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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - March 17, 2015 SSLODI CITY COUNCIL SHIRTSLEEVE SESSION CARNEGIE FORUM, 305 WEST PINE STREET TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2015 A. Roll Call by City Clerk The Shirtsleeve Session of March 17, 2015, was called to order by Mayor Johnson at 7:00 a.m. Present: Council Member Kuehne, Council Member Mounce, Council Member Nakanishi, Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler, and Mayor Johnson Absent: None Also Present: City Manager Schwabauer, City Attorney Magdich, and City Clerk Ferraiolo NOTE: Council Member Nakanishi arrived at 7:01 a.m. and left at 8:29 a.m.; Council Member Kuehne left at 8:29 a.m.; and Council Member Mounce left at 8:32 a.m. B. Topic(s) B-1 Presentation on the City's Efforts to Mitigate Homelessness (PD) Police Chief Mark Helms provided a PowerPoint presentation on homelessness solutions. Specific topics of discussion included aspects of homelessness; homelessness within Lodi; City of Lodi executive work group meeting held on October 2, 2014; meeting outcomes; recent Police action; research; organized feedings in City parks; progression of stakeholder meetings; priorities and goals; what is next; development and implementation of a plan; and items for Council consideration. Chief Helms acknowledged Captain Martin Ross with the Lodi Salvation Army, Patricia Fehling who worked with the faith community, John Ledbetter and Russ Hayward with the Lodi Community Foundation (LCF), Reverend David Hill with Grace Presbyterian Church, Lodi Police Captain Tod Patterson, Lieutenant Steve Nelson, and Sergeant Steve Maynard for their hard work and efforts. In response to Council Member Nakanishi, Chief Helms stated that Santa Barbara's restorative police team is comprised of police officers, community services liaisons, and outreach workers who specialize in mental health and homeless issues. It is not made up solely of police officers. John Ledbetter with LCF explained that the organization's role in this matter is to coordinate the efforts of a diverse community, to maintain momentum and keep efforts on track toward the end goal, and to potentially promote a form of financial payback. LCF is excited about the efforts to date, and Mr. Ledbetter agreed with Chief Helms that the discussions and buy -in with the many organizations have been positive. Martin Ross with the Lodi Salvation Army distributed a handout outlining a prospective homeless fair day, as well as a motivational story from a successful participant of the Salvation Army programs. The concept behind the homeless fair day is that it would be a one-stop location to serve the homeless that would include food, showers, haircuts, case managers, veterans services, mental health specialists, and much more. To be successful, the event needs advertising and stakeholders who can provide these services, and to date he has received a positive response from possible sponsors. The Salvation Army supports being the centralized location for homeless events and supports the neutral body of LCF serving as a coordinator between the public and private organizations. Many churches have suggested an "adopt a family" program, in which a church sponsors a family for a year in an effort to help them save money, obtain jobs, and become tax -paying citizens. Captain Ross stated the Salvation Army is aiming to kick off the homeless fair day on April 17 and further announced that the Love Lodi event will take place on April 18. In regard to increasing stakeholder support, Council Member Mounce requested that representatives from the Lodi Improvement Committee and residents from Casa de Lodi be added to the list. In response to Council Member Mounce, Chief Helms stated that a Police Department Homeless Liaison Officer would likely be a sworn officer versus a case worker because their efforts would be directed primarily at the percentage of homeless who do not want to change their situation and who are causing the greatest amount of harm in the community. Those individuals will require greater enforcement effort. Council Member Kuehne stated he met with many of the stakeholders, including Reverend Hill, representatives from St. Peter's Church, and Captain Ross, and all have indicated their desire to partner with the Salvation Army and a willingness to move forward in this endeavor. Council Member Kuehne added that Captain Ross indicated to him that he believed the Salvation Army could handle the amount of work associated with the homeless fair day, the Salvation Army board was equally supportive of this effort, and that the Salvation Army facility was large enough to accommodate the number of participants. Council Member Kuehne expressed support for LCF coordinating the ad hoc homeless committee and offered himself to serve as a liaison between the City and the ad hoc committee. In regard to the homeless fair day, Council Member Kuehne suggested including Worknet representatives who can assist with resumes and job applications, veterinarians because many homeless individuals have dogs accompanying them, and computer- based programs to assist those with mental disorders instead of having paid social workers on site. Mr. Kuehne expressed support for the efforts to date and the concepts as set forth by the Chief. Council Member Nakanishi expressed support for the concept, the development and adoption of an action plan, and the ad hoc committee led by LCF. He believed the City can take an active role, which could include enforcement of applicable laws, adoption of ordinances, and funding to assist the Police Department in this endeavor; however, he believed that the County should also participate in this effort and he hoped to speak with San Joaquin Supervisor Chuck Winn regarding the matter. In response to Mayor Pro Tempore Chandler, Captain Ross stated that all communities are unique and should determine for themselves how to best address the needs of their community. Housing programs may be more beneficial than service -related programs; however, there could be a hybrid solution to help those who need a hand up by offering transitional housing, which could free up time and effort to help those who need more concentrated assistance due to mental health issues or chemical dependency. Council Member Mounce expressed her support of the concept and development of an action plan and stated she was supportive of churches adopting families but that greater efforts need to be made toward the mental health aspect. Council Member Mounce further expressed support for the LCF leading the ad hoc committee, adding a reminder to include the stakeholders she mentioned earlier, as well as a representative from the Lodi Grape Festival. Mayor Johnson expressed support for moving forward and agreed with Council Member Nakanishi's comment that greater participation from the County as a stakeholder is critical in this effort. Chief Helms clarified the following issues: 1) initial meetings were designed to be of a smaller nature with key stakeholders but will grow beyond this to be more inclusive with additional stakeholders; 2) no outreach has been made to the County at this time, other than surface -level conversations, but the County will be included as stakeholders in meetings and discussions; 3) the cost of $375,000 to $400,000 quoted in the PowerPoint was merely a comparison figure if Lodi replicated a restorative policing program similar to Santa Barbara, but staff is not suggesting that at this time as further research is still necessary; and 4) the count of 92 unsheltered homeless in Lodi is likely an inaccurate number and it could be as high as 300. In response to Mayor Johnson, Chief Helms explained that a notice is distributed with a date, time, and location for the purpose of conducting a homeless count and the final number is a measure based on who attended the event. Council Members Mounce, Kuehne, and Nakanishi left the meeting due to work obligations and requested that an audio recording of the remainder of the meeting be provided to them. Martin Jones, representing the American Legion, stated that the Legion would like to be involved in the process, adding that the organization has counselors who could help veterans, and offered use of its hall as a meeting location. Jim Garrett, Deputy Director of San Joaquin County Behavioral Health Services, offered its services to address mental health issues. Maria Rosado, representing the Lodi Improvement Committee and Worknet, stated that both organizations would be willing to become involved in this endeavor, adding that Worknet has services that could help individuals move into the workforce with resume and application assistance. Mark Armstrong, Director of the Lodi Grape Festival, stated that the Grape Festival Board is open to participating in this effort and also offered its facility as a meeting space. Due to the Festival's location near Lawrence Park, he sees many homeless individuals, some who accept help and others who refuse, and stated that the recent removal of benches at the park made a significant impact on the number of homeless individuals in the park, as well as a considerable reduction in the amount of garbage. Spencer (last name redacted) with the Salvation Army shared his story of struggles with alcohol addiction and how the Lodi Salvation Army Hope Harbor saved his life. He stated that the Salvation Army is a program that works and has resources that can help individuals who really need the assistance. Gary Kellam with Grace Presbyterian Church shared the church's experience with feeding the homeless, stating that the group has been doing so every Friday for almost ten years, that it also feeds families who are not homeless but who need additional help, that clothes are provided to these individuals, and the group routinely takes care of the garbage generated by the event. Mr. Kellam further suggested including a reliable homeless individual on the ad hoc committee. In response to Mayor Johnson, Mr. Kellam estimated that less than half of those fed are homeless and that many are large or multiple families living in one house who need help. He further stated he believed the count of unsheltered homeless is inaccurate and is likely closer to 300. Chief Helms agreed that many people at the feedings are families who are not homeless and stated those individuals are not included in the count, but he stressed that these families need help as well so they do not become homeless. Reverend David Hill with Grace Presbyterian Church expressed the church's support to participate in finding a solution to the homelessness situation. He explained that the church has a partnership with businesses such as Panera, De Vinci's Delicatessen, and Bon Appetit to take left -over food to feed the homeless and that the church provides the manpower and condiments. Church representatives build relationships and trust with these individuals and, of those asked, all of the homeless individuals they help indicated their willingness to follow the church to the Salvation Army location on Sacramento Street. Pat Patrick, President and CEO of the Lodi District Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for this effort, stating that it is in line with the Chamber's Vision 2020 plan because it plays a role in improving the local economy by helping those in need. He was encouraged by the coalition that the Police Chief and Salvation Army put together and believed the LCF was the appropriate entity to implement the plan. June Acker with Abrahamson Printing offered to be a liaison to the ad hoc committee as a representative of the downtown businesses. San Joaquin County Supervisor Chuck Winn commended Council and Chief Helms for initiating this program. He stated that there are limited resources and that all of the cities and the county should work together collaboratively on this issue to maximize resources. Supervisor Winn added this issue should not only focus on homelessness, but also education, job promotion, housing, and community support, and he stated he would work with his fellow Supervisors to encourage County support in this endeavor. He further urged cities within the county to support the affordable housing bill and to have a louder voice when speaking to legislative representatives. C. Comments by Public on Non -Agenda Items None. D. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the City Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:12 a.m. ATTEST: Jennifer M. Ferraiolo City Clerk AGENDA ITEM CITY OF LODI ,. COUNCIL COMMUNICATION TM AGENDA TITLE: Presentation on the City's Efforts to Mitigate Homelessness MEETING DATE: March 17, 2015 PREPARED BY: Chief of Police RECOMMENDED ACTION: Presentation on the City's efforts to mitigate homelessness. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Problems associated with the homelessness and transient population are affecting the quality of life in Lodi. In recent months, the Police Department has engaged other City departments and several community groups to explore short- and long-term solutions to reduce homelessness and mitigate its effect on the community. The Police Chief will provide an update on the City's collaborative efforts with the Salvation Army, Lodi Community Foundation, local church leaders, and other stakeholders. FISCAL IMPACT: FUNDING AVAILABLE cc: City Attorney Not applicable. Not applicable. Mark Helms Chief of Police APPROVED: Stephen Schwabauer, CityManager Homelessness 0 Solutions Lodi City Council Shirtsleeve Study Se ssio n Police Department March 17, 2015 Homelessness • A Community Problem • AffectsCrime & 7hreatens Quality of Life • Degrees(Dynamicsof Homelessness • Mental Illness& Chemical Dependency 9 A Passionate (Divisive & Polarizing) Issue Homelessness • Top Concern of Lodi Residents, City Council • Lodi'sHistory of Compassion • ChurchesAre Eagerto Help, Meet Needs • City Council's Financial Support of Salvation Army, Lodi House, etc. • Lodi isa Comfortable, Safe, & Attractive to Transient Population pity of Lodi Executive Work Group Meeting October 2, 2014 • City Manager • City Attorn ey • Police • Community Development • Public Works • Parks, Recreation, & Cultural Services • Fre • Library Meeting Outcomes Areasof Immediate Response: • Parks(Lawrence, Salas, Lodi Lake) • Downtown Area (Business District, Parking Garage, Transit Station, Library) • Mokelumne River • Gateways • Research: What Worksand What Doesn't? • Engage the Community IPA 0 L IT - Suitt Outcomes: Research • Other Communities Have Vast Resources • Identifying Enabling Behaviors • Enforcement -only Approach Not Effective • Collaborative Partnerships= Greater Success • Desire a Coordinated & Centralized Effort (balance of enforcement, services, education, etc.) Outcomes: Research City of San Luis Obispo's " Dynamics of Homelessness" (2012): • 20%Ready (want to) • 40%Unable (cannot) • 40%Resistant (will not) N =x,592 Santa Barbara's Restorative Policing Program: • Team of 9Norn Officer, Community Service Liaison, Outreach Specialist forChronic Homeless • Est. Lodi Cost: $375,000-$400,000/Team Outcomes.,Is Your GIVE HINT Research kindness ENOUGH AND PANNANGLING i w DON'T CONTRIBUTE TO TRE PROBLEM "RigLH11y deployed, htrm:rn cumla:r,tii�rn rarn rntne mtrutschle sueial pre 31ems tca.r:rrd 196ting"Wil nos. R[%-han nrlirjg this awesvrne krrc•r snssty Fenn toxic aetn ities and inter t><ansforruative outcomes is nor un —F,Avi Lupton. from Tar+. Cha'fty Hi(lit'IxxantiClurititNHurt—FTwv;L--nwyHe 1:frrtfiienefui�eRrrsrJf r ry Niewl1 rnr IIIiire k:errtrr' l W \srnl+r<ipfit l:xrzdt inritrs jYou W a luncheon event and lusive dialogue texturing llolarrt Lupton, 'Yresicient and Founder of I� U'i Ministries and akttl%iiW 154' 'f'nric•Cheril}. - Tumiday, September 23, 2014- RLi - UNIVERSITY .- iM Igwl � 'scail.Yl iu IIsor[nerzhip iK•[+t i•�•n 1hickFora! Uniya' arul [!nit�•d 1�4as•��h3irK•k kitrr VaHeu�� SUPPORT X O"T ADDICTIONS. Handouts don't help. It you give gaohaodlda money you cold acNallg be feeding theh Ani Donate to wanly o pe at these donation melds to make a &flerai e,— a��oa wurn 0 0 nnr.SlAherytkh-desacum �� 14 d Feedings in Organize City Parks • Benevolence of Church Groups, Others • Not Coordinated • Frequent Community Complaints • AffectsPublic Health & Safety • Contributesto Crime & Blight • Enabling • Salvation Army 4 Lodi Community Foundation • fD I COMMUNITY FOUNDATION VNtr1N07O Boca w S VEYMU1ME cownwmw • Progression of Stakeholder Meetings (October 2 - March 17) City of Lodi Executive Work Group ). Police Department Salvation Army --* Lodi Community Foundation Church Leaders Grace & Mercy Charitable Foundation Salvation Army Missions Committee Lodi Ministerial Association --). Lodi City Council Chief's Priorities Goals: • Public Safety • Quality of Life • Build Consensusto: oRelocate Park Feedings o Inventory& Consolidate Resources o Find Long Term, Community -Based Solutions What's Next.? Continue Building Momentum, & Stakeholder Support o People of Lodi o City of Lodi (City Council, Staff) o Salvation Army o Lodi Community Foundation o Grace and Mercy o Churches o Lodi Grape Festival o Downtown Merchants oChamberof Commerce oNon-Profit Orgs o SJ Sheriff's Office o SJ Behavioral Health Next: Develop & Implement a Plan • May Include: o Centralized, Coordinated Approach o Partnership with Salvation Army, Churches, Others o Establish a Resource Center o Homeless Liaison Officer o County Agencies o More For Council Consi'derati'on • Questions, Comments, Direction • %..pport the Concept • %.pport Development & Adoption of an Action Plan • Ad Hoc Committee Led by LCF'? B= Big Homeless Fair Day (1/mo, Friday's) L= Little Homeless Fair Day (3-4x/mo) TSA=The Salvation Army CR=Celebrated Recovery Obtain Buy In • Homeless Solutions Committee • The Salvation Army (TSA) AB/ Corps Council • City Council/ Police/City Council Appointed Community Groups • Missions Committee/Churches • Businesses in Lodi (DownOwn & Sacramento St.) Advertisement Flyers/Cards Out to Community I I Homeless Fair Day "Street of Hope" (Every 4th Friday of the month) 12-4pm Starts April 17th Homeless - - Business Care Providers - Volunteer Churches Recruits (Church of Lodi) - Chamber Livability VAT Mental Medical Care Showers Food Music Laundry Clothing Vet Services Haircut Tours/ TSA/C.Rlnfo Health/Senior (8/1) (B/L) (B/L) (B/1) (B) (B) Workshop (B/1) Care/DMV/EDD (B) (B/1) (OIL) TSA/Church TSA/Church Church TSA/Church Catholic TSA/Church TSA/Church TSA/Church Care Link TSA/Church County/Loel Charities Center Here's an overview that you can email out. Dear Friends, Before the article on homeless appeared in the paper, a Lodi Homeless Solutions Committee was formed which included Lodi Police, the Lodi Community Foundation, and various pastors in the community, as well as many from The Salvation Army (TSA). This group discussed the issues that are plaguing our community regarding the homeless. A round table discussion was held with input from all parties as well as identification of the most prevalent problems here in Lodi with the homeless. Some excellent` ideas resulted from this meeting. We want to share with the churches the results from the Homeless Solutions committee meeting as well as the problems, ideas and thoughts for the future. If the goal is to help move people off the street and boil it down to the most needy and difficult (chronically mentally ill and the severe drug attic). Communities must have an incentive and communication method to drive and expose people to the help that is out there. We probably won't solve the problem because Jesus said, "we will alwayshave the poor" but we can minimize the problem with innovation Hand & Not a Handout (Hunger and Housing Solutions). Some ideas: 1) A Homeless Fair Day (on Fridays: 1/mo. Big Fair, on other Fridays 3-4 x/month Small Fair) and information campaign where the citizens handout flyers to folks in the community to say here's an informational coupon for a free meal, a hot shower, and a fun and informative day at The Salvation Army. Through a strategic plan; we coordinate serving days. We have agencies and organizations of service help to be present and communicate to the homeless about the services that are provided in order to help them get off the street. So it would kind of be like a The Salvation Army Annual Dinner Testimony — Spencer 2410 Good Evening, Thank you for joining us tonight. My name is Spencer I'm a recovering alcoholic and my life was saved by The Salvation Army. Growing up I was blessed being raised by loving, successful parents and a family who were involved in my life. I was taken care of and enjoyed playing sports and having fun spending time with my family and friends. My parents taught me right from wrong and did everything they could to help me be successful in life. I started to drink in high school. As a young adult I worked in the restaurant business and my drinking increased as I got older. I supported myself and used the excuse of learning about wine, beer and hard alcohol to drink on a daily basis. It became a habit and a growing problem. I went through several cycles of starting and stopping, becoming very lonely, frustrated and depressed without Alcohol. After a month or so I would get sick of it and start drinking again. Alcohol become an escape from my problems and an emotional crutch. I came to terms that I have a problem with alcohol when I was in my mid 20's. I began to attend AA meetings with reservations. I felt I didn't fit in being younger than most and had a hard time relating to their stories of how destructive alcohol was in their lives. One of the major themes I listened to said alcoholism is progressive and the longer I kept drinking the worse the damage would become in my life. Not believing that was a huge mistake. After being sober in AA for six months, I decided to have a drink one night and that started a 10 year cycle of trying to stop and relapsing. Three months after I left AA I got my first DUI. I moved to Las Vegas when I was 30 and attended UNLV to complete my bachelors degree. I was back in school and got a 4.0 my first semester. Two days before Christmas in 2007 I got really drunk and drove my car into a street light pole in downtown Las Vegas. I should have been dead. I received my second DUI and by the grace of God I did not hurt anyone. It really scared me but I started to drink even more. I did not have a car and felt it was my way of dealing with the mess I created. When I plead guilty I stopped drinking again and completed a one year program in Clark County's DUI court. Being sober helped me graduate from UNLV magna cum laude with a 3.90 GPA. I stayed sober for over a year and moved to Utah managing at a luxury hotel in Park City. I felt like I had finally gained some control over my life and started to drink again. Slowly my drinking became a problem and I started quitting jobs and running from my problems. My family knew something was really wrong and they were getting sick of me. They didn't raise me to live the way I was. I don't blame them for being angry. They were worried and could do nothing to help. After moving around for a while my drinking became an addiction. I could no longer function without alcohol and had withdrawal symptoms that became stronger and stronger as time went on. I was scared, miserable and thought all the time about committing suicide. I had no desire to live anymore. I finally reached the point where I needed medical help to stop drinking. My Mom very firmly told me to go the emergency room. I was hospitalized for 6 days in April 2013 and two hours after getting home started drinking again. My Dad came and got me in Reno and helped me get into Hope Harbor. I could not stand it and although I was working the program I was discharged from the Stockton ARC after 30 days there. I decided to just live in my car and drink my life away. I lived on the side of Highway 1 by Big Sur for over a month and wasted away. For some reason I decided to drive back to Lodi one day. I was arrested the next day for being asleep in my car and drunk in public. My car was impounded and at that point I was on the streets alone for the first time in my life. I got so drunk after I got out of jail I fell down in a field and broke my collar bone. I dragged myself to a dark spot by the railroad tracks behind some trash bags someone dumped out there. I felt like I found the one spot I belonged, a big pile of garbage. I had lost all hope and completely gave up in life at that point. I stayed out there only to walk to the liquor store for more vodka. After a week and a half out there in the August heat I could not stand up anymore. I felt my life slipping away and got scared. I called out to someone on the sidewalk for help. It turned out to be Jason Farrar at Hope Harbor walking to work at 3:30 am. Help came and I spent 5 days in the hospital before demanding to be released. I walked out and went straight to the liquor store and back to my pile of garbage. After a few days Lodi PD started to come out and arrest me. I was just lying in the sun dying. Looking back on it they were rescuing me by making me drink water and getting me out of the sun. After being arrested 4 days in a row and returning to my home in the garbage I somehow dragged myself to the opposite side of the railroad tracks to hide from the police. I was ready to die that day. I sat down and had my last drink looking at the back of Hope Harbor. I was broken and absolutely hopeless. I felt my life was completely destroyed, my family was gone, career over and nothing left but my dirty stinky clothes. Sitting and looking at the back of Hope Harbor I had an amazing experience. I felt something come over me and my thinking changed. I felt God talk to me and a voice in my head said "Give your life to me". It was incredible!! Sitting there I finally understood and accepted the first three steps of AA: 1. I was an alcoholic and my life had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a power greater than myself could restore me to sanity. 3. Made a decision to turn my life and will over to the care of God as I understood him. I wanted to live and felt strong enough to get up and used the last of my strength to walk over to Hope Harbor. When I got there Shari was at the front desk and extremely concerned about me. I was a wreck physically and emotionally but I had a new feeling of hope inside me after what happened. Shari called an ambulance while Lamar and Jason O'dell sat and prayed with me until it arrived. Shari reassured me that things were going to be alright and gave me a bible to take. I held on to it for dear life. I spent 10 days at Lodi Memorial before returning to Hope Harbor. The wonderful Doctors, Nurses and Staff there took great care of me getting me back on my feet. I was really beat up and they were so nice to me. My parents and Aunt Mary came to see me. They were relieved I was still alive. I stayed at Hope Harbor for 30 days after getting out of the hospital. The incredible team there continued to support and guide me in life. Captain Martin and Captain Tory were extremely supportive. Listening to their sermons about the teachings of Jesus Christ, God's Love and Forgiveness made my new found hope and faith grow. The most powerful gift they gave me is teaching me about the Power of Prayer opened my eyes to a new way of life. I listened to them and gave my life to God, inviting Jesus into my heart. I read the New Testament and tried to apply Gods word into my life. As time went on being under the care of The Salvation Army a sense of peace came over me. I stayed at the Stockton Adult Recovery Center for six months. It was not easy and tested me on several levels. Waking up at 5 am was hard but having a safe, sober and highly structured environment really helped me recover. I took to heart what the employees and counselors taught me. Working in the warehouse gave me a real life environment to practice the teachings of Jesus. There were several times when I became upset and wanted to quit. Time and time again I was saved by the Power of Prayer. When I felt alone and worthless I would sit in the chapel and pray knowing God loves me. After I completed the ARC program I returned to Hope Harbor in March of 2014. I was given a place to live and transition back into life in a safe, clean and supportive environment. I've rebuilt relations with my family and come to understand how much pain I caused them over the years. I always thought it was my life and I wasn't stealing from them or others, I had not hurt anyone, so butt out. I didn't understand how painful it is to watch someone you love slowly killing themselves and not being able to help. Since being blessed with the care of The Salvation Army my life has improved drastically. I've been sober for over a year and a half now, had the same job for 11 months and talk to my family on a regular basis. I still make mistakes and have difficult times in life. I constantly rely on the Power of Prayer and asking God for guidance. I humbly ask God to remove my pride, the source of so many of my sins in life. I pray for God's forgiveness and ask him to help me forgive others. I've found that practicing Jesus's teachings about forgiveness and the Golden Rule "Treat others as you would have them treat you" blesses me with the peace and serenity I've searched for my whole life. If it was not for the support of my Family, Lodi PD, Lodi Memorial and most of all the wonderful Men and Women at The Salvation Army continuing the work of Jesus Christ, I would have died. You truly saved my life!! God bless The Salvation Army, thank you.