DeVore and Robinson Receive Honors

by Gale Brownell

The Sonoma County Task Force For The Homeless honored two talented and dedicated volunteers at October in Paradise.

Michael DeVore received the Spirit of Service award for his many years providing service to homeless people. DeVore believes that “the most important thing you can do to help is to open minds”. Michael began educating the community about homeless issues through founding a local non-profit, SOME (Service, Outreach, Motivation, and Empowerment). They started with community projects, helping to construct a walk-in freezer for the Redwood Empire Food Bank, expanding Wallace House, Cloverdale’s shelter, installing a kitchen garden for Opportunity House, and a children’s playground for the Vietnam Veteran’s shelter.

This led to the establishment of SOME’s Family Connection Program, providing mentoring teams for formerly homeless families. The teams help them gain skills and confidence to remain housed and employed. Graduates of Family Connection have a 90% success rate remaining in their homes. Michael also began a computer training and recycling program that provided job training as well as protecting the environment through computer recycling. A Spirit of Service cash award is directed to a service program by the honoree. DeVore chose Community Resources for Independence to receive the $500. CRI will use the money to replenish their emergency funds to assist clients.

DeVore resigned the leadership of the Family Connection in 1996, but continued to be Executive Director until 1998. He collaborated with Community Action Partnerships-Sonoma County to develop the “Caring Communities Program” which addresses issues of chronically homeless families. When he retired from SOME, he began a new career as hospice chaplain with the Visiting Nurses Association. DeVore continues to be interested in homeless issues in Sonoma County.

Rabbi Michael Robinson received the Spirit of Community award for the work he has done since 1989 educating the community and advocating for homeless services and affordable housing. Soon after Rabbi Robinson moved to Sonoma County from upstate New York, he began leading self-esteem groups at the Family Support Center. He and his wife, Ruth, served for two and a half years as mentors to four homeless families through the Family Connection.

Robinson served for many years on the board of the Sonoma County Task Force For The Homeless, five of them as Chairman. He helped organize a sleep-in of forty cars when Santa Rosa proposed an ordinance that prohibited people from sleeping in their cars in the early 90’s, and has appeared many times before the Board of Supervisors and various City Councils when issues relating to homelessness were under consideration. He is also active in the Children’s Village, the Living Wage Coalition, Habitat for Humanity, the Sonoma County Peace and Justice Center, and the Sonoma Land Trust. Robinson says “if someone is homeless, you have to help them as if there is no God”.

Homelessness Is Not A Crime

by Jan DeWald, Nancy Lisk, & Sam Barnhart

We are among the Board Members of the Sonoma County Task Force For The Homeless who are acutely disappointed in the action of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors which took place on September 14, 2004.  They approved an ordinance to criminalize people sleeping in their vehicles. A person camping in a public place or sleeping in their vehicle for as little as three hours can be given a ticket for $100 to $500. People too poor to afford housing are ill equipped to pay such a fine. They can also be arrested and put in jail for up to 60 days, for the “crime” of being homeless. This ordinance was proposed by West County Sheriffs deputies in cooperation with Supervisor Mike Reilly.

There has to be a better solution to this complicated problem than ticketing or arresting homeless persons attempting to shelter themselves in vehicles. At the same time that Sonoma County Courts and other community programs are attempting to design solutions to keep the homeless population from recycling through the Criminal Justice system for want of housing or treatment with the Court Homeless Protocol Program, this ordinance takes a punish-the-victim approach.

The Sonoma County General Plan indicates that State and local government have an obligation to make adequate provision for the housing needs of all segments of the community. There has been no productive attempt by Sonoma County government to address the snowballing problem of the lack of affordable housing along the unincorporated lower Russian River. The first concrete action taken by the Board of Supervisors is to criminalize those who cannot afford traditional housing, but who attempt to keep body and soul together by living independently in their vehicles. This ordinance may result in their only remaining shelter being taken away from them if they are unable to pay fines, as well as steep vehicle towing and storage fees. Taxpayers will end up paying a large price in increased jail and hospital costs, and even more desperate people on the streets, for this unwise decision by our elected officials.

Homelessness is a problem that needs to be addressed by social service programs, not the criminal justice system. It is a problem that can be most successfully addressed with affordable housing and supportive services. Agencies such as Community Resources for Independence and COTS are working with homeless persons to repair their credit, so they may someday be able to obtain a rental. These efforts are undermined when elected officials plan to impose fines that will further damage their credit. There is no plan to provide for the housing needs of the poorest residents of rural Sonoma County. Providing a legal place to park for those housed in vehicles would be a reasonable first step.

The authors of this article each made several attempts to find out when this proposed ordinance would be placed on the agenda of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.  We were told by their staff not to worry about the date, and we would be notified. We were not notified. Due to lack of notice, few people were present to speak out against the proposed ordinance, which criminalizes homeless people and goes into effect on October 21, 2004. We deeply regret the suffering, injustice and cruelty this ordinance will impose on homeless people.

Task Force To Count Unsheltered Homeless

by Georgia Berland

The Task Force has taken on a major, urgent new project, coordinating a count of the unsheltered homeless. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is requiring a count of all of the county?s homeless people in a 24-hour period during the last week in January 2005, and every two years thereafter. Without a count, our county would risk losing almost $2 Million in annual funding for shelter and support services for our many homeless residents. A committee is meeting to design and implement this project, including service providers, homeless people, and others. The count has been scheduled from 2 PM on January 26 to 2 PM on January 27, 2005. Events will be planned by local people in each area of the county, where homeless people can come for a hot meal and giveaway ?incentive? items (e.g. sleeping bags, coats, rain ponchos, rubber boots, dry socks, and other winter survival gear) for agreeing to give their personal information.

Efforts are underway to identify areas where homeless people who may not come to these events may be found (e.g. in encampments, jails, hospitals, under bridges, etc.). Interview teams, including a homeless person if possible, will go to these places to complete the count. The Count of unsheltered homeless (those not in shelters or housing during this period) will be coordinated with a count of those in shelters or transitional housing on the 26th, so we can avoid duplication and capture a more accurate number. We will also count homeless people we can identify in hospitals and the jail who are scheduled to be released within one week, which makes them eligible to be counted. We need to gather information on age, sex, veteran status, disability, health care alternatives, and the length of time and number of recent episodes of homelessness.

The report of results will be produced with input and feedback from interviewers, and distributed to the HUD, the Continuum of Care, and local jurisdictions participating in the Count. A survey has been designed to gather the needed information from homeless people. The requirement that the information be gathered within 24 hours, and that it be done in the dead of winter, makes getting accurate numbers very difficult if not impossible, especially in a semi-rural area like Sonoma County. Even research sponsored by HUD says that 24-hour counts are invariably incomplete. Still, it is important to try to count everyone we can, since future funding is in part dependent upon the numbers to be served.

Prior local efforts only counted people requesting services (1987, counting 1685 people), or those who were found, identified, and agreed to be interviewed (2001, counting 1781 people). This time, we are also counting people via observation who do not agree to be interviewed. We know our numbers will still be low, but we hope they more closely reflect the very real housing and homelessness crisis in our area.

This project will need literally hundreds of volunteers, and about $35,000 in funding, including hot meals and donations of incentive items for homeless interviewees. Training will be provided to volunteers. Homeless or formerly homeless people are particularly invited to take part, as are all in the community. If you can participate by helping to produce a count event on the 26th or 27th in your area, serving food or distributing gifts at an event, serving on an interview team to survey homeless people, becoming part of the committees planning and coordinating the count, or donating funds for the project or winter gear for homeless people, please contact Georgia Berland ASAP by leaving a message at 575-4494 or e-mailing her at gberland@aol.com.

New Board Members Take Up The Challenge

by Georgia Berland

New energy and talent has just been elected to the Task Force Board.

Julie Bowling is Youth Coordinator for St. Eugene’s Cathedral. She works to educate the community on the reality of homelessness. Julie states “As I look ahead to my ministry, it is very important for myself and the young people with whom I work to take an active role in seeking justice and dignity for the homeless. This requires building relationships and working collaboratively. The Task Force is the vehicle through which I think much change can be initiated.”

Toni Fitzpatrick is Volunteer Coordinator for the Volunteer Center Information and Referral Program at the County Human Services Department. She oversees the volunteers and interns who assist many homeless people. As a domestic violence victim advocate, Toni is aware of the reality of being without a home due to fear of a partner or lack of funds. She brings to the board her experience and her desire to work for safe, secure and affordable housing for all.

Jon George is Director of The Salvation Army’s Transitional Living Program in Santa Rosa, and the Petaluma Area Transitional Housing (P.A.T.H.) program. He has worked in residential treatment at The Salvation Army’s Lytton Springs Adult Rehabilitation Center, and at The Drug Abuse Alternatives Center. Jon hopes to network resources for the homeless in our community to help people achieve their goal of successful independent living.

V.J. Lopez is Outreach Specialist for the Redwood Empire Food Bank, where she oversees the Commodities Supplemental Food program providing food to seniors at 50 sites, as well as the Emergency Food Assistance Program. V.J. spent nine years managing the Emergency Shelter at the Santa Rosa Armory, and worked 25 years in the insurance industry. V.J. would like to better integrate our food and homeless programs, and so we can work together to serve people in need.

Our re-elected Board members contribute a wealth of experience and dedication as well. Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars has served for over ten years, and is the hard-working Chair of October in Paradise, our annual fundraiser. She is active in direct services, and contributes in numerous ways to the Task Force and related efforts to assist people in need. Majida Gibson is a long-time housing advocate and director of housing initiatives on the East Coast. She is Director of Community Relations and Fundraising for Petaluma Ecumenical Housing, an affordable housing consultant, and a member of the Sonoma County Housing Advocacy Group, as well as serving for several years on the Board. Don Nowacki has been an advocate for the homeless since the early 80’s. He served on the Board of the Marin Commission on Homelessness and helped co-found the New Beginnings Center in Novato. He’s been on the Task Force Board for the last few years supporting development of a year round full-service center for adults in Sonoma County. Don chairs our Fundraising Committee, and is always a big part of making our October in Paradise fundraiser a success.

Nick Stewart is Director of Development Finance and Deputy Executive Director of Burbank Housing Development Corporation, and has served on the Board of the Task Force since its incorporation. He advocates for affordable housing and homeless services in business, government, non-profit andeducation venues. Nick is a former Sebastopol City Council member and Mayor.

Gale Brownell, Dannielle Danforth, and Mark Krug have been elected by the Board to continue for another year as Chair, Vice-Chair, and Treasurer, respectively, and Rev. Gene Nelson, elected in July to replace Nancy Lisk, will continue as Secretary. Nancy will continue on the Board, as will Nathan Acuña, Sam Barnhart, Georgia Berland, and Jan DeWald. The Board looks forward to continuing to work with the community to end homelessness and assist those who are homeless in Sonoma County.

Home Sweet Homeless

by Julie Bowling

On November 5th to 6th , St. Eugene’s Senior High Youth, in conjunction with the Senior High youth from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Santa Rosa, will be entering into the second annual Home Sweet Homeless experience. This youth event will be an opportunity to grow and learn about homelessness, as it exists here in Santa Rosa and in the broader American community. With an educational component featuring guest speakers who have either experienced homelessness themselves or work with those who do, youth and their families who attend will have a chance to hear personal stories and experiences, learn how and why homelessness is a very complex societal problem, and how, as a faithful community, all are called to respond. A simple meal of soup and bread will be shared and a candle light vigil will be held on the steps of the cathedral at the close of the evening’s activities.

The remainder of the evening is a time for the youth to enter into the experience of being homeless by sleeping outside on the parish lawn in large appliance boxes that would have otherwise been thrown out or recycled. The act of sleeping outside functions as a learning experience as well as being a public witness to the problem of homelessness and our commitment to stand in solidarity as a community seeking justice for all people. There will be time to reflect on the experience and what was learned. The following morning, the youth will arise to share a simple breakfast before beginning their panhandling. During this time in groups of two or three and accompanied by an adult, the youth will panhandle for money on the street corners near the parish. Using poster board signs, they will be clearly identified as youth of the church raising money to be donated to an agency that works on homelessness here in Santa Rosa.

Last year’s experience was an eye-opening experience for many youth and their families. The stories shared by the homeless men and women after the soup meal were heartfelt and full of the harsh realities present in the lives of the homeless. These day-to-day experiences stood in stark contrast to the lives our parish families lead. Homelessness was no longer a faceless entity out there that someone else experiences. It was real. It profoundly affected the lives of fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sisters, and brothers – families. It is the hope of the parish youth leaders to bring the Home Sweet Homeless experience to more youth in the church and to partner with area churches that also wish to educate their youth communities.

Wish List To Help You Find The Right Place For Your Generous Gifts

Compiled by Nancy Lisk

Many organizations that help homeless people have experienced major funding cuts, yet continue to operate as best they can. As you prepare your home for the holiday season, please give some thought to people who do not have a home of their own. Some people arrive at shelters or transitional houses having lost most of their worldly possessions, so sheltersrepeatedly need bedding and other basic items replenished. Household furnishings, towels, blankets & linens can make shelters more comfortable for families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Catholic Charities Family Support Center: Contact Carol Kempton  542-5426 Security system w/ camera, light bulbs, baby wipes, baby food, & formula w/ iron, diapers (esp. larger), brooms, legal pads, note pads, gift certificates for emergencies, bus passes, spoons, forks, pillows, blankets.

Catholic Charities Homeless Services Center; Brookwood & Russell Ave. Shelters: Contact Mike or Kate, 525-0226 Toilet paper, paper towels, coffee, towels, socks, cleaning supplies, laundry soap, forks & spoons, disposable razors, first aid supplies, aspirin, cold medicine, anti-fungal ointment, iron, ironing board, bunk beds, sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, new slippers for adults & children, shampoo, bar soap, tampons, new window screens, and a two-burner coffee maker.

Community Action Partnership: Contact Johnetta Dedrick  544-6911 Coffee, coffee cups, baking pans, cookie sheets, cooking utensils, toilet paper, toiletries, winter clothing for children, towels, blankets, mattress covers, silverware, telephone answering machine.

Community Resources for Independence: Contact Arlene Irizary  528-2745 X210 Appointment calendars /date books. Donations to help homeless disabled persons with move-in costs (e.g credit checks, truck rental). Nutritious snacks, (e.g. granola bars). Crayons, coloring books, puzzle books for children. New socks.

Community Support Network: Contact Cathy Carr  573-6955 Sleeping bags, blankets, rain ponchos, umbrellas, tents, canned food, flashlights, bottled water, cars, camp stoves, garbage bags, can openers, towels, light bulbs, cleaning supplies.

COTS: Contact : Debbie Robbins  765-6530 X303 Pots, pans, silverware, cooking utensils, dishes (full set), vacuum cleaner, towels, bunk beds, laptop computer, lamps, mixing bowls, bike rack, school supplies, back packs (all sizes), shaving cream, razors, folding high chair, disposable diapers & wipes, new underwear, caps, gloves, scarves, umbrellas.

Interfaith Shelter Network Contact Andrea Weinstein 546-7907 X12 Mop, brooms, vacuum cleaner & bags, bath mats, blender, light bulbs, DVD player, cleaning supplies, laundry soap, packaged food & canned goods, pictures for the walls.

Interlink Self Help Center: Contact Linda Picton  546-4481 Vacuum cleaner, 2004 Physician’s Desk Reference, socks, pants, sweaters, coats, ponchos, blankets/sleeping bags, umbrellas, hats, gloves, backpacks, flashlights, batteries.

The Living Room: Contact Bonnie Wood  579-0142 Breakfast foods, ground coffee, creamer, peanut butter, sleeping bags, backpacks, new women?s socks, disposable razors, deodorant, flashlights with batteries, baby wipes, toothpaste, floss, bus tickets, stamps, pens, appointment books, coloring books, puzzles, board games, jump ropes, multicultural dolls, washable markers, art supplies, new toddler toys.

Redwood Gospel Mission: Contact Mr. Parker  975-8864 Laundry soap, bleach, 33-gallon trash bags, floor cleaner, floor wax, bar soap, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, latex gloves, toilet brushes & cleaners.

The Rose Women’s & Children’s Shelter & Manna Home Women’s Recovery Program: Contact Laura Clark 576-1471 Jumper cables, stamps, feminine products, vacuum cleaner, 20 ?30 cup coffeemaker, mini blinds installed in 5 rooms, pillows, phone cards, pajamas, socks, panties, twin matching comforters,  standard-sized sliding glass door screens, office trash cans, full length mirrors, hair brushes, card table, folding chairs, tent, camping lantern/supplies, space heaters, flatware.

Russian River Counselors, Haskell House (transitional housing) Contact Jan DeWald  865-1200 Space heaters, fans, dehumidifiers, electric air filters, toilet paper, paper towels, office supplies, a new fence.

Social Advocates for Youth: Contact Celeste Austin or John McDonald  546-3432 Stereo system in cabinet, copy machine, office chairs, wide mouth toaster, sleeping bags, back packs, sweat shirts/pants, white T-shirts (M, L, XL), girls tank tops, athletic shoes, flip flops, slippers, socks, bus passes, movie passes, couch, paper towels, paper cups & plates.

Sonoma County Human Services, Information & Referral: Contact Toni Fitzpatrick  565-2335, or Linda Timmons  565-2580 Bus tickets, can openers, deodorant, diapers, feminine hygiene products, ready to eat foods (granola bars, cup-a-soups, etc.), phone cards, razors, shaving cream, reading glasses, sleeping bags, toothbrushes & paste. Donations for small grants, usually $5 to $10, to clients with immediate unmet needs.

Sonoma County Task Force For The Homeless: Contact Georgia Berland  575-4494 Newer PC Computer, laser printer, Quark Express or N Design software.

YWCA Women’s Emergency Shelter: Contact Jennifer Lake 546-7115 Bath, hand, & kitchen towels, face cloths, light bulbs, alarm clocks, journals, pens, cleaning supplies (e.g. bleach & window cleaner)

TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates

THE ADVOCACY and FUNDING COMMITTEES is focusing on activities in the Russian River area. Meetings have been or will be held with the Sheriff’s office, West County Community Services, and the Russian River Chamber of Commerce. We sent a letter of support for the proposed new park in Guerneville that will have public bathrooms available, and participated in the Community Forum sponsored by the Russian River Redevelopment Oversight Committee to identify next steps to take on the homeless issue in the River. We have also provided input on community needs to the Sonoma County Community Development Commission for their Consolidated Plan, and on the proposed zoning amendments under discussion at the County. For more information contact Gale Brownell at galephil@pacbell.net, or through the Task Force office, 575-4494.

TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates

THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE has had several speaking engagements and media appearances in the last few months, and Task Force members have submitted Op-Ed pieces and letters to media. We continue to update our website at sonomacountyhomeless.org, and to solicit material for the Reporter. To get involved contact the Task Force at 575-4494 or sctaskforce@aol.com.

TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates

THE FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE has broadened Task Force support through donations, memberships, grants, and special events. In addition to our October in Paradise fundraiser, we have joined CommunitySmart, and we now accept vehicle donations. Don Nowacki chairs. To help, leave a message for Georgia Berland at 575-4494 / gberland@aol.com.

TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates

SAFE OVERNIGHT PARKING: This ad hoc group was working with our Advocacy Committee to develop safe alternatives for homeless people who live in their vehicles, but needs additional volunteer energy to continue. To help, leave a message for Georgia Berland at 575-4494 or sctaskforce@aol.com.

TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates

COORDINATION PROJECTS

The Task Force either facilitates these projects or we are active participants. We also work to integrate them with each other to strengthen them all and provide more effective and efficient services.

COURT HOMELESS PROTOCOL PROJECT: The Task Force continues to facilitate the collaborative initiated by Superior Court Judge Gary Nadler to reduce recidivism for homeless defendants and stabilize their situations. Sonoma County Legal Services Foundation is the lead agency, and we are exploring grant proposals to several private funding sources. This collaboration between courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, public defenders, mental health, substance abuse, homeless services, and others, plans to create an advocacy and discharge planning program to serve homeless people in the courts. We hope to increase treatment and housing options for homeless defendants as well. Once this phase is working well, we plan to add a pre-arrest diversion component to give law enforcement the option to bring non-violent homeless offenders directly to services. Contact Georgia Berland at gberland@aol.com or 575-4494

TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates

COORDINATION PROJECTS

The Task Force either facilitates these projects or we are active participants. We also work to integrate them with each other to strengthen them all and provide more effective and efficient services.

FREQUENT USERS OF HEALTH SERVICES INITIATIVE (FUSHI): Unfortunately Sonoma County’s funding proposal was not successful, despite being one of the finalists. We had hoped to integrate case management across health, mental health, substance abuse, housing, and other services, and find each frequent emergency room user a “medical home”. We will still be able to provide training to clinicians and service agencies on issues such as pain management with funds from our one-year planning grant. Many of us in the collaborative feel that gathering data and working together over the past year has forged important new relationships and improved services and coordination despite not garnering the desired implementation funds.

TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates

COORDINATION PROJECTS

The Task Force either facilitates these projects or we are active participants. We also work to integrate them with each other to strengthen them all and provide more effective and efficient services.

HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS (FUHSI): We’ve redoubled our efforts to obtain funding (up to $650,000 per year) to establish a new Federally Certified clinic to serve homeless people. The plan is to develop a full-service health clinic for the homeless at the current part time clinic facility at the Family Support Center in Santa Rosa. Outreach will be included, and substance abuse and mental health services will be available through partnerships with local agencies. We are now meeting with potential applicants, with an eye toward applying in spring of 2005. For more information contact Georgia Berland at gberland@aol.com or 575-4494.