SOLEDAD — County of Monterey and the City of Soledad marked the first-year milestone of a partnership aimed at permanently resolving a long-standing encampment along the Salinas River with the grand opening of the Sendero Interim Housing Facility.
The city hosted the event March 9 at 990 Los Coches Drive in Soledad. The 16-bed program is the first of its kind in South Monterey County and is designed to serve as a bridge between unsheltered homelessness and permanent housing.
Launched in 2024 and supported by a $4.7 million Encampment Resolution Funding grant from the state, the initiative focused on relocating 40 individuals identified during the grant application process for services and housing support.
Citing public health and environmental concerns, including the encampment’s proximity to active agricultural fields, officials prioritized immediate relocation. Individuals were temporarily placed in motels and at a provisional site while construction began on the 16-bed, non-congregate interim housing facility.
In its first year, the program reported several outcomes, including the removal of 380 tons of debris and waste and the permanent closure of the encampment.
The facility provides wraparound case management services for residents, including daily meals, secure storage, showers, restrooms and climate-controlled sleeping spaces.
Officials also reported the distribution of customized mobile phones preloaded with housing, health and community resource information, along with ongoing transportation assistance for behavioral health services, medical appointments and housing navigation support.
Fourteen individuals have transitioned into permanent housing, according to program data.
“Progress begins the moment we stop counting our limitations and start multiplying our efforts,” said Roxanne Wilson, homeless services director for the County of Monterey. “This partnership demonstrates what is possible when local governments align around dignity, safety and lasting solutions.”
Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez said the facility represents more than housing.
“Sendero is more than a housing facility; it is a place of healing, dignity and new beginnings. By providing safe, supportive housing with intensive services, we are giving our neighbors the opportunity to rebuild their lives and reconnect with their community,” Velazquez said. “I am deeply proud of the partnerships that made this project possible and of Soledad’s unwavering commitment to caring for every member of our community. Sendero stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and to the ability of small communities like ours to lead with compassion and find real solutions to complex challenges. This is what progress looks like, and this is what’s happening in Soledad.”
Monterey County District 3 Supervisor Chris Lopez said the effort reflects a broader mission.
“This initiative is about more than housing; it is about restoring dignity, hope and stability in our communities, while preserving our natural resources, and protecting our precious agricultural lands,” Lopez said. “By leading with compassion and coordination, we are proving that even complex challenges can be addressed with thoughtful, collaborative solutions. Together, we are building ladders out of dead ends.”
Officials said the milestone reflects a shared commitment by the county and city to coordinated, data-driven and humane encampment resolution efforts aimed at supporting long-term housing stability and improved quality of life.
