Lompoc Police Chief Pat Walsh says 55 people checked themselves into the triage center at River Park this week.
The triage center opened on Monday to serve the homeless who were evicted from the Santa Ynez Riverbed.
Among those who sought help, Chief Walsh says one person agreed to enter a detox center, another entered a long-term drug treatment center, two received crisis services, three are receiving outpatient drug/alcohol treatment, and several others are entering shelter programs.
He says Social Services has also restored benefits for several clients, the public defender’s office has helped many people obtain identifications, Animal Services has treated homeless pets, and local mechanics have been working to fix vehicles and repair bikes.
The charity organizations Micah Mission, Planting a Seed, and Good Samaritan Shelters are also reportedly working to reunite some of the homeless with their families.
However, Chief Walsh says housing remains in short supply for these individuals and donations of certain items are needed.
Those include:
- Small flashlights
- Batteries
- Feminine hygiene products
- Gloves and stocking caps
- New socks
- Blankets
Donations should be taken to the Good Samaritan Shelter, located at 2025 Sweeney Rd. in Lompoc, with a label that reads, "For Triage Center."
The triage center will remain open for the next several weeks.
Plans to clean out the riverbed are still in the works. However, Chief Walsh says a cleanup event involving the community is unlikely because of the hazards associated with the amount of trash and debris in the riverbed. He says city and county officials are working together on a cleanup plan.
Related coverage:
Dozens helped at Lompoc triage center, but some homeless return toriverbed
Lompoc moves to remove homeless residents from Santa Ynez Riverbed
