CALL TO ACTION : We can all call in at 9am on Tuesdays to the BOS meetings, speak at public comment about Binford via zoom (although they do not show our faces—just a black background) say what we have to say and hang up. That way people don’t have to leave work and drive down there and speak —and its easier than having to stand up and speak.
We didn’t get what we wanted, but there is movement. Without all of us getting involved, nothing would have happened.
It’s a “three year plan” that largely benefits county employees. They could enforce current law and relocate them to the Civic Center.. That has the advantage of protecting the wetlands and enabling the County to provide homeless services more efficiently. And it could all be done within 3 weeks!
This is actually sad – the people in charge are using this situation as a cash cow – the living conditions will worsen the water will continue to be polluted –
Thanks for not representing the people that pay taxes
Lynn warren
And a followup in the SF Chronicle: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/marin-encampment-plan-18331796.php
The published plan is here: https://marin.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=33&event_id=3295&meta_id=1279933
Progress Dashboard at least for the # of residents is here: https://housingfirst.marinhhs.org/data-dashboard
“Binford Road, Novato
89* individuals reside in approximately 134 vehicles and 5 former residents have been housed
6 individuals are on an identified housing pathway”
Obvious Take-aways:
89 individuals do not need 134 vehicles. Tow the rest today and put up berms.
5 residents being housed in over 10 years is a complete failure.
6 of 89 on a housing pathway, whatever that means is also a complete failure.
Where is the data on # of residents who are actually homeless due to circumstance (lack of means and skills) or mental health related?
The County keeps saying that all those people are homeless with multiple very expensive vehicles and RV’s and yet no one can show us the data on any of this. What are these County employees doing if not gathering data?
It’s been shown that taking services to an encampments only make it a better place to live, and just attracts more squatters.