SR-0 (17)
Council Meeting: 3/26/91
CDD:CNS:.JR:tfh
Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Create a Task Force on Homelessness
INTRODUCTION
This staff report transmits the recommended scope, goals and
membership for a new city Council appointed Task Force on
Homelessness.
Additionally, it briefly describes several new
strategies and programs implemented by the city within the past
year to better respond to the crisis of homelessness in Santa
Monica.
BACKGROUND
Due to the severe curtailment in federal, state and county
funding for critical health, mental health, human services and
affordable housing programs, Santa Monica, like most urban
communities nationwide, has spent the better part of the last
decade responding to an increasing number of homeless individuals
and families within our community.
Throughout the 1980's and
early 1990's, the City of Santa Monica and scores ot commun~ty
members have developed strategies and programs to respond to thlS
crisis with compassion and reason.
In January 1990, the City Council approved several measures to
address, within available limited resources, the continuing human
service and housinq needs of homeless persons as well as the
public safety concerns of Santa Monica residents and businesses.
In addition, over the past year City staff has continued to
initiate and implement efforts to further address homelessness ~n
Santa Monica. These combined measures (outlined later in th~s
report), while important, are incremental and do not
comprehensively address all of the obvious gaps and unmet'needs:
rather they set in place those things that could immediately
further address this difficult problem.
In recent years, the City, local service providers, the Wests ide
Shelter coalition, a Chamber of COJlUllerce task force, religious
communities, neighborhood groups, an action group from the City's
Public Electronic Network (PEN) system and groups of homeless
people themselves, have all participated in efforts to address
the growing problem of homelessness in Santa Monica. While these
efforts have resulted in important programs and initiatives, it
is time for the City to once again, as it did in 1985, convene
and sanction a group ot such representative. to wrestle with the
complex issue. of homelesaness and recommend next steps to the
city Council.
The tollowinq discussion propos.. a mission, qoals, and
membership for the new Task Force on Homelessness and provides
information on several City initiative. in the past year to
enhance community services and satety for all of those residing
in Santa Monica.
DISCUSSION
Task Force On Homelessness
o Mission and Goals: It is recommended that the Task Force
on Homelessness be given the mandate to formulate
recommendations on immediate and long term action for the
city to better respond to the continuing and qrow~ng
cris is of homelessnes5 in Santa Monica. The Task Force
will be asked to come up with a balanced approach which
considers the need for assistance and services for
homeless people, public safety for all people in Santa
Monica, and advocacy to urge the county, state and federal
governments to solve this growing crisis.
The Task Force will formulate recommendations for short
term actions and longer term strategies to achieve the
following 9'oals:
o Enhanced homeless services and housinq to fill
current gaps ~
o strenqtheninq ot coordination between housing and
human ..rvices;
o Increased public safety:
o Reduction in the nUlllhers of homeless people ~n
public spaces (including parks and the downtown,
etc.);
o Increased advocacy efforts targeted to state and
federal qovernments tor policy changes and
increasad fundinq relata4 to ham.lesaness (lack of
atfordable housing, mental health services, etc.);
and
o Definition and development of regional planning
strateqies to increase coordination and create
partnerships between local qovernment, non-
profits, buslness,
federal governments.
religious,
county/state/
o Task Force Role: Acting as a community problem-solvlng
and advisory group with diverse perspectives and
expertise, the Task Force on Homelessness will fo~ulate
recommendations which will require both City and non-City
resources.
Clearly, in order to deal with short and
longer term goals, the issue ot funding is a critical one.
Early on in the process, the city Manager will outline and
review both current homeless expenditures as well as
possible funding enhancements.
The Task Force will be asked to develop their
recommendations for action and policy in no later than six
to nine months (by December 1991) with an initial status
report to the City Manager by the end ot the fiscal year
(June 30, 1991).
All members will be asked to visit and learn about the
existing homeless services in the community as well as
review mod.l. from other citi.s and proposals already
developed by various qroups in Santa Monica. Members will
be asked to become familiar with the key issues related to
public safety and enforcement as well as examine options
for limiting numbers of homeless people on the streets
without services.
Tbe Task Forc. will learn about
existing advocacy ettorts locally and nationally and be
asked to recommend ways tor local advocacy efforts to be
enhanced in order to intluence the policies and funding of
the county, state and ultimately federal government on
this issue. In all of these areas the Task Force will be
asked to develop short and long term action steps and
recommendations for the city.
o Membership: In selecting the proposed members for the
Task Force, the City Clerk announced the formation of the
Task Force and invited applications in the Outlook, on PEN
and posted notices in City Hall. In addition, people in
the community who had expressed interest in the Task Force
were contacted and invited to apply.
The City staff sought to identify members for this group
who represent diverse perspectives in the community
including: social service representatives, business
representatives, religious representatives, homeless or
formerly homeless people, and community members w~th
desired expertise in the areas ot housing, neighbo;-hood
issues, social serv ices, research, or concern and
experience with the issues ot homelessne5s.
The proposed membership for the Task Force on Homelessness
is as follows.
Business: Oaniel Kingsley
Peter Levi
William Mortensen
Jeanne Seqal
community.: Polly Benson-Brown
Norman Colbert
Conway Collis
Sharon Gilpin
Chris Jackson
Madeleine Stoner
Michelle Whittig
Mona Lisa Williams
Religious: Rev. Donald Shelby
Rabbi Mel Gottlieb
social services: Daphne Dennis
Rhonda Meister
Vivian Rothstein
Darrell Tidwell
*includes homeless or formerly ho.eless people
The Task Force will be staffed by a teu of City staff
from.the Community Development Department with additional
resources, information, participation and support from
other city departments as needed, including the City
Manager's Otfice, the City Attorney's Office, the Police
Department and the CUltural and Recreation Services
Department. Copies of applications wi th experience and
community affiliations are available upon request.
o Timeline: The Task Force will be convened in April 1991
and will meet one to three time. per month wi th several
full day meetings to be scheduled with the members and
staff. The Task Force will report to the City Manager on
progress at three month intervals (June and September) and
will be expected to report back to the City Council with~n
six to nine months, with a deadline of December 1991.
Additional City Initiat~ves
o Sites for proqrams: City staff continues to pursue
possible sites for the FAITH Meals Program (currently
operating six evenings per week on the front lawn of c~ty
Hall.) New acquisition, leasing and expanded use of other
City-owned property are all being considered.
o ~.eqional Emergency Colel Weather Shelter proqram (ECWSP):
For the first time this winter, the Ci ty implemented a
sixty day shelter to supplement the the weather activated
shelter from November 15 through March 30th. The weather
activated shelter program continued under the direction of
the County of Los Angeles and the shelter sites for Santa
Monica were the West Los Angeles and CUlver City armories.
The City ot Santa Konica oversaw and coordinated all
transportation and intake for the armory sheltering as
well as the voucher program for families to Santa
Monica-based motels.
The County did not fund or participate in the sixty day
shelter program, which the city of Santa Monica initiated
and implemented in conjunction with the city of Los
Anqeles and local service providers. Half ot the sixty
day continuous shelter (mid January to mid February) was
located at Mem.orial Park. The proqram was designed to
link mental health, government benefit programs, and local
social services, including the FAITH and Salvation Ar:ny
Heals Programs, to the shelter. This integrated service
model was an important step in the City's effort to expand
the scope of the ECWSP by providing more shelter dUl::lng
the coldest months ot the year and strengthening the
linkages between existing free-standing meals programs
and other support services tor homeless people.
o Accessible Shelter Voucher Program: Given that the Ocean
Park Community center's Turning Point Shelter is located
in the inaccessible basement of the First Christian Church
and the general lack of shelter options for homeless
people in wheelchairs, the City funded minor accessibility
improvements to a room at the Resthaven Hotel in Santa
Monica so that it can now be accessed by wheelchair. This
room is to be utilized for homeless people with
disabilities who qualify tor Turning Point's Program.
This recent improvement has provided 190 bednights of
shelter since March 1990 for homeless people in
wheelchairs.
o Increased Tarqetlnq ot Attordal:lle Housinq Ettorts: The
City'S initial efforts in targeting afford.able housing
production to address homelessness have been focused on
expanding the uses ot citywide Housing Trust Fund dollars
to include single room occupancy (SRO) units. The C~ty
has begun the development ot one new permanent SRO project
and has been available to provide technical assistance to
organizations interested
affordable housing.
in
developing
specialized
o Expansion of Public Shower Facilities: With the
involvement of the PEN Action Group, who last year
developed the SWASHLOCK (shower, washers and lockers)
concept, the City is expanding and improving its pUblic
shower facilities at the Santa Monica Pier and in Memorial
Park. Shower expansions and upqrades, enhanced facility
management, and increased hours of operation will enable
the entire community to bene~it from these public shower
improvements.
o Increased City Employment Opportunities: The City has
worked with local homeless service providers to increase
access to City employment by homeless people. Coordinated
recruitment, screening and specialized supervision have
been explored in order to facilitate such employment. The
Ci ty' s CUltural and Recreation Services Department has
developed and implemented a pilot project to employ
homeless people as workers and supervisors in a Palisades
Park clean up proqram. This proqram has been successful
and is hoped to be expanded to the beach and other parks
in the future.
o Expansion ot Services in Parks and Public Places: Based
on the effectiveness ot the Park Ranger Program, the
ranqer team has been tripled to provide expanded coverage
in Palisades, Memorial, 3oslyn, Lincoln and Marine Parks,
as well as roving ranger patrol in other park s~tes. The
program has increased from two to six full-time rangers
with additional as-needed rangers providing seven day per
week coverage including evening and week-end coverage at
park community centers. The visability of park rangers
seeks to enhance public safety and responsible behavior in
City parks.
o creation of a Special Police Homeless Unit: The HELP
(Homeless Enforcement Liaison Program) Team was created
approximately six months ago to respond to the increase in
calls to the Police department involving the homeless. In
addition to enforcement, this full-time two officer team
patrols, provides outreach, acts as a liaison to local
agencies and identifies liquor stores that sell alcohol to
intoxicated people.
o Police Department Committee on Hemelessne5S: Within the
past few months, the Santa Monica Police Department has
convened an interdepartmental group of City staff along
witb a wide range of local service providers and mental
health prOfessionals to improve the link. between the
PolIce department and local services. In addi tion to
sharin9 information and strategies for increased community
safety and appropriate social service referrals by the
police department, this group has bequn to identify
projects such as the possible creation of a local
alternative sentencinq program at the Santa Monica Court.
o Reqional and Statewide Orqanizinq: In February 1990, the
City of Santa Monica began an effort to pressure the State
of California to meet its responsibility in addressing the
crisis of homelessness. This initial effort resulted in
the creation of the Business/Government Council To End
Namelessness, a collaboration of business, government and
social service leaders who are working together to
advocate for a state legislative agenda to end
homelessness. The newly created organization has a Board
of Directors, is currently staffed by a team of
consultants and is working to expand membership to include
a broad base of representatives from business and local
government across the state.
Two key milestones of this effort were the initiation of a
letter co-siqned by fourteen mayors from throughout
california sent to Speaker of the Assembly Willie Brown
and President Pro Tem David Roberti. Subsequent Assembly
Joint Committee Hearinqs on Homelessness were held in
Santa Monica in October 1990. In addition, the project
was granted $40,000 from the City ot Los Anqeles Community
Redeve1op..nt Agency to match Santa Monica's initial
$30,000 qrant.
City staff are awaitinq additional infomation from the
project consultants to evaluate the request for continued
project fundinq of $20,000 tor the remainder of the fiscal
year and $40,000 tor next fiscal year.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
There is no additional fiscal impact at this time.
RECOMMENDATIONS
City staff recommends that the City Council approve the proposed
mission, qoals and membership tor the new Task Force on
Homelessness as outlined in this report and authorize the City
Manaqer to beqin its implementation as soon as possible.
Prepared By: Julie Rusk, Human Services Coordinator
Debby Maddis, Senior Administrative Analyst
Department ot Community Development
DESCRIPTION OF TASK FORCE PROCESS
Much of the publIc comment to the Task Force reaffirmed our
conviction that asSiStIng homeless people to get back on their feet IS
an investment WhICh not only helps individual people but strengthens
our community as well. HelpIng people to help themselves must
include the active Involvement of homeless persons in solutions-
partlcipating in shared responsibilIty in the health and safety of this
community and in contributing to social services. Santa Monica must
demand a code of behavior from everyone which respects the rights of
all Santa Monicans whether they have homes or are homeless.
The work of the Task Force is an important step in thIS City toward
buildIng a community consensus around the Issue of homelessness.
The need for a consensus building process became an imperative given
the backdrop. over the past several years, of polley confusion within
the City and conllicting positions within the community.
Important elements of this process included:
1. Recruitment of a diverse Task Force membership - Members
represented a range of community interests and concerns from
residents. business. homeowners. social service, religious,
research and the homeless community. Each person understood
and was willing to examine basic assumptions and alter positions
to reach consensus.
2. Development of small working groups (Public Health and Safety.
SOCial Services and Shelter/Housing Committees) with a
balanced membership of community concerns in each. All
committees worked hard at reformulating. reworking and
refinIng concepts over and over again until a reasonable
consensus could be reached within each working group.
3. Use of a skilled neutral facilitator at key intervals of the process
to work with the larger Task Force to keep the group on task
and movmg forward toward consensus.
4. Designation of a Steering Committee as a body to untangle
diffIcult disagreements and manage the process.
5. PublIc Hearing on Homelessness. initiated midway through the
process - We heard public testimony from 140 members of the
public and received over 500 letters and 100 phone calls. All
Task Force meetings were open to the public. The public's
response was critIcal in prOVIding important information and a
barometer for community sentiments. This assisted the Task
Force in balancing the recommendations and Including
innovative Ideas in the recommendations to follow.
We believe the outcomes of this process to be:
1. Development of a consensus buIldIng process which can be
replicated in other communities to deal with homelessness and
other difficult community issues.
2. Increased respect and understanding for differing viewpoints
among Task Force membershIp.
3. That the final product is reflective of the range of community
views which, taken together. will provide a comprehensive
blueprint to move this community forward toward constructive
solutions.
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
Pub1lc Health and Safetv
· Target acts of violence (concem over increased crime)
· Enforce all laws (no sleeping m parks, vagrancy loitering,
trespassing)
· Don't waste police resources on enforcement of no sleeping in
parks
· Target drug sales/use and public drunkenness
· Public health/sanitation concems - human waste. litter, filth.
deterioration of City
· Restore Palisades and/ or Lincoln Park
· Fear and threats from aggressive panhandling, anti-social
behaVIor, intlrmdation
· Educate people not give to panhandlers
· Separate crirmnals from the truly needy/help those in need
· Safety/Police Patrol for homeless
· Stop pollee harassment
· Civilian Assistance Team
· Move program from beach area
· Propose law against rummaging into dumpsters in the a.m.
· Revive neighborhood watch
· 4th and Broadway unsafe and unclean
Services and Shelter IHous~
· Support shelter. transitional housing and services - Alcohol,
drug, ment~J health; Locate at Santa Monica Airport, Sand and
Sea, Small. decentralized services
· Assistance for the mentally III (programs and hospital beds)
· Stop chanty/policies that create dependence
· Support humanitanan approach
· Need services for women and children
· Support for SHWASHWCK
· Ideas for shelter structures/facilities
· DeSIgnate large shelter area for sleepIng
· Build low cost housing
· Against SRO hOUSIng development
· No large shelters
· No psychiatric drugs
Employment/Work
· Develop employment program(s}, jobs
· Work in exchange for services and food - community service
· Institute a voucher program for food and services
· No voucher program
Feedine Protram
. Stop outdoor meals/free meals and/or handouts
. Conbnue food programs mdoors/hnked to services
· Continue outdoor meal programs
. Don't disperse feeding programs to service agencies
Limitation of Numbers
. Impose a cap on numbers of homeless persons/services
· Expel the homeless from Santa Moruca
· Move them on
Costs to atv /Taxpavers
- -
· Lost revenue/business community
· Increase cost to City services
· Increase luxury tax
A<lvocacvand Partnerships/Fair Share
· Advocacy and public education
. Santa Monica advocate for polIcy similar to surrounding areas
. Open National Guard Ai.'lilories
. Make resolution trust corporation and other unoccupied
dwellings available for housing
PUBL:C HEARING ON HCMELESSNESS
CITY OF SANTA MON!CA
TASK FORCE ON HOMELESSNESS M!~~ES
SEPTEMBER 23, 1991
A meeting of the Santa Monica Task Force on Homelessness was
called to order by Co-Chairpersons Dan Kingsley and Rhonda
Meister at 7:30 P.M., on MondaYI September 23, 1991.
The members of the Task Force on Homelessness introduced
the~selves as follows:
Dan Kingsley
Chris Jackson
Madeleine Stoner
Jeanne Segal
vivian Rothstein
Daphne Dennis
Paul Koegel
Bill Mortensen
Rhonda Meister
Conway Collis
Peter Lewi
Mona Lisa Williams
Polly Benson-Brown
Michele Wittig
Derrell Tidwell
Sharon Gilpin
Rabbi Mel Gottlieb (absent)
Reverend Don Shelby (absent)
Co-Chair Kingsley provided a brief synopsis of the for.cation of
the Task Force and their charges from the City Council. The Task
Force has been given a very difficult charge to formulate
recommendations on i~ediate and lonq-term actions of the City to
better respond to the continuing and growing crisis of
homelessness in Santa Monica. The Task Force has been asked to
develop a balanced approach which considers the need for
assistance and services for homeless peoplel public safety for
all people in Santa Monica, and advocacy to urqe the County,
State, and Federal qovernments to help solve this qrowing crisis.
Co-Chai~ Kingsley stated that the Task Force has been directed by
the City council to formulate recommendations with regard to
enhancing homeless services and housing to fill the current gaps,
to st=engthen coordination of housing with support of servicesl
increased public safetYI reduction in the nnmner ot homeless
people in public spaces, increased advocacy efforts targeted to
State and Federal governments I and development of regional
strategy to increase coordination and create partnerships bet~een
local qovernment, non-pro~lt organizations I the business sectorl
the religious sector, and government on a state and Federal
level. co-Chair Kingsley stated that tne purpose of this
evening's meetinq is to hear from the publ~c in hopes of
elicit~ng creative ideas, suggestions, and reco~~~ndations.
CoChair Kingsley st=essed the importance of specific input on
social services I public safety, emergency transitional and
pe~anent housing I funding and financing, and advocacy and publi=
education.
PUELIC INPUT:
Edith Shane s~oke in su~~ort of a crackdown on crime and stated
he= be2ief a~d d~s~ay t~at the Task Force on Homelessness is
~mbalanced as currently formed and feels that a maJor~ty of the
members hold posit~ons on boards of various service organ~zations
Wh1Ch may be impacted by the recomme~~ations they are charged
with formulat~nq or appear to have a predetermined agenda slanted
toward the expansion of homeless programs in Santa Monica.
Fae Milessnor(?) spoke of her fear of the homeless people in the
parks and stated her support of cleaning up the parks.
Sandy Cherry stated her concern for public safety and spoke in
opposit1on to feed1ng the homeless, particularly in the tourist
areas of the city.
Alys Drobnick suggested forming only one agency to deal with the
homeless issue.
Terry Ritz spoke in support of organizations such as step-Up,
Turning Point, OPCC, and Sober Inn which help, encourage, and
train individuals to get off the street. Mr. Ritz also stated
that individuals who break the law should be punished in
accordance with the severity of the crime and perform public
service rather than going to jail at taxpayers' expense.
Steve Robinson stated his concern for public safety and his
strong desire to help the needy and mentally ill and jail the
criminal element by vigorously enforcing the laws against
loitering, littering, urinating and defecating in public,
sleeping in the park, etc. Mr. Robinson suggested some sort of
registration process for meals and services which will assist the
homeless in getting off the street. Hr. Robinson stated his
belief that there should be zero tolerance for sleeping on the
street or in the park.
c. B. Smith stated that while she has s~~athy for the homeless,
she feels that there is a large criminal _ ~pulation among them.
Ms. Smith stated her concern for public s. :ety and stated her
desire to pursue a program which would sc~o~ow encourage the
homeless to find jobs.
Adrian Cauceglia spoke of the disproportionate amount spent on
salaries f~r Ocean Park Community Center employees and
administrative expenses (72%) as opposed to the amount used to
assist the homeless (28%) as indicated in the 1989-90 Annual
Report.
Ulysses Gibson encouraged the public to vote out the current
public officials and discusSed his concern for public safety.
Andrew Brown spoke of the demoralization of homelessness and
joblessness. Mr. Brown suggested that additional funds be
allocated to step-Up on Second Street and other worthwhile
organizations who provide services for the needy.
Kevin McKeown conveyed his strong support of the SHWASHLOCK and
job bank programs.
Morris Levin suggested that renters should be included on the
Task Force on Homelessness. Mr. Levin also suggested that the
Task Force work in concert with the Police Department in dealing
with the problems that the homeless create. Mr. Levin urged that
laws be vigorously enforced.
Shane Talbot, representing the membership of the Santa Monica
Police Officers, recommended the following: 1) conduct an
analysis of the homeless population to determine the nu~her of
homeless per thousand population in the County of Los Angeles; 2)
conduct a survey of the homeless shelters outside of Santa Monica
and establish the annual cost zor food, clothing, shelter, and
counseling for each homeless person; 3) establish budgetary
guidelines which would only provide public funding for homeless
in Santa Monica who do not exceed the County's per thousand
population as it relates to Santa Monica's population; 4)
establish strict guidelines for all recipients of public monies
by requiring a structured program with goals and objectives of
the person receiving benefits, including timelines when the
benefits will end. Recipients must follow the structured program
or lose the benefit and may only receive public support monies
from one program. If a participant is removed, suspended, quits,
or fails to achieve the goals and objectives of anyone program,
they would not be allowed to enter any other program; 5)
eliminate all public view feeding programs; 6) write a new City
ordinance closing all public parks and beaches from midnight
until 5:00 A.M.
Briqid Gorski spoke of the homeless youth problem.
Keith Jones (homeless) encouraged the provision of assistance to
homeless persons and urged that social programs be continued.
Nazanin Samari spoke in support of programs for homeless youth.
John Smith urged the Task Force not to give in to the NIMBY (Not
In My Back Yard) impulse. Mr. Smith stated his desire that the
total community be directly involved in providing and co~~itting
resources, including human space. Mr. Smith also encouraged the
Task Force to urge the City Council to use all means necessary to
bring the County and surrounding communities into a coordinate~
effort to provide temporary living space and effective
transitional services.
Walt Reynolds recommended that permanent housing be provided to
the homeless.
Lynn Greenberg urged assistance for the homeless and continuation
of worthwhile programs as well as initiation of new programs.
Bruria Finkel suggested inclusion in the report of actions of
other cities with regard to the homeless problem as well as a
much more elaborate report on what actions the City of Santa
Monica is taking. Ms. Finkel spoke in support of viable programs
such as Sh~ASHLOCK. Ms. Finkel urged the Task Force to be
creative in the issue of how to involve the County of Los Angeles
~n the solution of the homeless problem and suggested that
pun~tive measures not be taken but rather encouragement of the
County of Los Angeles to be punitive against cities which do not
support a solut~on for the homeless problem. Ms. Finkel stated
her belief that the County should have, and insist that every
city in the County of Los Angeles should have, a facility wh~c~
would take care of 300-500 homeless.
Doris Ganga spoke in support of affordable housing and funding of
facilities for the mentally ill. Ms. Ganga also spoke in support
of viable programs such as SHWASHLOCK, step-Up on Second, etc.
Joseph Ruiz stated his belief that programs for the homeless
should be controlled and spoke in support of the SHWASHLOCK
program. Mr. Ruiz spoke in support of conducting the feeding
programs in an orderly fashion so as not to disturb the com~~nity
and to help keep the surrounding streets clean. Mr. Ruiz also
encouraged that there be no services for the homeless who do not
conduct themselves in an appropriate manner.
Anita Mosley (homeless) spoke in support of the continuation of
worthwhile programs as well as the initiation of new programs.
Ms. Mosley also stated her belief that the problem causing and
perpetuating homelessness is crack cocaine.
Betty Mueller suggested building additional barracks at the West
Los Angel~s Veterans' Center for the homeless. Ms. Mueller also
spoke in support of facilities for mentally ill people.
GUY Williams (homeless) spoke of the displacement of Americanborn
workers by alien workers. Mr. Williams stated his belief that
society must be changed from a military-industrial complex to
concentrating on the infrastructure.
Tom Mayo offered an immediate solution to the problem through the
utilization of existing programs by the establishment of a
Civilian Assistance Patrol which would be an outreach program
into the area to provide information and transportation to
homeless and intoxicated individuals. This patrol would consist
of a stationwagon staffed by trained paraprofessionals who
approach intoxicated and homeless people Offering them
transportation to a detoxification program, a meal program, a
shelter, or medical services. The assistance would be free and
non-judgmental.
.
Debra Matyas spoke in fear for public safety and recommended that
the situation be humanized and not politicized.
Doug Brown suggested providing positive incentives for both the
homeless and the service-provid~nq programs to eliminate or
substantially reduce the current problems. With regard to the
issue of supply and demand, Mr. Brown pointed out that the
taxpayers are providing the product and the homeless are
providing the demand. When the supply of anyth~ng is limited,
the demand is larger and the price goes up. In this case, the
price paid for the services by the homeless should be eligibility
screen~ng, identificat~on, categorization as to what areas are
best for them, remaining crime free, following program rules, and
either public service or being rehabilitated. All programs
should have a sunset clause so that the burden of proof that the
programs are working is on the programs.
Richard Wechsler asked the following questions with regard to the
Task Force on Homelessness: What is the true motivation for the
formation of the Task Force? What is its political agenda? Why
is the small business community not represented? Why aren1t the
senior citizens represented? Why are some **t from Santa Monica?
Do they have some vested interest? Mr. Wechsler said that he is
tired and disgusted with the daily grind of putting up with the
vagrants who are roaming the streets as well as the time and
money being spent by the Police in trying to control the volatile
situation. Mr. Wechsler spoke in strong opposition to the
actions of the homeless and the crimes being committed by them.
Mr. Wechsler stated his belief that the State and Federal
governments must become involved in a solution to this problem.
Duane Nightingale agreed that there should be a screening process
for utilization of services as suggested by Doug Brown, above.
Jennifer Rafeedie stated her belief that the public must be
educated to help facilitate changes for the homeless population.
As an advocate for the homeless, Ms. Rafeedie stated her desire
to point out a great misconception that homelessness and
criminality are synonymous; homeless people are many types of
individuals with several types of needs. Ms. Rafeedie stated
that the reality is that homelessness exists and the elimination
of programs will not eliminate homelessness, but will rather
increase despair and agitation. Ms. Rafeedie stated that she has
identified the drug problem as a leading cause of the criminality
in Santa Monica and suggested that social programs be enhanced to
encourage self-help, personal responsibility, and self-esteem
building. Ms. Rafeedie opined that feeding the homeless does not
keep them homeless; rather, it is what they are not getting in
terms of rehabilitation, housing, and jobs, that keep them
homeless.
~
Frank Lewandowski discussed the services as provided by the CLARE
Foundat~on. Mr. Lewandowski advised that approximately 85% of
the people who go through detox at this facility are homeless.
Mr. Lewandowski urged the community to work together to find a
solution and stated his belief that the civilian Assistance
Program may be a start.
Darlene Lasher spoke in support of Daybreak, a program for
homeless, mentally ill women. Ms. Lasher blames the increasing
problem on the failure of the County mental health system and the
lack of low cost housing. Ms. Lasher urged the Task Force to
consider the needs of these women and help Daybreak find the
means to expand its facility.
Dave Paradis stated the need for a balance of proper law
enforcement and compassion for the homeless who have a desire to
help themselves. Mr. Paradis stated that he would like the Task
Force to accomplish provis~on of a higher pr~ority response call
for the Police Department with regard to problems with the
homeless. Mr. Parad~s also suggested the implementation of a
voucher program wh~ch would ~dentifY those who are making an
effort to help themselves.
Scott Tibbits discussed Santa Monica Hospital's commitment to
providing care for people regardless of their ability to pay;
however, this commitment is being sorely tested because in the
last year the hospital received $0.48 for every dollar it charged
for care. Mr. Tibbits discussed the losses being faced by the
hospital due to its charity care and pointed out that increasing
nmnhers are coming from out of the area to take advantage of this
assistance.
Dick Lawrence commended the Task Force in their efforts. Mr.
Lawrence stated his belief that the unstructured feeding program,
lack of administration of current laws, e.g., sleeping and
camping in parks, panhandling, and public drunkenness, etc., have
resulted in the public outcry at this time. Mr. Lawrence
suggested the following: 1) establish a structured voucher
program administered by a social service agency to provide script
to obtain food; 2) establish a feeding program at a designated
and closed area, which would also include sleeping and Showering
facilities; J) determine the maximum number of homeless
population that the City of Santa Monica could handle by studying
County and other city areas; 4) provide access to counselling
from appropriate agencies and obtain training for the individuals
to assist them in finding jobs; 5) seek County and State
assistance for those mentally ill and in need of medical and
professional help; 6) include a memner of the Santa Monica Police
Department on the Task Force.
-"
Howard Weisstein stated his coneurrence with Dick Lawrence,
above, particularly the utilization of a voucher system to "weed
out the good from the bad. II Mr. Weisstein encouraged enforcement
of existing laws with regard to drunkenness and other problems
being faced with the homeless. Mr. Weisstei~ stated his belief
that the burden of the problem should be borne by cities other
than Santa Monica and Los Angeles.
Jo Anne Vandegriff spoke of her experiences of being formerly
homeless and mentally ill and stated that the less services
provided to the homeless the more problems will be experienced.
Ms. Vandegriff pointed out that the news media has distorted the
picture of violence in Santa Monica and stated that residents
actually have a higher rate of violence than the homeless when
taking domestic violence and child abuse into consideration.
Robert Segal discussed various flaws of the system, e.q.,
emphasis on day care, which virtually eliminates the shelter
element. Mr. Segal expressed the opinion that the system must be
restructured to provide evening shelter along with day care
facilities, and couple both with services in order to
rehabilitate people and effectively utilize existing resources.
Mr. Segal stated that the system needs to be a balance of
shelter, rehabilitation, law enforcement, and citizen education.
Allen Zahner encouraged protection of local businesses from
destruction by the invasion of street people. Furthermore, Hr.
Zahner expressed the belief that there should be a mission and
goal of recognizing and responding to the wishes of the people of
Santa Monica who live in houses and apartments.
Irma Vargas spoke in opposition to the homeless in the parks.
Ms. Vargas offered suggestions as to the separation of the
criminal from the mentally ill as follows: 1) enforcement of
current laws equally among all people, whether homeless or not;
2) implementation of a voucher system as endorsed by the Chamber
of Commerce and other social service organizations; 3)
elimination of free lunches; 4) registration of the homeless; 5)
transitional housing/emergency shelter.
Alexis Scharff stated that public safety is a major factor in
viewing the homeless problem. Other major factors to be
considered are health, sanitation, beautification, economics,
and, most importantly, humanity. Ms. Scharff urged the
elimination of feed1ng the homeless in the parks and in front of
City Hall in favor of a voucher system through agencies that have
facilities to feed them indoors. Ms. Scharff stated that
emergency shelters should be set up in an effort to transition
the homeless into a position to be able to help themselves. Ms.
Scharff spoke of the need for job counselling for the homeless
and spoke in support of assistance for facilities which help the
mentally ill. Ms. Scharf! urged that vigorous, active steps be
taken to help get the homeless out of the parks and off the
streets.
John Martin spoke of his negative experiences in attempting to
help the homeless by giving them jobs and stated that these
attempts oftentimes result in thefts in order to buy drugs. Mr.
Martin expressed the opinion that a major problem with the
current approach is the feeding program.
Jacquie Banks suggested the provision of sleeping cubicles,
showers and lockers, and the homeless be provided with some sort
of identification, and in exchange for the benefits the
recipients should participate in some sort of work program.
Art Stein stated his belief that the homeless situation has been
created through the use of psychiatric drugs which preclude
individuals who have used these drugs from holding jobs. Mr.
Stein stressed the need for proper medical care, proper
nutrition, jobs, skills, etc., they do not need another handout.
Mr. Stein stated that the homeless need to contribute to the
community and e~change with the community.
Greg Garland stated the need for human justice through human
services. Mr. Garland expressed his bel1ef that the housed and
the homeless people should not infringe on each others rights to
exist. Mr. Garland stated that the homeless should be-treated as
self-determining adults capable of making decisions about the~r
own lives and futures. To that end, he opposes the arbitrary and
ineffective crackdowns on homeless people 11ving in the parks and
public areas: however, he strongly supports limits on behavior
which threatens the safety of all people. Mr. Garland expressed
his belief that easy availability of drugs, particularly crack
cocaine, is the major cause of recent violence. Mr. Garland
encouraged the City to implement a carefully thought-out,
reasoned and strategic approach to curtailing the sale of illegal
drugs throughout Santa Monica. Mr. Garland stated that the
Wests ide Shelter and Hunger Coalition strongly supports a
reasoned approach which emphasizes coexistence and mutual
respect, effectiveness and compassion, and these values must be
reflected in the services provided to the homeless people and the
law enforcement approach utilized by the City.
Joy Fullmer expressed the belief that the bravado shown c'r the
homeless is due to the fact that they are existing en mas a. Ms.
Fullmer urged that these groupings be split up. Ms. Ful: ~r also
expressed the belief that many homeless are individuals :..0 have
been cheated out of their homes. Ms. Fullmer also discussed
discrimination against single people.
A. Ratner discussed the possibility of prOViding the homeless
with small 8' X 12' homes, which cost approximately $1,200.
Ralph Seeward (homeless) suggested identification cards be given
to the homeless to be used as a credit card system which utilizes
social security, welfare, etc., which would be sent directly to
the bank. The bank would in turn pay grocery stores, clothing
stores, etc. where the cards had been used. Mr. Seeward
suggested that this system would keep cash from those who would
use it to buy alcohol and drugs rather than necessary items such
as food, clothing, transportation, etc. Mr. Seeward also
suggested that medical insurance be provided to the homeless.
Marc Grobman explained that people who are homeless are not
necessarily criminals. Mr. Grobman stated that the needs of the
homeless are many and diverse. People who are mentally ill need
a mental health facility; people who have families need
affordable housing in good, safe neighborhoods. People who need
work need to have good programs which have job referrals and
training programs. Mr. Grohman also suggested that counselling
be provided for homeless and troubled youth, unemployed persons,
veterans, etc. Mr. Grohman spoke in opposition to harassment of
the homeless.
Carolyn Caesar described Santa Monica as "Skidrow by the Sea" and
stated that she is appalled by the number of down-and-outers,
hustlers, transients, bums, vagrants, drug users, drug dealers,
the mentally disturbed, and the criminal element. Ms. Caesar
strongly encouraged City policy to discourage further transients
from locating in the City. Ms. Caesar also stated that current
laws should be vigorously enforced. Ms. Caesar expressed the
belief that the public safety and health is being compromised by
C~ty policy that is naive, misguided, and patently unfair to the
tax-paying residents of the City.
Rolf Caesar also described Santa. Monica as ItSkidrow by the Sea."
*****DEBBIE: THE TAPE MALFUNCTIONED HERE AND JUMPED TO ANOTHER
SPEAKER (PROBABLY SAM BECKER, AS INDICATED, ALTHOUGH HE WAS NOT
ANNOUNCED, BECAUSE THE SPEAKER FOLLOWING HIM IS TYRONE
WILLIAMS***.*
Sam Becker (homeless) suggested taking funds from senior citizen
programs and combining them with funds for homeless programs and
use them for the benefit of both organizations by employing the
homeless to work on the seniors' homes, at the senior centers, in
the parks, etc.
Tyrone Williams (homeless) pointed out that America is supposed
to be a benevolent country and he encouraged helping those who
desire to improve themselves. Mr. Williams pointed out that
grouping the homeless into one category is very unfair.
James Guindon (homeless) encouraged help for
commended the Task Force for their efforts.
discussed the need for homeless shelters and
are many good people who are homeless and in
the homeless and
Mr. Guindon
stated that there
need of help.
Marcus Hageman (homeless) implored the public to differentiate
between homeless people and criminals. Mr. Hageman suggested
utilizing homeless labor to build shelters for their use.
Bob Unger (homeless) encouraged provision of low income housing
for the homeless and disabled.
Janice Thomas (homeless) spoke of the need for more housing and
discussed the hardships of being homeless.
Suzanne Brewer, speaking on behalf of sunset Park Associated
Neighbors, advised that the members have ascertained that the
number one issue on the part of the members is public safety and
the members perceive that the greatest threat to public safety
arises when the criminals and would-be criminals mingle with the
genuinely needy. Ms. Brewer stated recognition that many .
genuinely needy people are part of the homeless popUlation and
stated the belief of the memberShip that compassion and as much
financial assistance as the City can afford should be given so
that the truly needy are provided food, shelter, and services
that are vital to improving their situation. However, they also
believe that services should be linked to programs and that Santa
Monica must take a realistic approach to the number of homeless
who can be helped. Most of all, the City must be made safe for
the people who are extending compassion and generosity to the
needy which means routing out the criminal element and the
elements who take advantage of the situation by posinq as
homeless and needy people when in reality they are simply
freeloaders. Ms. Brewer thanked the Task Force for their
efforts.
Jean Sedillos, representing Concerned Homeowne~s of Santa Monica,
requested that the Task Force cor.sider the fol ~wing: What have
been the actual results of proq~:~s sponsored ~J the City? But,
how many people does the City ma~ntain in their same existence on
the streets? Ms. Sedillos suggested concentrating resources on
helping a smaller number of people make new lives for themselves.
Ms. Sedillos also suggested enaction of an ordinance prOhibiting
camping in City parks at any time; people who have nowhere else
to sleep can be referred to existing shelters or to a temporary
City campground that has strict rules.
Susan Dempsey stated her belief that better public education is
essential. Ms. Dempsey discussed the cost effectiveness of good
programs and the Step-Up program in particular and stated that
Step-Up served 1,000 individuals last year. Ms. Dempsey advised
that step-Up is able to serve one individual for an entire year
for what it costs for one day in a hospital.
Margaret Williams spoke in support of the SHWASHLOCK program.
Secondly, Ms. williams stated her belief that over-development
and proposed over-development has eliminated much affordable
housing and requested that the Task Force address this issue in
both a long- and short-term manner. Ms. Williams also requested
that the Task Force explore the possibilities of encouraging the
owners of boarded-up, empty buildings to make them available to
the City for temporary shelter facilities.
David Shniad stated his support of extended unemployment
insurance. Mr. Shniad spoke of the inequities of a system which
allows the extremes of very rich and very poor. Mr. Shniad spoke
in support of the organization of assistance for the homeless.
Mr. Shniad suggested busing people to Sacramento and conveying
Santa Monica's great concern with the shame of home1essness.
Don Paschal (homeless) suggested the following: 1\ immediate
implementation of the SHWASHLOCK program; 2) immed~ate shelter
tor single men, single women, couples, families, and children; 3)
implementation of cooperative programs between unsheltered
citizens, business leaders, homeowners, and other community
leaders, to remotivate unsheltered people; 4) construction of .
comfort stations to alleviate public urination and defecation; 5)
implementation of a voucher program from restaurants, retailers,
and others to help people who wish to improve their position in
lite; and 6) realization that many of the crimes that do happen,
happen to homeless people as well. Mr. Paschal stressed the
point that the homeless are human beings.
James Baker spoke of public health problems being caused by the
homeless through public urination and defecation. Mr. Baker
urged strict enforcement of existing laws.
Steve Joseph discussed concern for public safety. Mr. Joseph
spoke in strong opposition of additional programs for people who
do not want to help themselves. Mr. Joseph expressed strong lack
of tolerance for drunks, bums, drug addicts, thieves, rapists,
murderers, and muggers who are tak~ng advantage of be~ng
"homeless."
John Lawson acknowledged the local problem of homelessness but
pointed out that there are m111ions of people in the world who
are starving to death. Mr. Lawson stated h1S belief that a
monetary system does not work for the average person: it only
works for the people with a lot of money.
Mandy Johnson discussed the services of the Venice Family Clinic,
which served over 3,000 homeless individuals by providing nearly
9,000 medical visits to homeless people. Ms. Johnson stated that
among the needs of the homeless, health care is often forgotten.
Their health care problems are exaggerated due to exposure to
weather, to trauma, lack of hygiene fac1lities, and lack of the
ability to care for themselves: lack of adequate health care
keeps people from working, keeps them out of shelters, keeps
children out of school. Further minor problems can result in
hospitalization due to the problems being untreated or treated
too late.
John Jurenka spoke of the importance of public safety. Mr.
Jurenka suggested the elimination of the City'S recycling program
and allowing the homeless to take advantage of turning in
recyclable items for cash. Mr. Jurenka also suggested providing
housing for the homeless
Mona La Vine read Article XXV from the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights which states that everyone has a right to a standard
of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and
his family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care
and necessary social services, and the right to security in the
event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age,
or the lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond their control.
Ms. La Vine spoke in support of the FAITH program which feeds the
hungry (including the homeless, the employed who earn low wages,
and the elderly) in front of City Hall. Ms. La Vine stated her
belief that the food program does not attract people to Santa
Monica, they are here because of the temperate climate. Ms. La
Vine stated that a very important element to pursue is low cost
housing.
Elizabeth Wilson-Hoyltz conveyed zero-tolerance for the homeless
issue due not only to its impact on the local co~~unity~ but also
the impact on tourism which is crucial for the city of Santa
Monica. Ms. wilson-Hoyltz requested that the Task Force
determine the feasibility of outlawing feeding the homeless in
Palisades Park as well as outlawing the homeless to congregate in
Palisades Park. Ms. wilson-Hoyltz stated her concern for public
safety.
Liz Nickel expressed concern with public safety due to the
homeless people.
Beloved Quail (homeless) stated thdt homelessness is not a crime
and stated that affordable housing units are essential. Mr.
.
Quail suggested utilizing individuals who have been convicted of
non-violent cr~mes for community serv~ce. Mr. Quail also
suggested utilizing churches and synagogues to shelter the
homeless and it they will not do so they should lose their tax
exempt status.
Michael Wiedder expressed his concern with abusive and aggressive
pan-handlers and stated that while he has compassion for the
down-and-out, he feels that something must be done to protect the
rights of the citizens of Santa Monica. Mr. Wiedder stated his
support of enforcing existing laws to oust the criminal element
from the homeless population.
Herman Rosenstein read an article regarding homelessness from the
Santa Monica outlook dated February 1979 and pointed out that
homelessness is not a new problem.
Millie Rosenstein is a firm believer in the actions being taken
by the City with regard to social services for the homeless and
discussed a homeless resource card which is prepared by the
Social Services Commission on which is listed all of the social
service agencies that help the homeless within the City of Santa
Monica. Ms. Rosenstein stated that this program has been very
successful.
Jerry Rubin spoke of the despair of homelessness by not having a
home and not having enough to eat. Hr. Rubin spoke in support of
doing everything possible to help people instead of building
nuclear weapons.
Bob Holbrook discussed the homeless problem, statistics of
situations inVOlving the homeless within the City, and the
actions being taken by the city Council to address the problem.
Mr. Holbrook advised that millions of tax dollars are being spent
on services which benefit less than 2% of the popUlation. Mr.
Holbrook stated that the recommendations and reports made by the
Task Force to the City council must include programs and ideas
for ordinances that reduce the number of homeless people in Santa
Monica. Mr. Holbrook stated his understanding of the concern for
public safety.
Jean Ann Holbrook spoke of her concern for public safety with
regard to the homeless problem in the City. Ms. Holbrook urged
the following steps be taken: 1) implementation and en~orcement
of a no-camping ordinanceJ 2) no feeding programs in public
placesJ 3) all Santa Monica parks and beaches closed during hours
of darkness to anyone without a permit.
David Moir expressed concern for public safety and shared
experiences of personal acquaintances who have been accosted by
homeless persons.
Theresa Bonpane spoke in support of constructive programs for the
homeless and expressed frustration that her tax dollars are being
spent on military aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua to
.
k~ll people. Ms. Bonpane discussed the need for education,
housing, and health care for the homeless.
Dr. Blase Bonpane stated that rather than punishing the victims,
the Federal government must assist in this national disaster.
Dr. Bonpane spoke in favor of utilizing unoccup~ed dwellings to
house the homeless and suggested that these arrangements be
administered by public, non-profit, and charitable organizations.
Dr. Bonpane further stated that no money should be given for
overseas housing by ways of grants or loans until substantial
progress is made for the conditions of 3 million homeless
citizens of the United States.
Zoran popadich spoke in support of transitional living units
which cost $1,000 per person and in which the individual can
rebuild self-esteem, rehabilitate themselves, find a job, pursue
training and then relocate to a permanent facility.
Nick Steers stated his concern for public safety.
Jan Ludwinski pointed out that the Task Force has not been
charged with solving the problem of homelessness in America but
rather homelessness in Santa Monica. Mr. Ludwinski focused on
the crime trend aspect of the problem and the type of activity
which can result in a serious compromise of safety and stated
that it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish the
criminal element from the homeless population.
Mora LaMountain spoke of the importance of public feeding to
heighten the awareness of the homeless citizens of Santa Monica.
Ms. LaMountain urged the Task Force to create some way for the
community to participate to make a difference and proactively
solve the problems.
Marilyn Spivey stated that she is appalled by the arrogance and
attitude of self-righteous people toward the homeless. Ms.
Spivey pointed out that everyone is a member of the human
community and people must start dealing with the reality of the
human tragedy in this community.
Alan Redhead suggested that the Task Force seek the success
stories and attempt to duplicate them in Santa Monica. Mr.
Redhead stated that these success stories have been
communitybased and have had a large element of volunteer
participation. Further, these success stories have had very
little bureaucracy attached to them. In terms of long-range
solutions, Mr. Redhead spoke of the necessity of housing the
homeless.
Mike Custer expressed his belief that the amount of money being
spent on studies of homelessness would be better spent on helping
the homeless.
Bill Myers stated his general support of the Task Force and the
recommendations being made this eveninq. Mr. Myers spoke in
support of the SHWASHLOCK program and Zoran Popadich's plan for
trans~tional l~ving units. Mr. Myers stated his concern of
requiring indoor feeding when indoor facilities may not be
available. Mr. Myers sa~d that he is opposed to the propo~al to
have individuals in food lines checked for warrants.
Laura W~nters spoke in support o~ the programs to help the
homeless. However, Ms. W~nters advised that the homeless
problems are directly resulting in loss of tour~sm revenues. Ms.
Winters suggested that all programs be moved away from the
beaches and park areas and requested that the homeless not be
allowed to sleep on the beaches and in the parks.
Brian Theobald commended the Task Force for opening up the
channels of communication. Mr. Theobald suggested that
concessions be made on both sides; the homeless should leave the
parks which may result in less resentment toward them.
Bill Linden expressed the opinion the homelessness is the
responsibility of the Federal government and pointed out that
welfare in the amount of $340 per month will not pay rent for an
individual. Mr. Linden stated his belief that if the feeding
program is stopped that panhandling will become more of a
problem.
Joe Pipersky stressed his belief that small things done
consistently create great results; panhandling done consistently
is destroying the amount of business that people are able to do
in this city. Mr. Pipersky said that the way to eliminate the
homeless problem is to create jobs.
Brandon MacNeal, representing the Main street Business District,
stated that the group stands in solidarity with the Task Force in
their task of solving the homeless problem: however, they also
realize that there are portions of the homeless population that
create a major problem to businesses and individuals in the City.
As a whole, they believe that homelessness is not a crime but
violent, antisocial behavior is a crime. Mr. MacNeal supports a
crackdown on violent, antisocial behavior.
Donna Alvarez asked the T~sk Force to request or require the City
to let every resident know the dollar amount that the City is
spending on the hOMeless (police, fire, paramedics, social
agencies, etc.). Ks. Alvarez stated her belief that the Task
Force should require that if benefits are extended to an
individual, if they are physically capable of doing something in
return, they owe it to the City to do so. Ms. Alvarez encouraged
the Task Force not to accept funding from other cities as every
city should be responsible for their own problem. Ms. Alvarez
requested that no further fac11ities for the homeless be located
in the Pico Neighborhood.
John Stewart encouraged seeking private rather than government
ass~stance and establishment of a network for the homeless. Mr.
Stewart stated his belief that many individuals are w~llinq to
donate their time in order to help with the problem.
Andrew Tonkov~ch stated h~s concern w~th the mistaken belief that
the homeless are responsible for crime and stated his opinion
that most homeless people do not commit crimes and most crimes
are not committed by homeless people. Mr. Tonkovich said that
homelessness is a national problem and Santa Monica cannot be a
part of solutions that are illegal, unfair, and unconstitutional.
Further, policies designed to make the homeless uncomfortable in
Santa Monica must be rejected. Instead, Mr. Tonkovich strongly
urged the Task Force to continue to be a role model and continue
to lobby other municipalities toward encouraging them to provide
humane alternat~ves, to call for the formation of a regional
cities task force on the homeless, and to lobby at State and
national levels for increased funds for housing and other
services. Mr. Tonkovich stated: 1) that charitable actions such
as feeding programs should be encouraged and supported, not
restricted: 2) a special 9-1-1 line for aggressive panhandling
would be a serious waste of funds and would divert local law
enforcement from more serious crimes; 3) a citizen patrol to
identify and incarcerate public inebriates would also divert
essential law enforcement resources from more serious crimes.
Alex Cota discussed the deplorable conditions in Palisades Park
and the condition of the homeless in general. Hr. Cota spoke in
support of affordable housing for the homeless on the land which
has been proposed for a light rail system.
Elene Popp spoke in favor of providing services to the homeless
population. Ms. Popp spoke in opposition to criminalizing
homelessness and not use law enforcement resources to force the
homeless out of the city.
Anne Murphy stated her belief that SOlving the problem of
homelessness requires more money for shelters, low income
housing, and support of social services. Ms. Murphy urqed Santa
Monica to remain in the forefront of communities providing
services to its disenfranchised population and encouraged the
city to lobby and work with other communities to develop a
regional solution to the homelessness crisis. Ms. Murphy stated
that it is important that in addition to whatever local policies
and programs are adopted, some formal, structural mechanism be
instituted to lobby and pressure County, State, and Federal
government to increase the amount of funding for social services
and housing. Ms. Murphy stated her belief that permanent
affordable housing is the number one solution to homelessness.
Lisa Olsen acknowledged that there are no quick solutions to the
homeless problem and stated her belief that the Federal
government must reassess its priorities.
Paul Westmore spoke in opposition to the problems being created
by the homeless in the parks by panhandling and expressed his
concern with sanitation problems. Mr. Westmore urged members to
balance their compassion for those needing help with their
compassion for the citizens who wish to use public facilities
without fear and harassment.
Bill Butler shared his observation that the homeless s~tuation is
out of control, is growing, and is having a negative impact. M~.
Butler stated that there are many more homeless on the streets
than the city can service and he feels that two,things must be
done: 1) put a cap on spendinq~ 2) make the most effective use
of money and programs. Mr. Butler urged that some standards of
behavior be established and uniformly enforced.
Mike Uhlberg urged compassion for the homeless and spoke in favor
of domestic social programs instead of foreign programs and
military spending.
Christy Bono stated her concern for public safety and urged
better police patrols and quicker response times.
Barbara Miller stated her agreement with the concept that violent
crimes must be punished, but pointed out that violent crimes are
committed not only by the homeless but also by ~-~se coming from
good homes. Ms. Miller stated that not all home. 5S people are
homeless by their own choice but rather because .ey may have
lost their jobs. Ms. Miller stated her support c- the concept of
pursuing some type of transitional housing and s~.qested that the
City work with owners of vacant buildings to pro~_de these areas
for the homeless. Ms. Miller also suggested that the prOVision
of job training would be beneficial to the homeless.
*****r'M NOT SURE WHO THIS IS SPEAKING BECAUSE HER NAME WAS NOT
CAT~Y~. IT MAY BE GENISE SCHNITMAN*****
***** stated her belief that many of the problems being faced in
Santa Monica are not locally generated but are rather due to
changes in national and global economy. ***** urged the City to
continue being an example for other cities to work in a
coordinated fashion to address the needs of the homeless.
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OVERVIEW OF EXISTING WESTSIDE SHELTER AND HOUSING PROJECTS
# of Beds # of Units
EXISTING El\IERGENCY COLD WEATHER
SHELTER PROGRAM
· Westside Emergency Cold Weather Shelter - 150
60 continuous days (annually. during cold weather
months only)
Total: 150
~X1STING SHELTER, MISSIONS AND
TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS
Short-Te.u'u Emere:ency Shelters
CLARE Foundation
· Detoxification {Adults}
· Youth Recovery
· Sober Inn (Adults)
18
20
12
Ocean Park Communttu Center
· Daybreak Shelter (Mentally ill women)
· Soj oum (Battered Women and Children)
· Steppmg Stone (Youth)
· Turning Point (Adults)
Mission Shelters
15
18
6
35
· Sunlight Mission (Adults)
· Bible Tabernacle (Adults/Families)
100
44
Transitional Houslni
· CLARE Recovery Homes (Adults) 40
· St. Joseph Center - Next Step (Adults)
(Previously 16 beds - lost 6 in September 1991) 10
· Portals Westside Neighbors (Mentally ill
Adults) 28
ToW: :'4t,;
EXISTING PERMANENT HOUSINQ
· City of Santa Moruca Housing Authority.
Section 8 SubsIdIZed Housing'"
Total:
92
92
* Of the 122 households which the Santa Monica Housing Authority has put
on the program since July 1, 1990, an estimated 92 households were
preViously homeless. The Federal guidelines gIve housing preference for
those who are living in substandard housing, paying over 50% of their
income towards the rent. battered women or disolaced households.
PROPOSED SHELTER AND HOVSING PROJECTS
# of Beds # of Vnits
RECOMMENDED ElWERGENCY COLD wMTHER
SHELTER PROGRAM
· Westside Emergency Cold Weather Shelter - 150
expansion from current 60 continuous days to
90 continuous days (annually. during cold weather
months only)
Total: 150
RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM NUMBER OF
SHELTER AND TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM~
Short-Tej,cu1 Emer~encv Shelters
· Emergency shelter beds (Adults) 40
· Detoxification beds (Adults) 10
· Emergency crisis and/or acute care hospital beds 20
(Mentally III Adults)
~$itiQnal Housing
· First United Methodist Church (Families)
· Ocean Park Community Center (Adults)
· St. Joseph Center Next Step Program
(Adults)
24
55
6
Total:
131
24
RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM NUMBER
OF PERMANENT HOUSINQ
· One or Two Transitional or Permanent
HOUSIng FacilIties (congregate. shared.
dormitory or SRO)
· Step Up on Second (Mentally III Adults)
Total:
110
36
146
SUMMARY OF MAXIMVM NUMBER
OF RECOMMENDED BEDS AND UNITS
Recommended Westside Emergency Cold Weather
Shelter Program - expansion from current 60 continuous
days to 90 contInuous days (annually. during cold
weather months only): 150 beds
Recommended Shelter and Transitional Beds: 131 beds
Recommended Housing Units: 170 units