Attachment 4 - Public CommentFrom: Tim O'Rorke
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2023 10:59 AM
To: Laurel Prevetti <LPrevetti@losgatosca.gov>
Cc: Sue Ahmadian; Ed Lozowicki; Jo Greiner; Steve Hall; Rob Moore
<RMoore@losgatosca.gov>; Marna
Taylor
Subject: Re: Proposal for the Unhoused attached - 4/4 Town Council Meeting
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Laurel,
Good day to you.
I'm writing you an update concerning the 4/4 town council meeting, unhoused agenda
item.
Marna Taylor emailed you on March 29th with our proposal.
After emailing our proposal to you, we have since been made aware of Rob Moore's
proposal, dated
3/30/2023. Therefore, we feel it necessary to amend our proposal in the light of Rob
Moore's proposal.
Our proposal was submitted based on our understanding that only $25,000 in funding
being available.
Rob Moore's proposal has shown us that additional funding may be requested.
Therefore, given the
deadline for submittal, we wish to express our support for Rob Moore's proposal,
with his request for a
total of $100,000 in funding.
Rob Moore's proposal better meets the immediate needs of our unhoused and is to take
priority over
our proposal.
Thank you for your consideration. Take care.
Regards,
Tim
St Vincent De Paul Los Gatos
> On Mar 29, 2023, at 4:43 PM, Marna Taylor wrote:
> Dear Laurel,
> Thank you for the opportunity to present at the Town Council Meeting on 4/4, and
to discuss the
ATTACHMENT 4
needs of our unhoused residents. Attached is a proposal that we would like to share
with all of the
Town Council members. Please let us know if you have any questions and we look
forward to our
meeting next week.
> Marna Taylor
> Los Gatos United Methodist Church
> <Proposal for Unhoused Clients.pdf>
Los Gatos, CA 95030
March 7, 2023
Los Gatos Mayor Maria Ristow
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos CA, 95032
Dear Mayor Ristow:
I have been learning about several of the problems regarding homelessness for an English
project. Unlike other cities in California, homelessness is not a persistent issue in Los Gatos as
this is one of the wealthiest areas in this state. I believe we can use our abundance of resources to
our advantage and help others prevent entering homelessness. I am writing out of sympathy and
duty as a concerned citizen.
There is no silver -bullet answer to homelessness. We need millions of dollars to provide
permanent housing, affordable healthcare, and helpful programs. I have learned that the homeless
face many prejudices, preventing them from exiting homelessness. The majority believe they are
incompetent and hopeless. However, a large share of the population struggles with mental
illnesses. The Black, elderly, LGBTQ+, and sick are overrepresented as well. California has
many programs like the CaIWORKs Housing Support Program which concentrates on housing
for the homeless. While housing is one of the solutions, there is a lack of programs that prioritize
a homeless person's mental health. It is difficult for the mentally ill to be productive if they are
not in control of their mind. These illnesses do not disappear on their own. I strongly believe Los
Gatos can fundraise money for mental health social workers; these professionals can help fight
for the homeless' security. Additionally, the recovery process would ensure they would :lc
descend into homelessness again.
T!-_one to assist the homeless in the future. These specialized mental health nroerams.
supportea oy restaents or Los Gatos, have the power to aid those who are not as privileged as us.
This would benefit a disproportionate group among the homeless population.
I look forward to seeing change. Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
J/&P? ate
Serena Luo
RECEIVED
MAR 2.0 2023
MAYOR &
TOWN COUNCIL
Los Gatos Mayor Maria Ristow
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dear Mayor Maria Ristow:
Los Gatos, CA 95033
March 6, 2023
I am writing this letter to inform you about the crisis of homelessness. At Los Gatos High
School, I studied about the homeless; in my research, I learned about many problems including
no modest accommodations, malnourishment, and lack of job opportunities. I conclude that Los
Gato must address the homeless problem.
Homelessness has been a rising problem in all parts of the United States. From 2020 to 2023,
people on the streets increased by 6 percent. Los Gatos is a town with hardly any affordable
homes or job opportunities. The average house is about 1.1 million dollars in Los Gatos, and
because of these prices, many are on the street. During the pandemic, the numbers could have
extraordinarily risen, and with these conditions, many are left on the streets with no house.
I propose having a shelter in Los Gatos. These shelters will help reduce homelessness in our area
and could help others in neighboring counties. Including that, we could try building more
affordable homes in our area. Constructing homes may be expensive, so instead, we can build
apartment complexes. Having inexpensive buildings can help many families live in Los Gatos.
Implementing weekly soup kitchens can benefit many unhoused starving citizens. Even having
signs that can direct homeless citizens to shelters can help them. We should try to focus on
lowering the rate of homelessness in any way possible. At this moment, Los Gatos is not
addressing the homeless crisis as much as we should.
Thank you for listening.
Sincerely,
trJ1
Wilber Huang
Los Gatos High School Student
RECEIVED
MAN 2.0 2023
MAYOR &
TOWN COUNCIL
Los Gatos Mayor Maria Ristow
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Dear Mayor Maria Ristow:
Los Gatos, CA 95032
March 5, 2023
I would like to thank you for your work in the Housing Element Advisory Board and the
Senior Service Committee in assessing Los Gatos citizens' housing needs as well as providing
senior citizens and older adults with the resources they need to live a fulfilling life and
retirement.
Despite the idea of meeting the needs of senior citizens, whether that be their mental,
physical, or economic needs, the ever-growing problem of homeless citizens and their needs
always seem to be swept under the rug and unrecognized. I do understand that the Town Council
has tried putting funds towards helping the homeless in the past. Still, the number of homeless
citizens in Los Gatos seems to only grow by each year, so much so that tents are being set up by
popular Los Gatos locations, such as the Los Gatos Creek Trail.
I believe that the Los Gatos Town Council should prioritize funding and building local
shelters and rehabilitation centers for those who need help and a place to stay. Doing so will not
only help those affected by poverty, but it will also help attract more town locals, as they will
want to walk and bike more when they see that their walking trails are not overrun with
depressing homelessness and poverty.
As the mayor of this town, I understand how busy you must be, and I thank you for your
time and support.
Sincerely,
Sean Yukler
Los Gatos High School Student