Relocate the COA, known as Christian Outreach in Action, from its current location, 515 E. 3rd Street (Linden & 3rd) to a place closer to essential services for the homeless, such as the Multi-Service Center located at 1301 W. 12th Street. The COA is a 501 (c) 3 that runs its business from a church building. It is not a church. When COA began its operation, the area was a wasteland.  Times have changed, Mental Health and City Services have now moved to more convenient area in the city.

 

Everyone is familiar with the litany of problems created by the unchecked homeless population as the feeding at COA pulls them to the area and keeps them here:

 

-       Drug use and alcohol abuse

-       Crime/violence:  Becoming increasingly more violent no matter what time of day

-       Residents afraid to go out, locked in their own homes

-       People loitering/sleeping in alcoves

-       Urine/feces: There are no facilities available for normal bodily functions.

-       Mental health issues: The public is not trained to deal with mental health issues

-       Vandalism – buildings, cars, windows, graffiti

-       Trash and filth – camping grounds set up; trash left everywhere

-       Loss of business- people not going out at night, loss of business and tax revenues

-       Tourism-unsafe areas for tourists unfamiliar with current issues and negative YELP reviews continue to rise, which leads to future losses.

 

While no one can dispute the value of the services provided to the homeless by the COA: hot meals, food pantry, clothing/diapers, legal advice, these very services act as a magnet to the homeless person who, after receiving a hot meal and/or other services, will head to the business/residential area of downtown Long Beach where residents, business owners and employees receive the brunt of any unresolved mental issues, drug use or both.

 

The problem has reached a boiling point. The city must become proactive in helping move the COA to a more sensible location where the homeless can continue to avail itself of COA’s services, but who are also able to more easily secure services already available to the less fortunate.  

 

The current business model of the COA is a major contributor to all the issues mentioned previously.   By signing this petition, you agree the city needs to find a better solution and location for the COA.   There are many homeless outreach services provided by the city.  Downtown Long Beach and the East Village are not the right locations.   We, as Unified Stakeholders (US) want our streets back.   Contact us @ unifiedlb@gmail.com if you need further information.