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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.0- Public Comment Af January 7, 2013 Hello my name is Betty A Rochelle; this is addressed to the city council, and Mayor of San Bernardino. Occupy Fontana will be checking into getting a permit in less than 10 working days, so that plans can be made to relocate, homeless people. We would like to know what properties the city owns that potentially could be used by Occupy San Bernardino. Ideally, this site would be available on a long term basis and be located not more than 3 miles from downtown San Bernardino. Occupy San Bernardino would like to start a good working relationship with the city and would appreciate any help you can offer us in finding a suitable location. Occupy San Bernardino is looking for long term site that will: 1. Further the goals of the occupy movement which is to address the inequalities in our society. 2. Have the potential for being developed into an all-inclusive homeless facility There are over 3,000 people who are homeless in San Bernardino at some time during this past year. Presently, facilities and social services are scattered in various locations throughout the city mostly within a few miles of the city hall. In order for a homeless person to meet his/her daily needs during the course of a day, an expenditure of a considerable amount of energy and effort is required. The task becomes even more formidable when trying to find employment with no consistent place to live and at the same time making one presentable to a potential employer. Bus passes are given out to the homeless in limited amounts with requirements that are frequently difficult to meet. When these transportation difficulties are added to the above- mentioned challenges and also to the various disabilities that a homeless person may have, the likelihood of the homeless person lifting him or herself out of their predicament becomes just about impossible. It is with the realities mentioned above that we are suggesting that the site being made available to Occupy San Bernardino have the potential to be developed into an all-inclusive facility for the homeless. This facility would include nighttime and daytime shelter, minimal storage space, meals, laundry facilities, social services such as job counseling, Alcohol and drug treatment programs and personal counseling. Technical and vocational training should also be available on site or nearby. This proposal for an all-inclusive homeless facility is obviously a more long-term vision, but as a homeless person on Arrowhead here in San Bernardino day shelter recently told me "once you falloff the bottom rung it is just about impossible to get back on the ladder". Frank Williams is in need of medication, he has parasitic going in or out of his bones. This man has no medication and no housing for 5 years. He uses a walker, and is very sick. There on Arrowhead is close to the bus stop, we can put curtains, or blinds up so the homeless won't be stared at from outside. Smokers can go outside and smoke, no drinking of alcohol, or selling drugs, or doing drugs will be prohibited. Do not disturb business neighbors, and this place will be temporary until we can find a larger place for the women. Stealing is prohibited, and we have a right to live here, we are part of the community. I don't like that the people in San Bernardino are being treated like the Blacks in Chicago were and still are being treated. I don't like that the majority of felons receive money, and can contribute by sharing the money by renting a building or put their share of funding to keep the building as a home to be ran, 25% by them. We would appreciate any help you can offer us in finding another suitable location for Occupy San Bernardino before the weather gets any worse this winter. Another place I want to mention is on Lincoln Baseline where the old Save you foods. If that is not occupied. I understand that it was a store? It will be suitable for the men, and I am asking for volunteers to have round the clock security and cots, blankets, lanterns, brooms, dust pans, trash cans trash bags, are great to have from the community, to help the homeless stay in these areas. I know that it is bothersome to have homeless go to the businesses, hospitals, and other areas that we are not always welcome at. These sites, we will be away from the businesses, and have a place called home until each person get on their feet. Any help from the fire dept. and the police dept. is welcomed. Patrolling these sites at night to make sure the women and men are safe. Would be greatly appreciated. ierelWoche Si etty A Claricerochelle @hotmail.com I i