MINUTES, HOMELESS ACTION! JANUARY 31, 2022 16 in attendance
Tim Miller reported no news about George’s Hideaway; that he’s in discussion about safe parking project at the Guerneville Senior Center, which will accommodate 6 vehicles. Two units have already been placed; the site has sewer-connected bathroom and sink, and case management has been assigned.
Gregory Fearon is optimistic about the new Coc board, which will turn over in March; it will be responsible for awarding some $10-12 million in the new fiscal year beginning July 1st. New members include Una Glass, Mark Landman, Dennis Pocekey and Steven Sotomayer. The Lived Experience seat remains open; a Lived Experience Committee is still forming.
Suzanne encourages comments to city council re SAVS safe parking; discussion about new strict parking regs for rv’s in Sebastopol has been delayed until Feb 15th. Volunteers have been very active around town with flyers supporting the SAVS project and will be at the Main Street corner on Friday at mid-day.
Kathleen reported that the last Coordinated Entry Committee meeting was cancelled due to lack of quorum.
Ludmilla reported that CDC staff, as before, seem to be a major roadblock to progress. Gregory confirmed that there’s continuing murkiness about who’s in charge at that agency and expressed hope that the new CoC board will be more assertive in directing staff.
Ludmilla reported that CDC staff, as before, seem to be a major roadblock to progress. Gregory confirmed that there’s continuing murkiness about who’s in charge at that agency and expressed hope that the new CoC board will be more assertive in directing staff.
Gregory added that there’s some new confusion as to whether funding for safe parking awarded to SAVS can be used for that project or must be used for outreach. In addition, the lawsuit against Sebastopol about the safe parking project will be considered in court tomorrow, Feb 1, and the judge will announce his ruling at 2:30pm
Hector reported that four residents have moved into new Sebastopol site, one of whom will serve as onsite manager; grading work is being finished up; the site will have a shower; portable toilet and handwashing station onsite now.
Victoria: Steamer’s Landing opponents have filed a motion to dismiss the TRO put in place last Oct 5th. She also thanked HA! for having made numerous contributions toward her annual bar expenses in the past and proudly announced that she is now able to pay the fee herself. Congratulations, Victoria!
Gregory: Recent Blake v. Grants Pass ruling reinforces (and expands?) Martin v. Boise.
Gold Coin and St. Vincent de Paul: This confusing and contentious issue as reported by the Press Democrat apparently was written without taking into account detailed explanations provided to reporters by Jack Tibbetts.
Connecting those in need of housing and those who own space remains problematic. Advocates need to continue efforts to have greater input into the decision-making process.
Annie Landes’ remarkable one on one mentoring project in Sonoma is proving itself to be of great value. Here in Santa Rosa and incorporated areas, our wishes to apply the same strategy may not be so easy because of the great number of clients we have here. Victoria will contact Annie for suggestions on how we can adapt her strategies – there are several great ones – to our level of need. Greater collaboration with other advocates in general and the possibility of hosting a conference of advocates in order to form a coalition was also discussed. At the same time Covid still hampers our efforts to a large degree. Gregory suggested that HA! apply for an ARPA grant for such a conference.
Kathleen suggested that we review our mission statement. In addition to HA! serving as a valuable conduit of information and resources, she suggests that we establish three or four focused priorities for this group. Perhaps a sub committee could be established for each of these.
Many suggestions for Sebastopol’s law regarding the parking of RV’s were put forth.
We are all encouraged to present them to the Sebastopol City Council.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Finigan
