Semi-liveblogged: I’m watching the Winston Salem City Council meeting on TV tonight.

My main concern:

G-6. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF THE 100-BED CAPACITY FOR SHELTERS FOR THE HOMELESS AND SIMILAR EXISTING FACILITIES

The Winston Salem City Council did not lift the “100 bed” cap on shelters for the Homeless. Supposedly all the service providers are already full; two overflow shelters have been inspected and they didn’t have sprinkler systems.

Hm. The *possibility* of a fire, or certain exposure to freezing temperatures. Yeah, I think I’d take my chances with no sprinklers.

Note to Council Member Burke: Employing them does not cure their mental illness or addiction problems. You may have TALKED to “people” in Greensboro. Maybe you should go out with CaraMichele on the NightWatch truck TO the homeless where they are (in Greensboro). Get them people some jobs, indeed.

Note to Mayor Joines: Acknowledged; the cap is not the problem.

Serious props to the college students advocating for the homeless during the public comment period.

A new “One stop resource center” was opened about two weeks ago, according to Mayor Joines. Where’s the press release on this?

Great idea, have EMS give them a ride to the hospital and let the hospital decide to stick ‘em in a bed or in the waiting room. Seriously? Are you SERIOUS?

Props to Council Member Terry for a great idea: put them in the empty public housing apartments. What about the guy who’s homeless because he chose to spend the rent money on his addiction?

Wait…there are empty public housing apartments??!!??

For the most part, I’m not surprised at the stereotyping of the homeless by the council.

Council Member Burke: Job training is not going to solve the problem. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to sweep a floor or bag groceries. Deal with the addiction issues first. Then teach life skills. THEN worry about job training.