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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTIONS - 01051988 - S.5 S,S THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA Adopted this Order on January 5, 1988_, by the following vote: AYES: Supervisors Powers, Fanden, Schroder, Torlakson and McPeak NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None SUBJECT: Report From The Welfare Director On Resources Available For The Homeless in Contra Costa County. This item was brought to the attention of Board members after the agenda was posted, and the Board unanimously agreed on the need to take action. Phil Batchelor, County Administrator, advised the Board that James Rydingsword, Welfare Director, would give an oral report on the direction the Board gave to set up a shelter in the Concord Armory. James Rydingsword, County Welfare Director, reported that the experience at the National Guard Armory in Concord of giving shelter to the homeless has been a very positive experience for all the people that were involved. He expressed appreciation to the Red Cross, staff and volunteers. He commented that the highest number of people at the shelter on a given evening had been twenty-two, with a total since December 29, 1987 of sixty-one. Supervisor Fanden commented on the difficulty of informing the homeless of the programs the County has available for them and requested posting the information at the Employment Development Department. Supervisor Powers expressed concern relative to transition to a permanent winter referral service. He also commented on the approval last night in Pittsburg of a shelter in that community and adding that shelter to the list of resources. Phil Batchelor advised the Board that the County is working to establish a referral service in the evenings at the Armory and the idea is not to have the armory continue indefinitely but rather to transition the homeless to places where they can get on their own feet. He commended Mr. Rydingsword' s staff and the private non-profit community for their efforts and commented on the funds raised through the efforts of the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Fanden raised the issue of transportation to the shelters for the homeless. Supervisor Fanden moved to send out a press release encouraging all citizens in Contra Costa to be alert for anyone they feel is homeless and to inform the County of such a person. Supervisor Schroder expressed concern that Contra Costa County have some criteria to follow relative to individuals being taken care of by the facilities available in this County so that all the homeless in the Bay Area do not feel that Contra Costa County has the capability to assume responsibility for all of the problems of the homeless in the area. The Board discussed the matter. Therefore, IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that the County Administrator is DIRECTED to prepare a press release informing the public of resources available for the homeless and encouraging 1. citizens to assist in making the homeless aware of such resources; and the Welfare Director is REQUESTED to direct the posting of notices of shelters in public places; and the Welfare Director is DIRECTED to monitor transportation concerns of the homeless to determine if any further actions are needed. I hereby certify dant this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered oaa he nitrates of the Board of SuPeivisors on the date shown. A'PTi=STS®: n n PHIL BA i-lELOR, i rte of the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator a By Deputy Orig. Dept. : Clerk of the Board CC: County Administrator Welfare Director 2.