HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from Margie Ruegger - Shelter Crisis Declaration Menchaca, Clarissa
Subject: FW: Board of Supervisors Agenda
Attachments: Shelter Crisis.docx
From: Margie Ruegger<buttecapc@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, August 23, 2018 3:43 PM
To: Clerk of the Board <clerkoftheboard@buttecounty.net>
Subject: Re: Board of Supervisors Agenda
Could you please share this letter with the Board of Supervisors.
Thank you.
Margie
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Child Abuse Prevention Council
P.O. Box 569,Chico CA 95927 August 23, 2018
Dear Councilor/Supervisor,
The Council has been working to prevent child abuse and neglect for 43 years in Butte County. We have
seen the number of families thereby children experiencing homelessness increase in the county.
Examining the causes of abuse and neglect we know that parents that are experiencing more stress due
to homelessness can create an unstable environment for their children. The current situation that a
child does not have a regular place to sleep, eat and get ready for school is unacceptable. Many families
end up in the shelters. Some shelters allow children and if they do they are not separated from the
single male or female population.
Our Council has been providing parenting classes at the Torres Shelter here in Chico for over 3 years.
We provide childcare so the parents can participate without distraction. Most of the parents are very
dedicated to protecting their children and want the best for them, but a shelter is not that place.The
children are exposed to a cacophony of sounds and odd behaviors from the numerous different adults in
the shelter. Rapid rehousing for these families is imperative to prevent the children from experiencing
continued trauma and stress.Therefore,the Butte County Child Abuse Prevention Council is supporting
the Declaration of a Shelter Crisis.The funds that would be made available could go a long way to help
children and families have a safe and stable home to keep them secure each night.
Providing support to homeless individuals can help them build their resilience decrease their need for
medical treatment and food assistance while providing them an opportunity for long term employment.
Homeless individuals want to have the opportunity to contribute to the community and feel they are
valued which will make Butte County a better place for all of us to enjoy. Please don't let this amazing
opportunity for our most venerable citizens slip by here in Chico, Oroville, Paradise, Gridley/Biggs and
the unincorporated areas of Butte County.
Sincerely,
R
Executive Director, Butte County Child Abuse Prevention Council
www.buttechildabuseprevention.com