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Residents tell commissioners of alleged mistreatment and unsafe conditions at local shelter
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Summary
Two public commenters urged the board to investigate operations at a local shelter (Lifeboat), reporting discrimination, staff misconduct, moldy food and shower access concerns and asking for culturally specific, women-led shelter options and accountability.
Two people who said they have direct experience with local shelter services addressed the board during public comment, raising allegations about operations at Lifeboat shelter.
Mary Ng (speaker 15) told the board that women who lack safe shelter services are vulnerable to exploitation and said she had collected testimony from survivors alleging harassment and discrimination. "We have shelters that do not have adequate crisis response," Ng said, and asked the board to pursue accountability and culturally specific programs.
A second speaker, Samantha (speaker 6), said she had lived at the shelter and described staff misconduct, safety concerns in the shower area and poor food quality. "The food the past few nights, the food has had mold on it," Samantha said, and asked the county to look more closely at allegations and any ongoing investigation.
The chair thanked both commenters for their courage in speaking. Board members acknowledged awareness that the state has indicated a likelihood of discrimination in some shelter operations and said staff would follow up where appropriate; no formal board action was taken during the meeting on these public comments.
