PRESS RELEASE
September 9, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
510.747.7570
City to Implement Action Plan in Response to Increased Homeless Encampments
Homeless encampments in Alameda and across the entire Bay Area region have grown in recent months. With the construction of Jean Sweeney Open Space Park anticipated to begin, the City is working collaboratively with Alameda Point Collaborative, Operation Dignity, and the Social Services Human Resources Board (SSHRB) to develop and implement a compassionate Action Plan.
"This is a well thought out plan that serves the needs of the homeless and the interests of the community,” commented Doug Biggs, Executive Director of Alameda Point Collaborative. “It is exciting to see the plans for the park moving forward and that we are using this opportunity to work to end homelessness in Alameda."
This plan includes input from all departments involved with this continued effort to address issues of neighborhood safety, provide resources in a humane way, and create a long-term strategy and solution for developing park spaces. Specifically, the City’s Action Plan includes:
1) Enter into an agreement with Operation Dignity, a nonprofit based in Oakland and Alameda, to provide an initial assessment of homeless people living in Alameda. This will be accomplished over six weeks with a mobile outreach team that will engage with homeless individuals to do a comprehensive survey of their basic needs, housing history, mental health and substance abuse issues, and other background information.
2) Bring this Action Plan to SSHRB on September 22 to receive and incorporate their feedback and suggestions.
3) In mid-October, bring to Council for approval a one-year agreement with Operation Dignity to provide on-site case management services to homeless individuals in an effort to get people housed and accessing available services when possible.
4) Notices were posted August 19 throughout the park to inform people that construction is coming and the general timeframe.
5) Alameda Police Department (APD) will post the legally required 30-day eviction notices once the exact timeframe for the first construction phase of Sweeney Park is confirmed, anticipated to be in November/December. When construction begins, a temporary fence will be erected around the construction zone. APD will store any remaining personal belongings of occupants of the encampment as required by law.
6) Operation Dignity will continue to provide case management for any homeless people remaining in the park and throughout the City.
7) On November 1, the City will apply for a StopWaste state grant for funding to clean up hazardous materials from abandoned encampments.
8) Mid- to long-term options being considered for the remaining undeveloped areas of the park include:
a. Install temporary solar lighting throughout undeveloped areas.
b. Use a goat abatement service to clear brush and ensure better visibility into the area.
c. Make a determination on whether to keep the undeveloped areas open to the public or remain fenced.
9) Throughout this process the police department will respond to any issue that requires immediate attention.
CITY MEETING
The City is convening a neighborhood meeting to allow for feedback and discussion on these initial plans and provide general information about homeless referrals. A collection bin for socks and toiletries will be available at the meeting and anyone attending is encouraged to bring donations.
When: Tuesday, September 27 at 6:30pm
Where: Mastick Senior Center
Childcare and refreshments will be provided. This meeting is free and open to the public.
