Keith James has supported the city’s annual $4 million investment to address our growing homelessness population. From providing housing options, community programs and support, Keith has made this a top priority.
Community Ambassadors
I will prioritize the use of homeless outreach teams made up of experts and professionals who can work with our homeless population to build trust and help them find housing, a job and medical attention.
Immediate Enforcement Measures
I will take immediate steps to support local businesses and enforce anti-loitering laws to prevent people from remaining on private property when they do not have permission to be there. I will encourage businesses to execute and file trespass affidavits which will assist law enforcement in enforcing anti-loitering laws. Private security teams will be hired by the city to provide constant welfare checks on the homeless loitering on public property and in our parks.
Leverage State & Federal Funding
I will work with regional, state and national leaders to secure additional funding to address homeless issues as well as funding for drug and opioid addiction and veteran support programs.
Housing First
I have seen how the Housing First Model can help people rebuild their lives. I will review how we can utilize city property as options for housing and am focused on getting people off the streets and in homes so they can get a job, be healthy and become part of the community.
Community Partnerships
Our city is already investing over $4 million annually to address homelessness. I will work with the private, non-profit and public sectors to ensure we are utilizing all available resources, that programs are effective and community services are not being duplicated. By pooling our resources, we can invest our dollars in proven programs and services that are having a real impact in addressing the issue.
Prevention Efforts
I will encourage programs that provide job training and education for people looking for a new career or housing assistance to those who fall on hard times to prevent them from becoming homeless. Let’s get to the root causes and work to address them early on.
