Santa Cruz Council Members, Vice-Mayor Propose Anti-Homeless Measures After Recent Murder

The following letter was sent by Monica Martinez, director of the Homeless Services Center, to JM Brown of the Santa Cruz Sentinel, and published there on May 10. The letter was sent after the discovery that the alleged killer of Shannon Collins, Charles Edwards, had stayed at the center.

"Statement from the Homeless Services Center to JM Brown
On behalf of everyone in the Homeless Services Center community, we are shocked and devastated by the horrific incident and horrible loss in our community. Shelter staff and residents are shaken by this terrifying incident. Our hearts go out to Shannon Collins and her family. Shannon was a beloved member of our community and we feel tremendous sorrow.

As you know, under my leadership we have refocused our attention towards safety of the community and safety for our participants. Over the last two years, we have been in the process of refining our programs to focus on individualized relationships that help needy people transition out of homelessness. We have gained a lot of ground and we are committed to continue on that path. Because we have made progress in these areas and made improvements to our screening process, we had detailed information to offer to the police about this terrible incident that occurred in our community.

Working confidentially with the police has been our number one priority up to this point. Upon learning that Charles Edwards had received services at our campus, we immediately initiated contact with the police and offered all information that we held. We worked in confidence with the police to ensure that they had adequate time for a thorough, confidential investigation.

While we normally protect the confidentiality of our clients, the tragic nature of this event has prompted us to step forward and share information with the public at this time.

We know that Charles Edwards entered the Paul Lee Loft on May 3rd and left on May 7th. He did not spend much time here, only staying through the evening hours. As a shelter applicant, he willingly filled out our intake form and complied with all of our intake policies and rules. He carried a bible and actively read it. According to the 30-day goals written in his intake form, Charles Edwards was focused on connecting with a Christian community. He exhibited cooperative and docile behavior.

He was one of 46 people who stayed in the shelter those nights, he did not stand out in any way.

Our mission is to provide both emergency and transitional services to homeless individuals and families that will enable our clients to achieve self-sufficiency. We do our best to provide a safe place for the most vulnerable.

In addition to feeling tremendous grief, everyone at the Homeless Services Center joins the community in asking, what can be done to prevent that anything like this ever happens again? In the coming days, weeks, and months, we are committed to working with city leaders and community partners to ensure that our campus, and our community, is a safe, healthy, and vibrant place.

Related to dorm rules:
All Paul Lee Loft shelter participants are required to provide social security numbers and sign an agreement to follow dorm rules. Dorm rules address problem behaviors, check-in/curfew times, chores, weekly meetings, as well as rules related to personal hygiene, smoking, bringing food in to the sleeping areas, etc."