CONCERNED RESIDENTS ARE REQUESTING THE CITY OF PLEASANTON SELECT ANOTHER SITE FOR HOMELESS SERVICES AND “PILOT SHOWER PROGRAM” SCHEDULED TO START AT THE SENIOR CENTER. 

CITY APPROVAL FOR CHANGE IN USAGE OF PREVIOUS SENIOR SUPPORT OFFICE TO NEWLY MERGED NONPROFIT, CITYSERVE OF THE TRI-VALLEY WILL INCLUDE “UNHOUSED” AND CLIENTS OF ALL AGES. NO PUBLIC NOTICE WAS GIVEN TO THE SURROUNDING SENIOR COMMUNITIES, SCHOOLS AND BUSINESSES ON THE CHANGE IN USAGE OF THE SENIOR CENTER BUILDING. REQUESTING CITY COUNCIL TO PUT ON AGENDA.

WITH THIS PETITION, WE ARE PROPOSING HOMELESS SERVICES BE MOVED FROM THE PLEASANTON SENIOR CENTER TO AN APPROPRIATE ALTERNATIVE SITE, SUCH AS AXIS COMMUNITY HEALTH FACILITY, AN FQHC.

Axis Community Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).  There are 8 FQHC in Alameda County with more than 95 locations with comprehensive services; Axis is the most appropriate and centralized location to provide homeless services. Low-income and unhoused individuals and families would have access to medical services, including behavioral health counseling and medications in one location.

·         FQHCs receive Federal Funding to provide these services to the homeless population. Completed in 2016, Axis Community Health’s 12 million dollar, 24,000 sq.ft. building, (located at 5925 West Las Positas Blvd.), has vacant space and can provide showers and laundry, as other FQHC’s in Alameda County. This facility continues to receive funding from Tri-Valley Cities for low-income services.

·         Axis Community Health staffs licensed medical workers and coordinators specifically for enrollment in services. Including linkage to the coordinated entry system for permanent housing, employment services, educational and volunteer resources and is a logical site for CityServe’s “unhoused” programs.

·         City of Pleasanton is currently approving 2022-2023 grants, to Axis Community Health in the amount of $200,000, which could assist for “in kind” (free) office space to CityServe of the Tri-Valley. Pleasanton's Human Services Committee has also awarded CityServe $80,000. for “Homeless Prevention and Family Stabilization Program”.

·         Discontinue “Pilot showering program” for homeless at the Pleasanton Senior Center, proposed by CityServe. Relocate to an appropriate site.

ADDITIONAL REQUESTS TO CITY:

·         Immediate discontinuation of all in-person homeless services at the Pleasanton Senior Center, until alternative sites options have been fully explored and reviewed.

·         Review added risks to older adults receiving services or participating at the Pleasanton Senior Center, due to unknown vaccination status of homeless individuals, along with safety concerns to vulnerable Seniors from high risk/unstable homeless population. *Numerous incidents were reported to City Officials in December 2021, shortly after a satellite program with CityServe was implemented, at the Center.

·         Discussion of safety to the surrounding senior communities, including children walking to and from Phoebe Hearst Elementary and Pleasanton Middle School.

·         Allow for comment and feedback from Pleasanton residents and seniors who use the Pleasanton Senior Center as a safe place for activities, exercise, and companionship.