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DRAFT <br /> Safe Parks Neighborhood Network <br /> Statement of Need: A number of City Parks including Monroe, Scobert, Washington Jefferson, <br /> and the Riverfront have become a cause for concern. Drug addicts, prostitutes, and other illegal <br /> activities have disrupted normal use of these beautiful open spaces by the general public and <br /> families with children. Needles from drug injections abuse and other hazardous waste are an <br /> enormous problem, and have forced the seasonal closure of restrooms on site. The public <br /> restrooms cannot be left open, as they have become a haven for injection drug abuse and <br /> inappropriate sexual activity. <br /> There is a concentration of Social Service agencies in the neighborhoods surrounding these parks <br /> attracting people in need of services to the area, causing problems for the local residents. <br /> Dealing with the impact of the various services being provided on this area of the urban core <br /> requires a flexible approach. The problems faced in these neighborhoods are unique, and <br /> enforcement in one area tends to shift the problem to another area. Flexibility in program <br /> implementation allows problems to be dealt with comprehensively. Safe neighborhoods are <br /> essential because without safety, economic development in the downtown areas will be <br /> hampered if people are not willing to live in the residential areas of the urban core. <br /> Homeless outreach to individuals in whichever environment they are living falls within the <br /> mission of St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Inc. We are aware that there is a need to <br /> provide destinations outside of the urban core for individuals abusing the parks. This need for <br /> destinations outside the immediate area of the parks is of particular concern to many of the <br /> residents adjacent to the parks. We meet this need for single chronically homeless adults at the <br /> Eugene Service Station, located on HWY 99. For families, the destination we provide is First <br /> Place Family Center, located in South Eugene. A further need exists to educate offenders about <br /> their high -risk behavior and to provide them with access to mainstream services such as SSI, <br /> Disability, Food Stamps, etc. Case managers at both previously mentioned programs can <br /> provide this access. <br /> Serious illegal activities such as public drug injection, drug dealing, and prostitution thrive best <br /> in an atmosphere of secrecy, as do more minor offenses like homeless camping, graffiti and <br /> drinking in public. An on -site staff person, patrolling the parks and the riverfront, will serve as a <br /> significant deterrent. Although the parks are for public use committing illegal acts within them <br /> is not a right and social service support of law enforcement efforts will ensure these offenses do <br /> not go on unchecked. <br /> Drug use and prostitution are not acceptable neighborhood activities and An approach which <br /> combines social service intervention and support for effective police enforcement will help to <br /> both address the long -term underlying problems leading to this destructive cycle and keep the <br /> parks safe for their appropriate use. Also, having a consistent presence in the park to monitor <br /> and re- direct inappropriate use will have an immediate effect of creating a cleaner, safer <br /> atmosphere more acceptable for use by families and the general public. <br /> On the Riverfront, the primary issue of concern is homeless camping. There is an established <br /> need to inform campers of the posted park rules and to request that they leave the riverfront. <br /> Homeless camping along the riverfront causes safety issues and also pollutes the river, since <br /> people do not have proper toilet facilities. <br /> During a visit to Monroe Park on Sunday May 15, 2005, SVDP Emergency Services employees <br /> with the Overnight Parking Program had the opportunity to observe park activities and speak <br />