Q&A
Explanation of shelter access policies and privacy concerns
1:10:02
ยท
84 sec
Associate Commissioner Russell explains the rationale behind shelter access policies and addresses privacy concerns raised by council members. She emphasizes the need to balance accessibility with protecting shelter residents' privacy and safety.
- Russell clarifies that access restrictions are not about hiding issues but protecting client privacy and safety
- The shelter is considered a temporary home for residents, necessitating careful vetting of visitors
- DHS aims to protect against potential harm or disruption from individuals with malicious intent
- The department welcomes council members but requires prior notice for visits
- There's a discussion about the need for flexibility in certain situations, such as when council members accompany veteran donors
- Russell acknowledges the challenges and expresses a willingness to work on improving the process
Sonya Russell
1:10:02
I I totally understand that.
1:10:05
So, again, it's not about us hiding anything.
1:10:08
I know.
1:10:09
It you know, those that do not have the same intentions of wanting to help, we need to protect our client and that being their temporary home.
1:10:19
So while, again, we are appreciative of the Veterans Association, City Council, and those who wanna do right by our clients, those who mean well by our clients.
1:10:28
We have to leverage that against those who might not want to, those who try to come into the facility and cause harm or disruption.
1:10:36
So in order for us to again, protect the privacy and a safe environment for those that are seeking shelter with DHS, we have to vet individuals before they come into our building.
1:10:48
So I do wanna say to city council, we welcome you to come into our building, but understand that we do require, you know, prior, notice before you come so that we could exactly correct.
Robert F. Holden
1:11:01
No.
1:11:02
Get that.
1:11:03
But again, sometimes somebody has to make a decision.
1:11:07
So you know what, these are veterans coming in, they're with two council, three council members.
1:11:13
We're gonna just let, you know, let them come in, but because then veterans, we had a whole bunch of veterans that did a lot of work in their own time.
1:11:21
They had to leave because they wouldn't sign, not one veteran would sign that.
Sonya Russell
1:11:25
And that's unfortunate.
Robert F. Holden
1:11:26
No, but that should tell you something.