pages: CityCouncil/2021-04-06.pdf, 6
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CityCouncil | 2021-04-06 | 6 | and are have families; urged Council to keep the population in mind and look into things such as credit counseling and leveraging Federal dollars around rental subsidies to prevent homelessness and building stronger housing security: Jennifer Rakowski, Alameda. Stated that she was surprised to learn Jean Sweeney Park is a cause of homelessness; there were many unhoused individuals living on Jean Sweeney Park land prior to construction; many unhoused did not have services, such as washing or bathing facilities; she is curious about how the Park created homelessness: Lynn O'Conner, Alameda. Discussed his experience using the Safe Parking facility; stated the facility has been a Godsend and the people present are supportive; the resources and comradery provided is helpful; that he does not know where he would be without the services provided; discussed his experience as a single dad; stated that he has been hired to provide daycare services; expressed support for the positive treatment at the facility: Vincent Perrault, Alameda. In response to Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft's request, the Interim Community Development Director stated staff previously issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an organization to help with the plan; Homebase was selected as the provider and proposed the idea of a Steering Committee; noted the Steering Committee was not intended to bring community members together; instead, the Steering Committee was intended to bring together those with particular expertise; stated some of the members are service providers and some do business with Alameda; staff considered members part of an elite group advising on best practices; staff went along with the consultants proposal due to best practices from a number of different cities and agencies; the approach has been successful. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she has concerns about the City creating a Steering Committee with service providers that are receiving money from the City; the problem is serious, especially when data is being received about the effectiveness of the programs; she strongly believes the City is well-intended in trying to address the problem; data and impartial analysis is needed; impartial analysis is not possible when half of the Steering Committee members are from agencies that receive money from the City; expressed concern about the Committee's composition; stated it is a problem that there is no data evaluating the programs' services. Councilmember Knox White stated staff is off to a good start; staff has done a lot of outreach and work; he appreciates the key goals looking at housing first and bringing the community into programs; he has no recommended changes to the report; the guiding principles are good for the conversation ahead; there will be time to evaluate programs in the future; however, the data is not what is before Council and not where the process is currently; it is not necessary for Council to say which strategies are moving in the right direction; expressed support for ensuring a tight connection to the County plan and showing said connection; stated the County plan is solid and multi-tiered; some of the services provided by the County are only offered in Alameda as part of a larger and broader network; the City needs to look at how the systems are being built out to help residents and provide support for the region. Vice Mayor Vella expressed support for Councilmember Knox White's comments; stated the program is a great start and is high level; questioned how the program fits into the regional strategy for the County and neighboring cities and how the program fits into all other services provided; stated homeless counts are performed Countywide and cities work together due to people moving; expressed support for addressing how the program fits into the regional Regular Meeting Alameda City Council 6 April 06, 2021 | CityCouncil/2021-04-06.pdf |