Councilmembers in San Diego hold a special meeting to discuss the rise of homelessness in the city.
On Monday afternoon, San Diego City Council gathered for this meeting to address this particular issue, an issue that has become a larger concern every year that passes.
Council President Sean Elo-Rivera said Monday that the meeting consisted of addressing the issue with national experts and victims of homelessness.
The Council President says they are working on what steps to take in order to tame and reduce one of the biggest issues in the city, even more so for people of color.
“Today isn’t about a publicity stunt or trying to have a special meeting just to have a special meeting. It’s so the council can spend a few hours together hearing from national experts, from our homeless strategies and solution department about what we’re doing right what we’re doing wrong…and what we actually need to do moving forward to start making some actual progress on this humanitarian crisis that we see," said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera.
“If we are not ashamed by the disparities that we see when it comes to race amongst people who are experiencing homelessness, then there is something profoundly wrong with us,” Elo-Rivera also added.
Monica Montgomery Steppe Council President Pro Tem, District 4, was in attendance on Monday, and she says that this meeting was much needed to have after seeing the recent data that raises major concerns on the matter.
"I’ve seen the data and the reports and it’s very important. It’s my job to push a recommendation forward so each person in this city is treated fairly," said Monica Montgomery Steppe Council President Pro Tem, District 4.
Additionally, Councilmembers also have just voted on a new contract that allows community outreach groups to assist individuals dealing with their mental health in San Diego.
