[BoulderCouncilHotline] Questions for tonight's discussion on homelessness

[Morzel, Lisa]

Staff and Council

In anticipation of tonight's update on homelessness management plan and sheltering policies, I have questions that I hope staff can respond to tonight. Most questions have to do with homeless individuals being banished for periods of time.

Obviously many of the people using BHS can follow the rules and standards expected but clearly many cannot given what we've learned recently about individuals "violating" rule and being banned from services for varying periods of time, depending on their violation. Many of these individuals have a very difficult time navigating life due to various reasons.

1. Is there any assessment of the individual upon entry into our new CE system regarding his level of mental stability?  Does any connection exist regarding the punishment or enforcement meted out for an action and the individual's mental state?  People do act out at times in sheer frustration and seem to pay a high consequence or cost for that action.

2. What is the appeal process at BHS and is there ever an independent party involved that might represent the person who acted out?  How does the appeal process work at Path To Home/Bridgehouse/ BOHO?  How do the appeal processes at BHS and PTH etc compare?  This is where an ombudsman may help play a role

3.  How many individuals are currently banned at BHS? At PTH etc?

4.  Are there categories of banishment and what are they?  What are the periods of time and what is the criteria?  This is most unclear. What are the criteria, what criteria fit a violent act, and is there a schedule for time banned corresponding with unwanted behavior?

5. From what I can currently access and read in our packet, it appears the cultures are very different at BHS and PTH etc. Given they have the same rules, why is this?

Thanks

Lisa

Lisa Morzel
Boulder City Council Member

303-815-6723 c
303-938-8520 h
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