HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/12/2021 Item 08, NAACP
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December 15, 2020
To the San Luis Obispo City Council Members:
On behalf of the NAACP, our nation’s oldest, largest and most widely-recognized grassroots
civil rights organization, I strongly urge you to adjust the 2021-2023 SLO City Budget to(a)
increase funding for housing and (b) shift duties that would otherwise go to police to
mental health and social service professionals.
(a) San Luis Obispo has staggeringly high rates of homelessness, especially for families. With
outrageous housing costs in the area, it’s no surprise that many families are unable to provide
this basic necessity.High-quality, affordable housing, located in safe neighborhoods can go
beyond providing basic shelter and stability, and can help provide a stable environment
where children access high-performing schools, learn, and succeed academically.By
investing in affordable housing, San Luis Obispo can transform lives and improve community
outcomes.
(b) According to data, the vast majority of calls made to police are for nonviolent encounters.
Police training is often misaligned for these calls. Increasing funding for mental health and social
service professionals will benefit the community —particularly marginalized community
members —by improving mental health, addiction, and homelessness. It would also reduce the
burden put on police, allowing them to focus on solving violent crimes.
Ways to enact this change include pairing a police officer with a mental health professional to
take calls or dispatching a mental health professional with an unarmed medic instead of police.
Many large cities have already taken this initiative including Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Denver,
and New York City.At a recent town hall forum on minorities and law enforcement, Sheriff
Parkinson and Interim Police Chief Jeff Smith agreed that shifting some duties from the
police to mental health and social service professionals, or pairing professionals with a
police officer, would benefit law enforcement officers and the community.
I ask that you, as city officials, represent all San Luis Obispo community members, including the
unhoused and people of color, by increasing funding for housing, education, mental health, and
social services.
Sincerely,
Rev. Stephen Vines, President
NAACP SLO County Branch
805-619-5354
NAACP San Luis Obispo County Branch 110 S. Mary Ave-Suite 2215, Nipomo, CA 93444 Phone: (805) 619-5354
Email: NAACPSLOCTY@GMAIL.COM Facebook: @NAACPSLOCTY Twitter: @NAACPSLOCTY