On Tuesday, 23 UUSS members and friends attended the Board of Supervisors meeting to support Community Based Organizations (CBO) who work with homeless and racial justice issues. Five additional people called into the meeting, and many others sent emails to the supervisors. These CBOs are requesting that the Board allocate a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act funding to CBOs who serve the greatest needs of the unhoused people. As part of initial public comment period, several of our members spoke eloquently and passionately on behalf of the CBOs and the work they are doing to provide services for our unsheltered neighbors. An additional five UUSS members called in to share their concern. In her remarks, Rev. Lucy challenged the supervisors to not operate out of fear, but out of courage, to do what they know is morally right. All our speakers received enthusiastic applause at the end of the comments!

After the comment period, Supervisor Serna pledged to use $2 million of the $5 million ARPA money that was allocated for his district to fund CBO programs, encouraging the other supervisors to consider the same. The chair, Supervisor Nottoli, requested that funding of CBOs will become an agenda item in an upcoming board meeting, and a possible work shop!

The Public Health Advocate staff who have been helping us prepare for the “ARPA Day of Action, were beyond pleased. They noted that most often the board listens politely but doesn’t make a specific commitment, like they did on Tuesday. Now we know we can indeed move the needle, so let’s keep that energy and passion going to be a force for healing in the world.

Here is a link to the recording of the meeting.  Our sections starts at 30 minutes, with a presentation by two presentations from our partners at Public Health Advocates. Then look for some familiar faces!

Thanks to all who participated.  Stay tuned for more!