Update on Camp Justice Homeless Camp

I want to share some important updates about the homeless camp at the Law and Justice Center. The policy requiring weekly movement ensures no permanent residence is established while allowing regular cleaning and maintenance of the site. This approach promotes accountability among residents for their living spaces. If rules are violated, individuals are issued warnings, and after three warnings, they can be trespassed—eliminating the need for costly eviction processes.

This camp is clean, safe, and functioning exceptionally well. The trash generated here is no longer ending up in the mountains, and residents are not starting fires in the forest to cook or stay warm. In my decade of working with unsheltered communities, I’ve never witnessed this level of accountability and progress. This program, now in its one-year pilot phase, is an example to other counties on how we can manage homelessness with compassion and efficiency.

At last week’s homeless committee meeting, a Camp Justice resident lauded Camp Justice for its effective management and safe environment, proposing it as a model program for other municipalities. Committee members unanimously concur with this assessment, indicating the program’s success. Recent negative social media posts regarding excessive waste accumulation were exaggerated as the weather made Waste Management miss a week. The issue has since been rectified and compacted base rock was added. No general funds are used in this one year pilot program

It is important to note that FEMA trailers are temporary housing, serving as a transitional step towards permanent solutions. Four trailers opened in October and November 2024 and five clients have been served so far. Clients are in the application process for SSDI.

These numbers are directly from our dedicated social workers, who have been tirelessly gathering this data.

80 people have signed the camp’s rules agreement.
21 rules violations have been issued.
6 individuals have been permanently trespassed for repeated violations.
Progress toward Stable Housing:

15 residents have transitioned to more stable housing situations:

3 moved trailers to private property.
4 moved in with family.
1 moved in with an employer.
1 moved into a DSS trailer.
1 went to the Refuge.
2 found rooms to rent.
3 secured housing but chose not to disclose details.
Data Collection at the Camp:

15% of residents are employed.
40% live off a fixed income.
90% have been Tuolumne County residents for 5+ years.
80% have lived in Tuolumne County all or most of their lives.
This program is a significant step forward, showcasing that with the right structure, resources, and compassion, we can support our unsheltered population while maintaining accountability and safety. Thank you for your continued support as we work toward solutions that benefit everyone in our community.

Navigation Center

The Navigation Center opened October 2024 and currently serves 15 clients; one family (mother and three children) recently transitioned into permanent housing. The ages served at the facility are 8 months to 84 years old.

Written by Phil Hickenbottom

Tuolumne County Homelessness Committee Member

Sonora Junk Removal