Title
Citizen Request: William Kirkland and Elsia Greer-Hurtado - District 7
Description
This report provides the City Council with information in response to comments made by William Kirkland and Elsia Greer-Hurtado at the July 1, 2026, Formal City Council meeting.
Report
Summary
During the July 1, 2026, City Council meeting, Mr. Kirkland and Ms. Greer-Hurtado indicated they were participants of the Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) and currently staying in the non-congregate X-Wing units at the site. The X-Wings are converted shipping containers that provide indoor, cooled shelter space for up to 40 people at the SOS. Mr. Kirkland and Ms. Greer-Hurtado expressed concern with recently being asked to move out of their shelter units and into the day room in the middle of the night.
The X-Wings run on solar power with lithium battery storage that is intended to maintain power overnight. The units have had instances this summer where the battery storage did not last throughout the night, requiring clients to be relocated for safety. The Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) is working with Steel + Spark (the manufacturer of the X-Wings) to resolve this issue and secure backup power in the short-term. OHS is also pursuing a long-term solution to connect the units to the traditional electric grid as a backup during summer months.
Mr. Kirkland also expressed concerns regarding mail delivered to SOS participants from the Key Campus. Keys to Change operates a mail room at its main campus, located at 232 S. 12th Avenue. Keys to Change staff bring the mail to clients at the SOS and do not open the mail prior to providing it to the intended owner. Keys to Change staff will follow up with Mr. Kirkland to ensure he is utilizing the correct address.
Ms. Greer-Hurtado requested to continue charging her electric wheelchair in the staff offices at the SOS, in lieu of the day room. The SOS has six outlets in the day room dedicated to wheelchair and electric scooter/bike charging. OHS is in the process of adding additional outlets to the day room to meet the demand for charging. SOS staff will continue to allow participants to charge wheelchairs in the staff administration building until adequate outlets are available in the day room.
OHS is committed to working with the community, service providers, and partners to best serve participants at all City shelter sites. Staff will continue to make improvements where necessary to ensure a safe and sanitary environment is maintained.
Location
Safe Outdoor Space, 1537 W. Jackson Street.
Council Districts: 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.