2021/03/03 Council Agenda Packet

Deb Williams From. Judy McNamara <tjmcnaml@yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2021 4:00 PM To: DL-Council Subject: Proposed Ordinance in area of Everett Gospel Mission Regarding Proposed Ordinance around Everett Gospel Mission As members of the MercyWatch Street Medicine Team for the last four years We would like to comment on the proposed ordinance prohibiting certain conduct in a designated area at and near the Everett Gospel Mission men's shelter. MercyWatch street medicine team has provided routine and emergency medical care to individuals visiting or living in the area for the past 3+ years. We believe this ordinance will lead to unintended consequences of more incarceration of poor, mentally ill, addicted or disabled individuals. We have seen this played out in our country's history in post -civil war reconstruction and in current day mass incarceration of people in the War on Drugs. Criminalizing those experiencing homelessness with multiple medical disabilities in the area designated in the proposal will lead to increased trauma to this marginalized segment of our city's citizens. Is there no better approach to the ongoing issue of homelessness in our community? Approaches that we might suggest is that of the Global Homeboy Network, support for expansion of the Gospel mission capacity or increase services and housing options for those that are targeted with this ordinance. These alternatives would mitigate the potential use of incarceration and would point us to a more humanitarian approach. In addition, the need of those nonprofit organizations that provide professional services to the marginalized to apply for a permit puts an additional burden both financially and practically on those organizations to continue their work. Respectfully submitted, Timothy McNamara MD Judith McNamara RN, LMHC MercyWatch Street Medicine MercyWatch Street Medicine Acting Medical Director Medical Team Leader 1