𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Santa Monica Celebrates One Year of SaMo Bridge Alternative-to-Jail Program

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Thursday, May 14, 2026 — Santa Monica officials, law enforcement representatives, service providers, and program graduates gathered Thursday morning at City Hall to celebrate the first full year of the SaMo Bridge diversion program, highlighting its role in connecting vulnerable individuals to housing, treatment, and long-term support instead of jail. Chief Deputy City Attorney Jenna Grigsby opened the ceremony by describing SaMo Bridge as a collaborative effort built to address the gaps between police contact and long-term recovery for people experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and behavioral health challenges. “A year and a half ago, these groups came together and asked the hard questions,” Grigsby said. “Where are the gaps? How can we try to help those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse disorder, mental health struggles early before they got lost in the cycle of police contact and jail?” She explained that the city recognized the need for “a place for individuals to go at 2 in the morning that wasn’t jail,” leading to the creation of SaMo Bridge’s 24/7 respite hub located at the Civic Auditorium. The program operates from two trailers and allows Santa Monica police officers to directly refer individuals who have committed low-level offenses and are facing homelessness, substance abuse, or mental health challenges. Participants arriving at the respite hub are offered immediate access to basic needs including food, rest, showers, and direct connection to case managers from Exodus Recovery, Inc.. Many are connected to housing or treatment immediately, while others work through a 90-day care plan. Upon successful completion, the City Attorney’s Office declines to file qualifying misdemeanor charges. Grigsby said the city originally projected 260 referrals during the first year, but the program recorded 462 individuals—nearly double expectations. Of those, 233 participants were directly connected to services, with 81% placed into housing or treatment quickly. Fifty-eight participants completed the full program and graduated, meeting the city’s target graduation rate. “That’s 58 people thanks to their own hard work and the opportunity that SaMo Bridge afforded them that are no longer on the streets of Santa Monica,” she said. Santa Monica Police Captain Francisco Franco, speaking on behalf of Santa Monica Police Department and Police Chief Derrick Jacob, praised graduates for their resilience and described the program as a vital alternative for first responders. “Today’s not about hardship,” Franco said. “Today’s about success, resiliency, being that conduit of change.” Referencing Rocky Balboa, Franco added: “It’s not how hard you get hit, it’s how hard you get hit and keep moving forward. And that’s what you guys did during this program.” Raymond Moreno, program director of SaMo Bridge with Exodus Recovery, Inc., described the mission of the program as helping bridge the gap between crisis and stability. “At SaMo Bridge, our mission is simple — to meet people where they are and to help bridge the gap between crisis and stability,” Moreno said. “At the heart of everything we do is dignity, compassion, and accountability.” He said staff work daily to connect participants to shelter, healthcare, treatment, housing, and long-term support, often helping reunify individuals with family or secure immediate placement into programs. Following the speeches, graduates were presented with certificates recognizing their completion of the program. Several participants shared emotional testimony about how the diversion program changed their lives. One graduate said, “I would still be unhoused if it weren’t for the city and council members at SaMo Bridge and SMPD.” Another participant said police officers introduced him to the program and helped get him off the streets, adding that he is now preparing to move into his own place. The ceremony concluded with city officials emphasizing that SaMo Bridge’s success depends on continued collaboration between law enforcement, housing services, behavioral health providers, and the community. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document public programs and community efforts shaping the city’s response to homelessness, public safety, and long-term recovery solutions.