Sept. 8, 2023
To: Mayor John McCann
Councilwoman Carolina Chavez ( District 1)
Councilman Jose Preciado ( District 2)
Councilman Alonso Gonzalez ( District 3)
Councilwoman Andrea Cardenas ( District 4)
Written Communications
Item # — Name__
c. LUgnv t n
RIla aco
Intention Advocacy Project
465 C
Street
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone ( 619) 947- 6002
Re: Opposition to Proposed Homeless Encampment Ban
Dear members of the Chula Vista City Council,
As an organization dedicated to providing critical programs and services to unsheltered individualsthat offer dignity, equityandhope, I amwriting inobjectionto the proposed homelessbanthat's beingconsideredonSept. 12. Ifthisbanshouldbecomelaw, it would represent asignificant human rightsviolation, effectivelymakingit a crimefor membersof this populationto simplyexistinthecityof ChulaVista. Furthermore, thisproposedbanis unconstitutionaland degradingin the mannerit targetsthis demographic, while recklessly neglectingto addressthe homelessnesscrisisitself.
We'veseenatrendinthiscitywhereinsteadofprovidingshelterandaffordinghousingforthis vulnerableandgrowingpopulation, our electedofficialsandcity staffareignoringmen, women andfamilies—manyof whomaren't addictedto drugsoralcoholorsufferfromseveremental illness but havefallen on hard times. This consistent lackof transparencywhen it comesto providinghousingfortheunshelteredisnotonlydisheartening, it'scruel. Wedon't havethe basic resourcesto ensure people are safe while they' re displaced.
Abanwillnotonlydeepenthesystematicissueswehavewithcitygovernmentandourlocal police department, but it will also enforce a stereotype on this demographic that creates a behavioral stigma against them. This discrimination devaluesthem as human beings, resultinginnegativeconsequencesincludingjobprospects, housingandalackofquality healthcare.
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Criminalizingunshelteredindividualsonlyfurther traumatizesthe unhousedpopulation, intensifies mental health issuesandcausesfinancial instability, among a number of other things. Thiscityalreadyhasahistoryof criminalizingunhousedcommunitymembersinthe wayofcitingandticketing (forsleepingonsidewalks), vehiclehabitationbans, arrestingthem andencroachingon theircivilliberties. It'stimeto stepup, becomepartof the solutionand stopcontributingto theproblem. Ifyoutrulywantto seelessunshelteredindividualsonthe street, youneedto considerthe practicalsolution. Onlyhousingfixeshomelessness. Weurge you to rejectthe proposed homelessban, addressthe permitting Issueimmediately and beginfillingthe pallethomeswith eligibleindividuals.
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