Interesting use of county resources to influence legislative activity . . . er, some call it lobbying, especially when you are getting paid for your efforts. And, well, here’s the talking points for those who support removing people from the city county building . . . nothing to see here, its all taken care of, services are being provided! Those homeless people are violent and present a danger to us all!
From: “Parisi, Joseph”
Date:08/31/2015 8:07 AM (GMT-06:00)
To: #All CCB Recipients
Subject: Homeless Services and the City County BuildingDear County Employee:
Local units of government, service providers, neighborhoods – frankly, all of us – have a stake and voice in how we address the shared challenge of helping those in our community who struggle with homelessness.
The challenges some in our community face have been made increasingly evident in recent months as individuals gather, especially in the late afternoons, evenings, and overnights in front of the hub of city and county government.
Incredibly caring, compassionate, and understanding people have done a great deal of work directly with these individuals, sitting and talking with them about help that is available. Teams from partners like Porchlight and Tellurian have in some cases spent four, five, even six hours a day, multiple days a week, patiently trying to help.
Because of the values we share in this community, that work has gone on for years and will continue as long as there are individuals in need.
Mental health services are now available to anyone who chooses to receive them, thanks in part to a new partnership I announced earlier this summer:
https://countyofdane.com/press/details.aspx?id=3670
https://danecountyhumanservices.org/ccs/prov/default.aspx
Thanks to a reprioritization and emphasis on the need for alcohol treatment, assistance is available today for those who struggle with substance abuse and want help.
Again, because of who we are, County Government directs millions of dollars each year to vulnerable individuals at risk of homelessness due to job loss, medical condition, or addiction. Teams of social workers through our Joining Forces for Families and Early Childhood Zones are in neighborhood everyday, strengthening families and helping moms and dads navigate day to day challenges problematic to those facing poverty.
While prevention is clearly the priority, for those who find themselves without a place to call home, help is ready for them as well.
https://danecountyhumanservices.org/eaws/dox/homeless_spring_summer_resouces_2015_mayoct.pdf
In recent conversations with county staff, our community’s key shelter providers agreed to extend the number of shelter days available to both men and women. Once colder weather arrives, there are no restrictions on shelter days.
We will continue to review what we do and how we do it to ensure those most vulnerable have opportunity for a better life.
We can do so while at the same time ensuring the safety and well-being of our workers. I am increasingly concerned about the greater number of reports of aggressive and sometimes violent behavior and dangerous drug use occurring outside our workplace.
I am hopeful the Committee tasked with setting rules for this building will agree at its meeting this evening that both can be accomplished: caring for the needs of our community’s most vulnerable while at the same time providing a safe work environment for our dedicated public employees along with other members of the public who access this building daily. The City County Liaison Committee meeting begins at 5:45 p.m. tonight. You are certainly welcome to attend to share your perspective on this component of this ongoing community conversation.
With gratitude for the work you do every day,
Joe Parisi
Joseph T. Parisi
Dane County Executive
Room 421, City-County Building
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
(608) 266-4114
TDD: Call WI Relay 711
(608) 266-2643 Fax
parisi@countyofdane.com
www.countyofdane.com
Here’s the attachment provided.
Homeless services One pager
