These statements have been transcribed and summarized. They are not exact quotes from the speakers.
Watch the December 2 City Council meeting to hear full public comments here: https://fullerton.granicus.com/player/clip/2192
Entrepreneurship for High School Students with Mexican Heritage
Andrew Gregson, North Orange County Chamber of Commerce
I want to acknowledge Council Member Jamie Valencia for her support. Recent discussions during council meetings prompted the chamber to explore stronger partnerships and resources for families in our community. This led us to the Mexican Consulate, which offers a wide range of services for individuals of Mexican descent in our region.
On November 18, we held a productive meeting with the consulate, gaining valuable insights beyond just trade, tourism, and immigration. Moving forward, the Fullerton chamber of commerce, operating as the north orange county chamber, will partner with the consulate and Council Members Valencia and Franco from Fullerton and Franco from Buena Park on a pilot program for approximately 20 local high school students.
This program will introduce students to entrepreneurship, business operations, and local processes such as licensing and permitting. It will also provide students and their families with access to necessary documentation and guidance, supporting their educational and career paths. If successful, this pilot could serve as a model for all 20 Mexican consulates in California.
While this initiative may seem outside the traditional scope of a chamber of commerce, we are committed to adapting our approach to better serve our community. We’re focused on one core responsibility: keeping our business members thriving and strengthening the economic ecosystem that our communities rely on.
We welcome the opportunity to meet with the full council, alongside Council Member Valencia, to discuss this program in detail and its alignment with our mission and the long-term health of the community. Please let us know a suitable time for this meeting.
Water Rates and Misleading the Public
Another Speaker
I want to address several issues regarding the public meeting about raising water rates. As noted in the last meeting, attendance was low due to poor communication. The city website indicated the meeting started at 5:30 pm, but the actual start time was 4:30 pm, which most people were unaware of unless they checked the agenda. Furthermore, it incorrectly listed the study session as a closed meeting, misleading the public about its availability.
Council Member Dunlap, you mentioned wanting to avoid raising water rates for a year, citing concerns raised by constituents after last year’s water bill issues. However, you have also mentioned our budget deficit and the need to fix our roads. By postponing the water rate increase, you’re exacerbating that deficit and negatively impacting road repairs. It’s essential that all voices in the community are considered equally.
I also urge Mayor Jung and Council Members Dunlap and Valencia to clarify your reasons for denying funds to assist those affected by the illegal ICE raids. You’ve cited the budget deficit and argued for equitable distribution of funds. However, funds exist for other groups, and the emergency for this affected community is pressing. Please provide clear justifications for denying this assistance.
I request that you re-agendize the discussion for funding to support our community, which has been impacted by these raids. Daily reports indicate growing fear among children, leading to decreased school enrollment, and businesses are struggling because of customers’ fears. The tactics used by ice are illegal and violate due process, changing rules without proper notice.
These funds could significantly aid nonprofits in providing essential legal and social support. Please act to assist those in need. Fullerton can make a meaningful difference in many lives.
Corruption in Fullerton
Karen Lloreda
Mayor, you are corrupt. I don’t say this lightly; my dislike for you stems from your dishonesty and unethical behavior. I will consistently bring examples of your misconduct to this podium whenever I can. Frankly, I would rather be home with my family, but your disrespect for your position compels me to speak out.
To the audience, both present and online, I urge you to pay attention. Observe how this mayor disregards proper governance in favor of his own agenda. If you support him, it suggests either a lack of awareness or a failure to investigate the truth yourself.
Democracy relies on informed voters. We have the power to elect honorable individuals to office. We should not accept this state of affairs; we must hold our council, mayor, and board of supervisors to higher standards.
Zee is a longtime resident of Fullerton
The friction at city council meetings has been ongoing, primarily due to double standards. The Bushala brothers have a patio at one of their properties and are seeking a lease extension into the 2040s. The council majority also voted to give land to a Korean church. Yet, when it comes to the downtown patio at Les Amis Restaurant, suddenly there’s resistance. This is a clear double standard favoring donors while disregarding a family-owned restaurant.
Additionally, I continue to hear from department heads that the City of Fullerton is facing bankruptcy. If that’s not the case, why hasn’t the city allocated the $12 to $15 million the city engineer has requested for repaving our roads over the past four years? It’s evident there are funds for projects that align with the council majority’s donor interests.
Lack of Transparency on Immigration Vote
Nan, District 4
To recap recent events, six weeks ago, Fullerton residents strongly advocated for the council to approve funding to support those affected by ice, with council members Zahra, Charles, and Valencia voting in favor of exploring nonprofit partnership options. However, four weeks ago, council member Valencia backtracked and voted to table the support for immigrants. Just two weeks later, Valencia claimed she had gathered a diverse group of immigration advocates and nonprofits to discuss solutions to the impacts of ice. This was surprising, as i was unaware that she was organizing these meetings. Moreover, Valencia took credit for the hard work of local advocates while not actually leading these discussions.
When invited to hear community concerns, she instead invited her top political donor, Tony Bushala, to the meeting. This raises the question: who does council member Valencia serve—her constituents or her donors? The optics strongly suggest the latter. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the stater brothers on Euclid remains empty, and the $0.99 store on Orangethorpe is still vacant. Since taking office in January, four individuals have died in traffic incidents in our district 4, despite Valencia’s promises of safer streets. Not to mention the recent rollover of a tesla in front of discount tires on highland, which further highlights these safety issues. Our immigrant residents continue to lack support from their own council member. If Valencia hopes to secure reelection, she must prioritize her constituents over her donors.
Pastor Jason Phillips
As a resident and neighbor in district 4, I serve in many roles, with my identity deeply rooted in my role as a pastor. I feel compelled to speak tonight about the struggles our community faces.
We recently entered the advent season, a time often marked by fear and uncertainty. Many in our community, particularly immigrants, feel unseen and unheard, longing for inclusion in a community where they already contribute significantly. They don’t seek charity; they seek belonging and support for a city they help flourish.
It’s crucial to adopt an abundance mindset rather than a scarcity mindset. Other cities, like Anaheim and Santa Ana, despite facing serious deficits, have created funds for legal aid because they recognize the importance of protecting vulnerable families as part of public safety and community well-being. They acted in their residents’ best interests rather than waiting for ideal conditions.
I want to address a concerning trend in our city where immigrant families, especially in districts 4 and 5, are marginalized. The continued sidelining of public voices and the failure to support candidates like Council Member Ahmad Zahra reflect a troubling pattern of silencing rather than listening. Mayor Jung, your self-nomination for Mayor is not just about intent but about impact. Your silence may be comfortable for you, but it resonates as abandonment for those who feel left out. It’s time for our leaders to listen and act.
Debbie Langenbacher, longtime resident of Fullerton:
I am deeply concerned about the impact of ICE raids on our community. Approximately 20% of Fullerton residents are directly affected, leading many to shelter in place out of fear. In October and November, around 100 residents expressed the urgent need for legal assistance and financial aid for those living in fear of ICE.
Cities like Santa Ana and Anaheim, despite facing significant deficits of $35 million and $64 million respectively—allocated $250,000 each for legal defense and mutual aid for their immigrant residents. Costa mesa, while smaller and in better financial shape, provided $200,000 for similar support. Fullerton is facing a much smaller deficit of about $9 million but has a reserve budget of nearly $31 million. The request for $200,000 to support legal and mutual aid for immigrant residents represents just 0.6% of our reserve funds.
I urge you to find a way to make this funding possible. Our residents deserve to understand any reasoning against this assistance. You have the power to create meaningful change and support our immigrant community in Fullerton.
Harry Langenbacher, Fullerton resident
I want to address a resolution from our last city council meeting affirming Fullerton’s commitment to public safety, inclusivity, and transparency in light of federal immigration enforcement. This was an opportunity for you to show support, but you chose not to, citing budget constraints despite the city’s significant resources.
What would be the fiscal impact of adopting this resolution that supports undocumented and documented immigrants, as well as U.S. citizens affected by ICE’s actions in our city? It is unacceptable to ignore the community’s needs. Those who voted to table this item have the chance to bring it back for reconsideration and should engage with the community, which i believe would show overwhelming support for such initiatives.
Moreover, I urge you to prioritize aid for those impacted by ICE. The recent financial report indicates you are on track with a $130 million budget and have additional funding of $30 to $40 million for capital improvements. Yet, it’s concerning that while addressing streetlights and potholes, you overlook the needs of residents affected by ICE. This is a matter of human dignity, and it’s crucial to fulfill their needs as you have heard their voices and concerns.
Eglith Nuncci
I am a resident of Fullerton, and I respectfully urge you to bring back the motion to support our immigrant community. There is a significant need for assistance, and we often hear heartbreaking stories of families being separated and living in fear. As a mother, I feel the pain of not being able to see my beloved daughter, and it’s essential that we address these issues within our community.
I ask that you consider reinstating this item, whether this year or in January. Our taxes are being managed by you, and as a community, we need to support one another. The proposed $100,000 for basic needs and legal aid is inadequate. Please consider increasing this to $200,000 for both areas to better serve families facing rising living costs. Additionally, I’ve noticed numerous accidents at the intersections of Orangethorpe and Highland, and Harbor and Orangethorpe. Children in our community have witnessed tragic incidents, and this is unacceptable. It is crucial to review these intersections again and consider implementing a protected turn signal, which would significantly improve safety.
I also want to acknowledge Todd Harrison for his advocacy for seniors in our community. It’s important that we remember to support all members of our community, especially our seniors and immigrants, to ensure their safety and well-being.
Another Speaker
At the last meeting, I asked Councilmember Valencia a straightforward yes or no question: Do you support ICE’s actions in Orange County? I’ve posed this question in various forms over the past month—through email, social media, and now in public comment—and I still haven’t received an answer.
This issue transcends partisan disagreements; it’s about accountability, especially when elected officials change their positions on critical matters like community safety, homelessness, and support for small businesses. Residents need clarity on these issues to understand the reasons behind such changes. A position on ICE is fundamental for any representative.
After a month of silence, this goes beyond policy; it’s about public trust. Residents are entitled to know where their council member stands on topics that directly affect families in our city, particularly in District 4. So, I ask again—calmly and respectfully: Do you support ICE’s actions in Orange County? A clear answer, yes or no, would help restore transparency and trust.
Blandy Morales, District 4 resident and organizer with the Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO), as well as a member of the Fullerton Is Our Home Coalition
Emphasized the importance of honesty, shared responsibility, and community building in Fullerton.
At the last council meeting, Council Member Valencia stated that she had organized a group of nonprofits to discuss the Immigrant Support Fund. I want to offer a respectful but necessary clarification. Those meetings, both before and after the vote, were convened by OCCCO, myself, and OC United, alongside long-standing community partners. I have supported immigrant families for years. Council Member Valencia was invited to these spaces to listen, learn, and understand the real experiences of the families she represents.
These gatherings were initially and intentionally created to be safe, grounded spaces where all of us, including elected leaders, could speak honestly, ask questions openly, and consider compassionate paths forward. When this work is later described publicly as something initiated by a council member, it unintentionally undermines the labor, planning, and long-term collaboration of community leaders. That reframing makes it harder for us to build the trust needed to work together with transparency and respect.
Council Member Valencia also mentioned that she voted no because she must serve the entire community, not just a select few. However, the facts tell a different story. One in six Fullertonians lives in a mixed-status family. These families are not a select group; they are our neighbors, coworkers, and parishioners, and they are an essential part of Fullerton’s social and economic fabric.
To the council members who voted no, if nearly 20% of Fullerton’s population does not count as the entire community, then we need to confront the gap between language and the lived reality of the people you serve. Local government has always directed resources to groups with particular needs—seniors, people with disabilities, and unhoused residents—because uplifting vulnerable communities strengthens us all. Immigrant families deserve the same dignity and recognition.
I speak tonight as both a resident and a partner, and I am challenging you because misrepresenting community work undermines trust. I am challenging you because voting no without offering a viable alternative leaves families in fear and nonprofits stretched beyond capacity. I still believe that Fullerton can acknowledge harm, correct its course, and return to the table committed to truth, compassion, and co-creation. Therefore, I am asking this Council to help build a real path forward—one grounded in accurate information, genuine collaboration, and a clear understanding that our immigrant neighbors are part of the entire community. Fullerton deserves leaders who recognize this.
Lack of Bicycle Safety
Another Speaker
First, I want to honor the memory of Todd Harrison, a cherished member of our community who passed away last month. He was a dedicated advocate for the underserved, and our thoughts are with his wife, Yolanda, as she continues his legacy of kindness and advocacy. Todd will be deeply missed.
I need to address the alarming rise in road injuries and deaths in our city. I urge the Council to take immediate action to tackle this issue. Specifically, empower our staff to implement innovative and lifesaving road safety measures that are successfully used across the United States, including in Southern California.
Unfortunately, the Council majority’s voting record has shown resistance to supporting these efforts. This lack of support discourages our capable city staff from pursuing effective solutions. I ask you to prioritize both policy and funding initiatives for road designs proven to save lives.
Traditionally, we’ve focused on car-centric designs, often sacrificing safety for convenience. It’s essential that we shift our approach to a people-centric model that prioritizes the safety of all road users, regardless of how they choose to travel. The fact is, our current road designs in Fullerton are unsafe and contribute to preventable losses of life.
Here are incidents from just the past four months:
– July 18: A left-turning car struck and injured a cyclist at Harbor Boulevard and Wilshire Avenue.
– July 21: A car hit and killed a pedestrian at Orangethorpe Avenue and Highland Avenue.
– July 22: A vehicle deliberately drove into and injured a cyclist in the bike lane on Orangethorpe Avenue and Harbor Boulevard.
– September 27: A box truck hit two scooter riders from behind; one died and the other suffered serious injuries on Associated Road.
– November 16: Two cars struck and killed a pedestrian at Magnolia Street and Orangethorpe Avenue.
– November 20: A car injured a cyclist while exiting a McDonald’s parking lot at Chapman Avenue near Harbor Boulevard.
– November 23: A car struck and killed a pedestrian crossing at Gilbert Street and Orangethorpe Avenue.
These incidents are just a snapshot of a disturbing trend, yet our Active Transportation Committee (ATC) meetings continue to be canceled for lack of agenda items. How can there be no items to discuss when these tragedies keep occurring? Even the road safety upgrades scheduled for discussion later today did not go before the ATC, as our November meeting was canceled.
We must take action to prevent further tragedies instead of making excuses for inaction or blaming victims. The truth is, safer road designs exist and are effective regardless of the circumstances behind these incidents. Everyone should be able to walk, bike, and use transit safely.
No family should have to endure the nightmare of losing a loved one in a preventable incident. We have the power to save lives. Please take this responsibility seriously and ensure everyone returns home safely.
Huang Ho
I was a student at Fullerton College, and I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree at UC Davis. Tonight, as I stand before you, I want to share my journey. I am an immigrant; I came to this country a little over three years ago. Every step of our journey could have been jeopardized because of one driver’s wrong turn.
My story, much like Laura Turner’s, is a stark reminder that life can end abruptly due to unforeseen circumstances. She did not choose to die, and she certainly did not expect that her journey at Cal State Fullerton would come to such a tragic end.
This is not just a statistic; it’s about dreams and aspirations. Mayor Jung, you are an immigrant who arrived in this country with hope and plans for a better life. You have accomplished all of those dreams, so why, then, do you pull the ladder out from under those who come after us?
At Fullerton, we have many immigrants who have come here to improve their lives and contribute to society. I sincerely ask you to reconsider the items on your agenda that affect us. Each of us came to America seeking a better future, and yet that can be taken away by ICE or by tragic incidents like traffic accidents.
Fullerton has let its citizens down time and again due to corruption and greed. I urge you to help us rebuild trust in you and to restore support for our community.
Homelessness and Lack of Affordable Housing
Another Speaker
This is my first time here, and I apologize if I talk quickly or get nervous. I want to share my story. I’m currently homeless in orange county and have been on and off the streets my entire life. Since i was three years old, I’ve been a ward of the system and have faced incarceration multiple times. I have almost three years of sobriety and spent 2.5 years in Kristen Dunn’s sober living house. I’ve seen the positive change she brings to women like me, but my resources have dwindled since i left due to an accident that prevented me from paying rent.
I had to give up my 12-year-old son because I couldn’t expose him to life on the streets. I started using drugs at eight years old, and my family situation has been tough. My mom recently passed away from suicide, and my dad is still in active addiction and prison. I’ve been trying to navigate the challenges of homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues, and it’s incredibly frustrating not knowing where to turn. I’ve reached out to 211 and every access point in orange county for over a year and haven’t received a single call back.
I’m still clean and sober, attending school, and living in my car with my dog and fiancé. I’m pursuing a paralegal degree to help others based on my experiences. I’ve been off probation for over two years, volunteering, and giving back through narcotics anonymous. However, I still struggle to find resources for myself and my son. If there’s any way to improve access to help for people like us, it would be greatly appreciated.
Brian Kaiser
As my fiancée mentioned, I’ve been sober for 10 months and am committed to staying that way. I work in construction every day, yet I’ve noticed that cities like long beach and la county are handling homelessness more effectively than orange county. It feels like orange county is neglecting the issue, pushing it aside rather than addressing it. We called various shelters to find that each city requires a local tie to gain access, which complicates things. I’ve only lived in Huntington Beach, so accessing shelters like the salvation army in Anaheim is challenging for us, especially since my fiancée has no ties to Huntington.
I urge you to collaborate across cities to create a system that allows people to access shelters together, regardless of their local ties. Long Beach and LA county seem to have better solutions in place. It’s frustrating for us—we’re both sober, I work, and she’s in school, yet we’re still homeless in our car. We just want to find a way out of this situation while staying positive. Finding a solution that accommodates those of us who are truly trying to improve our lives would make a significant difference.
Curtis Gamble, activist for the homeless, veterans, Cal State Fullerton students, OCTA bus drivers, seniors, and the low-income community.
Thank you all for coming and advocating for our Fullerton community. I appreciate Mr. Mayor and the staff for touring the Illumination Foundation a few weeks ago. I support the Harbor Blvd. project we initiated; it’s a $5 million project funded by OCTA. As a former OCTA bus driver with 14 years of experience, I believe OCTA could fund more street projects. Safety for drivers and passengers is crucial, and there’s potential for partnership between OCTA and the City of Fullerton on these initiatives. Additionally, OCTA should direct passengers to emergency shelters. Our buses pass those shelters around 60 times a day—30 in each direction. The Hope Center transportation operates twice a day. We need improved service, and OCTA is well-equipped to assist those in need.
The Point Common Affordable Apartments are located at 1600 W Avenue in Fullerton and offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. They accept Section 8, VA VASH, and other housing vouchers. The Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park, an all-ages community at 501 E Orange Ave, has approximately 380 mobile homes and could serve as housing for the homeless in Fullerton. This site is in the Mercy Shelter and Medical Respite Zone.
We can transfer individuals from the Fullerton Navigation Center, which has 40 beds funded by the city at $80 per bed and an additional 110 beds are occupied for health care funded by Cal Optima at $100 and $300 per bed, totaling around $9,000 a month. People in recuperative care need a quiet environment to recover and could benefit from moving to Rancho La Paz.
Questions Concerning Les Amis Patio
Oliver Montecristo
I would like to request that the city stop starting the timer before we reach the podium. It’s disrespectful to those of us who take a while to get here. I’m addressing the land purchase for the Korean church and the council’s hypocrisy regarding the deal. To illustrate this hypocrisy, let’s discuss the Korean church land deal: one acre sold for approximately $43,000. The city profited around $20,000 after costs, but my family offered full market value, which was completely ignored.
I have questions that need answers: how much taxpayer money was spent facilitating this deal? How much staff time and legal review were involved? Who negotiated these terms, and why did the city effectively give away valuable land? Additionally, concerning the dismantling of the Les Amis patio, the agenda date was hidden. The city staff acknowledged the expected date of august 18, but nothing was listed. Then, suddenly, it appears on today’s agenda with no communication to those of us who have been seeking clarity on this issue.
This feels like intentional exclusion. The city staff had the time to place the item on the agenda, but failed to communicate adequately with the public, indicating that communication only happens when it’s politically convenient.
Why was our request for a purchase easement never brought to the council? Our requests haven’t made a single agenda item yet, while other actions are brought to the council regularly. If our request was unviable, why wasn’t it publicly addressed with a recommendation to deny it? We are witnessing silence, delay, obstruction, and behind-the-scenes decision-making, which is shameful. The mayor’s lack of respect for the individuals present here is unacceptable.
Jinan Montecristo
I don’t have a speech today, but i have a couple of questions and requests for clarification. First, what benefit does the city gain from removing the Les Amis patio? It seems counterproductive to use taxpayer money to destroy a gathering place that generated tax revenue.
Second, I request that the mayor correct his defamation statements about Les Amis allegedly never having paid the city. Specifically, I want acknowledgment of the $4,700 refund the city issued us for overpayment in 2022 and the $6,000 we’ve contributed since last December. Lastly, I’d like to know why our good faith payment wasn’t considered before the patio was removed.
Cindy Garcia a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, California
As an educator specializing in mental health, I want to address the observations made about Mayor Jung’s lack of eye contact. This could indicate social anxiety, a condition that deserves our compassion. We all have strengths and areas for improvement.
I am particularly concerned about the recent removal of greenery from the Les Amis patio area. This change negatively impacts our community’s mental health. I recently received a survey regarding a grant for creating greenery in our city, highlighting its importance. Research shows that even 12 minutes in nature can calm the amygdala and reduce cortisol levels. Improved mental health leads to reduced community costs.
The area designated by Les Amis was permitted and approved, yet it was removed without considering its social and economic benefits. This decision not only affects Les Amis’ revenue—which contributes to city taxes—but also impacts the homeless who enjoyed that space and the opportunities it provided for musicians.
I urge you to reconsider and reinstate that space.
Condolences
Dominic Moonhart, district 3
I want to express my frustration and disappointment with councilmember Valencia’s comments during the last council meeting. She stated that her work would be bigger than the criticisms. However, criticism is important; none of us is perfect, and I often reflect on my own shortcomings. Compromise is essential.
What truly angers me is the lack of genuine condolences extended to the Turner Family and those affected by this tragedy. Lauren Turner, a student, lost her life unnecessarily, and it’s infuriating that it hasn’t been treated with the seriousness it deserves. Additionally, it’s unacceptable that this city did not adjourn the last meeting in memory of Lauren Turner or Todd Harrison. Other local governments, such as Anaheim and the orange county board of supervisors, have properly honored Lauren. Our city should be ashamed of its inaction. Mr. Mayor, I urge you to address this situation tonight. Just because it wasn’t acknowledged at the last meeting doesn’t mean it can’t be corrected now. You have the opportunity to redeem this oversight. Please consider doing that.
Bernard
I was a resident of Fullerton and cherish my time and the relationships I built there. It deeply saddens me to hear about the passing of my friend Todd Harrison. Todd, you were one of the first to show me kindness, and i appreciated your patience when discussing my non-sequitur physics and engineering questions. I looked forward to our biweekly civics’ classes, sharing laughs over dad jokes and puns. Your smile and laughter always brightened the room.
I’m also disappointed to learn that council member Zahra will not seek reelection. Both you and Todd championed marginalized communities. Yolanda, i understand this is a difficult time for you, but please remember that Todd truly loved his snowbird.
As we approach another mayoral election, it feels like some things, like corruption, never change. Go bruins.
Yoland Harrison
It’s disheartening that when we speak and Mayor Jung, you seem more focused on your computer than on us. Do you even care? Earlier, we had a mental health presentation from the police department, which i appreciated. My own mental health has been hanging by a thread since I lost my partner, the reason I come here regularly. Sometimes, all someone needs is for someone else to listen during a mental health crisis. Other times, it’s crucial for medical professionals to recognize that mental health struggles can have physical effects.
I’ve been fighting for every available benefit, but I’ve only received CalFresh for 2 months. I feel as though I’ve fallen through the social safety net meant for the average Americans. Thankfully, Camino Immigrant Services is processing my green card application to make it permanent, but that could take months. I’m at risk of being apprehended by ICE or facing legal issues that could lead to being taken or deported.
My mental health is deteriorating. It’s difficult to stand here and express my frustrations, especially when the Mayor won’t even look at us. It’s sad that he seems more concerned about his wealthy donors than the everyday people who struggle to get by. Fullerton and everyone here deserve better. Thank you to Nick, Dr. Shana, Ahmad, and everyone who expressed their condolences. Your support means a lot. Mayor, please, look at us!
Sober Living and Need for Additional Support for Mental Illness
Kristen Dunn
This is my first city council meeting, and I want to address an important issue: people’s mental health and the resources available to them. I manage a sober living home for women in Anaheim that houses 17 individuals.
In my experience, many women with mental health issues fall through the cracks. They often end up in sober living environments, which focus on recovery through the 12-step program of alcoholics anonymous, but doesn’t address their mental health needs. This misalignment takes up valuable beds that could be used for those truly focused on sobriety after treatment. There is a significant need for additional support services tailored to individuals with mental health challenges. It’s crucial to establish dedicated resources that bridge the gap between sober living and mental health treatment.
I believe pilot programs, like the Authentic Recovery Center (arc) team, are vital, but they can’t meet the entire demand. Cities must take the initiative to implement continuous support systems. I urge you all to consider this need and to prioritize creating adequate resources for our community.
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Categories: Community Voices, Local Government, Local News