RECAP: Planning Commission + Housing & Homeless Committee Study Session, November 4, 2024
Residents and commissioners take a closer look at the Molding Hearts proposal to end homelessness in Twentynine Palms
An emotional audience packed last week’s Planning Commission meeting, including homeless advocates and several unhoused people. The meeting, held Monday, November 4, consisted only of a study session of the Housing and Homeless Committee. Three of five planning commissioners were present; Jim Krushat and Jessica Cure had excused absences. Joining the commissioners were Andrea Keller and Veno Nathraj, the two members of the Homeless Committee. Unlike past study sessions, this one was livestreamed, a trend we hope the City will continue on this crucial topic.
The sole topic of the study session was to consider a proposal by Molding Hearts, a nonprofit with the mission of ending homelessness in San Bernardino County. We had questions about the proposal, issues that were concerns of many of those who made public comment.
After an introduction by City Manager Stone James, Lakita Johnson, CEO of Molding Hearts noted that her organization is headquartered in Yucca Valley and emphasized the goal of fostering stability, self-sufficiency, and a sense of belonging among program participants.
She said that the agency aims to collaborate to end homelessness in Twentynine Palms using her connections with county departments of Behavioral Health, Probation, and Adult Protective Services. Molding Hearts has funds, she says, to offer one year of free housing with requirements for employment and saving 80% of money earned. Youth aged 18-24 can stay up to 24 months, learning essential skills and accumulating significant savings.
Johnson requested $24,999 from the City to support homeless initiatives, particularly subsidizing the first month of independent housing for eligible clients. The funding would also enhance programs teaching job skills, business etiquette, and financial literacy. The program ensures those unable to maintain employment receive structured support.
Planning Committee Chair Max Walker opened the floor to public comment. More than a dozen community members shared their concerns.
Cindy Bernard1 emphasized that while the proposal might have potential, “it reflects a troubling shift in the city's approach to supporting unhoused residents: and that it moves efforts away from a community-focused solution like providing showers and a navigation center, towards shipping them elsewhere against individuals' will.” Bernard questioned:
Is that the kind of community we really want to be in? With regards to the unhoused population affecting tourism, as mentioned in the Molding Hearts proposal, show me the data that proves that's actually an issue. Caring for our fellow human beings should drive our decision, not an unproven claim about tourism.
Other speakers expressed alarm at the first goal in the Molding Hearts proposal:
Goal #1: In conjunction with SBSD and San Bernardino Probation Department—remove all homeless people from the streets of the City of 29 Palms within 24-72 hours of receiving funding.
Jenn DeFalco, who runs Acts of Kindness in conjunction with the Morongo Basin ARCH, said:
We have a lot of homeless individuals out here, where we have dozens and dozens of families with children. I would like to know where you expect all these people to go? And a lot of these families are local. They are from Twentynine Palms. It would be unfair and cruel to ship them to other cities that they are not familiar with. I would like to see our City help our families here with better housing, help them with needs in our city, and let's take care of our own people and not have them other places.
Astrid Johnson, of Morongo Basin ARCH said she knows Lakita Johnson and thinks the Molding Hearts program is “a very good program.” She said that one option would be to retrofit the unused Burrtec building on Amboy Road into a safe space and a place for the unhoused to park their vehicles.
And we thought, if we simply establish a safe place to park, especially for the women, we have a lot of senior women in cars, believe it or not, at night, it's not safe for them. We need a safe place for them to go…. You have to understand that there are more than even 60 people here that are homeless. There are hundreds of people that are homeless out here.
Several members of the homeless community powerfully described their concerns2:
I don't want to be shipped away from my kids if I have be homeless, I want to be homeless next to my kids. A lot of our homeless people are mentally ill. I understand the housing is great. I understand the program that's great, but we have to address what's going on within these homeless people. We don’t want to be homeless. It just happened, and we're trying to live. We're not trying to inconvenience anyone. We're not trying to be a bother or a burden. We're just trying to live and make it with what we have.
April Ramirez questioned the assertion in the Molding Hearts proposal that homeless members of the community would be relocated. “It’s not here in writing,” she said. She also raised changes in the legal environment for the unhoused:
I would really genuinely ask you guys to look at…the Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass v Johnson. The Court ruled a 6-3 decision that finding and arresting homeless people does not violate constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. So what does that mean? That means that essentially, on January 1, it's going to be illegal to be homeless….So I understand that some people might feel like this is rush. I think we need to have a clear understanding that there is a lot in place that is going to force us to make some sort of decision in the near future to help our unhoused residents.3
April Halcomb read a letter on behalf of landowner George Mulopulos, who owns property throughout Twentynine Palms, including the parcels proposed for the Harmony Acres solar farm.4
As a landowner in 29 Palms, I am eager to contribute to affordable housing development. A friend is interested in financing a project of 20-30 homes. Could the city provide financial or practical support to make this project feasible? Assistance could include cost-sharing for road construction, which might be necessary for the project, or ensuring a percentage of homes are designated for rental. If the city aims to increase housing availability, providing support would be instrumental in achieving this goal. I hope the city can collaborate to make this housing initiative a reality.
City Manager Stone James summed up the discussion and noted:
One point I must underscore is the misconception around the term "rounding up." The language could have been clearer in the proposal. As Ms. Lakita will elaborate, the goal is to reach out and connect with as many unhoused individuals as possible….There will be no forced actions. These individuals are part of our community and deserve the same rights as anyone else. The city’s approach will uphold these rights, ensuring a respectful and voluntary pathway out of homelessness.
Before opening the floor to questions from the Planning and Homeless committees, James also said:
There is no universal solution; what works in one city may not be effective in another. It's crucial to emphasize that tonight’s proposal is just one part of a broader approach. It is not the sole solution, but an essential step in addressing part of the issue in our community. Based on thorough analysis, discussions, and input, this strategy aims to address one aspect of the problem. I want to highlight that this is not the final measure, but an important progression.
Commissioner Alex Garcia said:
The language in this proposal feels quite aggressive. I fully support city resources and have been involved in community efforts for over a decade, distributing winter clothes and helping those in need. The repeated use of “leverage” in the proposal raises questions for me. What exactly does leveraging these contacts with county and federal agencies entail?
Additionally, it mentions leveraging community contracts to help clients gain employment—what specific businesses are included in this plan? While I support resources, there seem to be gaps in this proposal.
Lakita Johnson acknowledged speakers’ concerns and said that she has dedicated nearly “20 years to this work, and it is my passion.
I firmly believe homelessness should not be addressed through incarceration. My aim in advancing city initiatives is to ensure individuals have choices…. Leveraging contracts is key to my approach—many agencies don’t have the Department of Behavioral Health contracts that I do. I collaborate with multiple agencies, including Behavioral Health, probation, and Family Services, ensuring comprehensive support. Our success rates stem from these partnerships, offering resources for individuals to find shelter, access mental health services, and receive vital assistance. This effort is about giving people a hand up, not merely temporary aid.
Stone James also responded that the sheriff’s department often has the best knowledge of where unhoused individuals are located.
Veno Nathraj, member of the Housing and Homeless Committee, asked if Molding Hearts was a 501c3 nonprofit, and Ms. Johnson replied that it is. He asked if facilities could be inspected, and she replied that they could be. He said:
Addressing homelessness requires compassion and practical solutions. I appreciate that you've recognized the vulnerability, particularly for women, and how essential respectful treatment is. The amount you’re requesting isn’t large and should be seen as one of many necessary solutions. I've heard of issues with organizations misusing funds, so I ask if your 501(c) is in good standing, trusting city staff will ensure thorough vetting. Your commitment to accessibility and transparency is admirable. Thank you for stepping up and making a positive difference.
Planning Committee Chair Max Walker asked, if the City gives Molding Hearts $24,999, how many people could you house in Twentynine Palms tomorrow? How many people could be helped? Ms. Johnson responded that Molding Hearts has 24 beds for the unhoused in Twentynine Palms right now, although she didn’t specify where they were.
Veno Nathraj asked for further clarification about vetting the organization, and City Manager James pulled up the state of California’s Bizfile online search, which provides information on organizations and whether they are in good standing on their tax returns. This tool provides the minimum amount of information needed to do due diligence in ensuring an organization is prepared to provide the services it has claimed.5 While Molding Hearts apparently have a good reputation for the work they do, they also have serious issues with organizational transparency and a lack of registration with California State Registry of Charitable Trusts.
After the three commissioners and two Homeless Committee members present discussed the Molding Hearts proposal and suggested revisions to strengthen and clarify its intent, it voted 3-2 with Commissioner Garcia and Homeless Committee member Andrea Keller opposed, to forward the proposal to City Council for discussion and approval.
The proposal has been revised and will be presented before the November 12 City Council meeting.
Ms. Bernard is Editor of the Desert Trumpet.
Although we attended the meeting and watched the video, there were several names we could not decipher. A reply to our request to the City said that the names would be available in the minutes, which would be posted before the December 3 Planning Committee meeting. We apologize for any lack of or mistaken identifications.
Because the parcels for the solar require a conditional use permit and a housing offset for converting land zone Rural Living to a new “renewable energy zone,” the housing that Dr. Muopolus proposes might be located on Two-Mile Road on the south side of the parcels.
While Molding Hearts apparently have a good reputation for the work they do, they also have serious issues with organizational transparency and a lack of registration with California State Registry of Charitable Trusts. 501c3 nonprofit organizations do not pay income taxes, but they are required to file IRS Form 990—these are considered public information and are available for online review. While Molding Hearts have filed their returns on time, the 2021, 2022 and 2023 990 Federal returns are incomplete.
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Where are the figures for estimated costs per homeless person per year?
Looking at my own costs in the "golden state" and owning an abode of about 400 square feet I would estimate some thousands per year.
There appears to be no jobs to speak of. Transportation can be arranged by the bus company. Hopefully the homeless can be placed near to transportation, food availability, a communication source for medical needs and other situations that need interaction with various providers, sanitation costs, laundry, etc., etc.
The good doctor is talking of constructing homes on land he owns. This is Newsome's California we're speaking of here. There is nothing thrifty, these days. Trash pick up, water, electric,, transportation, and a more. Stop and give it a thought down to getting a pencil and paper for note making to remind one of what needs to be done today.
I am a member of the VFW in Joshua Tree. Everyday there is a food distribution next door in the morning. Most participants get there by car. Just doing that costs who knows how much...insurance, fuel, annual license cost, and forget about repairs if the conveyance needs repair. A little thought and adding up of the various costs needed to survive in this state comes up with a daunting figure when one is on public assistance, a small pension shrinking annually due to modern monetary theory, and often unrealistic schemes from governments at all levels.
Consider the cost of furnishing a simple shower once or twice a week to the earlier mentioned elderly ladies living in their automobiles. Soap. A towel. A bit of heat. The shower itself and the plumbing needed, the drain, the inspections by some government employee, etc. etc.
I'm sure I missed something in this wandering exercise.
Sometimes people just need to know someone cares that’s what makes molding hearts so special