Online forum focuses on homelessness in Calexico
The issue of homelessness here and the possibility of creating an area for the homeless to sleep were discussed during a public forum held Wednesday evening via Zoom.
The approximately 1.5hour forum, which was facilitated by Calexico City Council members Raul Ureña and Gloria Romo, was a brainstorming session where the public was encouraged to provide input.
While no formal plan was created, there was
discussion of holding a second forum on a later date, after which a plan could be formalized and submitted to the City Council for review.
Overall, the forum focused on immediate solutions that could be done within two years to help those who are living on the street.
One idea was setting up donated tents for homeless persons.
Border Friendship Park, which is at the corner of Paulin Avenue and East First Street, was one potential location discussed for this
encampment, although ultimately it was decided that the park is too small.
Romo proposed a dirt lot located at Pierce and Sherman courts, which is in the southwest corner of the city.
Ureña agreed this would be a good location, as it is near Cesar Chavez Boulevard, an area which already has a significant homeless population.
“This is out of the way,” Ureña said of the location. “This is not going to bother anyone. This is a great sugges
tion.”
The councilman added that, in addition to tents, there are 10 mobile trailers available for use. These trailers can be connected to make one large space or be separated, he said.
Ismael Arvizu, a community member who attended the forum, observed that a small tent camp has been set up for some time at the corner of First Street and Andrade Avenue.
“There’s a couple of people going,” Arvizu said. “A lot of people don’t know about it.”