Editor’s note: The following was printed as an op-ed in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. It didn’t appear on their website when originally printed, possibly because they were redesigning the site. It is reprinted here with the author’s permission and is copyright 2006 Ronal Madnick.
In 2000, the City Manager created the Commission on Homelessness with a dual charge to improve services and housing for the homeless and to relocate the PIP Shelter. In August of 2000 the Commission issued its five year plan titled “Housing the Single Adult Homeless: the Worcester Plan. ”
On June 23, 2004 a plan to end chronic homelessness in Worcester developed by the Committee to End Chronic Homelessness in 10 Years was adopted by the City Manager’s Commission on Homelessness.
The Minority Report, developed by the City Manager’s Commission on Homelessness, June 19, 2004 points out that chronically homeless persons must be assisted but also points out that others who also need assistance must be considered. “Individuals who are living with friends or relatives in overcrowded conditions , prisoners who are released to the street, foster children who reach the age of 18 when they are no longer eligible for foster care, the battered spouse who leaves an abusive home, the indivudal who is laid off/fired from employment and can no longer afford housing, the tenant at will who loses housing because the building was sold, the tenant at will whose rent increase forces them to the street” must also be considered.
In 2006 the City Manager announced a goal to end homelessness within five years. The Manager is clearly moving in the right direction but five years is too long. There is no reason why the city cannot carry out a program within a year or two.
Enough studies. Let’s get to work.
Continue reading “Worcester’s Homeless Plan”