Homelessness Myths - "Riverbed People"

Homelessness is an issue about which there are many opinions and feelings. Unfortunately, it is also an issue around which there is much misinformation...myths which are often perpetuated by well-meaning people. The misinformation impairs our ability to formulate the best solutions for everyone, as it causes us to view the problem - and the people - erroneously. In this piece I would like to dispel the myth of where our homeless neighbors come from, particularly the story that they all came from the Santa Ana Riverbed. This myth is one that remains at the root of the belief that “these people” don’t belong here, that we’ve been dumped on, and that they are not our problem, but rather someone else’s.

In February of 2018, homeless encampments along the Santa Ana Riverbed were cleared by the county. Due to a federal lawsuit brought by Orange County Catholic Worker on behalf of people experiencing homelessness, the county was required to provide people with a place to go as they made them leave the riverbed. According to staff from Supervisor Bartlett’s office, 697 individuals accepted relocation to motels (because the county did not have sufficient shelter space in which to place everyone). Thirty total individuals were placed in two hotels in San Clemente. Again, this happened in February of 2018, one year ago.

According to Supervisor Bartlett’s staff, “At the end of the motel vouchers, the Sheriff’s Department reported that 15 individuals opted to be transported back to central/north Orange County. Therefore, there were approximately 15 individuals left” after the 30 days. In fact, according to Brooke Weitzman, attorney for plaintiffs in the previously-mentioned case, “Some people who were only offered rooms in San Clemente opted to give up the motel and stay on the street or go directly to a shelter because they did not know how they would get to their doctors and work and other appointments from so far away.” The county reserved many more motel rooms than they ended up using. San Clemente was not a preferred destination for most. In fact, half of the 30 people placed here left before or by the end of the month.

Of the 15 individuals who reportedly remained in San Clemente after being “cleared from the Riverbed,” and after a 30 day hotel stay, Brooke Weitzman says, “I don’t know of anyone who was relocated and stayed.” Furthermore, conversation with local law enforcement working directly with the homeless population revealed that they know of no one among our local homeless population who are from the riverbed.

It should be noted - because there have been statements made to the contrary - all of the people placed in motels were “vetted for criminal background, mental health status, physical health, and vital information.” Additionally, of the 697 people with whom the county worked when clearing the riverbed, one was a registered sex offender, and he or she was not placed in San Clemente. This is reported by Supervisor Bartlett’s staff.

Homelessness is increasing all over the county, and there is no reason San Clemente and the rest of the south county would be immune from the increasing problem as we are not immune to the problems that create homelessness. In fact, in her recent presentation to San Clemente City Council, Stephanie Olgas of Mercy House noted that up to 60% of their new contacts in a month were from, and/or had familial connections in San Clemente. (Range 33% - 60% per month.) Anecdotally, during the recent Point in Time Count in San Clemente, (a biennial census of people experiencing homelessness) surveyors without prior experience were surprised to learn how many people we met who were locals. We here in southernmost county are ripe for having our fair share of homelessness. As Weitzman notes, “there will continue to be a housing crisis in San Clemente, because San Clemente has very limited affordable housing, no low-barrier shelter, and no local treatment for mental health challenges or substance abuse disorders.”

Feelings and beliefs about homelessness often come from one’s world view, BUT not everything is a matter of opinion, and not everything is up for debate. There are facts that we need to get right as they influence our perceptions and resultant actions. I hope as we work toward solutions we can put to bed this particular myth, along with many others. The truth is, there were only ever 30 people here from the riverbed, and none of the people living on the streets in San Clemente now are known to be people who were brought here from the riverbed. Further, while not everyone who is living homelessly in south county is from here, many are, and certainly many more than the common narrative would have us believe.

Maura Mikulec is a Master's-level Social Worker native to Capo Beach/San Clemente. Educated in New York City, Maura's experience working in the field of homelessness began decades ago on the streets of New York. After many years at home raising her children, Maura is presently an independent advocate/activist.