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Special Report On Homelessness Consultant

May 18, 2018 — Today, we’re kicking of a special series on homelessness in Mendocino County with a look at Dr. Robert Marbut, a consultant whose recommendations about addressing homelessness were recently accepted by the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors and the Ukiah City Council.

On October 5, Dr. Marbut signed a contract with the county to conduct an inventory of services, a needs assessment, and an analysis of the gaps between the two. He also agreed to develop an action plan, present his findings, and make recommendations. He was paid $47,407.50 for this project. The county recently agreed to pay him up to $10,000 for further services, with no retainer.

Marbut is a controversial figure. KZYX checked in around the country with several people who are familiar with his work, as well as a couple of leaders in our own community. Today we’ll hear from individuals in municipal governments and non-profit organizations in California, Arkansas, Texas, Florida, and Washington, D.C. Several experts criticise him for criminalizing homelessness. Others took his recommendations as an opportunity to collaborate on solutions.

Check out the story below to find out who’s skeptical, who’s thrilled, and who is cautiously optimistic.

Starting on May 31, at 1:30pm, this program will consist entirely of interviews with people about their direct experiences of being homeless in Mendocino County.