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STAFF REPORT

Date: April 1, 2019

To: Community Homelessness Advisory Board

Thru: Sabra Newby, City Manager

Subject: Staff Report (For Possible Action): Update, discussion, and possible action
on short term safety improvements for the CAC.

From: Sabra Newby, City Manager, City of Reno


Neil Krutz, City Manager, City of Sparks
John Slaughter, County Manager, Washoe County

Background

There has been an increase in violent incidents on the campus of 335 Record St. As a result of this
concerning trend, on March 18, 2019 the manager’s of the three jurisdictions sent a formal letter to
Volunteers of America requesting that they attend the April 1, 2019 CHAB meeting. The goal of
this discussion is to collaboratively identify and discuss possible measures that can be taken to
protect the residents of the shelter.

One significant issue VOA is facing is the number of people allowed onto the campus, both inside
the shelter as well as outside in the day area. This is putting the campus over capacity, causing
overcrowding and leading to an inability to manage a population above and beyond what VOA is
contracted to, and what they receive funding for.

Taking measures toward a more secure campus will enhance the service delivery for the residents
of the shelter. Such measures could include, but are not limited to:

• Closing the campus to all those who are not shelter residents
• Closing the outdoor day area
• Increasing staff at the shelter
• Addition of an alternative security service

While each of the above mentioned actions has both financial and social repercussions, the safety
of our most vulnerable citizens is paramount.

Attachment:
CAC joint letter to VOA dated March 18, 2019

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