Seaside City Council expresses support for homeless shelter

The Seaside City Council is expressing support for partnered organizations to run a homeless shelter on Broadway Avenue.

Gathering for Women and Community Human Services, both of who run homeless programs in Monterey County, are now allowed to apply for permits to build and run the shelter with the blessing of the council.

This move effectively solidifies the location of the shelter itself.

“My concern is to make sure that the community feels as though this is a good place to build the homeless shelter and to work on all the kinks that we have to make sure that it fits in with the communities,” said Ian Oglesby, the Seaside mayor. “The majority (of the council) seems as though, they gave directions that they want something that supports homelessness on that site. So I don’t think we’re going to go back on that site being used.”

Councilmembers say the homeless issue is urgent. They may consider a permanent building at a different location in the future. But for now, the shelter on Broadway Avenue looks like the best option.

“I think all of them agree that we need to do something for the homeless, they’re in agreement on that,” said Oglesby. “But it’s exactly where is the location at and what is the service being provided?”