Homeless Men to get 90 days in Shelter this Year

The May extension to accommodate Occupy has resulted in all men getting an extra 30 days in shelter – this year only. Details below.

from: schooler
to: Brenda Konkel
Sue Wallinger
“Berlin, Barbara”
cc: Brad Hinkfuss
Daniel Barnes
Karla Jameson
Preston Patterson
Sharon Hutchins
Tawanda Adams
Todd Dennis
date: Mon, May 14, 2012 at 9:08 AM
subject: 60 Day Limit for 2012

As you know, we decided in light of the events surrounding the Occupy Site, to allow anyone in for the month of May, regardless of the number of nights they had previously spent at the Drop-In Shelter. Apparently there was some confusion over whether nights spent during May would count toward the 90 limit. Although we thought we were very clear that we were only lifting the 60-day limit during May, given the potential confusion as to whether nights of shelter would count toward the 60 day limit for the month May, we have simply decided to increase the limit from 60 days to 90 days until October 31, 2012. The days spent in May will count, but everyone will have 90 days as opposed to 60.

We are only doing this because we had access the the additional facility from First United Methodist Church during May, and limited additional funding for staff for May. The overflow shelter at First United Methodist will need to be closed as of June 1. We believe that we can accommodate the increased numbers at the two overflow shelters but there may be some nights when we have very tight quarters. We will do the best we can to accommodate everyone entitled to entry, as always.

We must emphasize that this is a one-time very special policy change. We do not believe we could accommodate the increased numbers of guests should we increase the nights limit from 60 to 90 in additional years, without and increase in facilities and staff funding. So, a new 60-day limit period will begin November 1, 2012 (as has been the case for a decade).

All other rules for the Drop-In Shelter, other bans, and the policy prohibiting guests from entering if they are intoxicated will continue to be applied and enforced.