Homeless Concerns

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Preserving Neighborhoods For All

The City is committed to preserving neighborhoods, maintaining the quality of life in Mountain View and balancing interests of those living in vehicles with those of our neighbors.

FD6A0FB3-97AD-48DE-9936-A5AA38DE7E4BIn order to meet the basic health and safety needs of vulnerable individuals, the City has funded portable restrooms, mobile/fixed showers, and washers and dryers to help address basic hygiene needs. As part of its COVID-19 response, the City expanded its support of portable restrooms and hand-wash stations throughout the community with emergency funding received from the Federal government, in addition to providing funding to CSA to expand mobile shower services. During the transition from the pandemic, the City gradually reduced the number of hygiene stations and continued monitoring usage. To support focused areas of need, the City has returned portable restrooms and hand-wash stations to CSA and Hope’s Corner.

While most residents living in vehicles abide by laws, Mountain View has continued to enforce other code provisions when applicable, such as illegal waste dumping or trespassing. City Code Section 35.32.3.1 outlines that it is unlawful to discharge sewage to storm drains, curbside gutters, storm sewers, storm drains, natural outlets, etc. The City’s cross-departmental team continuously monitors and coordinates the management of the public right-of-way through routine clean sweeps, distributing illegal waste dumping flyers and providing timely noticing regarding upcoming work and restriction s in the right-of-way.

Helpful Resources for Our Neighbors

  • Both residents living in vehicles and neighbors are encouraged to contact the Mountain View Police Department (MVPD) when experiencing any emergency or safety threat by dialing 9-1-1.
  • For non-emergency concerns, call the non-emergency line at (650) 903-6344.
  • You may also report vehicles parked for more than 72 hours by calling our hotline at (650) 903-6358.

 Questions and Feedback 

For questions about the City's homeless initiatives, use AskMV and choose "Homeless/Living in Vehicles" from the menu. For questions about parking violations, use AskMV and choose "Police Department/Parking Enforcement" from the menu.