Title
Citizen Request: Erik Richardson and Rhonda Savage - District 7 and Citywide
Description
This report provides the City Council with information in response to comments made by Erik Richardson and Rhonda Savage at the March 25, 2026, Formal City Council meeting.
Report
Summary
During the aforementioned City Council meeting, Mr. Richardson indicated a need for additional restrooms at the Safe Outdoor Space (SOS), an outdoor structured campground alternative to indoor shelter. There are a total of 18 client restrooms at the SOS, which includes two Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) restrooms. All restrooms are cleaned at least six times daily. The Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS) is currently working to procure and add two additional ADA restroom/shower units at the site, which will bring the total number of restrooms to 20, four of which will be ADA compliant.
Additionally, Mr. Richardson commented on hearing the possibility that the SOS will be closed soon. There are no plans to close the SOS. When the SOS received zoning approval to operate in 2023, a three-year expiration was indicated in the operating stipulations which would be October 2026. OHS has submitted a zoning application to extend the SOS zoning for an additional four years. Community input thus far is supportive of the extension. OHS will present to the Central City Village Planning Committee in June, Planning Commission in August and seek City Council approval in September, 2026, for the extension.
Ms. Savage reported that there is not enough food provided for clients staying at the SOS. Clients at the SOS receive three meals per day via a catering contract with St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP). SVdP also provides meal service to the Washington Shelter, Phoenix Navigation Center, North Mountain Healing Center and the CASS’s Haven. Clients at the SOS are provided with the same meals as clients at the other indoor shelters. Each meal is required to have a vegetable, protein and carbohydrate. SVdP has a standard portion size that is utilized for all meals.
Further, Ms. Savage indicated that pallets of water were delivered to the SOS and were only distributed to staff. OHS conducted a water bottle distribution event for heat relief activities at the SOS that morning for all City and contracted outreach workers to respond to the unprecedented, early extreme heat. Five pallets of water were delivered to the SOS which is a distribution point for our outreach workers when working with individuals in unsheltered situations.The SOS has a bottle-filling station for client use and refillable water bottles are provided. The primary source of water for SOS residents is the bottle-filling station. Bottled water will be available throughout the summer at the walk-up entrance to the site so that people can access water as they enter. Ice will also be available in the day room throughout the summer. OHS is actively exploring adding an additional bottle filling station this summer.
OHS is committed to working with the community, service providers, and partners to best serve clients at all our shelter sites and will continue to make improvements where necessary. Staff have contacted Mr. Richardson and Ms. Savage to discuss their comments.
Location
Safe Outdoor Space, 1537 W. Jackson Street.
Council Districts: 7 and Citywide
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.