Reno's new homeless overflow shelter

The One Truckee River Initiative's purpose is to manage, protect and provide stewardship for Northern Nevada's Truckee River. That purpose includes all aspects that are affecting the river, both in and along.One of the perks of our initiative is that we consist of partners who are working with their own organizations on improving the Truckee River and its influence. On June 26 the Reno Police Department and the Community Assistance Center (CAC) opened up a homeless overflow shelter.In the One Truckee River meetings so far, and from our own experiences, we have discussed and understand that the presence of people camping illegally along the river is very much a reality. With the new overflow shelter in place, progress is being made.The shelter, located at 790 Sutro St. and available for both men and women, isn't the only step. Through an educational campaign, Community Action Officers (CAO) with the RPD have been reaching out to educate illegal campers on the river of the new shelter.Once the CAO have made contact with a homeless camp, they refer the campers to the CAC to be put on a list for the overflow shelter which opens each night at 8 p.m. Once the camper is officially checked in, they are provided transportation to the overflow shelter which can accommodate up to 100 people.The RPD and CAC are focusing on the Truckee River Corridor for these efforts, which extends from Stephenson Street east to Wells Avenue, and will cover areas within 350 feet of the river.Once the educational campaign is complete, officers will begin issuing misdemeanor citations to those who have been previously warned about camping illegally along the river.