Question 7. of the 2006 City Council Questions to Candidates
How would you try to help the drug addicts and homeless of Davis?
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Stan Forbes: Drug addicts need treatment and that is a County function. I support the "drug Court" that will divert addicts to treatment and not to jail. Homelessness is a complex issue requiring different solutions based on why people are homeless. To the extent it is economic we can continue are very effective affordable housing programs. We have done a good job providing emergency housing for situations where spousal abuse is the issue with our battered women's shelter. When it involves chemical dependency, housing should be provided near treatment. For those who chose to be homeless, we need to work with the county to provide a location where they can camp with appropriate hygiene facilities. As a general matter, this issue will have to largely be dealt with in coordination with the county since it the the body that provides health services.
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Lamar Heystek: I would offer them year-round shelter and entry-level jobs with the City of Davis.
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Rob Roy: The homeless situation in Davis, just like everywhere, is a problem. The city of Davis needs to get its budget in order for many reasons but one of them is to be able help those that are in need in our community.
What we need is more meal programs more subsidized affordable housing, and to maintain a strong relationship with county work programs to help people get back on their feet. The county has many programs to help people but I do not want to outsource Davis' goodwill. I want the city to be able to help people.
Basically, as a community we need to be sure we provide a safety net for our citizens.
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Michael Levy: The Cesar Chavez Plaza was recently approved as transitional housing to provide homes for those who need help to be moved from addiction to a life from drugs and alcohol. I would continue to participate with Yolo County to provide funds for a homeless coordinator. During the cold winter months, I would seek to have the shelter near the fire department on 5th Street open again. I would seek to coordinate better with all of our sister jurisdictions to avoid duplication of services which wastes resources. I would work to educate the community about the many faces of homeless, to generate more interest and support.
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Ruth Asmundson: The city of Davis and the other cities in Yolo county are working together in partnership with Yolo County to provide temporary shelter for homeless people in the county. The city of Davis has provided a temporary shelter for homeless in Davis at the city owned facility on D St across the Fire Station.
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