We need to proceed with thoughtful solutions to our unhoused crisis.
I am supportive of a “housing first” model as long as it does not ignore the fact that people are waiting in long, sometimes overly bureaucratic wait lists for housing that may or may not come on-line soon. We need to provide transition spaces for people seeking shelter now, whether that is investing in old motels, fixing up abandoned buildings for temporary shelter, or expanding on the city-run camp on River Street.
Working with our partners at the county and neighboring city governments is key to tackling the ongoing historic social and economic inequities that have led to this ongoing crisis. Reversing course and investing in Day Services at Housing Matters is important, as is further providing more resources for peer-run programs like MHCAN.
I would like to see us build teams comprised of elected officials alongside housed and unhoused residents in order to design programs that fit with the values of our community. We must avoid falling to the fate of state government imposing programs and policies on us that may not be right for this community.