HOMELESS OUTREACH PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
JULY 21, 2010
A meeting of the Homeless Outreach Program Advisory Committee was held on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 10:00 am at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Christine Cericola and Carlton Beaver of Lifebridge, Ben Bouchard of the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Bell of Salem Main Streets and Jane Guy of the City of Salem Department of Planning and Community Development.
Mr. Boucher made a motion to approve the minutes of April 21, 2010. Ms. Guy seconded the motion, all were in favor and the motion so carried.
Mr. Beaver stated that his street patrols have been going well and that there was a minor incident with a homeless individual at the Red Lion Smoke Shop.
Ms. Bell stated that there had been problems at the Museum Place Mall since there has been no security guards and when the bathrooms were closed including public urination in the stairwells. She noted that she has seen some panhandling at the Farmer’s Market, but did not recognize the individuals and believed they might be transient.
Ms. Bell asked what should be done when a business sees a person who is panhandling or who appears in need of services.
Ms. Cericola stated that the businesses can call Lifebridge, who will have someone talk to the individual. She noted that if the person is not allowed in the shelter for behavioral reasons, they may need to call the police.
Mr. Beaver suggested that businesses hang no soliciting signs.
Ms. Bell stated that there is a joint retail meeting on the last Thursday of each month and invited Mr. Beaver to attend. Meetings are at 8:30 at the Eastern Bank conference room. The next meeting is 7/29/10. She stated that it would be nice to have something to hand out to the businesses.
Ms. Guy stated that she has an old flyer that was handed out several years ago. She and Ms. Cericola will update it so that it can be distributed to businesses.
Mr. Bouchard stated that he will add Mr. Carlton to the e-mail list for newsletters and Chamber events.
Ms. Guy reviewed the Heritage Days calendar with the group and stated that she would like to see Mr. Beaver make an appearance at the events that are in the downtown and involve families, such as the Scooperbowl, Kids Night on the Common and the Essex Street Fair.
Ms. Bell suggested that, for some of the events in Derby Square, the bathrooms and benches be checked for individuals that may be sleeping there.
Ms. Guy stated that the next meeting will be September 15, 2010
Respectfully submitted,
Jane A. Guy
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