11/04/1991 Meeting (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Wayne Semancik, 1039 Broadway Boulevard, noted that he has been homeless for two out of the three years in which he has lived in Eugene. He expressed concern about the Camping Ordinance and being cited for selling his self-made jewelry on the streets. He expressed concern about the cards being distrib- uted in the university area soliciting donations for the Eugene Mission. He commented that the Homeless Task Force Report was a waste of taxpayers' mon- ey. John Hubbird, 3290 Harris Street, identified himself as a member of the Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO). He concurred with previous testimony. Mr. Hubbird explained that NEDCO has traditionally been a neighborhood-based organization that has advocated for housing solutions. One of its earliest projects that continues to operate today includes a 22-unit scattered-site housing cooperative in the Whiteaker neighborhood that is owned by the low-income tenants. He said the organization administers a leased-owned home ownership program for low-income families. He expressed positive comments about the overall process in which the CHAS was developed. In conclusion, he hoped that the City would continue to find creative solu- tions to empower people to have have a stake in their housing. Carole E. Bruhl, 708 West 4th Avenue, was neither for nor against the docu- ment. She hoped that the people who are most affected by the document will be involved in the process to develop the next draft. She described feelings of anger and retribution expressed by some homeless citizens, including Viet- nam veterans. e Mary Birmingham, 2015 West 17th Avenue, said that the phrase, "dignity first," has been used a lot recently by the homeless community. She said that the homeless community wants support, shelter, transitional housing, and low-income housing, but that they want their dignity first. She said that feelings of anger held by people was a result of a violation of their digni- ty. She said there are positive elements in the CHAS but felt that it lacked immediate solutions. She objected to public funds being given to the Eugene Mission. She said there needs to be a place where the homeless can stay without being cited or having to worry about crime. Kevin Hayden, 996 West 4th Avenue, identified himself as a member of the Homeless Action Coalition. He commented on specific sections of the CHAS. He acknowledged the work of elected officials trying to solve homeless issues and blamed the business community for not recognizing its responsibility in this matter. Tim Laue, 25 West 34th Avenue, spoke in favor of the CHAS. He pointed out that much of the CHAS was developed from a 1988 study, conducted by the City and Lane County, which was never implemented. Bob W. Reuschlein, 956-1/2 West 4th Avenue, noted that he ran for a Lane County Commissioner seat in 1980. He described the transition of one of his campaign volunteers from being an advertising executive, with a family and home, to becoming homeless. He said he would like to help the homeless and asked for assistance to do so. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council November 4, 1991 Page 5