Homeless Outreach Team

Deputies inspecting a homeless camp

Assisting homeless individuals in our community to achieve sustainable independence through proactive outreach, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office collaborates with various county agencies to address the needs of this vulnerable population.

Our Mission

We are committed to providing both short- and long-term solutions with personalized services designed to address the unique needs of individuals affected by homelessness. Through comprehensive assessment and stabilization, we aim to support those in immediate crisis as well as those facing ongoing challenges, ensuring a path toward lasting stability.

Strategic Goals

  • Foster strong relationships with the homeless community through proactive outreach and direct engagement in the field, building trust and understanding.
  • Prioritize both the well-being of individuals and the environmental sustainability of the ecosystem they live in, ensuring that both are considered in all our initiatives.
  • Uphold the values of compassion, dignity, and respect in all interactions, ensuring that every individual is treated with care and consideration.

What We Do

  • Build strong, ongoing relationships with homeless individuals, maintaining regular contact to offer consistent support and resources.
  • Work to reduce transient-related criminal activity and public complaints through proactive intervention and support.
  • Identify and document new transient individuals to track engagement and ensure effective outreach.
  • Enforce strict compliance with the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) protocols, holding individuals accountable who continue to violate laws and disrupt the community.
  • Partner with Cal Fire and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Tribal Fire Department to proactively address and reduce transient-related fires, minimizing their impact on the community and ensuring public safety.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) is committed to fostering a safer, more supportive environment for all community members through a combination of proactive outreach and effective crime prevention strategies. One such approach is Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), a method that focuses on utilizing the physical environment to reduce opportunities for crime. By applying principles of CPTED, we aim to not only address the immediate needs of homeless individuals but also to enhance community safety and well-being.

The HOT team works collaboratively with local agencies and community stakeholders to identify areas in the county where the environment may unintentionally encourage criminal activity, including transient-related issues. By addressing these environmental factors, such as poor lighting, lack of surveillance, and neglected public spaces; we aim to create safer, more welcoming areas that reduce the risk of crime.

In addition to environmental changes, the Homeless Outreach Team provides vital services, offering outreach and engagement to homeless individuals with a focus on compassion, dignity, and respect. By connecting individuals with housing, mental health, and substance abuse support, the team helps to break the cycle of homelessness while simultaneously addressing the broader issues impacting public safety. The Sheriff's Office remains dedicated to ensuring that all community members, regardless of their circumstances, have access to a safe environment and the resources they need to thrive.

Contact Us

Additionally, the Homeless Outreach Team encourages you to report any instances of homelessness in the County requiring our attention. HOT Phone: (530) 621-7535

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