| Topic: |
Politics > Politics-USA |
| User: |
"" |
| Date: |
19 Feb 2007 10:15:40 PM |
| Object: |
Northern California Homeless Forum A Success ! |
The second homeless forum meeting was very successful. A diverse
group
of approximately 35 concerned citizens and community members
attended.
After much discussion, it was determined that the following three
items would be the groups first focus:
1. The homeless need a voice.
2. The public needs education.
3. Project: Additional Mission/Transitional House is needed.
The homeless population need a voice. It was discussed by citizen
advocates how they had experienced first hand how difficult it is to
obtain services. Services available are often located in different
parts of the city and transportation is a real issue. Also noted was
that frequently the homeless are unable to speak up for themselves
when they are trying to obtain services. They find the entire process
overwhelming and seemingly impossible. Sadly, their self confidence
is
sometimes lacking and overburdened service workers sometimes lack the
patience and compassion that is needed. A county representative
present, explained that there are efforts underway to move some
services into one location to help alleviate the problem. Also
discussed was the current trend of "homeless sweeps" currently being
carried out in Redding. The city council of Redding recently passed
legislation that punishes anyone for illegal camping and campfires.
The current fines are $1,000 and or up to 6 months in jail. Given the
recent below freezing temperatures, this is felt to be cruel and
unusual punishment and ruled as such recently by a Federal Judge in
Los Angeles. Also noted, was the fact that although the police chief
claims that after a homeless persons belongings are seized, the
belongings are held and available to be picked up. Unfortunately, one
person present, had called the police department only to be told that
they do not hold property seized from the homeless. Efforts are
underway to find out the truth so that we can assist the homeless
reclaim their belongings if they are in fact available to them.
It was determined that teams of 2-3 people, hopefully at least one
person being homeless or having experienced homelessness, go into the
community to speak and educate the public. Most agreed, that the
homeless are often conceived as being druggies, lazy, no good, etc.
In
reality, most of us are just a few paychecks away from being in a
similar situation if we really think about it. Who are the homeless
in
our community? They are children, women, men, elderly, people with
mental disabilities, our veterans, abused women etc. Here at Redding
Loaves and Fishes, we have had two separate incidents where women
with
children came in for help as they were homeless. We had suggested the
Mission but they felt they were unwelcome there and opted to stay on
the streets. Chris called multiple agencies and local hotels to try
to
assist them without success. This really brings to light that all
organizations need to work together so people like this don't fall
through the cracks. Schools, churches, public entities (perhaps city
council?) etc. to be the targeted audience. Most agreed that getting
one or more council members to come to our next meeting would be
productive. We need their participation.
Everyone was given equal time to voice their concerns and ideas. The
Good News Rescue Mission was given due credit for sponsoring the one
and only shelter in Shasta County. Sadly, after discussing simple
numbers, it was noted that the Mission is equipped to handle 170
people, maximum. Shasta County currently has a documented 2,247
homeless individuals to include women, children, men and the elderly.
Therefore, finding an additional housing solution is imperative. The
goal for the next forum meeting is to appoint a subcommittee to get
started on some ideas for a solution that can be presented to the
entire group at the next meeting.
We are all looking forward to the next meeting to be held on
Saturday,
March 3rd at 1:00. We hope to see you there! Make sure to bring
your neighbors, coworkers, family members, friends, anyone who has a
heart to help!
http://reddingloavesandfishes.com/
.
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