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From:Maria Aguilar
To:All Council Members
Cc:City Clerk
Subject:EXTERNAL - Monday May 5, 2025 Strategic planning -specifically housing
Date:Monday, May 5, 2025 11:24:56 AM
It's been well documented that Gilroy has the highest per capita number of unhoused.
Over the years unhoused from our city have secured housing through the efforts of the
Compassion Center, Jan Bernstein [Pit Stop] as well as other non-profits who have
worked diligently assisting folks navigate the challenges of securing housing.
As we have seen of late the resources that have assisted our marginal population are
being defunded, we don't know where we will land. Food banks, health services, non-
profits are scrambling for funds. We will see an increase of unhoused folks in our
midst. Mayor Mahan, San Jose, has stated that cities should take care of their own. We
may very well see the avenue of housing folks out of Gilroy shut down. Currently this
city's abatement plan -moving folks from you can't be here to well, we can't direct where
you can be is not addressing the issue. While it's understandable that we need to
provide safety for our general population and take care of the piles of garbage we also
have an obligation to our unhoused. When sweeps are conducted folks lose the very few
possessions they may have included are their documents that are needed to secure
services. The constant fear of being displaced plays a role in their mental and physical
health.
I'm thankful that we now have a housing coordinator, that is allowed to perform the job
duties for which she was hired. The ask is that this city works in conjunction with our
unhoused and non-profits to come up with plans moving forward. Places like
Sacramento have throughout their city pockets of small groups of unhoused that are in a
secure area where they can create a community that work together. These could work
here in our city, service providers would be able to follow up with care , document,
assess needs that will bring about established goals.
I realize this is massive, if we don't create a starting point we will lose total control.
Thank you for your time and I am looking forward to your assistance to create workable
solutions for our residents.