To: Hayward City Council
Productivity, not Permits
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Whereas Food is a fundamental human need and sharing food can be inspired by faith, friendship, and/or abundance; and
Whereas the US Census reports that nearly 20,000 Hayward residents are unemployed and/or living in poverty, meal programs can be a lifeline, but can also be difficult to access if scattered throughout a broad area; and
Whereas debris, waste, and poor and unsafe behaviors occur in public spaces, however, these issues do not occur during the meal programs; and
Whereas outdoor meal programs do not currently have the capacity to provide accommodations for hygiene, participant contribution, and/or supportive services in addition to meals which are important in the move from crisis to stability.
Therefore, be it resolved that we, the undersigned, support collaborative solutions to ending hunger and homelessness. Such solutions must resolve the impact of negative behaviors in public spaces while reflecting the needs of the local community and creating opportunities to address the underlying causes of those needs. Building on the models demonstrated by South Hayward Parish in Hayward, Delancy Street in San Francisco, and Aware Recycling in San Diego we strongly urge the City of Hayward to:
1. Utilize existing policies, procedures and ordinances to protect public safety and resources/spaces, rather than creating a new, costly permitting process that does not address underlying causes of hunger or homelessness.
2. Work with all stakeholders to develop a centralized service center that efficiently and effectively utilizes existing resources to address the root causes of hunger and homelessness in Hayward by January of 2014.
3. Apply all existing laws - especially those related to smoking, litter, encroachment, and parking - consistently and fairly across the City.
Whereas the US Census reports that nearly 20,000 Hayward residents are unemployed and/or living in poverty, meal programs can be a lifeline, but can also be difficult to access if scattered throughout a broad area; and
Whereas debris, waste, and poor and unsafe behaviors occur in public spaces, however, these issues do not occur during the meal programs; and
Whereas outdoor meal programs do not currently have the capacity to provide accommodations for hygiene, participant contribution, and/or supportive services in addition to meals which are important in the move from crisis to stability.
Therefore, be it resolved that we, the undersigned, support collaborative solutions to ending hunger and homelessness. Such solutions must resolve the impact of negative behaviors in public spaces while reflecting the needs of the local community and creating opportunities to address the underlying causes of those needs. Building on the models demonstrated by South Hayward Parish in Hayward, Delancy Street in San Francisco, and Aware Recycling in San Diego we strongly urge the City of Hayward to:
1. Utilize existing policies, procedures and ordinances to protect public safety and resources/spaces, rather than creating a new, costly permitting process that does not address underlying causes of hunger or homelessness.
2. Work with all stakeholders to develop a centralized service center that efficiently and effectively utilizes existing resources to address the root causes of hunger and homelessness in Hayward by January of 2014.
3. Apply all existing laws - especially those related to smoking, litter, encroachment, and parking - consistently and fairly across the City.
Why is this important?
For at least six years, all sectors of the Hayward Community have been asking for solutions to improve the downtown area. There is a perception that litter, public nuisances, and other issues are related to outdoor meal programs, although evidence does not generally support this connection. Now, the City is proposing a new permitting process which would allow outdoor meal programs to continue, albeit subject to highly restrictive conditions. Encroachment permitting and other statues already exist in
Hayward. Instead, it is time for a centralized center which promotes efficient, productive solutions and moves meals and services out of public spaces.
Hayward. Instead, it is time for a centralized center which promotes efficient, productive solutions and moves meals and services out of public spaces.