Get Involved

https://www.instagram.com/lovewestminsteroc

Donations are given to this coalition of non-profit groups in the City of Westminster to provided the homeless with necessities and resources with the goal of transitioning them off the street and into stable housing.

Community Coalition Meetings

If you are interested in attending the meetings, please email homelessoutreach@westminster-ca.gov

Citizen’s Arrest

Because many of the crimes involving homeless persons are misdemeanors, a police officer can only arrest a person if the offense was committed in his/her presence. However, a person who witnesses the offense can make a citizen’s arrest by doing the following:

• Call 911 if it is an emergency, i.e., if the crime involves serious personal injury, property damage, or property loss. Otherwise call the non-emergency number at (714) 548-3212.
• When an officer arrives let him/her know that the offense was committed in your presence and you would like to make a private persons arrest. You must also be willing to appear and testify in court.

You do not have to physically take the person into custody. For your safety, such action is discouraged by the Department.

Avoiding Problems

The following information will help mitigate any potential issues with homeless persons.

• If you would like to report an ongoing issue with homelessness, please call the department's Homeless Outreach hotline at 714-898-3315 ext. 4633.
• Avoid verbal or physical confrontations.
• Offering money of food often encourages panhandling. If you are inclined to help the homeless, a better method is to contribute to local charities, missions or food banks.
• Do not permit anyone to camp, loiter or store personal belonging on your property.
• Restrict access to sidewalk overhangs, alcoves, or other areas protected from inclement weather.
• Keep trash dumpsters locked when not being filled or emptied.
• Secure outside storage sheds or containers.
• Lock gates after hours and turn off exterior power outlets.
• Install motion-activated exterior lighting after hours.
• Trim all landscaping to eliminate hiding places.
• Keep property free of trash, litter, junk, etc.
• Establish, post, and enforce rules of conduct for public use of private property. Include signs of nighttime curfews and prohibitions of loitering, illegal lodging, drinking alcoholic beverages, drug activities, etc.
• Install surveillance cameras to cover public areas.