1 From: Peter Olson
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2025 12:34 PM
To: Web-City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment for 4/1 City Council Meeting
*** EXTERNAL EMAIL: Please use caution when opening links or attachments.*** Hello,
I would like to have this message shared with the City Council for Tuesday’s meeting on the CDBG recommendations agenda.
My name is Peter Olson and I have worked in the disability services field for over 11 years. Much of my time in this field has been working with for-profit organizations that provide in-home supports for people with disabilities. I am currently working with the Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC), which is a non-profit that focuses on access, advocacy, and supports with the disability community.
From my experience, I can tell you that both for-profit and non-profit spaces can make a big difference for the community. But from my observation, some differences lie in the structure and goals of these organizations. I have seen that behind the scenes, for-profit spaces will often prioritize profit metrics for their programs and base employee success solely on meeting these numbers. They will help people with disabilities conditionally - as long as they can afford private pay care, or have Medi-Cal fundi ng, or have a
valid authorization for services, etc. But if they lose this eligibility, they are dropped.
However, non-profits like ILRC meet people where they are at. They help with resources and navigating supports regardless of a person’s status and circumstances. They practice a person- centered approach,
tailored to each individual’s needs and their lens is focused on meeting personalized client goals, rather than breaking profit records.
Additionally, organizations like ILRC are the only spaces where I have truly seen a “for people with disabilities by people with disabilities” mindset being put into practice. This is essential because people with disabilities are more than just consumers who need services. They are an important part of our community and their lived experience is more relevant to the disability community than program metrics.
In a time where people with disabilities are facing many challenges in all areas of life, I ask that City Council consider using discretionary funds to support ILRC. Our organization depends on funding to continue helping people unconditionally. Thank you for your care and collaboration in making this possible for our communities.
Best Regards,
Peter Olson