Hi Neighbors,

My name is Ken Russell, I'm the chair of the Montpelier Homelessness Task Force, which is a volunteer position. I'm working with City Councilor Conor Casey on gathering input on the situation at Guertin Park. This is a parklet near Shaws in downtown where a number of unhoused individuals and others have congregated for several months. We recognize that this situation is the cause of deep distress and concern for many. Our intention is to focus on a clear-headed assessment of the challenges and to provide a strong framework for viable solutions going forward.

We will be hosting a coffee for folks wanting to chat more about the issue, this coming Tuesday, April 12, at 2 PM at Rabble Rouser. It is an in-person event. Those. who want to submit written input can do so directly to the city or to this address, and I will forward it.

This is a follow-up to a forum we sponsored last week that was plagued by technical problems for those trying to tune in remotely. We hope to have other events in that same format in the future, but only after these technical issues have been addressed. We do apologize for these problems, and understand how frustrating it was for folks who wanted to weigh in and be heard. There are very important issues for us all to come together on, and it's a shame when there are any obstacles to that occurring.

Jan 2, 2025, 7 PM

Jan 3, 12 PM to 9 PM, Jan 4, 2025

Jan 5, 2025, 9:30 to 10:45 AM