There’s no question that we need more shelter, and I appreciate us considering all options. Make no mistake, this is a candid and transparent discussion of where we are and where we need to be. But to put options on hold and to do nothing is not acceptable. “It’s not a plan, it’s called a strategy,” said District 1 Councilmember Joe LaCava about the direction the City is taking. One individual testifying against the passage of the ordinance called out the council asking why no one from the homeless community, or anyone who has actually lived on the streets, is being represented in homeless decision-making by the City. Some argued as well that passage of an unsafe camping ordinance would be leaving the City open to potential lawsuits challenging the measure’s legality. Most criticized the City’s current plan as inadequate and overly expensive or insisted it criminalizes the homeless. Numerous people testified during hours-long public testimony on the comprehensive shelter strategy and the unauthorized homeless camping ordinance. This is a win-win ordinance because the homeless neighbors living on sidewalks in unsafe conditions will get to move to clean healthy locations with 24-hour-a-day service, safety, meals, showers, restrooms, and social services, all the while being helped to find permanent housing.” Jennifer Campbell gave kudos to the mayor and Whitburn noting “It takes a lot of bravery to do this. In council debate following public testimony, District 2 Councilmember Dr. The comprehensive shelter strategy is the road map for our continued efforts. My administration has a clear plan, one that is consistent with the city council’s priorities informed by national best practices.”

There’s still so much more we must do to get people off the streets.

We’ve greatly expanded safe parking for those who are living in their cars to do so legally and safely. Pointing out that homeless problems are extremely complex, Gloria noted they involve “a host of personal circumstances including serious medical and mental health conditions, substance-abuse disorder and partners or pets they can’t part with.”Īdded Gloria: “We’ve endeavored to create spaces for everyone opening shelters focusing on women, seniors, people with behavior and substance-abuse challenges, families, LGBTQ+ youth, etc. “There’s no question we’re facing an acute crisis that has been building for decades as our housing shortage became more acute,” said Mayor Todd Gloria adding, “Solving homelessness itself has become a more complex puzzle to solve.” The new ordinance brought by Mayor Todd Gloria and District 3 Councilmember Stephen Whitburn bars encampments at all times in certain areas including parks, canyons, and waterways, as well as near schools and homeless shelters, and transit stations regardless of shelter capacity.

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