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Speakers and staff highlight winter-shelter hotel program results as council weighs continued support
Summary
Public comment and staff presentations stressed the humanitarian and cost-effective value of the winter-shelter hotel program; staff reported 1,227 overnight hotel stays over three seasons, 60 participants who secured permanent housing, 10 who obtained housing vouchers and 170 who had vital documents restored.
Speakers at the April 13 Livermore City Council meeting urged continued funding for winter shelter and emergency supplies for people experiencing homelessness, and staff highlighted program outcomes over the past three seasons.
Alan Marling told the council that providing hotel placements and basic services is "more humane and...cheaper" than clearing encampments and pushing people into marginal situations. He said hotel nights, meals and outreach preserve dignity and can reduce crime and community harm.
In council discussion, staff noted the shelter relief program has provided "1,227 overnight hotel stays" over the past three winter seasons, that 60 participants gained permanent housing, 10 secured housing vouchers, and 170 had vital documents restored and became document-ready for housing. Council members described these results as "an incredible accomplishment" and said continued funding for several more years would benefit the community.
Item 6.6 was on the consent calendar that council approved by voice vote. Council members and staff described the program as a key short-term tool to stabilize people and connect them to services while longer-term housing solutions continue to be pursued.
