Santa Monica Approves SaMo Bridge Program at Civic Auditorium Amid Resident Concerns
December 20, 2024 – SANTA MONICA, Calif.
The Santa Monica City Council has approved the SaMo Bridge program, a new initiative to address homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health challenges while offering alternatives to incarceration. Set to launch in the spring, the program will be based in a designated portion of the Civic Auditorium’s east parking lot and aims to break cycles of recidivism by providing a pathway to rehabilitation and stability.
Program Overview
At the heart of SaMo Bridge is a 24-hour “respite hub” to be located on the east side of the Civic Auditorium site. The hub will consist of two temporary trailers with onsite security and video monitoring. Individuals referred by law enforcement for low-level infractions—such as violating camping ordinances or loitering—can access meals, showers, and rest in a secure environment.
Once there, participants will meet with case managers to develop a 90-day personalized care plan. The plans are designed to connect individuals with resources such as mental health treatment, substance abuse programs, temporary housing, and assistance with essential documentation like IDs and benefits applications.
Participants can stay at the hub for a maximum of 72 hours, though most are expected to remain for six to 12 hours before being transitioned to appropriate long-term services. If individuals complete their 90-day care plan and remain connected to services, misdemeanor charges may not be filed, providing an incentive for compliance.
Funding and Additional Support
The program is funded through an $8 million grant awarded to the City Attorney’s Office and will operate alongside existing diversion initiatives, including STEP Court and the Alternatives to Incarceration Pre-Filing Diversion Program. Contracts have been awarded to organizations such as Exodus Recovery, Inc., which will manage the program’s day-to-day operations, and WillScot, which will provide the mobile trailers.
Additional services include program evaluation and fiscal audits by Moss Adams and grant consulting by Elizabeth Anderson Consulting. A dedicated analyst will also be hired to oversee data collection and ensure successful grant implementation.
Resident Concerns
While city leaders, including Chief of Police Ramon Batista, highlight the program’s potential to offer individuals a chance at recovery, some residents remain skeptical. Concerns have been raised about the location of the respite hub, with some questioning its proximity to residential neighborhoods and the potential for increased disruption.
Critics have suggested relocating the program to less central areas, such as the Santa Monica Airport, and have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of diversion programs based on past failures. Others have voiced a preference for stricter punitive measures rather than offering rehabilitation alternatives.
City’s Response and Public Engagement
Santa Monica officials emphasize the program’s comprehensive security measures and its focus on reducing crime by addressing its root causes. Housing and Human Services Director Heather Averick described SaMo Bridge as “a vital addition to the city’s toolbox for supporting individuals on their path to treatment and stable housing.”
To address public concerns, the city plans to conduct extensive outreach, including regular community meetings and a local advisory committee. The first public meeting will take place on January 22, 2025, during the Human Services Commission meeting, where residents will have an opportunity to voice their concerns and ask questions.
The city encourages residents to stay informed and participate in discussions as the program moves forward. For additional information, visit the City of Santa Monica’s website.
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