Shelter residents report cold tents, retaliation and missed services at Mobile Temporary Shelter; board urged to hold operator accountable

Several residents of the county’s Mobile Temporary Shelter used public comment at the March 18 meeting to describe ongoing problems — cold tents, missing supplies, delays in services, and alleged retaliation — and urged county oversight.

Sherry Daddison, who identified herself as a resident of the Mobile Temporary Shelter, said she has a case manager who helps but that day‑staff do little and management does not respond when residents raise problems. Daddison told the board the tents are unheated in subfreezing conditions (she cited “29 degrees” inside tents), that portable heaters are not allowed, and that some residents are elderly or have health conditions; she said she feared someone could die if conditions do not improve.

Nicole McBride, another resident, said she had experienced retaliation and that it took her six months to be rehoused after an abusive episode she attributes to the shelter operator. McBride and Daddison both urged the board to examine the operator’s management and to pursue audits and consequences where warranted. McBride also said she has documentation of mistreatment.

Both residents said some staff (they named a few individuals) do good work, but that other staff and management fail to respond. The comments included calls for an audit and for more stable supportive services, food access and protections against retaliation.

Board members did not take immediate formal action on the residents’ comments at the meeting; staff were present in the room and were asked to follow up with contact information and next steps.

Speakers quoted here addressed the board during public comment on March 18.