A chapter of the Marin Homeless Union declared victory this month after a Novato homeless shelter stopped charging residents a monthly “contribution.”
In mid-March, the union presented a list of 20 demands to the executive management at the New Beginnings Center, a shelter operated by Homeward Bound of Marin. Since then, the two sides have been at odds over a number of issues, although a few of the demands have been met. Homeward Bound has agreed to keep grievance forms in the lobby and to allow residents to bring a witness to meetings with staff.
A large conflict still remains: whether the controversial monthly fee paid by residents was a requirement.
Anthony Prince, attorney for New Beginnings Chapter #5, the newest chapter of the Marin Homeless Union, maintains the payments were mandatory rent. As recently as last month, the shelter threatened people with eviction for not paying contributions, Prince said.
Homeward Bound’s co-CEO, Paul Fordham, claims the residents’ contributions were voluntary.
Furthermore, Homeward Bound management has discussed ending the contributions at the New Beginnings Center for at least a year, according to Fordham. In January, the organization identified a financial resource to fill the budget void created by dropping the contributions, and it took a couple of months to access the new funding.
“As such, all of this has nothing at all to do with the self-declared New Beginnings Chapter of the Homeless Union,” Fordham said.
Why does it matter now that New Beginnings stopped the contribution policy? Because the homeless union thinks people are entitled to reimbursement and may file a legal claim against the nonprofit for unjust enrichment.
“New Beginnings has opened up the legitimacy of charging the contribution in the first place,” Prince said. “They can’t have it both ways. If they really needed it, why did they say it was not compulsory? Why did they send out letters to residents saying it was mandatory? Even if they received a funding source, they still have to prove they needed the contributions.”
The entire conflict could likely have been avoided if the shelter management had been willing to sit at the table with residents, along with their union representatives, to discuss the needs and legal rights of residents. Although the president of Homeward Bound’s board of directors committed to a meeting in March, it never took place.
The situation has since escalated and has been turned over to lawyers on both sides.
Power to the people!!!
Watchdog group is needed for all that goes on unfairly and unseen….. The list is of many breaches and unprofessional HR and heppa LAW conduct. SAD to see a great concept ruined by those trusted to build up such an transitional experience for the homeless. Special treatment for some zero tolerance for those doing the right thing, being marginalized or treated different for speaking up against unfair allowances for those not living a law abiding life yet get to stay out over night all night while on lock down during the night. Some are allowed passes to simply go anywhere and be back by morning to check in. Why? And if one rule is being broken then all rules are in question especially if there is no means to police itself. What do ever. My ex was allowed out and during the night came to harass me. No consequence when I called to report. Mine. She still gets to do anything he chooses. Unfair and no one says word because the director approved it. Him getting a pass fit whatever during[NIGHT . It’s pure Insanity. To me sense of without assuming the worst. That the entire collective in this community management is completely negligent at best and completely corrupt at worst. It’s a scary place to be when your an activist for civility and equality. You’ll sit there life without help out of that kind of hell spot for decent humans trying to do the t right thing yet never can talk about the obvious without fear of retribution. God is the only one with answers here. One day what is on the dark will find the light of day and everyone will find safe spaces there not just the criminals. God speed.