Residents, service providers urge county action as speakers honor those who died while homeless
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Summary
Public commenters recited names of local residents who died while experiencing homelessness, described barriers to services, and invited the board and public to a vigil; speakers also urged stronger supports and linked homelessness to affordability and public health concerns.
Several public commenters used the board’s public-matters period to press elected supervisors on homelessness and related services.
Ty Polskamp read a formal pronouncement urging recognition of National Homeless Persons Memorial Day in Amador County and described local demographic pressures, including a rising senior population and groups with elevated homelessness risk. Trixie Smith, cochair of community outreach for the homeless task force and a peer support specialist, recounted personal experience with substance use disorder and named numerous local residents who have died while homeless in recent years. Smith closed by inviting the public to a vigil at Pekovich Park and urged compassion and expanded services.
Speakers argued that preventing institutionalization, expanding sheltering options and strengthening outreach are local priorities, and several people connected homelessness to the rising cost of housing discussed later in the meeting.
Board members acknowledged the comments and directed that the homeless task force and staff be available to follow up. No formal action or appropriation was made during the meeting on the record.
