Thank you for letting us know. I will forward your message to the appropriate party so it can be handled accordingly.

Alameda has a homeless problem. I have informed the City Council on several occasions of this problem on and near Webster Street. Many of these men suffer from substance abuse problems and mental health issues. Some of them are veterans. They need help and supportive housing. The homeless encampment in this area has been on again, off again for many years. City officials know that there is a problem and need to provide appropriate resources to address it. In 1998, Alameda Police shot and killed a homeless man in this location. Sending in the police is not a final solution to the problem.
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Homeless-Man-Wielding-Knife-Killed-by-Policeman-2980160.php

"Sending in the police" is certainly not an answer that will fix the problem. And we as a compassionate society must find other answers for housing and wrap around services that make a difference otherwise people will continue remain homeless , live in terrible conditions and continue to suffer. However, when needles are left on sidewalks, we must also consider the dangers posed to children and others. Mayor Libby of Oakland talked on the radio of an emergency shelter she is developing that offers just this , so that people get the help they need that may allow them to find a better life and not simply move from one encampment to another.

I agree with Mr. Gerstle. Police do not have a proven record re: interaction with the mentally ill. Substance abuse is an illness which living outdoors certainly exasperates. The Alameda City Council is certainly being proactive and supportive in its development of housing for those internally displaced person without such.

Maria assigned this issue to Public Works Supervisor 6

Maria,

Please re-assign as this is a Park and I am not the homeless liaison for the homeless

Thanks,

PW6

This issue was recategorized from Police Services to Recreation & Parks - Other.

Maria assigned this issue to ARPD DM

This is an on-going issue that APD is continuing to work on. Officer have been providing extra beat attention to the area, and offering services to the homeless people that are located in this area. With the development of Sweeny Park we will continue to work on this issue. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at amunoz@alamedaca.gov or at (510) 337-8498.

Lt Anthony Munoz

This is an on-going issue that APD is continuing to work on. Officer have been providing extra beat attention to the area, and offering services to the homeless people that are located in this area. With the development of Sweeny Park we will continue to work on this issue. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at amunoz@alamedaca.gov or at (510) 337-8498.

Lt Anthony Munoz