Looking for shelter in stormy weather

During the rainy week, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said deputies stayed busy arresting transients seeking shelter.

“We want to remind people that if they’re going to be away from their homes, or if they’re a real estate agent, let your neighbors know when you’re not going to be there so they can keep an eye on your house,” Santa Cruz County Lt. Bob Payne said.

Deputies said they arrested two people for breaking into an ocean-front property up for sale. They also escorted out three groups of transients in another ocean-front property that is being torn down.

In both cases, the real estate agents reported the suspicious activity.

Vanguard Realtors Owner and Broker Linda Charma said precautions are taken so break-ins aren’t easy.

“Because we have a lock-box system and we monitor it pretty closely,” Charman said.

But she’s had a few listings where people managed to get in.

“Someone had been sleeping there using all the dishes and towels and sleeping on the couch.”

Advocates for the homeless say these incidents shed light on the thousands of people who are sleeping outside on the Central Coast.

“There are a couple of issues that we see pretty prevalent in this county,” Monarch Services Associate Director Kalyne Foster said. “One is the cost of housing. It’s a real barrier to a lot of our clients.”

Advocates also say the lack of mental health services is also contributing to homelessness.

“I think people are using creative strategies, but it’s just a really difficult situation in this county,” Foster said.

Advocates believe more affordable transitional and employee housing could help in this very complex issue.