Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Rela�ons Commitee - Grant Steering Commitee March 13, 2024 Minutes David Stamps called the mee�ng to order at 3:00 pm. Atendance: David Stamps, Heather Stanley, Patricia Okinedo, Carol Pierce, Patrick Wood, David Osman (by Zoom) David Stamps began with a review of the $20,000 grant to the Laconia Human Rela�ons Commitee from the Endowment for Health to help “build greater resident connec�ons and trust building across difference[s] by organizing inten�onal social interac�on type events.” David con�nued by explaining that he met with Mayor Hosmer recently and that the Mayor expressed considerable interest in having author Tracy Kidder and Dr. Jim O’Connell come to Laconia to discuss the issue of homelessness and what Dr. O’Connell has been able to accomplish in Boston. The book is en�tled “Rough Sleepers.” David Stamps also briefly discussed the City’s beginning discussions about establishing some Pallet housing on City-owned property off Messer Street. David Osman men�oned the failure of the efforts in Gilford to obtain Town-owned property to build a group home for adult ci�zens who are dealing with various developmental and mental disabili�es – the NIMBY effect. There was a brief discussion of the three major maters that were previously discussed – homelessness, mental illness, and affordable housing – that would be the focus of the efforts of this commitee. Carol Pierce reminded us of our prior efforts to strengthen democracy and build inclusivity and these need to be part of our efforts as well. It was agreed that we could start with a presenta�on by Dr. O’Connell and Tracy Kidder, hopefully at the Colonial Theater, which would be followed by discussions in various parts of the City. David Osman suggested the possibility of sponsoring a community read of Ms. Kidder’s book. It was agreed that we see how well this format works before planning addi�onal presenta�ons on other issues. Carol Pierce noted that Beth Vachon of Lakes Region Mental Health had strongly urged that we consider the issue of child care as well as mental health. We then discussed the need to gather the larger planning commitee and loca�ons were considered, including the Taylor Community and the Lakes Region Mental Health common room. Carol Pierce would check with the Taylor Community and if that would not work David Stamps would contact Beth Vachon at LRMHC. Patrick Wood said he would contact the Putnam Fund to see if they would sponsor Dr. O’Connell and Ms. Kidder. He will also contact the local bookstore to determine the cost and availability of the book, “Rough Sleepers”. Poten�al mee�ng dates of April 3 or 4, April 10 or 11, or even April 17 or 18 for mee�ngs of the larger group will be sent to the contact list for the larger group once a loca�on has been established. Mee�ng adjourned at 4:00 pm. Respec�ully submited, Patrick H Wood Secretary Pro Tem