2021/03/03 Council Agenda Packet

Deb Williams From: Sent: To: Subject: DAN MURPHY <danielmurphyl @msn.com> Wednesday, March 03, 2021 11:36 AM DL-Council Comment on Proposed Ordinance RE: Everett Gospel Mission Dear Members of the Everett City Council: / As a long-time volunteer with Mercy Watch, the organization providing medical care and support services to the city's non -sheltered population, it has come to my attention that a proposed City ordinance set to be voted on March 18 would prohibit volunteers from distributing materials to the people currently camped out around the Everett Gospel Mission. If that is accurate, I must strenuously object, for the following reasons: 1). While the long-term plan is to move non -sheltered people from the sidewalks and right-of-way near the Mission, denying Mercy Watch volunteers the ability in the interim to provide support and/or handouts of food, clothing or other materials will not reduce the population currently camped out there. 2). Mercy Watch personnel who engage with the population occupying the sidewalks and right-of-way in and around the Everett Gospel Mission do not and will not encourage anyone to remain at that location should a final Everett City ordinance require clearance of that area. 3). Prohibiting Mercy Watch or any other volunteers from engaging with and/or providing assistance to the population in and around the Mission will do nothing to address the issues of people blocking the sidewalks nor prevent anyone from roaming the area where local businesses are located. Bottom Line: This is strictly a humanitarian issue unrelated to any initiatives intended to relocate to alternative sites the non -sheltered population occupying the area adjacent to the Everett Gospel Mission. Thank you for your consideration for the most vulnerable and neediest residents of our city. Please recognize their needs, as well as the concerns of the local business community. Sincerely, Dan Murphy 2116 Cedar St. Everett WA 98201 (425) 359-3425 danielmurphyl@msn.com 1