Publication Date: Friday, September 09, 2005
Homeless commission proposed
Homeless commission proposed
(September 09, 2005) Idea draws raves from some; mayor noncommittal
by Bill D'Agostino
A new city commission that would seek creative ways to address the thorny issue of homelessness in Palo Alto will be discussed by city leaders in coming months.
Human Relations Commission Chair Jeffrey Blum, who planned to propose the issue at last night's commission meeting, said he hoped the new group would bring together everyone involved with the issue and also enlist additional financial support and expertise.
"If we can spend money for a police oversight board then we can find the compassion to spend the money for an issue that many business leaders and residents acknowledge is a concern," he said.
The proposal drew raves from the issue's local leaders.
"'bout time!" said City Council candidate Norman Carroll, a formerly "unhoused" resident. He said there had been a city task force addressing the issue in the late 1990s, but not all its recommendations were followed.
Mayor Jim Burch, however, didn't want to commit either way on the proposal.
"I think the question is: 'Are there issues not being adequately addressed?'" Burch said. "You don't want a commission in search of a problem."
There has been a plethora of activity around the issue of homelessness in Palo Alto in recent years.
The nonprofit Community Working Group was formed, and is now constructing the "Opportunity Center," which will offer 89 units of low-income housing and services. It is expected to open next year.
Business leaders also formed the "Downtown Streets Team" this year to hire homeless to clean up downtown in exchange for job training and other services. Local nonprofits and the city have moved numerous formerly homeless, including Carroll, into the Palo Alto Hotel through a "Housing First" program.
And last year, Santa Clara County conducted a census of the county's homeless. The county found there were 7,636 homeless, with 341 in Palo Alto.
"Most of the community isn't aware of what is actually going on," Carroll said. "Some of that is because it's only a big issue when they've been downtown and see it upfront. A week or so later when they haven't been downtown, it gets pushed in the back."
Homelessness had been one of the top issues the Human Relations Commission had decided to address this year, Blum said. He hoped his fellow commissioners would agree to pass along his idea to the City Council for approval later in the year.
Staff Writer Bill D'Agostino can be e-mailed at bdagostino@paweekly.com.
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