East Palo Alto mayor calls for collaboration with cities in plan to clear homeless encampments

East Palo Alto Mayor Announces Plan to Address Homelessness

East Palo Alto Mayor Antonio Lopez held a press conference outside Redwood City Hall on Wednesday to unveil his strategic plan to tackle homelessness. He called on other city leaders in the Peninsula to adopt a similar approach in addressing this pressing issue.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Lopez’s plan aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1: No Poverty and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. By providing shelter and support services to unhoused individuals, the plan aims to alleviate poverty and create sustainable communities.

Ordinance to Prioritize Shelter and Compassion

The proposed ordinance would require at least two written warnings and two offers of shelter before clearing encampments of unhoused individuals. This approach prioritizes providing shelter as a compassionate solution, rather than criminalizing homelessness.

U.S. Supreme Court Decision and Homeless Encampment Sweeps

The decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson by the U.S. Supreme Court has given cities greater authority to evict people from homeless encampments before offering shelter. While some cities have used this decision to increase homeless encampment sweeps, homeless rights advocates have criticized this approach as it may worsen the issue of homelessness.

Individualized Approach to Addressing Homelessness

Lopez’s plan recognizes that homelessness has various underlying causes, such as domestic violence, unaffordability, and addiction. Each unhoused person will be evaluated individually to determine the most appropriate course of action. Medical and mental health screenings will be provided by clinicians during the initial warning.

Reducing Homelessness in East Palo Alto and Redwood City

A point-in-time count conducted in January 2024 revealed a decrease in the number of people living on the streets in East Palo Alto and Redwood City. However, other cities in the county experienced an increase in homelessness. Lopez emphasizes the need for collaboration among cities in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties to address homelessness effectively.

Support from Local Leaders and Community

Maggie Cornejo, a Redwood City native and planning commissioner, expressed her support for Lopez’s plan and urged the Redwood City mayor to adopt a similar strategy. Local leaders and community members recognize the importance of addressing homelessness and ensuring the dignity and safety of unhoused individuals.

Challenges and Comprehensive Approach

Unhoused individuals and outreach peer support specialists highlight the challenges associated with existing shelters, such as rigid rules that deter people from seeking shelter. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses mental health, substance abuse, and other underlying issues contributing to homelessness.

Connecting Unhoused Individuals to Services

Lopez’s plan includes connecting unhoused individuals to housing, mental health, and substance use treatment services provided by organizations like Star Vista, the Samaritan House, WeHOPE, and LifeMoves. These services aim to support individuals in their journey towards stability and self-sufficiency.

Modeling After County Ordinance

Lopez’s plan is modeled after the “Hopeful Horizons: Empowering Lives Initiative” enacted by the county. This ordinance makes it a misdemeanor to live in an encampment on public property after receiving warnings and offers of shelter. However, it is currently enforceable only in unincorporated parts of the county. The East Palo Alto city council needs to pass Lopez’s ordinance for it to be implemented.

Addressing homelessness requires collective regional response and collaboration among cities. While it may not be solved overnight, the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders are crucial in making a lasting impact.

This story was written by Alise Maripuu for Bay City News Service.

Source: almanacnews.com