Open letter to the City of San Rafael Local Public Issues, posted by Michael Tupper, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Nov 21, 2009 at 9:21 am
This winter, a number of congregations have banded together to help the City of San Rafael mitigate a problem the City has failed to resolve. That problem is the number of people sleeping on the streets, in the bush's or in the doorways of local businesses. These congregations have banded together to help the City of San Rafael with this problem by offering to take 50 of these people off the street, on a nightly basis.
What I don't understand is why the City of San Rafael is not "fast tracking" this process on behalf of the congregations. It seems to me the city would be overjoyed to have these people in a safe environment, rather than having hem sleeping on the street, as it would mean less of a drain on the city budget, via less contact with the criminal justice system, as well as less contact with the health system. It would also have a positive impact on the quality of life in the downtown area. Not to mention, potentially saving a life or two or three.
As a side note, I would like to point out that the courts have a history of not looking favorably upon municipalities that set up impediments to congregations doing what congregations are mandated to do: mainly, helping those most in need!
The bottom line is: these 50 people will be "sleeping" somewhere in the City of San Rafael, either on the city streets, in the jail, in the hospital, the morgue, or a house of worship. Seems to me, by "fast tracking" the process, it would be a win-win for the City of San Rafael. It would make the city seem compassionate towards those less fortunate, as well as slowing the drain on City resources.
Posted by Nancy Greenfield, a resident of the Larkspur neighborhood, on Nov 23, 2009 at 10:26 am
I attend a church in San Rafael that will be housing 20 women one night a week for four months this winter. That's all. The rest of the year they will be out on the streets or in their car or somewhere, but not, necessarily, safe and comfortable.
I agree with the previous writer that the City of San Rafael should be pleased that we are part of the solution, though it isn't what is finally needed-a permanent shelter. They should be happy to assist us and work with us. We want the program to work and it involves faith communities, other organizations and people who donate food, blankets, sleeping bags, time, energy or money. The homeless men, women, families are right here in Marin. How can we help?
Posted by San Rafael Resident, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Nov 24, 2009 at 9:39 am
"City officials this week turned down a request from the Marin Interfaith Council to issue a provisional permit similar to an arrangement struck in San Anselmo to allow shelters to open before permits are granted.
"We have no ability or means to offer provisional permits, not just limited to this situation," City Manager Ken Nordhoff said. "The reason is to allow that process to involve all members of the community."
This is disgusting and embarrassing. It's not a permanent use. It's a temporary, emergency, rotating use. If there was an earthquake would they require a use permit for a disaster center? Hiding behind their own regulations is no defense. This isn't a federal or state requirement; it's the city's. They can change their own procedures. Other Marin towns don't seem to have this problem.
They should be thanking the congregations instead of charging them thousands of dollars and putting up roadblocks.
Posted by Anne, a resident of the Terra Linda neighborhood, on Nov 24, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Folks, you all know this is more complicated. Missing above is the rest of the story. Like how the City staff tried to get the churches going on this in the Spring, as there is some real neighborhood opposition out there. That way there would be time to give the neighbors time to vent. Going through a legitimate planning process is the best way to beat NIMBY opposition. And why should the taxpayers of San rafael underwrite your efforts by donating all City staff time and costs? Every group believes that should happen! But don't beat up on San Rafael staff and officials. They are the only game in that city. And they were on your side. Oh, and i'm sure all you good Church folks have NEVER written a letter or gone to a hearing to oppose anything in your neighborhoods, right?
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