OUR NUMBERS
13,747
GALLONS OF TRASH REMOVED
564
HYPODERMIC NEEDLES REMOVED
20
CLEAN UPS CONDUCTED
OUR PROCESS
1. REQUEST FOR SERVICE
We receive a request for service from community members affected by illegal dumping or large amount of litter and debris. We process this request and schedule one of our team members to scout the service request location.
2. SCOUT
Our Scout will go to the reported location and assess the area. During the Scout's Assesment they will take pictures of the area, they will observe the amount of foot traffic and vehicle traffic, they will determine if this is an encampment or if one is nearby. In addition, the Scout will determine the amount of resources needed for this clean up.
3. CLEAN UP DISCUSSION
After the Scout's assessment, they will report to the Clean Streets Team and Board of Directors and present their collected information. This helps to eliminate any potential safety hazards or legal liabilities for the clean up. Once approved, the OCS Team will schedule a date to post flyers and the clean up.
4. CLEAN UP LOCATION POSTING
Once approved, our OCS Team Leader will then post notification flyers throughout the area that needs to be cleaned. Postings will be posted in prominent locations in English and Spanish. In addition if the clean up location is near or within an encampment, the OCS Team will place flyers at the door of each temporary shelter or with any present individual.
5. DAY OF CLEAN UP
During the day of the clean up, OCS team will perform street and sidewalk cleaning. In addition, trained members will perform traffic management to ensure team members and volunteer safety. If individuals are present with their property members will assist them in collecting their property to ensure it is not damaged, if the individual chooses not to remove their property, the OCS Team will ensure they allow a buffer zone.
6. END OF CLEAN UP
Depending on the mode of collection, our OCS Team Members will place all of the collected garbage into approved Searchlight Society Dumpsters for trash collection, or package the garbage for next day pick up with the local city's sanitation department.
FAQS
You’ve Got Questions — We've Got Answers
Do you displace homeless people?
NO! We do not. We believe that sanitation is a fundamental necessity. Everyone needs and deserves a clean safe environment. Rather than "Sweeping" homeless residents we work with them to help clean and clear their area of trash and potential health hazards. In addition we have team members/ volunteers who help connect them with supportive services, if they choose to.
How do you ensure you are not destroying or taking people's property?
Great question! By working with encampment residents we are able to create a rapport and determine what is theirs and what is trash. When there is a visible makeshift shelter and no one appears to be present, we create a buffer zone and ensure that no property or items of importance is removed or trashed. We all know what may be trash and not, however we still continue to take the utmost care when dealing with these areas. In addition, on an administrative side, we currently are piloting GoPro Cameras with our team members to provide an additional way to ensure transparency and accountability.
