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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem No. 31 Public Comment Agenda Item No. 31 ((3 wpport incl- &-. ZS From: Ace Valleios Z oP0c)sll4 To: Candice Alvarez Subject: [External]Fw: Homeless Collaborative-Property Purchase Under Consideration Tomorrow Night-Possible Housing Opportunity Date: Tuesday,June 23,2020 3:15:17 PM Message from external sender. Use Caution. Hi Candice please read this during the appropiate business item on the agenda. ace vallejos 15111 windover court lake elsinore ca. 92530 Mayor and Council I'm opposed to "transitional housing (homeless shelter in downtown Lake Elsinore on Graham. So far,we have workforce housing (low income) by summerly, on pottery and these properties along with many low income homes in our community can be used for housing.There are approximately 55 homeless inhabitants in Lake Elsinore and putting all of them downtown creates negative impacts to the downtown business district along with families in nearby neighbourhoods. We were told that homeless shelters don't work like the one in down town riverside for example and these facilities would be in rural open areas like Good Hope. Bring homeless to lake elsinore from the surrounding area to the downtown area is to our collective detriment. leave this spread out throughout the different cities they come from. Our community is already negatively impacted by all of the high density apartments and we don't need more negative impacts. regards, ace vallejos From: Nicole Dailey, MBA<ndailey@Lake-Elsinore.org> Sent: Monday,June 22, 2020 7:35 PM To: Nicole Dailey, MBA<ndailey@Lake-Elsinore.org> Subject: Homeless Collaborative- Property Purchase Under Consideration Tomorrow Night- Possible Housing Opportunity Dear Concerned Lake Elsinore Partner, At some time in the last three years, you have expressed an interest in supporting the City's efforts to address homelessness. While we have not had an Community Collaborative meetings for a while, we have a big project on the horizon that we wanted to share. If this project is approved, we will be reaching out soon to share how you can now get more involved and support our efforts even more. Tomorrow, on Tuesday,June 23,the City Council will decide whether to purchase a property (formerly the House of Siloam) located at 215 W. Graham Avenue.This property is being purchased with restricted Housing Funds for a future Extremely Low Income Housing Project. In the interim, though, the City seeks to use the property for transitional homeless housing. Using the City's HEAP grant,this transitional housing known as Crisis Stabilization Housing, will include regular, daily case management and supportive services by our non-profit partner, Social Work Action Group (SWAG). This includes eventually having staff live on-site at the facility. It will NOT be a homeless shelter. Since 2017,the City of Lake Elsinore's Homeless Outreach Team (SWAG, Law Enforcement &Code Enforcement) have helped nearly 100 people exit the streets. Approximately 55 individuals remain on our streets.These individuals have extreme barriers to exit the streets including Substance Abuse and Mental Health challenges. With this new housing in the City of Lake Elsinore, our team can continue its efforts to enforce a Zero Tolerance approach in our community that has proven to encourage the homeless to seek help. As part of this approach, we offer every homeless individual help and housing. However, we do not allow anyone to commit crimes in our community and they are held accountable. As a result, we raise rock bottom for these homeless individuals, and they are more eager to accept the help being offered. We have seen this work time and time again. If we do not have available housing/beds, we cannot continue to effectively enforce our Zero Tolerance Approach and we could start to see greater concerns in our public spaces. About the Property: • Approx. 3 parcels and a total of approximately 0.82 acres in size • Located on Graham Avenue next to the Chimes Building(215 W. Graham Avenue) • 14 single, dual access units that include up two beds per unit, a bathroom and a kitchen. • Property includes a pool, spa, common barbeque area, and a chapel/community room • Property fully gated/fenced and is equipped with surveillance cameras Key Benefits/Points: • City Has Proven Success Addressing Homelessness:The City has seen a more than 33% decline in our Point-in-Time Count since 2018, while Riverside County has seen a 28% increase. • Necessary to Address Homelessness in LE: Ensures success of our Homeless Task Force can continue including enforcement&assistance, without it we will once again start to see more and more individuals our streets, parks and beaches. • Short-Term Use:The location allows for an interim use. City is not mandated to continue this housing, rather the City is maximizing its investment to meet an immediate need in our community while we design and plan a permanent housing development. • Catalyst Project: Long-term the City intends to strategically design and build a beautiful affordable housing project in our downtown that will provide services for the entire City and encourage surrounding investment and development downtown. • Fully Managed & Maintained Housing: City will maintain full control of the property and who is placed in housing and housing will not be provided to those outside of our region under our HEAP grant program, House LE/House Wildomar.Those housed will receive regular case management and supportive services. • It Will Not Be A Shelter:This property will provide transitional Crisis Stabilization Housing of up to 90 days for homeless individuals from ONLY Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and surrounding County Areas. • It's the Law:The City is required to use Housing Funds to build affordable housing. In addition, the City is mandated to build different types of affordable housing or it could lose these critical funds to meet this REQUIREMENT of our state. • No General Funds Will Be Used: Project will be fully funded by Housing Funds for the purchase of the property,Supportive Services Fully Funded by HEAP Grant, Grant is active through June 30, 2021—Entire Project will Require$0 in General Fund Dollars • Cost-Efficient Option: Cost of retrofitting an existing facility versus a new development is substantially lower. New housing projects could cost upwards of$500,000 to$700,000 per unit.This allows the City to maximize our available housing dollars to meet state mandates for affordable housing. • Can Activate the Community: By creating a location where we can house the most vulnerable and in need, we can activate all those in our community(more than 400+ people)that have expressed an interest in helping and healing these individuals.They can come to the location with food, donations,time and to offer programs or opportunities to socialize. • Ready to Respond:The HEAP grant includes the funding of a deputy that can patrol this site and the area regularly, by car and foot, including regular patrols of Main Street and our surrounding downtown area. In addition, our community is urged to report concerns related to this facility at any time for our team to address. If implemented, our entire team—SWAG, Law Enforcement &Code—will be ready and able to respond to concerns. • We Have A Passion to Make a Difference:The City has built a team of individuals that truly aim to make a difference. Our Homeless Outreach Team is fully invested in helping those in need on the streets of Lake Elsinore. How to Comment: The City Council meeting starts at 7:00 PM. The Agenda is lengthy, and it is possible that this item will be taken out of order, but we cannot estimate what time this item will be heard. The City will resume in-person meetings this Tuesday with strict social distancing, which means there will be limited seating for those who wish to attend the meeting. Those who wish to share comments regarding this item can do so in person at the meeting. If the Cultural Center has reached capacity, overflow areas will be available and persons wishing to comment will be called in to address the City Council. Those who wish to share comments regarding this item can also do so by emailing your comments in writing by 4 p.m. on Tuesday to calvarez@1ake-elsinore.org(copied on this email). If interested, groups can get together and write a single comment in support for reading in-person or sent via email that can be signed by multiple people or organizations if anyone wanted to take the lead on this too. Any support you can provide is greatly appreciated. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you, Nicole Dailey Assistant to the City Manager Cell: (951) 833-5497 Email: ndailey PIake-efsinpre.czrg We are in this together, we will get through this together LE. Find our latest COVID-19 updates at www.lake-elsinore.org/coronavirus. Ct'rY nr ►� LAK-ELSINOKF 40 11� DPEAm EXTRE.&sE From: Annes Williams To: Candice Alvarez Subject: My statement regarding agenda item proposal to buy property Date: Tuesday,June 23,2020 8:50:02 AM As a participant in the LE Homeless Taskforce for almost three years, I have witnessed the due diligence led by Mayor Brian Tisdale, Councilwoman Natasha Johnson, and Assistant to City Manager,Nicole Dailey. There were various mechanisms used to achieve strategic planning to address homelessness. Such mechanisms included: *Seek fiscal resources to increase the capacity to address homelessness *Marketing Plan which included A Hand Up Not Out to discourage residents from giving to individuals who panhandled *Solicit Taskforce members input *Utilize Alert LE as a reporting and collector of useful data in order to leverage finite public resources *Conduct meetings to listen to concerns and inform residents, businesses, non-profits, and faith based organizations of the strategic planning elements *Align outreach services to include The SWAG,the POP team and Code Enforcement All these things and more were done to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of all citizens would not be compromised. Therefore, due to what I see as the commitment to plan, do, check and act,the four steps in problem solving, along with the guard rails stated in the proposal in this agenda item, I support this next phase. Agnes Williams Sent from my iPad From: Ashlee DePhtllippo To: Candice Alvarez Subject: [External]Agenda Item-House of Siloam Project Date: Tuesday,June 23,2020 3:47:58 PM Message from external sender. Use Caution. Dear Honorable Mayor Tisdale, Distinguished City Councilmembers, and City Staff. My name is Ashlee DePhillippo, and I'm writing to you today as a community volunteer and not as a representative of any organizations I affiliate with. First, I commend the city of Lake Elsinore on its vision and tremendous work in addressing the issue of homelessness. Under your leadership, we've seen incredible progress in our region. No one can deny the seriousness of the current homeless problem in our society nor can we deny the complexities of this issue. Lake Elsinore has not only confronted these problems and complexities head-on but has been fearless in the face of many challenges. You have been strategic in your approach as well as your partnerships including your partnerships with the Social Work Action Group, The Riverside County Sheriffs Department, and the Homeless Task Force, as you carry out your"One Team One Dream" approach. This is evidenced by the recent Point In Time count as measured against the 2018 count. This reveals the City has seen more than a 33% decline in homelessness while Riverside County has seen a 28% increase. Your approach is working! We now find ourselves at the precipice of the next phase of this strategic effort: the House of Siloam. I support this project. I believe the Siloam house supports the vision of the city of Lake Elsinore to work towards ending homelessness in the City. This allows the city to comply with new California state laws so the team may continue providing a compassionate path for our unsheltered residents while maintaining the ability to enforce a zero-tolerance policy. This also allows those housed to receive regular case management and supportive services. This project is fiscally responsible, as it is funded with grant money and as such, will not come from the General Fund. However, this opportunity of using grant money does have an expiration date. Additionally, this project is substantially less expensive than a new housing project would be. Furthermore, this will allow a greater opportunity for community volunteers, community organizations, and faith-based organizations to support the "One Team One Dream" vision of the City of Lake Elsinore and its partners. In conclusion, as an active community volunteer, I care deeply about the city of Lake Elsinore. I believe this is the time to act. To approve this project, the House of Siloam, is to continue the forward progress of maintaining and building upon the city's already proven strategic successes. As a volunteer, I'm committing to you,to do what I can to help the team make this project a success should you choose to move forward with it. Many thanks for all that you do! From: denine Diaz To: Candice Alvarez Subject: [External]Crisis Stabilization Housing Date: Tuesday,June 23,2020 8:53:54 AM Message from external sender. Use Caution. Esteemed Members of the Lake Elsinore City Council, I am sending this email in support of the Crisis Stabilization Housing Project being proposed tonight. I have worked closely with Nicole Daily and her team,their partnership with SWAG and local community agencies is working to help transform homeless individuals and clean up the beautiful city of Lake Elsinore. This project will show that The City of Lake Elsinore takes a responsible approach to solving one of the cities biggest problems, the safety of individuals and property. Thank you. Denine Diaz Social Service Linkage Specialist From: gale b]elland, To: Candice Alvarez Subject: [External]Housing the Homeless Date: Tuesday,June 23,2020 11:12:10 AM Message from external sender. Use Caution.j� To whom it may concern: ^ I think it is essential that housing and help be provided for the homeless population in our surrounding area. By providing a model as per the Supreme Court decision, we could be the example for surrounding cities and the state. I have a group of people that would gladly serve to prepare the site for occupation. We have a wonderful group in our area that provides social and mental help, SWAG. This could be the best of worlds with the combining of help and housing in one location. We cannot put our "heads in the sand" and think the homeless situation will go away. Why not be in the forefront of change and become the example of best practice.The Supreme Court has determined the need, now we can be in control of what it will look like. Gale Bjelland Lake Elsinore Stake JustServe Specialist The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints From: Meagan Ververa To: Candice Alvarez Subject: [External]Homeless Collaborative Date: Tuesday,June 23,2020 12:01:37 PM Message from external sender.Use Caution. Hello, I am a resident of Lake Elsinore and would like to comment on the upcoming issue of buying the House of Shalom for temporary housing and services to the homeless.My feelings are: I Do-support finding a place to temporarily house and give services to the homeless.I know how important that is to those vulnerable people in need.I also understand that in order to keep people out of our public spaces we need a space for them to go.I hope that our city leaders understand that this may be a never ending cycle. We will provide beds,but as more homeless come more beds will be required. I Do Not-support buying The House off Shalom as this residence.The location is my concern.It is right next to The Chimes,one of our towns most expensive and lovely buildings.It's also right on one of the main drags,where there are many businesses and where the city has worked very hard to revitalize and make beautiful.Due to the laws of our state it can be very hard to regulate where the homeless hang out.Often the hands of law enforcement are tied.I understand how difficult it is to find a location that can be agreed upon,but it's an important decision that could have great and lasting effect on our city. I do support the cities' efforts with the homeless,I know there are no easy solutions.Thank you for your time. Meagan Ververa 29452 Moon Views Ct Lake Elsinore,Ca 92530 Sent from my iPhone To Lake Elsinore Mayor Tisdale and Councilmembers, My name is Melanie Shatzer. I have been involved for many years on the planning committees of many of the events that have taken place in Lake Elsinore, such as Clean Extreme,the Emergency Preparedness Fair, and the Unity in the Community Run. I am very interested in the homeless situation in Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, and would like to let you know that I am wholeheartedly in favor of the purchase of the Property at 215 West Graham Avenue. Being able to use grant money, instead of money from the city's budget, as well as having the services of SWAG and the new Cares Team, will be a great bonus for the city in being able to address the needs and concerns regarding the homeless within Lake Elsinore and Wildomar. I commend the City of Lake Elsinore for being so proactive in addressing the many issues that arise with this complex and complicated issue. I appreciate your Zero Tolerance approach to criminal activities while maintaining responsible compassion for each of these individuals. Such an approach helps meet the true needs of the homeless in this area. I look forward to helping in any way you may need to make this property a great solution to a very difficult problem. Thank you for your time. Melanie Shatzer We, the undersigned, are in favor of the purchase of the property at 215 West Graham Avenue to address the needs of the homeless in the cities of Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, and surrounding county area. We feel that being able to use grant money instead of money from the city's budget is of tremendous value to the citizens, and having the services of SWAG and the Cares Team will be of significant benefit to the homeless individuals in these areas. We appreciate your proactive approach to the complex issues of homelessness and applaud you for the successes you have experienced in the past. Thank you. Rocky Snider 31756 Canyon Estates Dr., Lake Elsinore CA 92532 Laura Lynn Snider 31756 Canyon Estates Drive, Lake Elsinore CA 92532 Joy Shumaker 33015 Seville St. Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 Mark Shumaker 33015 Seville St. Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 Diana Kramer 29272 Southerness, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 George Kramer 29272 Southerness, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 Brad Jensen 1 Pointe Fiera, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532 Jessica Jensen 1 Pointe Fiera, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532 Roy Renouf 40962 Diana Ln, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532. Sung An Renouf 40962 Diana Ln, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532. Patrick Webb 1 Pointe Verde Lake Elsinore, CA 92532 Jennifer Webb 1 Pointe Verde Lake Elsinore, CA 92532 Michelle Roberts 24202 Carnation Way, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532 Robert Wilson 33450 View Crest Drive, Wildomar, CA 92595 Melanie Shatzer 23072 Trillium Drive, Wildomar, CA 92595 melanie.shatzer@yahoo.com Ray Shatzer 23072 Trillium Drive, Wildomar, CA 92595 Harvey Olsingch 22776 Charles St, Wildomar, CA 92595 Joy Western 34306 Sunrise Street, Wildomar, CA 92595 Russell Western 34306 Sunrise Street, Wildomar, CA 92595 David Nay 27411 Bunkerhill Drive, Corona, CA 92883 (Clean Extreme Committee) Jennifer Nay 27411 Bunkerhill Drive, Corona, CA 92883 Please note that all of these people have freely given permission for their names to be placed on this list. Due to Covid 19 they were not able to personally sign this form. The Shumakers added this statement: We're hopeful that this will add opportunities for a hand up for some of the homeless in our community, as well-as better policing abilities, as well as improved police/community relationships. We love how well Lake Elsinore tries to reach out to all residents, no matter what walk of life. The Rotary Club of Lake Elsinore "i 2019-2020:Rotary Connects tlw World PO Box 521,Lake Elsinore, CA 92530 E:ortegadee@gmail.com (951)345-9071 Since 1954 June 23, 2020 Re: Agenda Item #31—Purchase of property at 215 W. Graham Dear Honorable Mayor Tisdale, Members of the City Council and Staff, On behalf of the Rotary Club of Lake Elsinore, it is an honor to address the City Council on such and important issue as the plight of the homeless population in Lake Elsinore. Many Rotary clubs in Southern California have been very active in addressing this problem and we would like to join that humanitarian effort. Item #31 on tonight's agenda is asking the City Council to approve the purchase of the property at 215 W. Graham for the primary goal of providing additional affordable housing to the City's inventory. The proposed interim use, however, provides for immediate help with homeless and transitional housing needs coupled with appropriate social services. Our club has experience working with SWAG and are excited for the opportunity participate in this project to whatever capacity is appropriate. Rotary International, with our 1.2 million members and 33,000 clubs worldwide, have funds available through the Global Grants program to qualified projects that meet certain criteria. But first, we need a project. On that note, we support the purchase of this property and hope our shared vision of providing immediate housing and much needed social services can be realized as soon as possible. Sincerely, Rick Morsch Director of Community Services Rotary Club of Lake Elsinore From: Dana Handbury To: Candice Alvarez Subject: [External]Lake Elsinore purchase of property for transitional housing Date: Monday,June 22,2020 9:15:28 PM Message from external sender. Use Caution. I am a 6-year resident of the Summerly Community in town. I wanted to voice my opinion that I think the city's purchase of this property on Graham Street is a smart and appropriate use of that property as well as an excellent intervention to help the Lake Elsinore homeless individuals who are looking for a hand up (not a hand out) to get back on their feet. Dana Handbury