HSNAC Members opinons
December 19 2018
December 19 2018
**Responses to a reporters questions by our member Connie Zuniga**
**Responses to a reporters questions by our member Connie Zuniga**
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT BEFORE THE HOMELESS STORAGE CENTER OPENED?
WHAT DID YOU EXPECT BEFORE THE HOMELESS STORAGE CENTER OPENED?
I expected the same misinformation and half-truths that I have experienced in my almost 30 years of working on quality-of-life issues in the community.
I expected the same misinformation and half-truths that I have experienced in my almost 30 years of working on quality-of-life issues in the community.
The Mayor had a serious public relations problem because of the handling of the Hep A epidemic which originated in our area. He had to find a place to get the homeless and their belongings off the streets. We were not informed or asked about the plan to use the building on Commercial St. The Mayor did not present his plan to the Council. It was just literally shoved down our throats.
The Mayor had a serious public relations problem because of the handling of the Hep A epidemic which originated in our area. He had to find a place to get the homeless and their belongings off the streets. We were not informed or asked about the plan to use the building on Commercial St. The Mayor did not present his plan to the Council. It was just literally shoved down our throats.
Our first meeting with City reps was at the Sherman Heights Community Center. We were told that no questions could be asked. We could write down questions and if there was time, they would be answered. This meeting was called to present to the community the plans that had been made by the City for the storage center. We had a collective tantrum and demanded that our concerns be heard. The panel was taken aback by our reaction. After the meeting, we decided that we needed to immediately form a committee to address our concerns to the City. At the next meeting, we were informed that the City would help pick residents to sit on a committee as a liaison between the community and the City. The City reps were more than a little surprised when we presented them with a packet with the names of committee members we picked, resumes and our website.
Our first meeting with City reps was at the Sherman Heights Community Center. We were told that no questions could be asked. We could write down questions and if there was time, they would be answered. This meeting was called to present to the community the plans that had been made by the City for the storage center. We had a collective tantrum and demanded that our concerns be heard. The panel was taken aback by our reaction. After the meeting, we decided that we needed to immediately form a committee to address our concerns to the City. At the next meeting, we were informed that the City would help pick residents to sit on a committee as a liaison between the community and the City. The City reps were more than a little surprised when we presented them with a packet with the names of committee members we picked, resumes and our website.
The first big lie was at City Council. After four hours of testimony with no break, we were advised that instead of 1000 homeless we were only going to get 500. People went home thinking that we had won a small victory. Issues are resolved before the Council meeting with the public. The behind-the door-politics had settled on 500, not 1000. Even 500 is an astronomical number considering the fact that we are on the periphery of St Vincent de Paul, the Neil Goode Center, and the tent on Newton Avenue.
The first big lie was at City Council. After four hours of testimony with no break, we were advised that instead of 1000 homeless we were only going to get 500. People went home thinking that we had won a small victory. Issues are resolved before the Council meeting with the public. The behind-the door-politics had settled on 500, not 1000. Even 500 is an astronomical number considering the fact that we are on the periphery of St Vincent de Paul, the Neil Goode Center, and the tent on Newton Avenue.
WHAT IMPACT HAS THE HOMELESS STORAGE CENTER HAD ON THE NEIGHBORHOOD?
WHAT IMPACT HAS THE HOMELESS STORAGE CENTER HAD ON THE NEIGHBORHOOD?
With a large number of homeless already in the community, the influx of hundreds more is devastating. We had existing problems of homeless men sleeping on sidewalks or on private property, public urination/defecation, the endless trash, drug/alcohol use, the stealing from residents and businesses to support drug and alcohol use and medical and mental health issues. More homeless with the same problems is hard to accept as the new norm.
With a large number of homeless already in the community, the influx of hundreds more is devastating. We had existing problems of homeless men sleeping on sidewalks or on private property, public urination/defecation, the endless trash, drug/alcohol use, the stealing from residents and businesses to support drug and alcohol use and medical and mental health issues. More homeless with the same problems is hard to accept as the new norm.
The cleanups promised by Environmental Services only applies to the streets. Sidewalks trash and overflowing City trash cans on sidewalks are not taken care of. Our Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) ends on the north side of Commercial St. However, as a courtesy our crew crosses the street to pick up sidewalk trash and clear out the trash cans. Trash is an ongoing serious problem.
The cleanups promised by Environmental Services only applies to the streets. Sidewalks trash and overflowing City trash cans on sidewalks are not taken care of. Our Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) ends on the north side of Commercial St. However, as a courtesy our crew crosses the street to pick up sidewalk trash and clear out the trash cans. Trash is an ongoing serious problem.
The homeless have the use of one bathroom at the storage center. Our neighborhood streets and alleys are their main bathroom. The homeless have taken to using large, black garbage bags for their bathroom needs and throwing the bags on to private property. When residents call the City, they are informed that the City does not go on private property. The residents have resorted to throwing the bags back on the street. Another health problem.
The homeless have the use of one bathroom at the storage center. Our neighborhood streets and alleys are their main bathroom. The homeless have taken to using large, black garbage bags for their bathroom needs and throwing the bags on to private property. When residents call the City, they are informed that the City does not go on private property. The residents have resorted to throwing the bags back on the street. Another health problem.
The safety and well-being of children are being compromised. Our Lady's School had to hire a full-time security guard at great expense to ensure the children's safety. Children as young as Kinder age at the school are being exposed to sights, smells and behavior that no small child should have to experience Children cannot play outside or walk to school with their friends. An adult has to be present for their safety.
The safety and well-being of children are being compromised. Our Lady's School had to hire a full-time security guard at great expense to ensure the children's safety. Children as young as Kinder age at the school are being exposed to sights, smells and behavior that no small child should have to experience Children cannot play outside or walk to school with their friends. An adult has to be present for their safety.
Our Lady of Guadalupe's Sunday services start in the morning, go through the early afternoon and again in the evening. The school's playground/parking lot is 15 feet away from the storage center. No one wants to park their car in close proximity to homeless men and women, especially after dark. There is no legitimate reason that the center has to be opened on Sundays. This is an issue that we are going to continually bring up.
Our Lady of Guadalupe's Sunday services start in the morning, go through the early afternoon and again in the evening. The school's playground/parking lot is 15 feet away from the storage center. No one wants to park their car in close proximity to homeless men and women, especially after dark. There is no legitimate reason that the center has to be opened on Sundays. This is an issue that we are going to continually bring up.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EFFORTS POLICE AND MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS HAVE MADE TO TRY TO ADDRESS NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS?
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE EFFORTS POLICE AND MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEMS HAVE MADE TO TRY TO ADDRESS NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS?
The Police Dept. is doing the best job possible under very trying circumstances. The department has three shifts covering the storage center and the surrounding area. However, there are legal constraints. Because of homeless advocate lawsuits, the Police have to be careful in their dealings with the homeless. The problem is not around the site which has a security guard. The homeless leave the site and wander all over the neighborhood. Police do make arrests for public urination/defecation. The homeless are asked to move on to deter loitering. But displacement only moves them to a different location in the community where the same problems arise. The Police Hot Team is on the street every day. Homeless are approached and offered help. Most refuse. Many prefer living on the streets. With a General Relief or SSI check they don't have to work and can survive. Unfortunately, too often this money is not spent on food or lodging. It's used for drugs and alcohol.
The Police Dept. is doing the best job possible under very trying circumstances. The department has three shifts covering the storage center and the surrounding area. However, there are legal constraints. Because of homeless advocate lawsuits, the Police have to be careful in their dealings with the homeless. The problem is not around the site which has a security guard. The homeless leave the site and wander all over the neighborhood. Police do make arrests for public urination/defecation. The homeless are asked to move on to deter loitering. But displacement only moves them to a different location in the community where the same problems arise. The Police Hot Team is on the street every day. Homeless are approached and offered help. Most refuse. Many prefer living on the streets. With a General Relief or SSI check they don't have to work and can survive. Unfortunately, too often this money is not spent on food or lodging. It's used for drugs and alcohol.
To date, the Police Dept. has spent $800,000 of their budget on overtime for officers to monitor the site and the surrounding streets. The Tribune erroneously report $1M in overtime. The Police Dept. is understaffed by over 240 officers so this project is taking much- needed officers out of other areas of the City. How long can the City continue to use the Police's budget for this endeavor?
To date, the Police Dept. has spent $800,000 of their budget on overtime for officers to monitor the site and the surrounding streets. The Tribune erroneously report $1M in overtime. The Police Dept. is understaffed by over 240 officers so this project is taking much- needed officers out of other areas of the City. How long can the City continue to use the Police's budget for this endeavor?
We understand the storage site staff advises the homeless of mental and medical resources that are available. If the homeless have to to get to the locations on their own, it's not going to happen. Unfortunately, the only mental health facility, in the Rosecrans area, is only a 3-day hold. This is utilized by the Police when homeless individuals become violent or are noticeably mentally ill and causing probl
We understand the storage site staff advises the homeless of mental and medical resources that are available. If the homeless have to to get to the locations on their own, it's not going to happen. Unfortunately, the only mental health facility, in the Rosecrans area, is only a 3-day hold. This is utilized by the Police when homeless individuals become violent or are noticeably mentally ill and causing probl
HOW DO YOU EVALUATE YOUR EFFORTS?
HOW DO YOU EVALUATE YOUR EFFORTS?
Our HSNAC members and residents at large keep an eye on the center. Committee members drive by the site every day. We phone and email residents to advise them of upcoming meetings with the City. We print and pass out flyers. We keep people informed. We set up and maintain a website. We keep our eyes and ears open. We attend City meetings that have a connection to the site. We research data and City policy. We take notes at the meetings and summarize and sent them to members who miss a meeting. We ask pertinent questions and request info from City staff. At the last meeting, I requested that a rep from the County be present at these meetings. Health and mental problems are County issues.
Our HSNAC members and residents at large keep an eye on the center. Committee members drive by the site every day. We phone and email residents to advise them of upcoming meetings with the City. We print and pass out flyers. We keep people informed. We set up and maintain a website. We keep our eyes and ears open. We attend City meetings that have a connection to the site. We research data and City policy. We take notes at the meetings and summarize and sent them to members who miss a meeting. We ask pertinent questions and request info from City staff. At the last meeting, I requested that a rep from the County be present at these meetings. Health and mental problems are County issues.
The administration of the storage center is not a problem. The facility is kept clean and sanitary. We understand all the homeless belongings had to be sanitized before they could be put into containers. It's what the homeless do after they leave the center that is detrimental to the community.
The administration of the storage center is not a problem. The facility is kept clean and sanitary. We understand all the homeless belongings had to be sanitized before they could be put into containers. It's what the homeless do after they leave the center that is detrimental to the community.
At the meeting in October, we were given charts showing enrollments and return visits by clients. In September there were 1829 return visits by 245 clients; in October there were 1475 return visits by 312 clients. The City had to admit that the visits consisted of the homeless storing their bedding in the morning and returning late in the day to retrieve their bedding for the night.
At the meeting in October, we were given charts showing enrollments and return visits by clients. In September there were 1829 return visits by 245 clients; in October there were 1475 return visits by 312 clients. The City had to admit that the visits consisted of the homeless storing their bedding in the morning and returning late in the day to retrieve their bedding for the night.
The City's battle cry that the center frees up homeless to go look for a job or to go to medical appointments is a farce. These individuals are in no shape physically or mentally to get a job or to even go to a job interview. Hygiene is nonexistent, teeth are either missing or rotting; they don't have clothes or shoes.
The City's battle cry that the center frees up homeless to go look for a job or to go to medical appointments is a farce. These individuals are in no shape physically or mentally to get a job or to even go to a job interview. Hygiene is nonexistent, teeth are either missing or rotting; they don't have clothes or shoes.
HOW HAVE THINGS CHANGED SINCE THE STORAGE FACILITY REACHED CAPACITY?
HOW HAVE THINGS CHANGED SINCE THE STORAGE FACILITY REACHED CAPACITY?
Full capacity has increased all the existing problems. Another drawback is that Environmental Services is now not adhering to a j3-hour notice to the homeless to remove their belongings for a City cleanup. We are now on a 3-day or longer schedule. This results in needless trash staying on the streets for a longer period of time.
Full capacity has increased all the existing problems. Another drawback is that Environmental Services is now not adhering to a j3-hour notice to the homeless to remove their belongings for a City cleanup. We are now on a 3-day or longer schedule. This results in needless trash staying on the streets for a longer period of time.
THE CITY IS CONSIDERING OPENING OTHER STORAGE FACILITIES ELSEWHERE. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS THAT COULD SOON BE HOME TO A STORAGE FACILITY LIKE THE ON IN SHERMAN HEIGHTS?
THE CITY IS CONSIDERING OPENING OTHER STORAGE FACILITIES ELSEWHERE. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR OTHER NEIGHBORHOODS THAT COULD SOON BE HOME TO A STORAGE FACILITY LIKE THE ON IN SHERMAN HEIGHTS?
What storage facilities? Where? Not one of the other Council districts has come up with a site. The building is not suitable, the building would need extensive rehab, etc. Their feet need to be put to the fire. It's not the sole responsibility of one community to take care of the burden of the homeless population. They are not residents. Step up to the plate people and take your fair share.
What storage facilities? Where? Not one of the other Council districts has come up with a site. The building is not suitable, the building would need extensive rehab, etc. Their feet need to be put to the fire. It's not the sole responsibility of one community to take care of the burden of the homeless population. They are not residents. Step up to the plate people and take your fair share.
SOLUTION?
SOLUTION?
Very simple. It's called equal distribution.
Very simple. It's called equal distribution.
The problem of homelessness will not be solved until the state opens mental facilities. The homeless need on site, long-term treatment for their addictions Nothing else is going to work.
The problem of homelessness will not be solved until the state opens mental facilities. The homeless need on site, long-term treatment for their addictions Nothing else is going to work.
Connie Zuniga
Connie Zuniga
Our communities need to be respected and given the same guidelines as other future storage sites have been given. Per the Housing Authority any new storage location cannot be by schools or homes. What the HOUSING AUTHORITY SAYS (except for Monica Montgomery & Vivian Moreno) TO OUR COMMUNITIES IS THAT IT IS LEGAL TO DISCRIMINATE. Our district has been housing a storage that does not meet the parameters established for the storage sites.
Close the storage on 20th and Commercial,
honor the guidelines in District 8 as all the other Districts in San Diego.
Pita Verdin