Northern California Homeless Forum A Success !

[Guest guest]

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. P.M. 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/