The living conditions outside the shelters are shocking, inhumane, and dangerous to both the homeless residents and surrounding neighbors. This population was found living in cars, R.V.s, tents, lean-to's, and under tarps. There are no sanitary facilities and human waste is deposited wherever the person can find privacy. Drinking water is either drawn directly from the creeks and river or brought in from other sources in jugs and bottles. Garbage is strewn everywhere and often dumped into the creeks and river.
Food is stored in the open and often infested with flies and other insects.
That number grows to about 200 in the summer. State Parole lists 24 parolees as homeless in Napa. By far most of the street homeless are long term Napa residents. Many have been homeless for many years. Some, however, were found to be originally from another community and decided to stay here after treatment at Napa State Hospital or an arrest by local law enforcement.