A special meeting to explore solutions to homelessness will be held Thursday, June 7, by the Midtown Ventura Community Council.

The meeting starts at 7 pm in Cooper Hall at Grace Church, 65 MacMillan Avenue.

Four panelists will offer their perspectives. Then, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. We will provide cards for questions to be submitted in writing to the moderator.

The panelists are:

Ventura Police Chief Ken Corney will provide his insight about what the Department sees on the streets, the Department’s role, what they can and cannot do, and their ideas about what improvements may help.

Judy Alexandre, PhD in clinical psychology, is the Chair and longtime member of the Ventura Social Services Task Force. Judy will address the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, what has worked, and the priorities to address the issue.

A formerly homeless local veteran will speak about how she became homeless, what helped her to become housed again, and how the experience affected her and her family.

Chris Russell, Homeless Services Manager with the Ventura County Human Services Agency will talk about his experience working with the homeless, the County’s programs, and how the County partners with others to find solutions.

The meeting comes after a homeless man was arrested on suspicion in the death of Anthony Mele Jr. on April 18 at a restaurant in downtown Ventura.

For more information about the meeting, contact Chair Karen Flock at 805-850-2591.