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Politics & Government

Open Letter: City Needs New Approach to Homelessness

Peggy McQuaid read this letter to the City Council on Dec. 5. What aspects of Albany life are you passionate about? Write to albany@patch.com with your ideas. Click the "Keep me posted" button below to learn when we write about homelessness in Albany.

Tonight marks a new beginning for the . With this new beginning it is time to develop and implement a new policy on homelessness in Albany.

We have allowed people to live on the waterfront , turning the area into a place where other residents no longer feel comfortable or safe. The ever-increasing numbers have led to sanitation issues, conflicts and the construction of more permanent dwellings.

The bulb is not the only area impacted by our inability to address the problem of homelessness in our community. Men and young women are often seen panhandling on the corners of San Pablo and Marin, not the welcome to Albany we would choose.

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The man who has taken up residence at the Veteran’s Torch has made this once peaceful memorial to our young men killed in World War II unsavory for others. His presence, noise and personal habits are a concern to local businesses according to the Solano Ave. Association.  

Homelessness is a national tragedy, it is not unique to Albany. It is easy to identify the problem but a daunting task to solve it. However, we must work together to reach a solution for our community.

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There must be a comprehensive approach by representatives of social services, faith based organizations, community organizations as well as local government. Homeless people must also be included.

To get positive and long reaching results, it is important to have a compassionate approach, not a punitive one. This is not a problem that will be solved in the next few months but it is critical to start seriously considering options now. 

We are not helping the people living on the street or in their cars by ignoring them and the problems which ensue.  I encourage you to create a task force on homelessness involving all of the previously mentioned groups with the express purpose of

  • quantifying the number of people in need,
  • evaluating legal options for assistance,
  • determining the financial impacts of these alternatives including staff time incurred in their implementation,
  • making a recommendation to you for action. 

This task force will serve as a visible reminder to you and the community of our commitment to improving the quality of life not only for those without homes, but for everyone. It will keep this issue in the forefront of our collective consciousness and hold, not only you as the governing body, but the entire community accountable for results.

To quote Moliere, the French playwright and actor, "It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do."

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