Concord forum examines complexities of homelessness, mental health services

The freewheeling range of public opinions voiced during Concord’s Aug. 12 virtual forum on homelessness and mental health covered a wide spectrum of issues. And the takeaway of panelists and stakeholders who faced the firestorm of criticism was yet again a sincere recommitment to tackling the issues.

Hosted by the City Council, the Zoom conversation included stories of hardships and abandonment by individuals and families who felt left out in the proverbial cold – despite reaching out for help and services. Panelists such as Gigi Crowder, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Contra Costa County, made heartfelt appeals to those people to not lose hope but to reach out again.

Other speakers unloaded a barrage of criticism on Concord police officers for their perceived lack of empathy and mistreatment of those attempting to survive on the rough streets.

Tangled web of issues

No cookie cutter approach has even come close to solving the tangled web of intertwined health and homelessness issues, compounded by drug dependency for a portion of those in need. The situation was further magnified as the mercury recently climbed to dangerous levels. With this making it especially difficult for those who find themselves living outdoors in makeshift conditions, the city immediately ordered a cooling station opened for respite from the heat.

One caller simply asked: “Why are the homeless coming to Concord?” To which a panelist responded that this is their home.

Lavonna Martin, the county director of Health, Housing and Homeless Services, tried appeasing the criticism over care and concern by citing a placement rate in hotels of 59 percent of the homeless during the ongoing coronavirus health crisis.

Furthermore, she noted the successful use of homeless courts in the past for assisting those who have run afoul of authorities. Martin said they would be used again to help individuals resolve issues that might hinder their efforts to get off the streets and into stable and structured living situations.

CORE

Throughout the nearly four-hour virtual gathering, callers repeatedly directed swipes at Concord Police Chief Mark Bustillos. He accepted the criticism calmly and with dignity and expressed that his officers are working with CORE (Coordinated Outreach, Referral and Engagement) to serve those who are living on the street, for whatever reason, and they continue to forge relationships as part of their sworn duties. However, he made it clear that catering to the homeless is not their sole purpose while serving the residents of Concord.

Mayor Tim McGallian and Councilman Dominic Alioto committed to giving attention to points raised during the virtual gathering at future council meetings. While suggesting there are no easy answers, they said doing nothing is unacceptable.