Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors is expected to make a decision regarding homelessness in the county at a later date after participating in a study session at its meeting Tuesday.

Beatle Barbour, of Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency gave a presentation on the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care planning process.

Barbour says that although there are homeless shelters in the county, only 30 percent of people are using them, the rest are staying in cars, homeless camps, hospitals, motel rooms or in jail.

She says homeless not staying in shelters is costing the county a lot of money. The continuum of care concept would offer a range of services to homeless families including assessments, emergency shelters, and permanent housing.

Barbour says the next step will involve extensive documentation and funding. The board will consider the proposal at a future meeting.

Written by Sabrina Sabbagh