Council: CAVC representative addresses planning for homeless shelter
January 08, 2016
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Santa Paula has to start planning now if it wants to provide a December 2016 winter warming shelter to the homeless the City Council was told Monday by the executive director of a countywide nonprofit agency that helps those in need.
City Manager Jaime Fontes noted at the January 4 meeting that homelessness has been brought up to the council on several occasions, including in November when homeless activist Kay Wilson-Bolton proposed the city open a warming shelter at the Community Center.
Fontes said “putting together a winter shelter” for the homeless could not be done on short notice, but the request prompted him to contact Tim Hockett, executive director of Community Action of Ventura County.
Creating such a shelter, noted Fontes, could be a possibility in 2016 with input and help from Hockett and CAVC as well as Eric Sternad of Interface Children Family Services.
Hockett — who noted Councilwoman Jenny Crosswhite is a CAVC Board Director — said homelessness is “horrible, horrible for an individual” putting their mental and physical health at risk as well as their safety and dignity.
Most communities that have been successful with homeless programs are using a three-pronged approach: providing temporary shelter, finding the root causes of the situation and providing services to allow the individual to help themselves and having a source of permanent, low-income housing.
“Emergency shelter is humane and compassionate but you also need case management to get them out of homelessness,” determine “weaknesses and strengths” to help themn off the streets.
Hockett said the last step, permanent low-income housing, is especially challenging in the high-priced housing market of Ventura County.
“We were asked in August about operating the Oxnard winter shelter,” when the armory had not yet been secured and an alternate location was needed.
“We thought we could do 50 people,” but ultimately CAVC decided “We were past the go, no go date to be open for December…it does take time.”
Hockett said “I encourage you to have a study session,” to create a strategic plan to determine what it would take the city to offer a warming shelter and what resources are available to help accomplish same.
“I am convinced I could offer some help to you and now is the time to plan for 2016…”
For the short-term Hockett suggested a “transportation option” might be arranged for area homeless to the Oxnard warming shelter.
Hockett said he would like to stay involved in Santa Paula’s future in helping the homeless: “I’m here to help you. I love this city and hope you turn to us…”
