I recently had the honor and privilege to visit a very unique Albany neighborhood. The people here take care of each other, working together to improve their living space. They know each other by name, communicating face to face rather than through electronic media. There are no cars in this neighborhood; people get around via bicycle and walking. The residents live with the land, designing their homes using found materials and repurposing and recycling what they need. They know the names of the Albany Police officers that drive around in the neighborhood and exchange friendly waves. Amazing art pieces dot the landscape, drawing visitors to the area. The residents are seen at public meetings expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Where is this unique Albany neighborhood with such a strong sense of community and resiliency? This is the Albany Bulb, currently home to approximately 50 people.
Is the Bulb without serious problems? Is it Brigadoon in the fog? No, of course not. However, as the Albany community seeks to determine our ever-evolving identity, let us prove that we value and respect the humanity of everyone and that we address the needs of those who are most vulnerable in our civic planning.
The City of Albany has issued an RFP (request for proposals) from individual agencies, consortium of agencies and governmental agencies to provide a comprehensive Outreach and Engagement Program to people experiencing homelessness in Albany including those on the Albany Bulb. The selection date is scheduled for June 17 with the program commencing upon selection of the agency. The initial term of the contract is for a period of three (3) months.
We have allowed this closely-connected community living on the Albany Bulb to take root and flourish for many years. Now the window of opportunity for successfully finding housing and other services is extremely short. Council’s direction at this writing is to begin enforcement of the No Camping ordinance in October.
The Bulb residents realize their time living on the Bulb is coming to an end. We need to ensure the agency selected by the City will listen to the Bulb residents and work with them to guarantee self-determination is a key component of their transition to appropriate housing. We need to explore all options to find suitable living situations within Albany as many of residents of the Bulb have lived there (in Albany) for many years and consider this home. After years of failing to provide social services or affordable housing, this is our opportunity to show respect, commitment, and caring through a creative and courageous process resulting in the best possible solution.
