HomeMy WebLinkAboutPresentationLeading off: 95-bed emergency homeless
services center floated
From:Merritt Paul
To:Sam Jones; Kathy Larsen; Homelessness Solutions - Lesar Development; City Clerk
Subject:FORMAL COMPLAINT why were the appointed MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE not noticed of this
COUNCIL ITEM ? paul
Date:Wednesday, April 12, 2023 10:24:12 AM
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FOR THE RECORD /// for the 7th time REQUESTED 'WHAT
protection[s] for the NEIGHBORHOOD''.
the NEW CITY MANAGER is blindsiding the RESIDENTS OF PALM
SPRINGS.
PAUL Merritt
04/10/2023
Public Comment
Presentation Update
A rendering of an emergency homeless services facility discussed Monday at a Palm
Spring City Council meeting.
Faced with an urgent need to provide shelter and services for the city’s growing
homeless population, but without such facilities currently available, officials here
are considering erecting an emergency facility that could be available well before
a permanent navigation center planned for northern Palm Springs.
Driving the news: Details such as location, cost, and funding are still to be
determined. But as outlined by City Manager Scott Stiles Monday evening, the
proposed emergency shelter would have 95 beds and serve only the unhoused
residents of the city.
It would not be a drop-in facility but rather require a referral from
police or its operators, Martha's Village & Kitchen.
04/10/2023
Public Comment
Presentation Update
In context: The emergency facility is a particularly urgent need,
councilmembers were told, given the fact Palm Springs has no permanent
overnight shelter and typically doesn't open temporary shelters until harsh
winter or summer weather arrives.
The city is currently building an 80-bed facility off McCarthy Road in
northern Palm Springs that will offer private housing units for those
utilizing services designed to get them into permanent homes. That
facility is not expected to open for many months.
Why it matters: Without a place to send unhoused residents, police are often
stymied as the attempt to help the more than 400 city residents who live on
the streets and in encampments.
"Officers who deal with the homeless living in these encampments often
hear, 'OK you don’t want me here, where would you like me?'” Police
Chief Andy Mills said Monday evening. "...We need the ability to say you
cannot live under this bus shelter, you need to go over to this
location."
Next steps: There was no action asked of the Council Monday evening.
Additional details and requests are expected to come before the Council at
its next meeting, scheduled for April 27.
paul merritt c
04/10/2023
Public Comment
Presentation Update