2021/03/03 Council Agenda Packet

Deb Williams From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Hello All, Danielle D'Angelo <danielledangelo@outlook.com> Wednesday, March 03, 2021 2:57 PM Cassie Franklin; Scott Bader Jeffrey Moore; Scott Murphy; Paul Roberts; Brenda Stonecipher Judy Tuohy; Elizabeth Vogeli; DL-Council bella_dangelo@outlook.com; Dominic D'Angelo; Mum Opposition to the No -Sit Zone My name is Danielle D'Angelo. I'm writing on behalf of myself, Dominic D'Angelo III, Natalie D'Angelo, and Isabella D'Angelo. We are residents of the Riverfront neighborhood which sits directly next to the Everett Gospel Mission. As residents of Everett, we regard the unhoused community as our neighbors. These neighbors deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and humanity, just as we are. But the vitriol we have seen towards the u nhoused community in Everett has been shocking and appalling. We have seen people call the police for a homeless person simply resting on a bench or walking down the street. The disrespect for the unhoused community that we have seen has made this city feel unwelcoming. Upon hearing about the proposed No -Sit Zone surrounding the mission, we were extremely taken aback. We view this proposal as an unjust and inhumane targeting of our neighbors for merely existing in public space. It should not be a criminal offense to be homeless. The stresses of the pandemic have only made it harder to find work and housing. It is unfair to punish people for circumstances they cannot control. Beyond that, the lack of addiction treatment has made it more difficult for people to find avenues of help that may better their situation. The passing of this proposal would tell us that the Everett City Council does not care about the health and safety of our unhoused populations. It would tell us that image is more important than humanity, that the u nhoused community is unworthy of respect, and that this city is not a safe or welcoming place. The attitude towards the unhoused community is already very sour in Everett, and the passing of this proposal would u ndoubtedly make it worse. We implore you to REJECT this proposal and invest in helping our unhoused communities, not punishing them. Invest in shelters and resources so that these populations have the same level of dignity as the housed residents of Everett do. It is important to us that we remind you that you represent EVERY resident of Everett. Not just the housed residents. As voters in Everett, we will not hesitate to use our votes to correct any negative representation. In Solidarity with the Unhoused Community, Danielle, Dominic, Natalie, and Isabella D'Angelo Everett Residents 1