Almost Home: An Interim Solution to Homelessness

In 2015 there were 4,627 homeless individuals unsheltered in Santa Clara County (Home Not Found, 2015). With very few housing options available many homeless individuals are forced to camp illegally in conditions that are unsafe and inhumane. The Gilroy Compassion Center has addressed the need for an interim solution to homelessness with its Almost Home Camping Program. This program provides stability to individuals who participate by providing transitional housing in a campground setting as an alternative to camping illegally. Participants address their own personal barriers whether it is substance abuse, mental or physical health, as well as other barriers identified through case management. Participants of this program are entered in a data base, Homeless Management Information System, and work closely with a case manager, set goals, and contribute to the camping program by volunteering at the center and various events. In the development of this program, policies and procedures were created that not only could be used to replicate for other agencies interested in developing a camping program for the homeless but also as a model that can be used for a tiny home village in Santa Clara County