CC 10-15-2024 Item No. 6 Study Session on Unhoused Services and Programs_Written Communications_2CC 10-15-2024
Item No. 6
Study Session on Unhoused
Services and Programs
Written Communications
From:Deborah
To:City Clerk
Subject:City Council Meeting - October 15, 2025 Item #6 Study Session: Unhoused Services and Programs
Date:Tuesday, October 15, 2024 11:07:53 AM
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City Clerk,
I am the CEO of the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce and the Former City Manager of
Cupertino. I served from 2019 to 2021, during the height of the pandemic and during this
time, we addressed the largest homeless encampment the City has experienced. In 2020, when
we dealt with the 25-person encampment along Wolfe Road:
The City’s Point in Time Count was 159; it is now 48
The City’s budget was had a surplus, so resources were not an issue
On behalf of the business community, we appreciate the way the City has been addressing the
unhoused residents thus far.
Effectively addressing the unhoused situation for the City takes a number of resources that
may not seem obvious to everyone:
The relationship with the County Office of Supportive Housing is key and they are in
the primary role.
Relationships with a number of non-profit organizations whose relationship to the City
is key, but is indirect
Other government agencies whose roles are important in helping the City in addressing
the unhoused
Private entities whose resources, including funding, are made available because of
supportive relationships
All of this is to say that to effectively address the unhoused situation in any City takes trusting
relationships that are built over time and are often delicate. No one person can ‘direct’ an
action, and since people are involved, needs and rights must be at the forefront of the thinking
of the professionals dealing with each of these situations.
“Sweeps” or removals of unhoused people without the planned work ahead of those actions
will result in lawsuits against the City and negative media, both of which waste money and
time that the City does not have. Businesses contribute a significant portion of the tax revenue
to the City and would rather those dollars go towards effective solutions and actions rather
than protecting the City against lawsuits that could have been prevented by forethought.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Cupertino Chamber of
Commerce and local businesses.
Deborah L. Feng, MBA
CEO
O. 408 2527054 ext.101
Deb@cupertino-chamber.org
www.cupertino-chamber.org