This past week, I had the opportunity to walk alongside Folsom’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) and witness firsthand the tireless and often thankless work they do to address the city’s homeless encampments. What I saw was not just law enforcement—it was a careful balance of compassion, patience, and enforcement, something that is often misunderstood in discussions about homelessness and illegal camping and this was just the start of a 48-hour crash course in this massive issue that gave me an expanded perspective of homelessness from the inside looking out.
The HOT team’s mission is not just about clearing encampments; it is about creating long-term solutions while maintaining public safety. Since its launch, the team has cleared over 40 encampments and, more importantly, connected at least 17 individuals to stable housing and services. The Supreme Court ruling last summer gave cities like Folsom the ability to enforce laws against illegal camping, and Folsom’s approach to this newfound authority has been one of responsibility and care. Officers do not just show up to evict; they show up to engage, to offer help, and to connect people with available resources.
The reality of homelessness is complex. As I walked alongside these officers, I saw the challenges they face—both from individuals resistant to change and from the broader issue of ensuring encampments do not return after being cleared. And yet, despite these obstacles, they continue their work with unwavering commitment. These officers know many of the unhoused individuals by name, and in return, many of these individuals recognize and respect them. The relationships built are evident in the interactions—firm but fair, professional yet personal.
One of the significant recent cleanups took place at an area near businesses and a popular trail, an area that had become a serious safety and environmental hazard. Officers, in partnership with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and non-profit organizations like Jake’s Journey Home, worked not just to clear the encampment but to ensure those displaced were offered help. This collaboration between law enforcement and social services is key to addressing homelessness in a way that is both effective and humane.
A major turning point in the city’s enforcement efforts came when Folsom secured a no-trespassing legal agreement with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, allowing officers to take action on state-owned land within city limits. This agreement has enabled swift enforcement and has significantly reduced the recurrence of encampments. However, enforcement alone is not the goal. As Lt. Zelaya pointed out, the success of these efforts is measured not just by the removal of encampments but by the number of individuals who are successfully connected to services and support systems.
What struck me the most was the proactive nature of the team’s approach. They do not simply react to complaints—they actively revisit cleared sites to ensure encampments do not return. This ongoing vigilance has helped shift the dynamic in Folsom, discouraging illegal camping while ensuring those who want help can get it. The city’s partnership with local non-profits plays a critical role in this effort, reinforcing the idea that homelessness is not just a law enforcement issue—it is a community issue requiring a community-driven solution.
In an era where law enforcement is often scrutinized, Folsom’s HOT team exemplifies the best of what community policing should be. They enforce the law, but they do so with compassion, treating individuals with dignity while maintaining the safety and cleanliness of public spaces. Their work is not easy, and it is not always met with appreciation, but it is essential.
I appreciate the opportunity to join the Folsom Police Department in the field, and I realize that if I or someone else were to wander into one of these areas without the company of officers, the conversations may be very different. Seeing how the homeless population interacts and shows respect for the HOT team reassures me that what I watched is truly what they do as they visit these sites. If my presence had made the way they work with these folks any different, the respect by those they visit and speak with would not have shown such mutual respect.
As I reflect on my experience accompanying these officers, I am reminded that the conversation about homelessness needs to go beyond the surface-level debates of enforcement versus compassion. The Folsom Police Department has shown that it is possible to do both—to uphold the law while recognizing the humanity of those affected. Their efforts deserve recognition, not just for what they are doing today, but for the lasting impact they are making on the future of Folsom.
Fast forward to Thursday night’s premiere of the locally filmed No Address movie, and my perspective on homelessness expanded even further. The film was gripping, offering a raw and emotional inside look at the crises faced by those living on the streets. It paints a deeply personal picture of the struggles and humanity behind homelessness, demonstrating how many individuals are just one hardship or crisis away from losing their homes. Much of the movie was filmed right here in Folsom, making its message hit even closer to home. Produced by local filmmaker Robert Craig, whose passion for helping others is evident in his work, the film is a must-see—not only for its local scenery but for its powerful storytelling and urgent message on homelessness.
Sitting in the theater, reflecting on my week walking the trails with the HOT team, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of these combined experiences. Witnessing firsthand how Folsom’s officers engage with the homeless community, and then seeing the intimate struggles portrayed on screen, reinforced that homelessness is not a singular issue—it is layered, complex, and deeply personal.
The film showcases the lives of people who, for various reasons, ended up without shelter, and it drives home the reality that many are not far removed from such circumstances themselves. It makes you question preconceived notions and compels you to see the humanity in those often overlooked. The balance of compassion and enforcement that Folsom’s HOT team practices is a testament to a community that understands the issue cannot be addressed by law enforcement alone—it takes awareness, resources, and empathy.
The progress made thus far is encouraging, but the work is far from over. Our community is fortunate to have dedicated organizations like Jake’s Journey Home, HART of Folsom, The Gathering Inn, Powerhouse Ministries and others working tirelessly to provide resources and aid. However, we need more of them and more for them to fully address and repair what is broken within this crisis. It will take continued effort from law enforcement, nonprofits, city leaders, and compassionate individuals to create a sustainable solution.
Bill Sullivan is a co-founder and CEO of All Town Media LLC and Folsom Times, the Folsom Chamber of Commerce 2024 Emerging Business of the Year
