Public commenters press council on shelter closures, housing and mobility as council considers strategic plan

During public comment at the Oct. 15 meeting, multiple residents raised urgent concerns about homelessness services, shelter operations and mobility planning as the council considered adoption of the strategic plan.

Crystal Frost, who said she is living at the North Avenue shelter, described weekend closures and insufficient facilities: "The homeless shelter is closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We have no hot water. We have no place to cook food at the North Avenue shelter," she said, and pleaded for immediate help. Other commenters described gaps in coordination among providers, urged reinstating a mobility planner position and emphasized accessibility for residents with disabilities.

City Manager Mike Bennett told the council staff remain in regular contact with Homeward Bound’s interim executive director, Dan Printer, and the board and that the organization will present at the Nov. 3 workshop on funding for 2026. Bennett summarized past city funding levels for the North Avenue shelter and said staff discussed converting month-to-month navigation center funding to support shelter space through the end of the year if Homeward Bound can make operational changes.

Council members acknowledged the service gap and said the city is working with regional partners and nonprofit providers to find short-term and long-term solutions. Council asked staff to continue reporting back and to include Homeward Bound in upcoming briefings and budget hearings.

No formal action was taken beyond directing staff to continue coordination and scheduling the provider presentation.