North County Camp Shrinks as Officials Expand Support Beyond Shelter

A groundbreaking initiative in Oceanside, California, is showing promising results in addressing homelessness by offering more than just temporary shelter. Dozens of individuals who once lived in a large encampment near Buena Vista Creek have now moved into permanent housing thanks to a state-funded program that provides comprehensive support beyond basic needs.

The Encampment Resolution Fund, a $11.4 million state grant, has enabled local leaders and service providers to assist approximately 65 people from the creek encampment, with about half of them already transitioning into their own homes. This effort, led by regional homelessness organizations and local governments like Oceanside and Carlsbad, aims to house around 200 people across North County while also connecting others to various forms of aid.

Tamera Kohler, CEO of the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, emphasized the importance of treating housing as a central component of outreach rather than merely clearing encampments. “When services and housing are offered with consistency, compassion, and credibility, people accept them,” she said in a recent statement.

California’s Housing First model, which underpins this initiative, focuses on placing individuals into stable housing before tackling other challenges such as mental health, addiction, or employment issues. While research has shown this strategy to be largely effective, some programs labeled as "Housing First" fail to include the necessary wraparound services—like counseling, job training, and case management—that help ensure long-term stability. In addition, the high cost of living and competitive rental market in San Diego County present additional barriers for formerly homeless individuals trying to maintain housing.

Abigail Perez, a case manager with the Community Resource Center, shared insights from her work with the grant-supported program. She noted that many residents previously received only superficial offers of help, such as pamphlets or hygiene kits, but lacked access to real, lasting solutions. Now, after being placed in housing, many participants are attending job interviews and beginning to rebuild their lives. “Housing, clothing, food and water: What a difference that really makes,” Perez remarked.

Sofia Hughes, project leader and management analyst for the city of Oceanside, explained that one reason for the program’s success is its patient, gradual approach. Instead of issuing eviction notices or fines, outreach workers began engaging with encampment residents in April, building trust over time. The initial phase of the program covers full rent payments, with participants expected to begin contributing financially after three months. Support gradually decreases over two years, allowing individuals to transition toward independence.

Michael Aplikowsky, co-founder of Convicted 4 Christ Ministries and a former long-term resident of the Oceanside encampment, expressed cautious optimism about the rapid pace of housing placements. Having overcome addiction himself, he understands the potential pitfalls of premature transitions. However, he praised the collaboration between local government and nonprofits, calling the current efforts “really, really, really positive.”

Outreach operations are scheduled to continue through mid-July, after which the encampment site will be cleared of tents and debris, enabling officials to focus on other areas in need. Similar initiatives are already planned in nearby communities, including Lemon Grove and parts of San Diego where previous grants helped relocate encampments under major freeways.

In one such example, a massive encampment near Sea World was successfully dismantled last year using the same funding mechanism. According to city spokesperson Matt Hoffman, all 91 individuals accepted some form of assistance, with 31 securing permanent housing and none losing it since placement.

These developments reflect a broader shift in how cities are approaching homelessness—with an emphasis on dignity, long-term solutions, and community collaboration.