Homeless Services Program

In response to a growing homeless population and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Banning sought grant funding to establish a temporary emergency shelter. In April 2020, homeless individuals were provided shelter at Ramsey Street Village. During the nine months of operation of Ramsey Street Village, City staff learned many lessons about operation of a homeless shelter. Unfortunately, a fire in December 2020 completely destroyed all 20 shelter units at Ramsey Street Village. Since that time, no emergency shelter beds have been available within the city of Banning.

In 2018, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in the case Martin v. City of Boise that cities could not prohibit homeless people from camping in public places unless they had adequate shelter available. This ruling tied the hands of local government. The ruling in Martin v. City of Boise drives the need to establish temporary emergency shelter beds in Banning, which would only be available to homeless individuals in Banning. If a homeless individual refuses the offer of a shelter bed, law enforcement personnel can enforce ordinances prohibiting camping in public places. Camping on private property can be prohibited with cooperation from the property owner.

Lessons learned from Ramsey Street Village:

1. On-site supervision must be provided;
2. When on-site supervision is not available, security services must be provided;
3. Occupants must engage in active programs as a condition of their stay, including employment, counseling, education, employment search, etc;
4. Maximum length of stay shall not exceed 90 days;
5. Collaboration with service providers to assist homeless individuals must be part of the program.

When a resident moves into a Pallet shelter, a private space with a locking door, they can finally relax and begin to recharge. Pallet shelter villages serve as transitional housing communities for people experiencing homelessness. A local service provider operates each village and provides social services, meals, and more. After an initial assessment and orientation, clients will be provided with assistance to obtain necessary documents, housing navigation, social services, employment, veterinary visits, mental health counseling, chemical dependency counseling and more. The goal of Opportunity Village is to serve as an "exit program," helping those experiencing homeless off the streets of Banning.