Police are there almost daily, but managers of the new permanent supportive housing facility say this is just a transition and that caseworkers need more time to reach the most difficult cases
I'm speechless that the Elderberry management is suggesting that those who are not violating lease terms, doing/selling drugs, turning tricks, or otherwise breaking the law should be the ones to leave 'if they aren't happy'. This is outrageous. Are we supposed to just get used to dysfunctional 'management' that supports the rule breakers, not the abiders? And I truly don't understand why homeless people get to choose to live, supported, in Sebastopol or West County when most of the employed people who live here can barely afford it and often have to move to the outer reaches of the county and put up with miserable commutes. As a former 'Lib', I have less sympathy for most of the homeless than for the working poor.
I worked with the homeless for 30 years. Providing them housing doesn’t help them in the long term. They don’t have the living skills to sustain a residence, and they aren’t interested in learning living skills, unless/until you can motivate them to become interested in personal change.
The County (I worked in AODS, Mental Health and the jail for years) mostly hires godless Liberals who have no idea how significant personal change is initiated. No Jesus, no significant personal change. Know Jesus, know significant personal change. It’s that simple.
That’s why food pantries rarely see their clients go away; it’s not really about helping others. Liberals (Narcissists) just want to feel good about themselves. That’s why they feed the homeless. Underneath it all, they know that if their clients actually change, they (Libs who feed the homeless) won’t have their “Helper” identity anymore.
Truth is hard when you’re living a hidden agenda. Elderberry Commons doesn’t change lives; it provides temporary housing - that’s all.
I always think some of our support programs don’t understand human nature very well. In the case of Elderberry, provided to the residents at no charge are housing, wrap around services, food, nutrition program, help with cooking and laundry, etc. Virtual every need is taken care of by someone else. In return there is no expectations from the residents. They can violate the rules (drug use, prostitution, being disruptive, etc.) and there are no consequences. They aren’t compelled to take the services offered to them that might help their condition, make them more independent, provide some self-respect and dignity.
These are broken people and some will never be fixed. They aren’t likely good decision makers otherwise they won’t be in this situation. So, to allow a bad decision maker to choose (refuse services, allow to take drugs, etc.) is a dumb idea. Make their choices have some consequences and you might get better behavior. And a better person
What you call Godless liberals in action, is also known as “performative activism” and is generally useless at creating change, though those performing the activism can put a gold star on their foreheads.
We should thank the courageous residents who tried to let the city know about the problems. This person seems like someone who might succeed in permanent supportive housing but may be forced back into a van while a growing colony of drug users take over the eastern entrance to the city. Sad that a mother with a small child who also might also benefit from housing is forced to raise her child in the presence of drug addicts and prostitution.
Thanks as well to Councilmember Mc Lewis and Police Chief McDonagh for taking the time to listen. Where were the other council members who have been enthusiastically bringing more permanent supportive housing to Sebastopol? Their support was in spite of warnings that these problems would occur and need to be addressed. What now?
Is Housing First really so simple? Using vulnerable elderly and families with young children as role models will convert prostitutes and hard-core drug users into model citizens?
It is not a surprise that residents are considering returning to the streets where they have an element of control over their lives. On the other hand, Burbank and WCCS could do what they are supposed to do and enforce the rules in the lease and evict violators. Why should people trying to figure out what to do with their lives have to live with drugs, prostitution and a roaming pit bull?
Who is speaking for the child who has to listen to a prostitute doing her business, who has to witness drug use and a woman on the ground passed out on drugs.
The 38 residents being supported by 7 staffers (full-time housing manager, two case managers, an onsite property, a maintenance person who lives onsite, security personal, a IHSS assistants for tenants who need help with cooking or laundry.) On top of that, the Sebastopol Police have made multiple visits per day. All that help and there is drug use, prostitution, unsanitary hoarding, off-leash pitbull, and resident laying naked on the ground for 3 days. Impressive. McChesney who seems to be the lead person “in charge”, acknowledges all the problems with the attitude as shit happens, what can we do, hopefully some of these folks will turn their life around…. evidently. Impressive.
Hopefully ST part two article goes into the cost of this operation and the effects on the neighboring businesses. No need to report on the effectiveness of the Elderberry Commons experience on its residents. My expectations which I hope are wrong, are pretty low
I live here with my 7 year old daughter this comment is spot on. Complete enabling by Burbank housing and WCSS. Turning a blind eye to domestic violence hard core drug use and activity prostitution robbery’s you name it. A common response from Talia the new property manager is “if you don’t like it move in with your parents”
The city of Sebastopol might look at what Glide Memorial Church created in San Francisco years ago; for those that were READY and willing to make changes in their lives. I toured one of the beautiful buildings with a group of others.. there were very strict rules that had to be followed to stay there.
And there was a lot of support offered at the same time…
Lots going on here. Wow. Hard. The biggest thing that stands out from this article is the audacity of our city council member McLewis, who decided to film a woman lying on the ground without all her clothes on. These are PEOPLE. Not animals in a zoo. McLewis needs some real serious help if that is how she cares for her community as a council member. I’m disgusted.
My take is a little different on the filming. Mclewis job as a council member is to see the city is run properly. She noticed WCCS had completely failed their job and their customers, and she documented the violation. There is no indicated she has shared the video publicly, she stated letting a person be in that condition "is inhumane". So I don't see any malice there. McChesney, who is in charge was angry for the filming, but maybe she should be angry at herself and her staff for letting their customers live like that. (McChesney was caught with her pants down. LOL)
The “security team” they are referencing is woman named Jen who was the security gaurd and was relieved of her duty’s for being high on meth the first 2 months we lived here with no property manager or anyone enforcing the lease.
Thank you sir you get it. It was my daughter who had to witness the half naked tweaker sleeping outside on our walk way for 3 days while staff came and went including Burbank and WCSS they are lying. And it’s on camera the Saturday before Easter.
It feels like one of those situations where the details are going to confirm whatever you believed before. Laura, thank you for fleshing out this work-in-progress.
It’s me and my 7 year old daughter who have been lied to and mislead into moving into this homeless shelter they called family friendly apartments. Someone please help us.
- Who is providing oversight to Burbank and WCCS at Elderberry? Will there be an investigation and changes? Are county social workers checking on the welfare of the children?
- Is Housing first as simple as supplying housing and offering detox services until an individual relents? What is the background, training and experience of the individuals and organizations running Elderberry. SAVS failed at Horizon Shine in part, according to press investigations because the individuals involved though well intentioned had no real experience dealing with homelessness. What success have WCCS and Burbank had in their past permanent supportive housing efforts?
- The police were already stretched to provide services to 7,000+ residents and our itinerant homeless population. Are they paying overtime or are other services to residents being cut? Will there be a proposal for more officers in this year’s budget?
- Paul Tibbits once told the city that the continuum of care was sending individuals to permanent supportive housing who have little or no chance of being successful. Are the various county entities that put these people here looking at their policies and procedures?
- What is the current status Gravenstein Commons, Sebastopol’s third permanent supportive housing project in partnership with St Vincent de Paul? Several members of the current council advocated for this project in spite of warnings about these types of issues. Now that the council has evidence of real issues, what is the plan to prevent these problems from doubling and being carried over to the west side of the city where the new Canopy housing and a charter school are nearby.
- The Planning Commission was concerned that the “plain” back wall of the new Barlow Hotel might detract from their vision for a more attractive east entrance to the city, yet a facility that includes drug use, drug sales and prostitution is acceptable. Another permanent supportive project was approved by the planning commission at the western entrance to the city. We have a needle exchange at the Palm Ave entrance. Given their concerns about the city’s image are they considering zoning changes to prevent even more homeless and drug user facilities in residential neighborhoods and near schools and shopping centers and at the entrances to our city?
- Our current mayor has been trying to find new ideas such as creating a mobile mental health unit in the city. The question is does the added cost of such a unit reduce the need for a police response when the real time issues include: “a suicide threat, an arrest warrant, suspicious subject, suspicious vehicles, drug complaints, lots of calls about disturbing the peace, and “a situation with a knife,” … and reports of prostitution.”
- Can Sebastopol maintain its small downtown character in the presence of growing “colonies” of drug addicts and prostitutes?
- How does this problem, literally across the street from the proposed downtown hotel project impact its viability. Lost TOT tax from the county takeover of the Sebastopol Inn pushed the city into a financial crisis. Without TOT tax from the Barlow hotel how does the city pay for the increase in services to manage the homeless and fix roads, city buildings, and provide for public safety?
- What happens if the growing issues result in the failure of Sebastopol to restore downtown economic growth. Ongoing deficits will lead to financial insolvency and a county takeover of the city. Will residents be satisfied to be another small west county village subject to county policies and services?
Many good question here. We're thinking about a Part Three--or at least continued coverage. I'm curious about what local politicians are thinking about these problems.
It’s me and my daughter please help us Burbank housing is trying to suppress us and what’s really happening. They are lying in this article on several occasions and there is video proof I’m sure they won’t show.
I'm speechless that the Elderberry management is suggesting that those who are not violating lease terms, doing/selling drugs, turning tricks, or otherwise breaking the law should be the ones to leave 'if they aren't happy'. This is outrageous. Are we supposed to just get used to dysfunctional 'management' that supports the rule breakers, not the abiders? And I truly don't understand why homeless people get to choose to live, supported, in Sebastopol or West County when most of the employed people who live here can barely afford it and often have to move to the outer reaches of the county and put up with miserable commutes. As a former 'Lib', I have less sympathy for most of the homeless than for the working poor.
It’s me and my daughter please help us
I worked with the homeless for 30 years. Providing them housing doesn’t help them in the long term. They don’t have the living skills to sustain a residence, and they aren’t interested in learning living skills, unless/until you can motivate them to become interested in personal change.
The County (I worked in AODS, Mental Health and the jail for years) mostly hires godless Liberals who have no idea how significant personal change is initiated. No Jesus, no significant personal change. Know Jesus, know significant personal change. It’s that simple.
That’s why food pantries rarely see their clients go away; it’s not really about helping others. Liberals (Narcissists) just want to feel good about themselves. That’s why they feed the homeless. Underneath it all, they know that if their clients actually change, they (Libs who feed the homeless) won’t have their “Helper” identity anymore.
Truth is hard when you’re living a hidden agenda. Elderberry Commons doesn’t change lives; it provides temporary housing - that’s all.
I always think some of our support programs don’t understand human nature very well. In the case of Elderberry, provided to the residents at no charge are housing, wrap around services, food, nutrition program, help with cooking and laundry, etc. Virtual every need is taken care of by someone else. In return there is no expectations from the residents. They can violate the rules (drug use, prostitution, being disruptive, etc.) and there are no consequences. They aren’t compelled to take the services offered to them that might help their condition, make them more independent, provide some self-respect and dignity.
These are broken people and some will never be fixed. They aren’t likely good decision makers otherwise they won’t be in this situation. So, to allow a bad decision maker to choose (refuse services, allow to take drugs, etc.) is a dumb idea. Make their choices have some consequences and you might get better behavior. And a better person
What you call Godless liberals in action, is also known as “performative activism” and is generally useless at creating change, though those performing the activism can put a gold star on their foreheads.
Journalism at it's best. Thanks. 1) There, but for the Grace of ___, go I. 2) What a tough job.
Rough start indeed
We should thank the courageous residents who tried to let the city know about the problems. This person seems like someone who might succeed in permanent supportive housing but may be forced back into a van while a growing colony of drug users take over the eastern entrance to the city. Sad that a mother with a small child who also might also benefit from housing is forced to raise her child in the presence of drug addicts and prostitution.
Thanks as well to Councilmember Mc Lewis and Police Chief McDonagh for taking the time to listen. Where were the other council members who have been enthusiastically bringing more permanent supportive housing to Sebastopol? Their support was in spite of warnings that these problems would occur and need to be addressed. What now?
Is Housing First really so simple? Using vulnerable elderly and families with young children as role models will convert prostitutes and hard-core drug users into model citizens?
It is not a surprise that residents are considering returning to the streets where they have an element of control over their lives. On the other hand, Burbank and WCCS could do what they are supposed to do and enforce the rules in the lease and evict violators. Why should people trying to figure out what to do with their lives have to live with drugs, prostitution and a roaming pit bull?
Who is speaking for the child who has to listen to a prostitute doing her business, who has to witness drug use and a woman on the ground passed out on drugs.
The 38 residents being supported by 7 staffers (full-time housing manager, two case managers, an onsite property, a maintenance person who lives onsite, security personal, a IHSS assistants for tenants who need help with cooking or laundry.) On top of that, the Sebastopol Police have made multiple visits per day. All that help and there is drug use, prostitution, unsanitary hoarding, off-leash pitbull, and resident laying naked on the ground for 3 days. Impressive. McChesney who seems to be the lead person “in charge”, acknowledges all the problems with the attitude as shit happens, what can we do, hopefully some of these folks will turn their life around…. evidently. Impressive.
Hopefully ST part two article goes into the cost of this operation and the effects on the neighboring businesses. No need to report on the effectiveness of the Elderberry Commons experience on its residents. My expectations which I hope are wrong, are pretty low
I live here with my 7 year old daughter this comment is spot on. Complete enabling by Burbank housing and WCSS. Turning a blind eye to domestic violence hard core drug use and activity prostitution robbery’s you name it. A common response from Talia the new property manager is “if you don’t like it move in with your parents”
So what do you propose - beside "better effort"?
The city of Sebastopol might look at what Glide Memorial Church created in San Francisco years ago; for those that were READY and willing to make changes in their lives. I toured one of the beautiful buildings with a group of others.. there were very strict rules that had to be followed to stay there.
And there was a lot of support offered at the same time…
Lots going on here. Wow. Hard. The biggest thing that stands out from this article is the audacity of our city council member McLewis, who decided to film a woman lying on the ground without all her clothes on. These are PEOPLE. Not animals in a zoo. McLewis needs some real serious help if that is how she cares for her community as a council member. I’m disgusted.
My take is a little different on the filming. Mclewis job as a council member is to see the city is run properly. She noticed WCCS had completely failed their job and their customers, and she documented the violation. There is no indicated she has shared the video publicly, she stated letting a person be in that condition "is inhumane". So I don't see any malice there. McChesney, who is in charge was angry for the filming, but maybe she should be angry at herself and her staff for letting their customers live like that. (McChesney was caught with her pants down. LOL)
The “security team” they are referencing is woman named Jen who was the security gaurd and was relieved of her duty’s for being high on meth the first 2 months we lived here with no property manager or anyone enforcing the lease.
Thank you sir you get it. It was my daughter who had to witness the half naked tweaker sleeping outside on our walk way for 3 days while staff came and went including Burbank and WCSS they are lying. And it’s on camera the Saturday before Easter.
It feels like one of those situations where the details are going to confirm whatever you believed before. Laura, thank you for fleshing out this work-in-progress.
It’s me and my 7 year old daughter who have been lied to and mislead into moving into this homeless shelter they called family friendly apartments. Someone please help us.
Questions for future parts:
- Who is providing oversight to Burbank and WCCS at Elderberry? Will there be an investigation and changes? Are county social workers checking on the welfare of the children?
- Is Housing first as simple as supplying housing and offering detox services until an individual relents? What is the background, training and experience of the individuals and organizations running Elderberry. SAVS failed at Horizon Shine in part, according to press investigations because the individuals involved though well intentioned had no real experience dealing with homelessness. What success have WCCS and Burbank had in their past permanent supportive housing efforts?
- The police were already stretched to provide services to 7,000+ residents and our itinerant homeless population. Are they paying overtime or are other services to residents being cut? Will there be a proposal for more officers in this year’s budget?
- Paul Tibbits once told the city that the continuum of care was sending individuals to permanent supportive housing who have little or no chance of being successful. Are the various county entities that put these people here looking at their policies and procedures?
- What is the current status Gravenstein Commons, Sebastopol’s third permanent supportive housing project in partnership with St Vincent de Paul? Several members of the current council advocated for this project in spite of warnings about these types of issues. Now that the council has evidence of real issues, what is the plan to prevent these problems from doubling and being carried over to the west side of the city where the new Canopy housing and a charter school are nearby.
- The Planning Commission was concerned that the “plain” back wall of the new Barlow Hotel might detract from their vision for a more attractive east entrance to the city, yet a facility that includes drug use, drug sales and prostitution is acceptable. Another permanent supportive project was approved by the planning commission at the western entrance to the city. We have a needle exchange at the Palm Ave entrance. Given their concerns about the city’s image are they considering zoning changes to prevent even more homeless and drug user facilities in residential neighborhoods and near schools and shopping centers and at the entrances to our city?
- Our current mayor has been trying to find new ideas such as creating a mobile mental health unit in the city. The question is does the added cost of such a unit reduce the need for a police response when the real time issues include: “a suicide threat, an arrest warrant, suspicious subject, suspicious vehicles, drug complaints, lots of calls about disturbing the peace, and “a situation with a knife,” … and reports of prostitution.”
- Can Sebastopol maintain its small downtown character in the presence of growing “colonies” of drug addicts and prostitutes?
- How does this problem, literally across the street from the proposed downtown hotel project impact its viability. Lost TOT tax from the county takeover of the Sebastopol Inn pushed the city into a financial crisis. Without TOT tax from the Barlow hotel how does the city pay for the increase in services to manage the homeless and fix roads, city buildings, and provide for public safety?
- What happens if the growing issues result in the failure of Sebastopol to restore downtown economic growth. Ongoing deficits will lead to financial insolvency and a county takeover of the city. Will residents be satisfied to be another small west county village subject to county policies and services?
Many good question here. We're thinking about a Part Three--or at least continued coverage. I'm curious about what local politicians are thinking about these problems.
It’s me and my daughter please help us Burbank housing is trying to suppress us and what’s really happening. They are lying in this article on several occasions and there is video proof I’m sure they won’t show.
Sigh, the realities of « free will » are challenging.
Voters in the USA don’t support what is common in other countries.
Thank you for this essay about people trying to help.