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Residents urge continued support for We Care shelter and ask council to remove 'In God We Trust' sign
Summary
Multiple residents used public comment to press the council to maintain funding and services for the We Care men's shelter and to question a city podium sign reading 'In God We Trust'; speakers framed homelessness as an urgent local issue and asked for a public plan and performance metrics.
During the public-participation period several residents urged the council to preserve services for the We Care men's shelter and raised concerns about the 'In God We Trust' sign behind the dais.
A commenter identified in the transcript as Donna asked why a well-known Christian statement appears in a city building and asked when the sign will be removed, saying the city serves people of many religions. Another speaker criticized the council’s handling of We Care and said removing support for the shelter would harm Turlock’s most vulnerable residents. Elaine Tade, a 23-year Turlock resident and longtime volunteer at We Care, urged the council not to "turn our backs on them" and asked listeners to sign up to provide meals.
Other public speakers called for a public plan and clear metrics to address homelessness, warned of increasing motorhome parking on Golden State Boulevard, and urged more community engagement on the city's new homelessness approach. Council members acknowledged the comments and staff noted the issue will continue to be part of future discussions; no formal council action on shelter funding occurred at the meeting.
