Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should hold your first meeting at DC General. Just in case you have a shred of empathy in you anywhere.

Having empathy would mean you are actually going to address the DC General problem in a more substantive way. Slicing it up into 8 pieces and spreading it around doesn't actually address any of the underlying issues around how DC General got so bad in the first place. And as such the same problems will recur, only this time in 8 facilities instead of one.

So before you go rushing to the defense of the plan touting "empathy" I think you need to take a step back and recognize that none of the proposals, whether Bowsers' or Council's counterproposal actually address those underlying problems.

It does solve a problem. Just like large concentrated projects were a failed experiment of the 60s, a city-wide large scale shelter is a failure today. I'm tired of hearing people profess to have concern about the "underlying problems" facing the homeless, but only when the homeless are moving into their neighborhood.

Oy vey. Your ignorance is showing, OP.

We have decades of research, data and best practices. A number of jurisdictions--including MoCo--have implemented systems change and effectively ended veteran homelessness. DC's homeless czar is the former director of the US Interagency Council on Homelessness--not some ignorant newbie. You have a big homeless problem in DC for a variety of reasons--primarily because of decades of lack of strategic investment. This plan is a thoughtful and strategic approach. It won't yield results overnight, but it's a giant step in the right direction.

It's a bit frustrating and somewhat entertaining hearing criticism from people who simply know nothing about homelessness. I wouldn't pontificate about sports or fashion, but having dedicated my career and pro bono to homeless policy and advocacy I feel like I have the necessary street cred to tell you people to simmer down--give the plan a chance instead of throwing rocks.

I am.actually looking for responses from those who oppose the plan. Is opposition by D.C. residents not allowed? Again, I have benefitted from aid in DC and worked in social services - to answer your question Jeff - I have both been around and practical been one of the people you're talking about. I do not live near one of the proposed sites, though that is relative. I pass through one of the proposed areas often. My gripe is that we have limited, not endless, resources to help people and I genuinely think thi is a boondoggle and not the best way. I would love to see one efficient site and monies directed to the social services people need (I needed) for independence: Especially quality daycare. Can you show me in the plan where the needs to become independent and self sustaining, which is good for the dependent children as they grow up, are addressed by these minishelters? I want to see people in D.C. moved to independence. Otherwise, I don't see the difference in where the shelter is. Sorry if that lacks empathy for you.

I propose an addendum to the plan: It be built on the nearest available land to the councilmembers and mayor. #skininthegame

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should hold your first meeting at DC General. Just in case you have a shred of empathy in you anywhere.

Oh right. Like this pp has ever set foot near there

I'm not the PP but I have been to DC General to pick up and drop off a friend of DD's for a playdate. The family had been there for 2 months after sleeping in their car for two weeks, and previously having been staying with relatives after their landlord first moved them out of their Kingman Park basement unit to move in, then 3 months later to sell. The mother has a decent but low-paying job and it took more than 5 months to save and find another small apartment to move into. These are real people, and they deserve decent, safe and compassionate shelter.

Anonymous wrote:You should hold your first meeting at DC General. Just in case you have a shred of empathy in you anywhere.

Having empathy would mean you are actually going to address the DC General problem in a more substantive way. Slicing it up into 8 pieces and spreading it around doesn't actually address any of the underlying issues around how DC General got so bad in the first place. And as such the same problems will recur, only this time in 8 facilities instead of one.

So before you go rushing to the defense of the plan touting "empathy" I think you need to take a step back and recognize that none of the proposals, whether Bowsers' or Council's counterproposal actually address those underlying problems.

I also do not see what is so bad with the plan. When I lived in DC, we were a few blocks away from one of the large homeless camp sites. And that was not a problem. When I took my baby to story time at the library, there were homeless people there. Also not a problem.

If you are really genuinely concerned about moving the homeless toward independence, ask yourself why a large centralized shelter in an out-of-the-way place is good for homeless people.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's clear to me that the discontent with the Mayors plan is the tip of the ice berg in DC. How did we become a year round shelter city? How will these eight sites address that? What to do with the homeless who refuse shelter or treatment? How to avoid having the streets of SanFrancisco with the hardened homeless? How to encourage affordable housing and people.moving to independence?

I think the cart was put before the horse with the mayors plan and the interconnected issues should be carefully studies, taking into account what the taxpayers of DC actually want. The homeless advocates and developers together form a powerful lobby. Those of us opposed to these precipitous plans are individual voices. How do we mobilize, stop this plan in its tracks, and encourage the city entities to go back to the drawing board and create a long term plan good for the wellbeing and growth of all members if DC, not just vocal lobbies?

Step A is scrap this plan so it does nit create more unintended consequences that have to be addressed down the road. Thoughts on uniting to do this? Where's our lobby?

What we want: mothers and babies in a clean safe shelter.

What about fathers? Are they irrelevant? Oh, wait....

Anonymous wrote:You should hold your first meeting at DC General. Just in case you have a shred of empathy in you anywhere.

Oh right. Like this pp has ever set foot near there

Anonymous wrote:It's clear to me that the discontent with the Mayors plan is the tip of the ice berg in DC. How did we become a year round shelter city? How will these eight sites address that? What to do with the homeless who refuse shelter or treatment? How to avoid having the streets of SanFrancisco with the hardened homeless? How to encourage affordable housing and people.moving to independence?

I think the cart was put before the horse with the mayors plan and the interconnected issues should be carefully studies, taking into account what the taxpayers of DC actually want. The homeless advocates and developers together form a powerful lobby. Those of us opposed to these precipitous plans are individual voices. How do we mobilize, stop this plan in its tracks, and encourage the city entities to go back to the drawing board and create a long term plan good for the wellbeing and growth of all members if DC, not just vocal lobbies?

Step A is scrap this plan so it does nit create more unintended consequences that have to be addressed down the road. Thoughts on uniting to do this? Where's our lobby?

What we want: mothers and babies in a clean safe shelter.

Anonymous wrote:I live walking distance to several shelters. Just wondering how many of the DC shelters have you visited or have you been to DC general?

Not you Jeff, but the OP...

I live walking distance to several shelters. Just wondering how many of the DC shelters have you visited or have you been to DC general?

The legislation has passed the Council and the Mayor supports the current plan. So, the bill will likely be signed shortly. You are running out of options. FWIW, I support the current plan and think it is a great improvement over the previous plan. Do you live near one of the proposed sites?

I have actually received government aid and used it to get ahead and I'm deeply grateful. I have no issue with thoughtful aid that moves people to independence, or helps people (the hardened homeless) who are well outside that. I don't see the current trajectory doing that. The current plan sucks. Honestly, there's another thread to debate its merits and empathy. I'm looking for those who think it needs a rethink to suggest ways to join forces and stop it. Ideas from those of you who are discontented by even the 'amended' plan being rammed through?

You should hold your first meeting at DC General. Just in case you have a shred of empathy in you anywhere.

It's clear to me that the discontent with the Mayors plan is the tip of the ice berg in DC. How did we become a year round shelter city? How will these eight sites address that? What to do with the homeless who refuse shelter or treatment? How to avoid having the streets of SanFrancisco with the hardened homeless? How to encourage affordable housing and people.moving to independence?

I think the cart was put before the horse with the mayors plan and the interconnected issues should be carefully studies, taking into account what the taxpayers of DC actually want. The homeless advocates and developers together form a powerful lobby. Those of us opposed to these precipitous plans are individual voices. How do we mobilize, stop this plan in its tracks, and encourage the city entities to go back to the drawing board and create a long term plan good for the wellbeing and growth of all members if DC, not just vocal lobbies?

Step A is scrap this plan so it does nit create more unintended consequences that have to be addressed down the road. Thoughts on uniting to do this? Where's our lobby?