Pulse of Concord — Views on homeless issues

CONCORD, CA (June 16, 2021) — The second part of my survey focused on issues around homelessness, with 635 participants.

While the congregate numbers give an idea of overall sentiments, it is interesting to find out if there is some commonality in sentiments that are somewhat opposed to each other.

Age was not a real significant factor. To a small extent, zip code 94521 responses were in the opposite direction of 94520.

However, the biggest difference in groups seemed to whether they would vote yes (35 percent) to recall the governor as opposed to those who would vote no (55 percent). This is a significant swing from the average.

Q. Should homeless encampments be allowed in public parks?
6 percent yes. (Recall: 2 ­percent yes and 11 percent no.)
76 percent no. (Recall: 94 percent yes, 64 percent no.)
8 percent not sure.
11 percent other. Comments reflect above split, basically “Hell no” to “Housing is a right.”

Q. Should homeless encampments be allowed under bridges and/or along creek/stream/river beds?
16 percent yes. (Recall: 6 percent yes, 27 percent no.)
64 percent no. (Recall: 84 yes, 53 percent no.)
12 not sure. (Recall: 6 percent yes, 15 percent no.)
8 percent other. Reflective of above split.

Q. Should private landowners be required to allow homeless encampments if their land is empty or not in use?
7 percent yes. (Recall: 3 percent yes, 10 percent no.)
76 percent no. (Recall: 89 percent yes, 68 percent no.)
10 percent not sure.
7 percent other. Range reflective of above split.

Q. Should the city provide porta-potties for homeless encampments?
58 percent yes. (Recall: 35 percent yes, 72 percent no.)
25 percent no. (Recall: 49 percent yes, 11 percent no.)
9 percent not sure.
7 percent other. Ranging from “We need more public facilities for everyone” to “Where?”

One of the interesting things with this and the next question is the question of “where.” People do not want them in parks, under bridges or in riverbeds, as well as not on private property. Do we force them to go to government-designated camp areas with these facilities as well as wherever they want? Does providing cleanup and porta-potties in effect authorize the ad hoc encampments?

Q. Should the city provide garbage service for homeless encampments?
63 percent yes. (Recall: 41 percent yes, 77 percent no.)
24 percent no. (Recall: 47 percent yes, 11 percent no.)
7 percent not sure.
5 percent other. Comments range from “Pick up your own garbage” to “Only in city camps” to “No way.”

Structured campsites

Q. Should the city provide structured campsites for people experiencing homelessness?
22 percent yes. (Recall: 10 percent yes, 30 percent no.)
5 percent yes – and I will volunteer to help. (Recall: 2 percent yes, 7 percent no.) (*34 people please contact me at EdiBirsan@gmail.com.)
6 percent yes – but only on the outskirts of the city.
39 percent yes – but only if mental health and addiction services are provided. (Recall: 29 percent yes, 45 percent no.)
7 percent not sure.
20 percent no. (Recall: 41 percent yes, 7 percent no.)
More than 90 additional comments were added to the responses, ranging from super harsh to “Housing is a right.”

There seems to be support (72 percent overall) for the city to provide controlled encampments with services. The problem is where and at what cost and who is to run it? And, what happens to those who refuse to go into them?

Q. Do you believe that if Concord provides more services for people experiencing homelessness that more unhoused people will come to Concord?
40 percent yes. (Recall: 70 percent yes, 21 percent no.)
28 percent maybe. (Recall: 14 percent yes, 38 percent no.)
16 percent not sure. (Recall: 9 percent yes, 19 percent no.)
16 percent no. (Recall: 6 percent yes, 22 percent no.)
Additional comments (54) ranged in tone from “It should not stop us from doing the right thing” to “Let us force other communities to do more” to “Of course, you idiots.”

Clearly there is a community divide using the line of where people stand on the recall of the governor. Some might argue that is reflective of the major political parties. Regardless, it shows potential focus points in working on the problems of homeless folks in our community.

The above is the independent, individual opinion (where there is any) of Edi Birsan and not associated with or produced with the help of any government entity either here or within A Galaxy Far, Far Away. Please take the survey at pulseofconcord.com. For City Council things, write to Edi.Birsan@cityofconcord.org.