top of page

HOMELESS
CRISIS IN
COLUSA COUNTY

Unsheltered adults—predominantly men are being denied critical homeless assistance in Colusa County with the repeated assertion: "no funding available."

Woman in White Sweater

FACT: 75% OF  PEOPLE STAYING IN SHELTERS GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL

  • 2024 Census Bureau

"The future of ending homelessness belongs to those who have lived it."

- Susan Wagenaar, CCR.

Funding a Continuum of Care (CA-523 CoC) to address homelessness without people with lived experience of homelessness on their board is not in the public's best interest. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) itself recognizes the importance of this inclusion, and federal regulations require at least one formerly or currently homeless person to serve on a CoC's board.

COLUSA COUNTY RECOVERY INVESTIGATES2 copy.png

"The song "Showboating With Taxpayer Dollars” is a rallying cry, uniting residents, supporting the homeless, and demanding greater transparency in how homeless dollars are spent."

 - Colusa County RECOVERY

Learn the backstory to this song
Song length
3:45
L I S T E N
Homeless Population Growth in California: Golden State in Crisis
The Gray Wave: Rising Homelessness for American Seniors
Rural Homelessness Ground Zero: Inside West Virginia’s Hidden Crisis
Finland Solved Homelessness: Here's How (Spoiler: It's More Than Housing First)
Homeless Man Lost Millions Now Lives in a Oakland Tent City
The Hidden Homeless: People Living in Cars - Documentary
DIRTY LITTLE SECRET
Listen to  Ep.4 of Our Mini Podcast to Learn What Our Unhoused Residents Have Said is Their Most Pressing Unmet Need
Almi-Homeless in Colusa County by Colusa County Recovery copy.png

SHE WAS TOLD

NO FUNDING AVAILABLE 

We've teamed up with imhoused residents to blow the roof off homeless assistance service GAPS happening in our communty.

​

Locally, unhoused adults have been turned away in disturbing numbers by county workers with just three words - NO FUNDING AVAILABLE - Men represent the highest denial rates for assistance. 

​

COLUSA COUNTY RECOVERY

Join Our Advocacy Movement 

Contact page​ ​

​

CalAIM is Helping Our Community and those Experiencing Homelessness ​

 The CalAIM initiative utilizes the Medi-Cal program to help address the multifaceted challenges facing Colusa County's most vulnerable residents, such as individuals experiencing homelessness who have untreated addiction or mental health issues, or seniors with complex health care needs, and the growing number of justice-involved community members, who need support and access to vital services.

 

Call PARTNERSHIP Healthplan of California at (800) 863-4155 to learn more or to be connected to a CalAIM provider in Colusa County.

Addressing Homelessnes: Become a Lighthouse for Hope and Advocacy in Colusa County

Our founder's commitment to advocating for others is a testament to the incredible impact one person can make. It's a powerful reminder that each of us holds the potential to be a voice for change within our own communities. If Susan's passion for helping others and speaking 'truth to power' has inspired you, consider taking action today. Your efforts, no matter how big or small, can ripple out and create positive change in Colusa.

​

Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

​​

Together, we can build stronger, more accountable communities.

CITZEN JOURNALISM & ADVOCACY

REPORTING RESOURCES

Where to Report Allegations of Fraud, Waste, Abuse, Mismanagement, or Discrimination Related to Homelessness

 

If you are experiencing homelessness (or are a county employee) and believe you have witnessed waste, fraud, abuse, or mismanagement of homeless funding, initiatives, or services, or if you've experienced dismissive or discriminatory treatment, it's crucial to report it. By reporting, even anonymously, you can help hold individuals and organizations accountable and potentially improve the lives of others experiencing homelessness in Colusa County.

 

 

1. Experiencing Dismissal or Discrimination? (Immediate Action)

IMPORTANT: If you are experiencing homelessness and your lived experience or funding concerns are met with dismissive or discriminatory treatment, please contact Colusa County Recovery directly and immediately.

  • Phone: 530-588-5697

  • Your concerns matter and will be addressed.

 

2. Report General Grievances or Program Concerns (Local)

For general grievances or concerns about community-wide planning and strategic resource use to address homelessness across Colusa, Glenn, and Trinity Counties, contact the lead agency:

​

Glenn County Community Action Department (Dos Rios Continuum of Care)

 

 

3. Report Suspected Fraud, Waste, or Misuse of Funds (Local)

If your complaint specifically involves suspected fraud, waste, or misuse of funds related to homeless services within Colusa County:

​

Colusa County Public Assistance Fraud Prevention Hotline

 

 

4. Report or File a Complaint with Federal Agencies

These agencies investigate allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or whistleblower-related matters within federally funded programs.

 

The HUD Office of Inspector General

  • Hotline: 800-347-3735

  • Contact Form: HUD Office of Inspector General

 

U.S. Government Accountability Office

This hotline supports accountability across the federal government and can help refer allegations to the right agencies.

  • Hotline: 800-424-5454

  • Contact form: U.S. Government Accountability Office

 

 

5. Contact Elected Officials and State Agencies

For broader oversight or to bring concerns to the attention of higher authorities:

 

Congressman Doug LaMalfa

​

Colusa County Board of Supervisors

  • Contact: Janice Bell (District V Supervisor)

  • Email: jbell@countyofcolusaca.gov

  • (Note: You may also contact the main Board of Supervisors office at (530) 458-0508 for general inquiries or to be directed to another supervisor.)

​

California Department of Social Services (CDSS)

Housing and Homelessness Division of the CDSS is responsible for program development and oversight of statewide housing programs. You can contact them at  (916) 651-5155.

​​

Civil Rights Bureau: California Department of Social Services

​​

  • California State Auditor (Whistleblower Hotline)

​

bottom of page