During a recent Saginaw city council meeting, community members voiced pressing concerns and proposals aimed at improving local living conditions and addressing social issues.

One speaker, reflecting on personal experiences, emphasized the need for community action, stating, \"You can't leave it in all the police hands... People will have to stand up.\" This sentiment underscored a call for collective responsibility in tackling the challenges facing the city, particularly in light of rising crime and social unrest.

Melanie Velasco proposed the establishment of a \"little homes\" community to assist the homeless population, suggesting locations such as the old fairgrounds and Weber Junior High. She also highlighted the need for improved public safety measures, including better lighting at bus stops and extended bus service hours.

Pamela Pugh introduced the SAGNA Just Transition Endava project, aimed at addressing food and energy insecurity through community collaboration. Pugh noted that the initiative has already secured federal funding and seeks additional support from the city to expand its efforts in workforce development and food security.

Evelyn McGovern, president of Women of Colors, reported on the progress of their facility at 3057 Davenport Avenue, which aims to provide essential services to the community. She requested $35,000 in funding for urgent roof repairs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the facility to continue their work.

Anthony Taylor, representing the Boys and Girls Club of the Great Lakes Bay Region, expressed gratitude for previous ARPA funding but requested an additional $300,000 to cover unexpected construction costs for a new teen center. He stressed the necessity of the full-sized center to adequately serve the youth in Saginaw.

Craig Tatum highlighted the urgent need for safe recreational spaces, noting that Saginaw ranks among the top five cities in Michigan for obesity. He advocated for the use of ARPA funds to create environments where residents can engage in healthy activities.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a community eager to collaborate on solutions to pressing social issues, with a focus on enhancing safety, providing housing, and improving health outcomes for residents.