Guest Opinion | Anne Miskey, CEO of Union Station Homeless Services: What is the Future of Pasadena?

What kind of a community do we want in Pasadena? This is the real question we need to ask, when discussing plans for our City, including the East Colorado Specific Plan. We can spend time discussing things like setbacks, the height and types of buildings, historic preservation, etc., all important issues – but the real discussion needs to be about how we build a community that is inclusive and creates opportunity and well-being for all its residents. 

And the key here is all residents – regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or economic status – not just those with means or privilege or the color of skin or background we want living or having businesses next to us.  Sadly, we too often hear community debates about keeping the status quo, rather than discussing how we can grow and evolve as a community by welcoming people with diverse backgrounds and economic status. What we know, from extensive research and evidence, is that communities that are welcoming, that are diverse and inclusive – including economically – are more successful and vibrant – and ultimately create a stronger, healthier community for all people.

While it may no longer be acceptable to overtly exclude people based on race, it is open season on those of lesser economic or housing status. Plans for building inclusive neighborhoods with permanent affordable or supportive housing (housing with services) are often targets – because we don’t want “those people” in our neighborhoods. Frankly this is just racism or “othering” by another name. The truth is that the majority of those needing more affordable or supportive housing  are people of color, or otherwise marginalized, who have been systematically and traditionally excluded from our communities and forced into low income areas without good schools, livable wage jobs, green spaces, transportation or opportunity. 

We must not let the same exclusion happen when discussing plans for the East Colorado corridor. There have been comments from a few residents about not wanting zoning changes that would allow affordable or “homeless housing” in this part of the City. First, let me be very clear. There is no such thing as “homeless housing”. That is, quite simply, an oxymoron. When people have a home, they are not homeless. What we are talking about is housing that is affordable and accessible for families, seniors, youth, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQ+  and those who have been victims of racism and discrimination – in other words, those who have been marginalized by society and who are vulnerable. 

And for those who may be concerned about what this will do to the neighborhood, it is important to note that housing models of today – whether they be affordable, or supportive housing, are well-designed, beautiful, environmentally friendly and safe. We have one example in Pasadena already in Marv’s Place, a stunning supportive housing building for families. It has enhanced the neighborhood, often being called out as the nicest building in the area – which routinely gets requests from people of means who want to rent an apartment there.  It is also very telling, that when families first moved in, all of them were without jobs. One year later, all the families were working or attending college full time. That is what living in a healthy and inclusive neighborhood does.

We must not turn our back on those who are vulnerable by excluding them as we plan our community – or continuing to cast them out into poorer or industrial areas – keeping what we see as “better” parts of town for those of privilege. We all want a beautiful and economically viable community – but it must be one that welcomes all people and that lifts everyone up, rather than keeping it for the exclusive use of those of privilege. 

I encourage you to join the Webinar on Thursday 13th at 6 pm to voice your views on the future of Pasadena.

Anne Miskey is the CEO of Union Station Homeless Services