City of Camarillo
Public Comments
Monday, December 2, 2024 04:07 PMPUBLIC COMMENTS
NOTICE
This is a public document and will be posted as part of the public record. Any attachments, pictures, and information submitted will be subject to disclosure in accordance with applicable law, including the Public Records Act.
Meeting Date Thursday, December 5, 2024
Agency City Council
Item Type Agenda Item
Item Number or Subject Subject: Homelessness Strategic Plan Position Not Applicable
Comments My name is Jasmine Duron, and I am the Advocacy and Community Impact Coordinator for Autism Society Ventura County. Our advocacy committee reviews school board, city council & county supervisor agendas throughout Ventura
County each week, and coordinates public comment, to ensure that people with disabilities have a voice at the table.
On behalf of Autism Society Ventura County and our Advocacy Committee I am writing to express our deep concerns regarding the homelessness crisis and its impact on individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism, while you are taking the time to focus on the Homeless Strategic Plan in the City of Camarillo. While we recognize the significant efforts being made to address this critical issue, it appears that current strategies may inadvertently overlook the unique needs of this vulnerable population. Recent data underscores the urgency of ensuring these needs are properly addressed.
The prevalence of Autism has been steadily rising, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that approximately 1 in 36 children were identified with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2020, a notable increase from prior years. Economic challenges compound this issue, as over half of Autistic children live in low-income households, with one in four living in poverty. Additionally, locally, the 2024 Ventura 1 County Homeless Point in Time Count identified 102 individuals experiencing homelessness who reported having a
developmental disability, representing 7.2% of the homeless population. Sadly, we believe this number represents a gross underestimate.
Despite this alarming data, the current homelessness plans appear to lack sufficient collaboration with disability-focused organizations. These organizations hold valuable expertise and insights that are critical to crafting effective and inclusive strategies. Without their involvement, there is a significant risk of developing solutions that fail to address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities.
Furthermore, individuals with developmental disabilities often require tailored support, including accessible housing, specialized healthcare, and services designed to address sensory and communication challenges. Standard assessment tools used to determine service priority may not accurately capture the complexities of their situations. This could result in these individuals being deprioritized for critical resources, leaving them without the support they need to achieve stability and safety.
To address these concerns, we urge decision-makers across the County to take intentional steps toward a more inclusive approach. This includes establishing formal partnerships with disability organizations to integrate their input into
homelessness plans, revising assessment tools to better capture the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, and developing housing solutions that prioritize accessibility and comprehensive support services.
The intersection of homelessness and disability is a pressing issue that requires thoughtful and collaborative action. By addressing these gaps, we can create solutions that not only meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities but also ensure equitable access to resources for all members of our community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these concerns further and explore ways we can work together to support individuals with
developmental disabilities who are impacted by homelessness.
For more information on Autism Society Ventura County’s Advocacy Committee, or additional information on
collaboration, please e-mail [email protected].
Jasmine Duron
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IDENTIFICATION
Name Jasmine Duron
Address Camarillo, CA
Telephone (805) 760-2200
2 Email [email protected]
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