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From:cassidi ballou <br />To:DL-Council <br />Subject:[EXTERNAL] Urgent: Support Needed for Hope N Wellness Amidst Restrictive Zoning Laws <br />Date:Wednesday, February 19, 2025 8:07:58 AM <br />CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open <br />attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. <br />Dear City Council, <br />My name is Cassidi Kenyon, and I have been a resident of the Northwest neighborhood for the <br />past nine years, having spent most of my life in or near Everett. I am writing to express my <br />deep concern and disappointment regarding the zoning laws that prohibit Hope N Wellness <br />from offering essential community services. <br />The longer I reside in this city, the more disheartened I become by the government’s and <br />certain citizens’ harsh responses to our homeless population. While maintaining safe streets <br />for all Everett residents is crucial, denying homeless individuals, or those struggling with <br />addiction or mental health issues, access to necessary services is inhumane. Actions such as <br />restrictive downtown zoning laws and camp sweeps contribute to this injustice, and the city <br />should reflect on the impact of these policies and do better. <br />• Assistance for Hope N Wellness: What steps will you and the city take to help Hope <br />N Wellness comply with these restrictive zoning laws? Will there be support, including <br />potential funding, to facilitate their relocation to an approved area? <br />• Equitable Representation: As a city council member, you represent all Everett <br />residents. It’s imperative to support outreach programs that address the needs of our <br />entire community, not just the interests of a select group. Especially as an all white <br />presenting City Council, as many of our houseless neighbors are people of color. <br />• Prioritizing Community Support: The city should focus on enhancing community <br />outreach and support services, rather than implementing measures that further <br />marginalize vulnerable populations. <br />I urge you to take decisive action to support organizations like Hope N Wellness, which strive <br />to bridge the gaps in services that our city currently lacks. By doing so, we can work towards a <br />more inclusive and compassionate Everett for all residents. <br />Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. <br />Sincerely, <br />Cassidi Kenyon <br />Northwest Neighborhood <br />I love and support a healthy work/life balance, so while I have sent this message at a time that <br />is convenient for me, please do not feel the need to respond to this email outside of your