The call in number to report both abuses and positive comments about access to local services continues to be operational. I encourage folks to use it when appropriate
"GATEKEEPER"?
The flyer describes Jeremy Leonard as "the intake gatekeeper" for unhoused folks seeking shelter as police move to threaten to destroy their property as they break up their survival encampments.
A January 2024 story in the Lookout news service describes Leonard as a "homeless outreach worker" (
https://lookout.co/homelessness-santa-cruz-county-point-in-time-count-remains-an-imperfect-measure-of-homelessness/ ).
A more recent Sentinel story describes Jeremy the same way. (
https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2024/08/24/mayors-message-santa-cruz-holds-focus-on-affordable-housing-homelessness-prevention/).
RUDE AWAKENING
This morning Jeremy Leonard woke me at 7 a.m. with an angry phone call denouncing me for describing him in the flyer as “a gatekeeper.” He insisted that Evan Morrision of People First--which runs the Armory and the Overlook program--makes final decisions on shelter availability and threatening to sue me for libel. Others suggest that Jeremy has gateway access power over the City's 1220 River St. encampment and perhaps strong influence over the Housing Matters complex..
Unable to calm him down, I attempted to get more clarity as to what he regarded his specific role as being, he refused further comment and ultimately hung up.
THE REAL ISSUE
The basic issue here is (a) the amount of shelter space actually available as Jeremy accompanies the police and city encampment destruction teams claiming he can provide shelter for anyone who wants it, and (b) regardless of ultimate final decisions whether he can provide or restrict limit access to those ultimate authorities depending on his referrals.
I invited Jeremy (as I have in the past) to a HUFF meeting, to discuss the matter with those who have had both positive and negative as well as no experiences with him regarding these issues. He has angrily declined.
It's also true that if Jeremy referrals (or non-referrals) is a layer though which those fleeing police harassment and temporary shelter must pass, that this is a form of gatekeeping, no matter what name you choose to use. And regardless who has ultimate authority.
JOINING THE AUTHORITIES HAS ITS COSTS
I was on collegial terms with Jeremy some years back, admired his work as a video journalist and homeless advocate Since then, I have had words with him as he accompanied the demolition teams in the Benchlands in 2022, the Pogonip in 2023, and elsewhere. There he repeated the false City/County line (necessary to defend such removals in court) that the City was offering adequate accommodations elsewhere.
It is still my impression that Jeremy provides a key screening point when folks outside approach or try to approach him for access to shelter. Some have positive experiences; others not so much. I shall continue to report, energy allowing, future data.
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