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Safety Net Shredded: Vulnerable Homeless Woman Denied Aid in Colusa County

Updated: Jul 31

L I S T E N

COLUSA, CA – (June 27, 2025) – The gaps within Colusa County's safety net have become brutally apparent once again with the case of Almi, a local woman of Hispanic heritage who was left to fend for herself while grappling with homelessness, mental health challenges, and periodic alcohol use.


Homeless in Colusa County
Living Rough in Colusa County

Almi was denied homeless housing assistance in Colusa County this month, marking her the eleventh documented case where Colusa County Recovery (CCR) has identified a severely at-risk individual being told, in no uncertain terms, "no funding available."


Responding to Almi's desperate SOS on Saturday, June 21st, a two person team from CCR took immediate action, providing her safe transport from Williams to a friend's home in Colusa for temporary shelter.


Plans are now underway to get Almi the help she urgently needs: CCR will drive her to Behavioral Health Services for an intake and help enroll her in Medi-Cal based community health services offered through a local nonprofit.


Almi's situation exposes a shocking reality for vulnerable unsheltered individuals in the county. Between jobs, without a car, and facing immense personal challenges, she was reportedly devastated to learn that the county's primary homeless service provider, had nothing to offer her – no funding, no housing assistance, no hope. This denial raises troubling questions about homeless resource allocation and services within Colusa County. 


"The denial of assistance to Almi, like the ten cases we documented before hers, is utterly unacceptable," states Susan Wagenaar, a community advocate whose team is working with the area’s unsheltered community to shed light on systemic service gaps and inequities.

"How is it possible that our county's primary homeless service provider is repeatedly turning away severely at-risk individuals with the repeated excuse of 'no funding available?' asks Wagenaar. "This situation demands immediate and aggressive scrutiny. We need transparency, accountability, and a reckoning to ensure that our taxpayer-funded safety net actually catches those who are most vulnerable in Colusa County and in need of shelter."


The time for excuses is over; action is required now.


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Media/Community Contact:

Susan Wagenaar, 530-588-5697, SusanWdcMedia@gmail.com



COLUSA COUNTY RECOVERY'S MISSION


"It's important to meet people impacted by homelessness where they're at, but not leave them where they're at."  - Susan Wagenaar, Advocate, CCR Founder


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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 or the community you call home.


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 or public assistance contact:

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

California State Auditor (Whistleblower Hotline)




Keywords: Colusa County, Local News, Advocacy, Homelessness, Unsheltered. Service Delivery Gaps, Unmet Needs, Community Assessment, Homeless Grants, Human Interest Story, Waste, Fraud and Abuse. 

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