highlighted that our region has the most expensive rental market in the United States. We must continue to address housing availability and affordability. Since the adoption of the current affordable housing ordinance in Watsonville, the city has provided over $5 million in funding for the construction of affordable housing, and 552 affordable units have been built in the city and an additional 137 affordable units under construction now, and yet this is not enough. Increasing the general supply of housing is challenging, and building affordable housing is even more so—but it is a challenge we must tackle together. Increasing the general supply of housing is challenging, and building affordable housing is even more so—but it is a challenge we must tackle together.
Collaboration is key. Local cities have confirmed their commitment to the Housing for Health Partnership, the regional planning body that helps align and make our efforts to reduce homelessness more effective. However, the journey is far from over, and we must continue to build on these successes.
Addressing homelessness in Watsonville and beyond is about more than just providing shelter; it’s about creating a sustainable, supportive environment that tackles the root causes of homelessness and offers long-term solutions.
Over the next twelve months, we will work with County Human Services and Health Services to bring together City leaders and community-based organizations together to develop a housing plan that aims to create between 120 to 150 very low-income housing units in the Watsonville area over the next five years. We will ensure that the County leverages all State and Federal housing resources equitably, with a minimum of $5 million for very low-income housing invested in Watsonville over the next five years. Finally, we will continue our advocacy at the State and Federal levels to ensure housing policies reflect the needs of Watsonville residents.
By working together with local partners, investing in affordable housing, and supporting comprehensive services, we can meet the challenge of homelessness head-on. This is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity to build a healthy, thriving community for all.
Hernandez waged a dirty low life campaign to get elected. Will never believe or support anything this low life scumbag says or does!
None of these people are doing anything for Watsonville only time they have something to say it’s a lie and all of them are embezzling. What they should be taking more serious is Jimmy Dutra who they sit on the panel with and support someone who has sexual allegations that he is being sued for. I feel sexual Allegations is not something are city should bi pass when There is a victim or victims. We definitely can’t trust this leadership.
This city keeps dumping money into a problem the city or state leadership do not want to go away.
“One of the primary drivers of homelessness in Watsonville is the exorbitant cost of housing coupled with a lack of affordable housing units.”
Cost of housing is not a driver of homelessness. I would like to live in Carmel, Pebble Beach, or Aptos, but I don’t. Why? Because I can’t afford it and why I live in this shift hole of a town. If it got too expensive to live in Watsonville, I would move!
The city and state continue to treat the homeless as victims and victims they will be.