HOMELESS OUTREACH PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
April 20, 2011
A meeting of the Homeless Outreach Program Advisory Committee was held on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 10:00 am at 120 Washington Street, Salem, MA. Present were Carlton Beaver and Tim Sweeney of Lifebridge and Jane Guy of the City of Salem Department of Planning and Community Development.
Mr. Beaver introduced Mr. Sweeney as a new Outreach Worker, who has replaced Chris Fitzgerald.
Mr. Sweeney stated that he previously worked at the Lynn Shelter and that he will be working mostly nights and will do some patrols a couple days per week.
Mr. Beaver stated that effective this day, the shelter has gone from Winter capacity to Summer capacity, which is 32 men’s and 12 women’s beds.
Ms. Guy encouraged Mr. Sweeney to visit one or two businesses each time he patrols in order to introduce himself to the owners and employees. She also encouraged him to check the city website for upcoming family events and to stop into the Chamber of Commerce to introduce himself and talk to them about upcoming events or to get any feedback they have received from downtown businesses. Ms. Guy stated that the Farmer’s Market will be starting up in a few weeks, for which he may want to make an occasional appearance to discourage panhandling. She stated that she saw someone sleeping on a bench at the train station on Monday. She stated that she has not gotten any complaints or negative feedback regarding homeless individuals.
Mr. Beaver stated that there were no incidents to report.
The next meeting will be July 20, 2011.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane A. Guy
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