Placer Extends Permit for Temporary North Auburn Homeless Shelter, Continues to Seek Permanent Shelter Locations

Published on March 09, 2016

Facing the expiration of a temporary use permit for the emergency homeless shelter in North Auburn, the Placer County Board of Supervisors today voted 3-2 to extend the permit for one year, until March 31, 2017. The extension allows services to continue while county staff develop broader plans for permanent shelter locations throughout the county.

The board also voted 3-2 to extend the county’s agreement through May 31, 2016 with the shelter’s current operator, Right Hand Auburn, while staff finishes reviewing proposals to operate the shelter until the end of its temporary use permit. Board members previously applauded the service provided by Right Hand Auburn and Volunteers of America, but wanted to have an open competition to ensure the best operation and best use of taxpayer dollars. The board’s vote today also provides continued Placer County funding for a portion of shelter operations through May 31, 2016.

Placer County’s homeless populations cluster into three general areas: greater Roseville, greater Auburn and eastern Placer County in the Lake Tahoe region. In February, the board directed staff to develop a plan that would provide consistent services in each of the areas.

The board’s action today also calls for staff to propose changes to county zoning ordinances that would allow more areas to be considered as possible permanent shelter sites, as current zoning is limiting, staff reported. The board is expected to take up those and a potential new operating agreement for the continued operation of the temporary shelter in the coming months.

Supervisors Kirk Uhler and Jim Holmes voted against both of today’s actions.