On Monday, December 9, the Novato City Council held a special meeting regarding updates to Novato Municipal Code sections 14-20.8 and 7-11.3 in relation to unlawful camping. Novato’s Municipal Code already prohibited unlawful camping with limited exceptions and Council’s approved changes are similar to those being approved or considered in other jurisdictions. 

The City will continue to comply with the current court order requiring the encampment in Lee Gerner Park to remain open pending the court’s decision. The City will also continue to partner with local organizations to ensure campers have access to necessary resources and support services.

At their November 19 meeting, as part of ongoing efforts to improve access to resources and support services, Council authorized an agreement with Petaluma People Services Center (PPSC) to bring the SAFE (Specialized Assistance for Everyone) program to Novato – a five-year alternative response pilot.

The SAFE team will deliver services through trauma-informed approaches, including:

• Emergency response: Addressing mental health crises, addiction, and homelessness.
• Non-emergency support: Assisting individuals in need of conflict resolution, welfare checks, low-level medical aid, and substance abuse counseling.
• Proactive outreach: Building connections and rapport by engaging community members before higher levels of care are necessary.

Community members can access SAFE services through the same 9-1-1 and non-emergency dispatch system used for police and fire services. Emergency dispatchers will assess calls to determine whether SAFE, police, fire, paramedics, or a combination of services is most appropriate to respond to requests for service. This program is intended to benefit our community as a whole by keeping police officers, firefighters and paramedics available for appropriate emergencies, while supporting those in need. 

In addition to launching the SAFE program, the City continues to partner with the County of Marin and organizations like Homeward Bound of Marin and Habitat for Humanity as these successful partnerships have already helped individuals experiencing homelessness achieve stability through temporary and long-term affordable housing opportunities.

By building on existing partnerships and programs, Novato remains committed to creating positive outcomes and enhanced quality of life for all members of our community.