I have been working on preventing substance use among our local youth and working with individuals in recovery from substance abuse for the last 5 years. During that time, the neglect from our city council regarding homelessness and substance abuse has become glaringly apparent, remaining unaddressed for at least the past seven years.  Over the last year, council members have gone a step farther by attacking people and organizations that are trying to help.  The message council is sending is that they know better than the people actually doing the work.

It is unacceptable that our community members are suffering on the streets while the city council does nothing to help, and has even been attacking organizations that stepped up due to their neglect.  Evidence from the annual Point in Time Count shows that the city's strategy of non-action and interference has made the problem worse.  In 2019, Moses Lake had 52 unsheltered homeless people living on our streets.  In 2024 the number of homeless in Moses Lake grew to at least 79.  Citizens have definitely felt the impacts of this deteriorating situation.

We require compassionate, comprehensive strategies for both homelessness and substance abuse. We call on city council to take responsibility for this problem and work cooperatively with the local organizations who are already involved in these issues. These local organizations know the strategies that work, and are eager to turn things around. The time for blaming others for the problems created by inaction on your part is over, and the citizens of Moses Lake deserve results.

We implore our city council to not only address, but prioritize homelessness and substance abuse from this moment forward. They must act swiftly and effectively to cooperatively craft policies that will foster a safer, healthier community for all. Let us hold them accountable and insist that they no longer turn a blind eye to this problem. Sign the petition and join the call for change.