HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-17-23 Public Comment - D. Judy - Unhoused Community Dalilah Judy
111 Michael Grove ave
Bozeman MT, 59718
Christopher Coburn
Bozeman City Commission
121 N Rouse Ave
Bozeman MT, 59715
Dear Christopher Coburn with the Bozeman City Commission,
I'm currently a junior at Gallatin High School and I'm writing to you to address the ongoing
issue of homelessness within our city. According to Jonathan May with nbcmontana there is
an average of 100 homeless citizens in Bozeman on any given day. We have only been seeing a
rise in our citizen population, resulting in a shortage of homes. Due to this housing shortage
we've seen a rise in citizens living out of their vehicles and RV's by empty lots of land. This is an
issue that we've seen develop within the past few years. It is time for us to do something about
this dilemma before it worsens.
There has been a rise of our homeless population for many reasons. Our beautiful views and
our year round outdoor activities brought roughly 17,000 new citizens in 2022. Due to this
1.5%growth rate more homes are needing to be built in shorter periods of time. With more
citizens we've seen rent prices rising drastically. Rent prices in March of 2023 average around
2,000. This influx has forced many Bozeman citizens out of their homes. Getting citizens off
the street must become a priority for the city of Bozeman because of the climate we live in.
Those who reside on the streets face harsh weather conditions.Just in 20217 citizens had
passed away due to weather related causes.
Today I propose to you a simple solution that will lower the rates of homelessness in a fast,
affordable and effective way. To reduce the amount of citizens living out of their cars and Rv's
on the side of the road we must develop a low income Rv Park. This would be a plot of land
which citizens longer than 30 days will be able to move their mobile homes to for low rates.
Paying smaller fees for their plot of land they will be able to have a home address, the peace of
mind knowing they are in a safe community and protection from harsh weather. With a stable
home, residences will be able to work at more consistent rates to have more financial stability.
With the use of a low income Rv residential we will be able to provide our citizens with safe
opportunities to better both themselves and their families. I urge you to take into
consideration the risk of safety our homeless population is facing and contemplate this
proposal.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Dalilah Judy
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