I was very surprised by the editorial of January 20, “Chico can teach Washington a thing or two.” Would you have the city council teach Washington to create problems, leaving non-profits to fix them as best they can?
Even with life-threatening weather forecast, the city council continues to oust homeless people from their camp sites before adequate alternatives are ready. I’m glad the council will temporarily change restrictive building codes, but it was the Fire Marshall who closed down the successful Safe Space Program in the first place by insisting codes applied to them.
The newly available Safe Spaces will shelter maybe 30. The Torres Shelter’s new program of quarantining in motels and then allowing residence at the shelter may eventually house approximately 80 more, but not right away. What should the other evictees do?
Chico government shows little support for the excellent work of our non-profits. Safe Space is 100% supported by private donation. The Jesus Center is about 99% privately funded with a small block grant from the city. The Torres Shelter had great support from the City in 2000-2003 when it was built, but not so much now.
On January 21 the Sacramento Bee headline was “City Council OKs ‘Safe Grounds’ homeless ordinance,” for which it will pay costs. If Chico’s city council would follow Sacramento’s example, and also provide more financial support for the nonprofits, that would be reason for Chico to congratulate itself.
— Leslie Howard, Chico
The Link LonkJanuary 31, 2021 at 04:20PM
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Letter: Congratulations for city’s work was premature - Chico Enterprise-Record
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