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Council debates Homeward Bound closure and winter shelter plans as public presses for action
Summary
Residents and council members pressed for immediate action after Homeward Bound's instability and potential closure, urging special sessions and service coordination; the mayor and city manager said Homeward Bound will present at a Dec. 1 workshop and the city has budgeted funds for unhoused services.
Calls for urgent council action on homelessness dominated unscheduled remarks on Nov. 19 after public comments and a budget hearing highlighted service needs.
Scott Bialfuss, a council liaison who has visited encampments and met with providers, said the city must "step up" ahead of winter and asked for a special session, warning that the loss of Homeward Bound could displace as many as 150 people. "If 150 people are kicked out to the curb in January, February, it's on us," he said.
Mayor Kennedy and City Manager Mike Bennett responded that Homeward Bound is scheduled to present at the Dec. 1 workshop and that the city is coordinating with nonprofit partners including Catholic Outreach, the Joseph Center and United Way. Bennett noted the adopted budget includes $450,000 intended to support unhoused services and said the city has engaged with Homeward Bound leadership and would allow them to present financial details in workshop context.
Council members exchanged sharply worded views. Bialfuss challenged the pace and scope of city action; "Talk is cheap," he said, urging faster decision-making. Council member Ballard noted Homeward Bound was scheduled to come before council previously but "weren't ready to come to speak to us," and suggested workshops are the appropriate forum for detailed discussion.
Several public commenters and council members referenced specific community responses: Nathan Jukes, a recovery coach at Pier 180, reported outreach and a fundraising task force seeking $120,000 to keep an emergency shelter open through January and February; he said outreach distributed cold-weather gear to 236 people.
Council members agreed to discuss Homeward Bound and related responses at the Dec. 1 workshop, and Bennett said city staff will continue coordination with nonprofit providers on winter shelter capacity and placements.
