My name is Monica Newell, and I am submitting this public comment to express serious concern over Mendocino County’s failure to provide consistent and effective emergency and long-term support for our unhoused population. Every day, vulnerable residents are left without shelter, food, or safety—falling through the cracks of a system that continues to underperform in addressing a growing humanitarian crisis.
In response, I have launched Sanctuary of Simplicity & Zefreey, a grassroots nonprofit outreach initiative. Zefreey is focused on delivering emergency shelter and food directly to those in need, along with hygiene supplies and spiritual support. We are doing this work on the ground, in real time, with limited resources—but the need far outweighs our current capacity.
As our first major action, Zefreey is proposing a Safe Parking Program—a low-barrier, community-managed space for people living in their vehicles to park overnight without fear of harassment, towing, or danger. This effort is not about bureaucracy—it’s about dignity, safety, and survival. A safe place to sleep should not be controversial, and yet it remains out of reach for too many in our community.
Zefreey urgently needs funding and logistical support to expand our services and launch this initiative. We are ready to act, but we cannot do it alone. The county must not only recognize the failures of its current response but actively support organizations like ours that are stepping up to meet the need.
I urge Mendocino County to redirect resources, streamline partnerships, and prioritize funding for immediate, community-led homeless relief efforts. The Safe Parking Program is ready to go—we just need the county to open the door.
Together, we can create real change—but only if the will to act is matched with the means to do so.
My name is Monica Newell, and I am submitting this public comment to express serious concern over Mendocino County’s failure to provide consistent and effective emergency and long-term support for our unhoused population. Every day, vulnerable residents are left without shelter, food, or safety—falling through the cracks of a system that continues to underperform in addressing a growing humanitarian crisis.
In response, I have launched Sanctuary of Simplicity & Zefreey, a grassroots nonprofit outreach initiative. Zefreey is focused on delivering emergency shelter and food directly to those in need, along with hygiene supplies and spiritual support. We are doing this work on the ground, in real time, with limited resources—but the need far outweighs our current capacity.
As our first major action, Zefreey is proposing a Safe Parking Program—a low-barrier, community-managed space for people living in their vehicles to park overnight without fear of harassment, towing, or danger. This effort is not about bureaucracy—it’s about dignity, safety, and survival. A safe place to sleep should not be controversial, and yet it remains out of reach for too many in our community.
Zefreey urgently needs funding and logistical support to expand our services and launch this initiative. We are ready to act, but we cannot do it alone. The county must not only recognize the failures of its current response but actively support organizations like ours that are stepping up to meet the need.
I urge Mendocino County to redirect resources, streamline partnerships, and prioritize funding for immediate, community-led homeless relief efforts. The Safe Parking Program is ready to go—we just need the county to open the door.
Together, we can create real change—but only if the will to act is matched with the means to do so.
Thank you.