Politics & Government
Community Meeting to Discuss Livermore’s Homeless
Learn more about homelessness and available resources, and question a panel of Livermore support agencies.
As a result of the continued flagging economy, the Tri-Valley is seeing increases in its homeless population. The Livermore Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (LCPAAA) is holding a community dialogue at 7 p.m. Thursday at the so residents can learn more and ask questions.
Support agencies will provide information to educate attendees about the problems associated with homelessness and what resources are available in the area. The first hour will include presentations from several groups, including:
- Livermore Homeless Refuge
- Tri-Valley Haven
- Open Heart Kitchen
- Abode Services HOPE Mobile Health Clinic
- Livermore Showers Program
- The City of Livermore Community Development and Police Department
In addition, a former homeless resident will talk about his ordeal and how he got back on his feet.
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Jacky Poulsen, LCPAAA's Community Relations Committee chair, said, "It's going to be a fabulous program, and we're really excited to be able to get this information to everyone." She said that this is part of the Community Education Programs sponsored by LCPAAA.
A Complex Problem, No Easy Solution
Livermore Police Chief Steve Sweeney said, "Homeless issues are complex and challenging for communities to address. It’s important for citizens to be aware of these issues as well as the number of organizations that are working together to address them in our city."
Find out what's happening in Livermorewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
After the presentations, there will be a facilitated question and answer session.
Jean Prasher, the city of Livermore's Human Services Programs manager, said that there are three distinct homeless populations, which she'll explain at the meeting.
"People will be surprised by some of the statistics that we'll be presenting, so I hope they'll come out to find out more," Prasher said. "It's going to be a good program." She said that even though the Alameda County Homelessness report won't be out until next month, trends are emerging from the homeless count.
As I reported in , the number of people who are hungry has gone up dramatically as seen in the increase in meals that Open Heart Kitchen serves each week, both in hot meals and box lunches to school-age children. OHK expects to serve nearly a quarter-million meals this year in the Tri-Valley.
The community dialogue meeting will be at:
Robert Livermore Community Center
4444 East Ave.
7 to 9 p.m. Thursday
