From: Wendy Martinez
To: Clerk
Subject: Public Comment, Budget Hearing Department of Planning of Community Development Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024 9:51:29 PM
External Email: Use caution with links and attachments
Some suggestions from Fresno Homeless Union:
· Allocate dollars to fund an oversight mediation board composed of advocates and unhoused community members to hold shelters accountable for not meeting the standards set by their agreements with the city. Wrap around services are not being provided and needs aren’t being met.
· Allocate additional funding to create a team of advocates to work inside the shelters to create a successful stay & exit.
· Policy change and budget allocation to allow for vacant lots of city property to be utilized as safe lots to protect community members by creating a safe space to stay without being harassed and abused by city agencies that have historically worked to displace communities.
Lots should be limited to 30-50 individuals per lot and they should be made available throughout the city and not all be concentrated downtown. · Survival resources made available year-round across the city including water stations, access to bathrooms and showers.
· Create and fund outreach team that transports unhoused to and from showers, local resources (SSI, DSS, DMV etc.)
· Policy change- warming and cooling center expansion to season-long availability.
Additionally, provide transportation to centers. Made available by agreement with FAX or other vendors