A new program in Mendocino County will help clean up after homeless individuals along waterways. | Pixabay
A new program in Mendocino County will help clean up after homeless individuals along waterways. | Pixabay
A pilot program that would clean up the trash left by the homeless along waterways of the Russian River in Mendocino County was approved by the Board of Supervisors on April 20.
Supervisors said the program partnership could build trust between government and the homeless community, many of who have a current mistrust of government.
"One of the concerns some (residents) may have about this project is that it entitles people to continue to camp, but I can assure you it is exactly the opposite,” Supervisor Maureen Mulheren said during the board meeting. “We’re asking to move forward with a pilot program that will help get trash from out of waterways.”
Mulheren said the homeless currently don’t feel supported by the community.
“[The program] gives them an opportunity to connect, it creates an open door for them,” she said.
Mulheren reiterated the intent is not to allow more homeless people to camp near waterways, but to remove trash in areas such as the Upper Russian River and the Perkins Street overpass.
“We don’t want to encourage camping in these locations,” Mulheren said. “The reason the homeless don’t get rid of their trash (dumping along waterways instead) is that they don’t have a home. They don’t have a weekly (trash pickup) service. This is not a solution to homelessness, but it is protecting our environment. I think it is timely with Earth Day (April 22) coming up.”
Members of the board heard that environmental groups like the nonprofit Clean River Alliance had already been removing heavy amounts of trash along areas of the Russian River. Board members were also told City of Ukiah officials are supportive of the project.
Supervisor Ted Williams said the project could be reviewed for its effectiveness in six months time.
“We don’t want to encourage more (homeless) encampments, but I’m hoping that in six months we can highlight a before and after, see less rubbish and more homeless people receiving services,” Williams said.
The waterways trash cleanup pilot program passed by unanimous vote of the board.
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