Seeking effective answers for housing

Sunrise Chico urges the Chico City Council to oppose the adoption of Chapter 12.18.

Sunrise Movement is a youth-led movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs. As a hub we are committed to organizing for a livable future for all, including those in our community who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate catastrophe. Many of our neighbors have been displaced due to recent wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the housing crisis in Chico. Turning the rules and regulations of our parks into laws to be criminally enforced (as this measure does) will not make our community safer. It will only harm those without secure housing. No one in our community deserves to be targeted for accessing public spaces like our parks.

We urge the City Council to oppose the adoption of this measure and we hope the council will find more effective ways to address the housing crisis, such as the Housing First approach. This approach has overwhelming evidence to support its efficacy and the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness has stated that it also “drives significant reduction in the use of costly crisis services” for communities. We are encouraged that the city council also plans to discuss winter sheltering options.

As we consider solutions to this crisis, we must also ensure that new housing developments are sustainably built in order to mitigate their impact on our environment and to help address climate change.

— Amanda Reilly, Chico