Homeless Services

Mission

To promote the health and safety of unhoused residents of the City of Salinas by supporting them on a pathway to housing through education and referrals through the Homeless Services Network who offer Street Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Rapid Rehousing and Stabilization Support. 

Values 

• Implement best practices (Housing First, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing). 
• Provide and coordinate wraparound services while actively encouraging shelter/housing. 
• Effective engagement by actively locating, identifying, and building relationships with unsheltered residents. 
• Provide linkage and referrals to supportive programs.  

Funding

The City of Salinas’ Community Development Department is Monterey and San Benito Counties’ local Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) administrative entity. As an entitlement jurisdiction, the City of Salinas receives their own allocation of HUD ESG, in addition to the regional State ESG allocation for both counties. State ESG funding recommendations provided by the City must be approved by the Leadership Council, Monterey and San Benito Counties’ Continuum of Care governing body. Additional funds administered by the City of Salinas to support homeless initiates include Covid funds through CARES act, California Emergency Solutions and Housing Program (CESH), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home ARP, Encampment Resolution Grant, Family Homeless Challenge Grant, and General Fund (GF).

Latest News and Projects

Job & Resource Fair at the Monterey County Jail Re-Entry Resource Center On Sept. 24, the Salinas Outreach and Response Team (SORT) participated in the Job & Resource Fair at the Monterey County Jail Re-Entry Resource Center, connecting individuals with vital resources, answering questions, and helping them prepare for release—including joining shelter waitlists early. The event provided a meaningful opportunity for Community Outreach Assistants to reconnect with previously served indviduals, underscoring the lasting power of support and relationships. Re-entry relies on preparation, opportunity, and second chances; through collaboration with partners like the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, SORT remains dedicated to meeting people where they are and guiding them toward a stronger path forward.