It's becoming apparent that there is growing presence of homelessness and panhandling in Sebastopol. I'm sure many of you have seen the family asking for money at several downtown intersections along with an increased presence in plaza. Additionally there have been reports of people sleeping in the post office and urinating in public. Downtown merchants feel that it is driving away business.
One could argue that it is a result of national problems and policies including the economy, public services, mental health services, and the like. But now it's a very local problem and it seems like it is becoming "worse".
Have you noticed this? How do you feel about it? What do you think should be done (if anything)? Do you have any experience where this problem has been successfully addressed?
If public safety is not a concern, then is it a problem at all?
What organization would be best to take the lead? The City? County? Faith-Based? Police? Community Organizations? A Town Hall meeting?
There's a fair amount of information about homelessness and what can be done about it on the web (search for homelessness). What seems appropriate for Sebastopol?
I know Police Chief Weaver is very aware of the problem, along with various legal constraints regarding what actions the police can take. Once we develop some thoughts and questions about this, I'll ask him if he'll speak about this problem.
One of our members (Sahedran) has been working with the homeless to provide some level of community services to them. Does providing more services just attract more homeless people?
What is to be done???