We will meet at 8:15 am tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov 4) at 575 Administration Drive in Santa Rosa. We'll begin by standing outside the Supervisors' offices with tombstones representing the homeless who have died in Sonoma County. If you can't make it that early, come by 8:45 am. If you are late, you might miss it.
TALKING POINTS*
Agenda Item #12: Homeless Assistance**
Our 4 Top Priorities
-- More Indoor Shelter - An Unoccupied County Building used for Emergency Winter Shelter
-- A Large Safe Parking Site on county property or by renting a lot from a private owner
-- Safe Legal Encampments for Those who Live Outside
-- The Reality of Homelessness - Personal Experience is Powerful
Remember: These are only stopgaps; the cure for homelessness is more housing.
Other Topics for Testimony
We need More Permanent and Permanent Supportive Housing
We need County Support to Identify Sites for Indoor Shelter and Legal Encampments.
We need Porta Potties on the Joe Rodota and other trails
We need Lockers (e.g. bike lockers) for Storage of Belongings - Beyond Those To Be Used After Encampment Sweeps
The Current Cold Weather Standard that triggers Warming Centers and other services is currently set at 38 degrees F (federal standard), or Rain, Wind, or Sleet. A Higher Temperature Threshold is Needed.
We need Kennels or Safe Areas where People Can Keep their Pets while they are in a Shelter
We need Transportation Assistance to Services and Shelter