Homeless Plan
A comprehensive approach to solving homelessness in Fremont with sustainable, humane solutions.
Understanding the Challenge
If I may, I would like to share 4 facts before I discuss how to help the homeless people.
Psychological Trauma
Being homeless is a major psychological trauma. They have been traumatized. A normal person would find it depressing to be in this situation. And the daily grind continues. There is urgency. Beyond a certain limit, people give up.
Not All Are Dangerous
Not all homeless people are dangerous. Or non-dangerous. It is a mix bag. Generally speaking, people who want to go back to work are not dangerous. The City should figure out who is what and personalize.
Diverse Population
The homeless people is clearly not a homogeneous group. I have been talking with them once a week or once in two weeks. That is nothing special as compared with the dedicated volunteers. But I talk with them.
Partnership Required
Below is not a "City does everything; the homeless people don't need to do anything" plan. They need to receive training and go back to work. We would know quickly if people are not putting in efforts.
My Comprehensive Plan
Below is what I would like to propose to solve this problem:
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Financial Root Cause
Homeless is not fundamentally a housing issue. It is a financial problem. They don't make enough money. Or no income. All effective, long-term solutions involve helping them getting back on their feet. These people deserve to live independently. With dignity.
Empower Volunteers
Many volunteers are currently taking care of some of the homeless people. They already have the most important qualifications: their hearts are in the right places. And they know the homeless people that they serve. Perhaps they can work with a food bank. Or Fremont. Let them share food, and hope. Let's support and empower this group.
Single Point of Contact
Each homeless person that the City is helping should have a single point of contact with the City government. Someone they know. Someone who knows them. One person. Not City department(s).
Mental Health Support
Some homeless people have mental issues. Our City doesn't have sufficient resources to truly take care of this group. There is no choice but to refer them to the County. And The City should follow up. The County should know that our community wants to know what they are doing with these people. It is not a black hole.
Medical Outreach
Some have medical issues. I would like to start a "helping hand" program so that different doctors and nurses can donate half a day each month or every other month to address this need. Perhaps over the weekend. The doctors and nurses should go to where their patients are. Outreach.
Veteran Support
When a veteran is identified, the City should refer this person to the Veteran Affairs Department. He/She could get better help there. Yes, some of our veterans are on the streets.
Skills Training
Some people want to go back to work. The important point is that their skills must be current. Up to date. The City has partners. Fremont Adult School. Mission Valley ROP. Ohlone. Let's create some intense, accelerated 6 months to a year programs to help fill the skill gaps.
Career Advancement
Some people are already working. They don't make enough money. They may be out on the streets or at risk. I would like to help them learn a new trade and earn more money. In the mean time, provide some short-term help if necessary.
Basic Needs Support
It is easier to find a job when someone can take a shower, has a working phone and an address. Electricity. At the end of these programs, I like to see the City starts offering short-term rental subsidies if needed. The City should partner and see if it is possible to get some discount rental rate
Work Reintegration
For others, the first step may not be going back to schools. Instead, they may appreciate directly going back to work. Any job. Just getting them back to the routines of working again. They can take two steps.
Phased Approach
The City has limited resources. It is not possible to help everyone all at once. So the City starts with a selected group, helps that group of people get back on their feet, and moves on to the next group.
Substance Abuse Treatment
Some people have substance abuse issues. There is no hope for this group of people holding jobs. They have to agree to treatments. If not, we can't help them.
Reduce Middle Layer
The City annually spend about $7 million on addressing the homeless issues. From what I can see, much of it goes to a classical "middle men" group. Very little of that money goes directly to the homeless people. As the next mayor of Fremont, I will trim this middle layer. It needs to be thin.
Boundary Setting
What about the people that we can't help? Or people that refuse our help? If they stay away from all residential areas, schools, parks, childcare facilities, libraries, all places of worship and all retail businesses, we leave them alone. For now. If they do, we ask them to leave. Yes, ask. Voluntary. If they don't listen, fines and code enforcement will follow.
Ongoing Solutions
I don't know exactly what to do with people who refuse help or can't be helped, other than maintain some separation. I am still racking my brain and waiting for my moment of inspiration. There does not seem to be any reasonable, realistic choice left. If you have a better idea, or any idea, please let me know.
This is Just the Beginning
Of course, some details of the plan would change. I learn. Find a better way. That's normal. This is a starting point. Not end point.
If you have any question(s) or suggestion(s), please email me at hiung456@outlook.com. I would love to hear from you.