Micro Communities

The most reliable estimate is around 450 individuals, though actual numbers may be higher. Annual counts are conducted, but are likely an undercount.

The program provides temporary, secure, and dignified housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness while connecting them to essential services that help transition them into permanent housing.

Micro Communities offer:

• Affordable, rapidly deployable, private units (pallet shelters)
• Stability and dignity for those who cannot or will not use congregate shelters
• Inclusive design for couples, families, pet owners, and people with special health needs
• Micro Communities lead to better outcomes due to the privacy, safety, and support they offer.

Priority is given to:

• Unsheltered individuals and families
• People who face barriers to congregate shelters (couples, families with children, pet owners, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with health concerns).
• All residents are referred through service providers — no walk-ups.

Residents receive:

• Case management
• Mental and physical health services
• Workforce development
• Permanent housing navigation
• These services help address root causes of homelessness.

Research shows that well-managed Micro Communities do not decrease property values. In fact, neighborhoods often experience:

• Reduced unsanctioned encampments
• Fewer emergency calls
• Improved community safety

Each Micro Community:

• Has 24/7 on-site staffing and security
• Is fenced with controlled entry
• Accepts residents by referral only
• Will have a Good Neighbor Agreement with surrounding neighborhoods
• On-site services reduce survival-based crimes

Each site includes:

• Regular trash removal
• Hygiene facilities
• Support for residents to maintain cleanliness and responsibility

Permanent housing is the ultimate goal, but it takes years to develop. Micro Communities offer an immediate, humane solution while permanent options are expanded.

By providing:

• Immediate, stable housing
• Comprehensive support services

This helps residents stabilize and transition into long-term housing, breaking the cycle of chronic homelessness.

Residents are selected through a closed referral process managed by service providers based on target populations, vulnerability and barriers to accessing traditional shelters.

No. Micro Communities serve local residents already experiencing homelessness. Programs elsewhere show reductions in homelessness and encampments over time.

The City is committed to:

• Neighborhood forums
• Public meetings
• Transparent communication and Good Neighbor Agreements for each site

Residents must follow community guidelines. Violations are addressed through case management, with removal as a last resort.

Success will be tracked by:

• Number of residents transitioning to permanent housing
• Reductions in emergency service calls
• Neighborhood safety improvements
• Regular reports will be provided.

Community members can:

• Volunteer
• Donate to service providers
• Attend engagement forums
• Share accurate information

Yes. Pallet shelters are:

• Made from recyclable materials
• Energy-efficient

Cities like:

• Denver, CO
• Los Angeles, CA
• Vancouver, WA

have seen reduced crime and improved housing outcomes.

Extensions are available based on individual needs to ensure residents are not exited without support.

Micro Communities save public funds by:

• Reducing strain on emergency services
• Avoiding the costs of unmanaged homelessness

The City will engage neighborhoods through:

• Early and ongoing public meetings
• Good Neighbor Agreements customized for each location

The expansion will create 90 units across 3 Micro Communities, serving hundreds of people annually through turnover.

Residents will have access to:

• Case management
• Mental health and substance use treatment
• Workforce development
• Housing navigation

Partners include The Life Link and others.

All sites will be fully assessed for:

• Zoning
• Utilities
• Safety
• Accessibility

Yes.

• Denver reports over 60% of Micro Community residents transition to permanent housing within a year
• San Jose and Austin report 50–70% success rates
• Santa Fe’s Arroyo Chamiso Micro Community has already transitioned multiple residents into housing
• Cities report significant reductions in unsheltered homelessness nearby

The Arroyo Chamiso Micro Community has:

• Minimal police calls
• Successfully housed multiple residents
• Maintained good relationships with neighbors