Homelessness Task Force Seeks Public Input

Homeless_ManThe Yelm Homelessness Task Force is working to develop policy recommendations to the Yelm City Council by December 2019.

The Task Force is seeking feedback and will host an open public meeting 5:30 p.m.  September 17 at  at the Yelm Community Center. To date, the work of the Task Force has been to survey available resources to homeless people in the Yelm area. Future work will be to frame several possible recommendations which range from doing nothing to expanding upon existing services and resources.

The Task Force’s public meeting will provide a chance for residents and businesses to listen to these proposed options and provide an opportunity for the community at large to engage in discussion before the proposals are formalized and sent as recommendations to City Council at a regular City Council meeting or Council Study Session, which are all open to the public.

The Council Resolution to create the Homelessness Task Force was created and authorized by City Council in November 2018. Councilmember Molly Carmody spearheaded the proposal and currently facilitates the meetings with Councilmember Joe DePinto.

The Task Force is composed of representatives from multiple different stakeholder groups, including two members of the City Council, a City staff member, and members of non-profit organizations which provide services to the homeless, and a citizen-at-large.

All meetings held by the Task Force are open to the public but the meetings are not designed as a public forum. Members who are not a part of the Task Force are encouraged to attend and listen as a member of the audience. Audience members who would like to participate in the discussion are encouraged to attend the Town Hall or email joed@yelmwa.gov or mollyc@yelmwa.gov with their input.

Media Contact:
Andrew Kollar
Andrewk@yelmwa.gov
360-458-8420