10/22/1990 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

e Regarding Mr. Boles' concern for neighborhood opposition in Glenwood, Ms. Schue said that this facility is located within a commercial area, so there would likely be little neighborhood opposition. Mr. Holmer said that he shares Ms. Bascom's concern with the Motel Voucher Program, but noted that the Homeless Action Coalition preferred this option because it provides more family stability. He commented that the City would still have Interfaith Program support if it implemented the Motel Voucher Program, and it might lead to more comprehensive housing support. Regarding the apparent lack of support in the Washington Park neighborhood, Ms. Ehrman noted that potential roadblocks could be set up to prevent the council from acting quickly. She said residents have circulated a petition requesting a public hearing on this issue. Ms. Ehrman said that the City will not be able to adequately address the housing problem with this temporary solution, and emphasized the need to widen community participation in the problem. Mr. Boles said that the fears expressed by residents may be the result of a lack of exposure to this problem. He noted that isolating the shelter from residential neighborhoods will not assuage these fears and wondered if the council should consider implementing the Motel Voucher Program. Responding to the Homeless Action Coalition's concerns for family stability, Ms. Schue noted that the Whiteaker School has indicated that it accepts responsibility for and would be willing to provide education for the children e in this program. Mr. Boles said that he is not convinced that the Whiteaker School is set up to handle this problem. He pointed out that this problem is shared by all areas of the community, and they should be willing to share the burden. The amendment carried, 6:1; with councilors Ehrman, Schue, Bascom, Green, Bennett, and Holmer voting in favor; and Councilor Boles voting against. Ms. Ehrman moved, seconded by Ms. Schue, to add $30,000 from the Contingency Fund to the budget for the Interfaith/Access Community Shelter program. Ms. Bascom expressed her opposition to this amendment, reminding the council of its decision to target its financial support toward long-term housing solutions. Mr. Bennett concurred noting that this additional money would go a long way toward permanent, emergency shelter. Mr. Green expressed his support of Ms. Ehrman's amendment and suggested that the money be targeted; he suggested the money be targeted toward Whiteaker School. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 22, 1990 Page 5 Dinner/Work Session