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DFA-OC Political Action Request

Write a letter to your city council representatives

The objective of this political action is to raise the issue of homeless care in our communities amongst elected leaders.  We also want to learn more about the infrastructure of our individual communities to cope with homelessness and poverty. 

Though a sample letter follows, it is much better if you draft your own private letter reflecting your personal interest and concern for people in need.  Send a letter, don't rely upon e-mail.  Ask specific questions that point to a specific response, and ask for that response in a reasonable time period (one week).  Make a follow up call to make sure the recipient received the letter.

After you receive a response, follow up with additional questions, and request a meeting if it is appropriate.

Some questions to simulate thoughts for your letter:

  1. What programs do we have in          (My City)         to help homeless people and the very, very poor? Or people who need emergency shelter or help?

  2. What regulations or ordinances do we have that concern people who are living on the streets?

  3. What programs have we had in the past that did not work, and why didn’t they work?

  4. If the police found a person on the streets who was unable to communicate but not in a medical state of emergency (Alzheimer’s patient, for example), what would the police do?  Where would they take that person?

  5. When could we meet about the issue of homelessness and poverty?

Sample Letter Format:

 

Homorable {Local Official Name}

{Local Official Address}

January 8, 2005

Dear Councilman {Name},

             Over the last week, with the weather we have experienced, I have often wondered what is happening to people living on the streets in Newport Beach. It seems that conditions are rather severe and that the community should have some way of helping them get shelter and food. The main questions I have are listed below, and I’m hoping you can get the answers for me or direct me to the right person to ask.

 1. What programs do we have in {City}to help homeless people and the very, very poor? Or people who need emergency shelter or help?

 2. What regulations or ordinances do we have that affect or deal with people who are living on the streets?

 3. What programs have we had in the past that did not work, and why didn’t they work?

 4. If the police found a person on the streets who was unable to communicate but not in a medical state of emergency (Alzheimer’s patient, for example), what would the police do? Where would they take that person?

             I’m looking forward to hearing from you. If there is a group working on these issues, I would certainly like to know about it and perhaps become involved.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

{Your Name}

{Your Address}

{Your Phone Number}

 

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