City commission candidates met at a public forum Tuesday night to give their input on Gainesville's homelessness problem.
The forum, at Northeast Gainesville's Fire of God Ministries, was hosted by the Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry, a local partnership of organizations that work with the homeless.
The seven candidates, representing Districts 2 and 3, agreed on the inadequacy of current services and shelters. They also agreed that despite budget cuts, funding should be maintained for the city's Office of Homelessness.
"Any time the county and city are working together on something, let's encourage that," said District 2 candidate Lauren Poe. "Let's keep that going."
Candidates disagreed on whether it is city government or private charities that bears the brunt of the responsibility for tackling the homelessness issues.
"Government has completely failed," said District 3 candidate Armando Grundy, who added that he believes the entire community is responsible for tackling homelessness.
District 3 Commissioner Jack Donovan, who is running for reelection, said that because charities have not been able to solve homelessness problems, help should come from government.
Candidates also disagreed on whether free transportation should be provided to GRACE Marketplace, a homeless services center set to be built 22 blocks north of University Avenue, on North Main Street.
Most candidates said the out-of-the-way location was not ideal, but argued over how and if transportation should be provided.
"The city commission putting it there has forced us to give them transportation," said District 2 candidate Bonnie Mott. "I have no choice but to support it."
At-large District 2 candidate Robert Agrusa proposed a reduced bus fare for the homeless, while his opponent, Thomas Hawkins Jr., said he did not think it would be financially possible for the city to subsidize transportation for the homeless.
Also present at the forum was District 3 candidate Christopher Salazar. District 2 candidate Bryan Harman was the only candidate unable to attend.
Candidates had the opportunity ahead of time to fill out questionnaires explaining their stances on a one-stop homeless service center, free meals in the downtown plaza and other issues pertaining to homelessness.
Jim Wright, executive director of the Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry, said his organization held similar forums in previous years, but not last year.
The coalition does not have the power to endorse candidates, he said, but he added that he looked forward to hearing all their opinions. He named the GRACE Marketplace as an important factor in the coming election."I think homelessness itself is a big issue," he said.
