Addressing Homelessness

The City of Visalia and our partners continue to work toward a comprehensive, but balanced approach, to help those experiencing homelessness and addressing the issues that have arisen.

Navigation Center

The Visalia Navigation Center is a low-barrier facility managed and operated by Community Services Employment Training (CSET). Spearheaded by TC Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing homelessness, this 100-bed center is designed to guide residents into permanent housing. 

The Navigation Center is a project by TC Hope, , Self-Help Enterprises and the City of Visalia, with the support of 18 different community partners.

To learn more, visit www.cset.org/vnc.

Pathways

Here we share how we and our partners are working on pathways to change, healing, work and more that count.

A Pathway to Change

The Visalia Police Department's Homeless Outreach and Proactive Enforcement (HOPE) Team focuses on homelessness issues throughout the city.

Founded in 2017, the HOPE Team handles calls for service that stem from individuals experiencing homelessness, not only focusing concentrated effort on those issues, but freeing up patrol officers to handle calls for service from the public.

To contact the Visalia Police Department's HOPE Team, call them at (559) 713-4673 to leave a message and a team member will get back to you.

A Pathway to Work

Authorized by the Visalia City Council in 2017, the Environmental Cleanup Opportunities (ECO) Project focuses specifically on individuals who are unemployed.

Participants are referred to the ECO Project by community agencies from which they are already receiving services. Through this channel, qualified participants receive help getting job ready, and are reintroduced to the workforce through cleanup projects in the City.

Through the Visalia Employment Connection’s pre-employment sessions, participants learn about the job interview process, build a résumé, and develop budgeting techniques to balance personal finances. After completing the pre-employment sessions, participants begin their transitional jobs training with CSET’s Sequoia Community Corps.

To learn more, visit www.cset.org/eco-project 

A Pathway to Housing

The City of Visalia uses state and federal funds to support the acquisition, rehabilitation and rental of properties with community partners.

Through case management services and monies from community development block grants, we're able to provide safe and sustainable homes to those in need of housing.

Enforcement of State and Local Laws

The City of Visalia continues to create tools to address enforcement of state and local lawas that address the impacts we're seeing.

Through the City's Neighborhood Preservation Division, Code Enforcement officers work to address citizen complaints while also working to build relationships with the homeless population.

Officers enforce the City's Shopping Cart Ordinance (enacted in 2013) and store found property to allow individuals who are experiencing homelessness to reclaim their items as required by State law.

Through addressing concerns and clearing blight, Visalia Police Department, Neighborhood Preservation Division and the Public Works Department team members all come into contact daily with individuals who are experiencing homelessness. It's through these interactions that the City works to connect individuals with opportunities for change.

Tulare County Task Force on Homelessness

In addition to City programs and services, Visalia is also a member of the Tulare County Task Force on Homelessness, which is comprised of a cross section of individuals in the mental health field, non-profits, faith based organizations and local businesses.

We recognize that many of the core issues that give rise to the negative impacts of homelessness lie in mental health conditions and drug and alcohol abuse issues. With these being outside of the purview of city government, the City supports the County in bolstering their programs that impact these fundamental issues.

More Information

For more information on these programs, contact City of Visalia Administration at (559) 713-4300.

Do you know someone who is at risk of homelessness or is experiencing homelessness? Find information and resources by calling 2-1-1 or get answers and get connected with 2-1-1 at www.211tularecounty.org. 

More Information

For more information on these programs, contact City of Visalia Administration at (559) 713-4300.

Do you know someone who is at risk of homelessness or is experiencing homelessness? Find information and resources by calling 2-1-1 or get answers and get connected with 2-1-1 at www.211tularecounty.org.