December, 3 2024
To:
City Council Members
City of Alameda
2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Room 380
Alameda, CA 94501
Cc: City Manager
Subject: Request for a Pause in the Execution of the Third Amendment to the Agreement with The Village of Love Foundation. Agenda Item 5-L 2024-4549
Dear City Council Members and City Manager,
My family and I have lived at the Big White located at 2795 San Pedro Road since 2011 and are very familiar with the issues facing the Big Whites and some of the issues facing residents of the Village of Love.
I am writing to formally request a temporary pause in the execution of the Third Amendment to the Agreement with The Village of Love Foundation (VOL) for the provision of emergency shelter services. While I recognize the importance of the services provided by VOL and commend the City Council and Staff (City) for its commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, I feel it is crucial to address several pressing issues before proceeding further.
According to Attachment 3, Paragraph 1, of the original agreement, property maintenance responsibilities require clear coordination between the City and VOL. Unfortunately, recent incidents highlight a lack of adherence to these provisions:
1. Roof Leaks at 2825 Pearl Harbor: Due to past deferred maintence, the roofs of several of the Big Whites have been neglected. I notified the previous property manager of the roof issues with this building on November 22, 2022 (i.e. we had the same problem). It has now been over 742 days since this notification and persistent leaks remain unaddressed, impacting the safety and habitability of the property.
2. Destroyed Fence at 2845 Pearl Harbor: A tree fell on the fence at 2845 Pearl Harbor on September 14, 2023. Here is a picture of the downed tree and a photo from today. It has been 446 days since the tree fell and still nothing has been done to fix the fence.
3. Lack of Communication: Also counter to Attachment 3, Paragraph 2, there here has been minimal communication between VOL and the surrounding community, particularly regarding recent incidents that have raised concerns among residents. Here’s perplexing notice that one of the community members received about a major arrest at one of the VOL’s homes that doesn’t address the cause.
These unresolved matters suggest a gap in oversight and coordination, which, if left unaddressed, may compromise the effectiveness of VOL's operations and the confidence of the community in this partnership.
Additionally, I would like to remind the City of the populations that these homes are intended to serve, as outlined in the Executive Summary by the City Council in the minutes dated on 9-20-22. These homes are designated for Alameda residents who are experiencing homelessness, with a specific focus on vulnerable groups such as seniors, medically fragile individuals, and families. It is essential that all operations and maintenance efforts align with this mission to ensure these populations receive the support and shelter they urgently need. Please ensure that this focus is not lost in the shuffle.
Consequently, I respectfully request that the City pause any further execution of amendments to the agreement until the following actions have been taken:
Immediate repairs and maintenance of the affected properties as outlined in the original agreement. Establishment of a formal communication plan between VOL, the City, and community stakeholders to ensure transparency and trust.
A comprehensive review of VOL’s current practices to ensure alignment with the terms and conditions of the original agreement.
Implementation of annual HUD inspections: To ensure the safety and quality of these homes for the residents, I recommend that the City require all properties under VOL’s management to undergo annual inspections in accordance with HUD standards. This would provide an additional layer of oversight and assurance for both the City and its residents.
I believe these measures will foster greater accountability and improve the partnership’s outcomes for all stakeholders.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I would be happy to discuss my concerns further and provide any additional information as needed.
Sincerely,
Craig Miott