11-12-18 Community Relations - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK Committeemember Karen White asked, Isn't it also that the tenant has to contact the Health Department?That is something we became aware of and that is something we need to look at, too, with regards to how that information can be shared while the tenant is still protected. Committee Chair Williams-Preston replied,Yes and I think that is really important because I think it's an interesting theme as to what our role is in supporting people who don't have a voice. There are agencies like the Human Rights Commission and things like that but I want to know how that has worked in the past. How can that be more effective? Because I've heard that people go through the process but nothing really happened. So as representatives of people who live in South Bend, you know, the question becomes what can we do as elected officials to bring more of a voice? They can't just be ignored or pushed through the system. Councilmember Tim Scott stated,Councilmember White is absolutely right on that.This is another area where we can probably do some joint Committee meetings as well such as Health and Public Safety and Residential Neighborhoods. Police think whole City-wide with this as well. I ran up against something that kind of plays into this whole thing. I went through some of the first (1st) District and there are landlords who are on the list to accept Section Eight (VIII) housing that is inferior.We need to look at that and we've been talking to the Mayor about the Housing Authority. I'm sure we all have experience with that and how are we allowing that to happen? It literally tells the tenants to go talk to Human Rights about this. The Housing Authority has to come in and do inspection on these properties. I don't understand what that standard is and that is something I will be bringing up in the near future. Committeemember Alfreda Gillespie stated, I just want to address that issue. I've been on that other side and I think the problem is a lot of people who live in those housing developments do not have a voice. They are not vocal and do not have advocates. That is why I have committed myself to becoming a community advocate and be a voice for those people. I'm originally from Chicago and I never lived in public housing and never experienced any of this. I moved to South Bend and I have a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Education. However now, I am a retired educator and am sixty-seven (67) years old, and I am a foot solider out there in the community trying to increase voter registration, housing, and child development centers and sites. There are requirements that go along with this too. They say get a job. They go out and get a job and now they don't have childcare. The childcare they have is leaving the kids with anybody. Now there is the problem with child molestation and predators. We don't know who they are leaving them with. So,me being on this Committee, hopefully this coming year and others, is to address those issues and be a voice for those people. I've been on both sides. I've lived in public housing. I've lived in the 501 Building. I had a community garden for them for seven(7) years with inner-City children to keep them out of trouble. I partnered with a lot of people in the community so I've been on both sides. So what I'm saying is now, I just moved to Cottage Grove and Lincolnway West. Back in the day, that was not the place to be but I am so happy I landed there because of the newness in the neighborhood. I went to the NRC meeting because I want to be able to bridge the people from Lincolnway West all the way to Portage and sustain the neighborhood. It takes a village. Committee Chair Williams-Preston stated,Right, and we are so excited you are a part of it. I mean, when we talked before, I was really glad. I know you've been on this Committee before and it is my hope that all Committee and Council Members share more about what we are doing so that we can all get into where we really have an interest. EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INNOVATION INCLUSION EMPOWERMENT 455 County-City Building 227 W.Jefferson Bvld South Bend,Indiana 46601 p 574.235.9221 f 574.235.9173 TTD574.235.5567 www.southbendin.gov 3