Initially launched in September 2023 with bi-weekly deployments, HoST was designed to address encampment-related waste and debris
The City of Santa Monica has expanded its Homeless Support Team (HoST) following the success of a pilot program aimed at maintaining the cleanliness of public spaces.
Initially launched in September 2023 with bi-weekly deployments, HoST was designed to address encampment-related waste and debris across the city’s parks, beaches, and other public areas, as detailed in a City blog post by Custodial Services Administrator Jose “Jay” Aguilar.
The program, which initially relied on a contractor, has now been fully integrated into the city’s operations with an in-house team providing services five days a week.
The team proactively surveys neighborhoods to identify and clean up areas where waste has accumulated, focusing on known “hotspots”, the post stated. HoST also responds to complaints submitted through Santa Monica’s 311 system and collaborates closely with the Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Program (HLP) Team to clear waste from vacated encampments.
Since the in-house team began its work in May 2024, HoST has removed over 65 tons of debris, contributing to a total of more than 180 tons of waste collected citywide since the program’s inception, according to the post.
HoST operates under the Promenade Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department, with team members receiving specialized training in areas such as de-escalation, Narcan administration, and safety protocols for encampment cleanups. The program is funded through Measure CS, a voter-approved initiative that raised the transient occupancy tax paid by visitors to Santa Monica hotels.
