Gloria M. Sandoval: Carrigan should step down as Continuum of Care chair

Re “City won’t support Esperanza concept” (Letters, June 14): I have more to add to this story. Merced city and county jointly participate in the Continuum of Care to coordinate the charge of preventing and ending homelessness. A 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness was adopted Feb. 2012; yet homelessness continues to increase.

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development supports the housing-first model as the most effective. The Esperanza Project met all the specifics in becoming the first project in Merced to address dire permanent housing needs of the extremely low income and chronically homeless. Steve Carrigan used his title as Merced city manager and chairman of the CoC to oppose the Esperanza Project – a conflict of interest.

Additionally, ticketing and dumping the property of the homeless has increased since Carrigan was hired. In order to believe the CoC is genuinely devoted to “preventing and ending homelessness” the board and members of the CoC must request his resignation from the CoC immediately. Carrigan has violated the heart of the goal of the CoC by opposing the Esperanza Project that should have had his guidance and support. Many volunteers will withdraw from the CoC if Carrigan remains chair.

This story was originally published June 17, 2016 at 5:10 PM with the headline "Gloria M. Sandoval: Carrigan should step down as Continuum of Care chair."