pages: CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf, 9
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CityCouncil | 2021-11-02 | 9 | family homes and whether the sites will help families currently unhoused in Alameda. The Community Development Director responded in the affirmative; stated the sites are the best opportunity for an expedient solution; there are three homes in varying states of repair and disrepair; one of the sites could be available fairly quickly; the others will follow in sequence; the goal is to have the sites up and running quickly for the colder months. The Economic Development Manager stated since staff does not have funding from other agencies for the project, the target demographic can be Alameda residents. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she understands the City is limited in targeting Alameda residents; inquired the impacts to staff's ability to address those who are unhoused within the City. The Community Development Director responded the sites will provide an opportunity to offer housing to individuals on the streets; staff will have to decide on other solutions if someone is not interested in the housing option; the solutions sought will be complicated and will require input from the City Attorney's office, as well as the Alameda Police Department; the preference is to offer a bed and provide the opportunity for housing first. The City Attorney stated the City's program is targeting volunteer individuals; the program does not intend to compel anyone to be in a location. Councilmember Herrera Spencer requested clarification about the Boise case and how the case impacts the City's options for unhoused individuals. The City Attorney stated the Boise decision from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that local, federal and State agencies cannot criminalize the act of being homeless when there is not sufficient shelter space; the decision is groundbreaking due to various jurisdictions adopting laws which precluded individuals from being out on the street and sleeping on the street at certain nighttime hours; the Court held that the laws are a violation against the 8th Amendment rights related to cruel and unusual punishment; the decision currently remains good law. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated that she does support the scattered sites; she is hopeful that the City can continue to look for additional sites to help house Alameda's homeless; the bottle parcel is next to the College of Alameda; the College of Alameda has many programs which provide services to help people receive education; inquired whether the City is planning to find providers to work with the College of Alameda to help the people housed at the bottle parcel; the location is great, especially if the City can partner with the College of Alameda to provide services. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft requested clarification about the services being sought for the bottle parcel location. The Community Development Director stated the City will offer full, wrap-around services; counselors will be available to assist with educational interests, job needs and driver's license retention; the direction to have a relationship with the College of Alameda is excellent in offering an educational pipeline to individuals; staff will begin cultivating a relationship for the project. Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the College of Alameda has many services; the City is Regular Meeting Alameda City Council November 2, 2021 6 | CityCouncil/2021-11-02.pdf |