Krystal Wallace, president of the Butler County Homeless Initiative, addressed the El Dorado City Commission Monday evening with some concerns about their discussion on the homeless shelter at their last meeting.
Her first concern was why a member of the initiative was not asked to be present to discuss the issues. She felt the hospital or YMCA would have been asked to be present if a discussion involving them was held.
“Your actions were discourteous at best and malevolent at worst,” she told the commission.
She pointed out they have received grants from recognized organizations and are backed by Butler Community College, the Ministerial Alliance, the Safe House and the cities of Augusta, Andover and Potwin.
“As a result of not being at the meeting, a large amount of erroneous information has been shed to the public,” Wallace said.
She said one particularly damaging piece of information was that they are targeting recently released prisoners, which she said they are not doing.
She also said they have not broadened the definition of homeless; providing the commission with an article encouraging HUD to expand its definition.
“The Butler Homeless Initiative has sought to cooperate and work with city council from our beginning,” she said.
She went on to say with their good deal of community support, she felt it was beneficial to gain an accurate understanding by the city.
“We will be glad to meet with commissioners, listen to their concerns and share our knowledge of the homelessness with them at any time,” she said. “We look forward to the city of El Dorado taking pride in each other and providing for its citizens.”
Mayor Tom McKibban pointed out the discussion at the last meeting was not an agenda item, which was why they did not notify the initiative.
Commissioner Linda Clark added that she was the one who asked the initial question that started the discussion because she had been hearing questions.
McKibban also said people have contacted every commissioner about the issue.
Wallace reiterated they would be willing to discuss the issue with the commission.
“It did seem to plant a fear in the community of what we’re doing,” she said.
