Bartlett Housing Solutions introduced policy and procedure changes on Friday in the wake of allegations that came to light largely in connection with the Diamond Village homeless encampment.
The new policies are centered primarily around implementing a third party hotline to receive complaints, which would then be forwarded to an independent third party for investigation.
Additionally, new language will be added to the agency’s client grievance policy explaining that any employee caught retaliating against a client for lodging a complaint will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
In a press release issued on July 18, an advocacy group calling itself Justice for Diamond Village said many of the residents of the encampment chose not to utilize the services of Bartlett House due to issues ranging from sexual harassment by staff members to the cleanliness and safety of the facility.
Bartlett Housing Solutions Executive Director Keri DeMasi has addressed each of these claims. Specific to the claims of misconduct by staff members, DeMasi has repeatedly said she’s been provided no information beyond allegations.
Asked on Friday, DeMasi said she’s yet to uncover anything that would substantiate these claims.
Friday’s release states “We remain steadfast in our belief that no form of discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate conduct is tolerated by anyone in our facilities,” and notes the new policies are being implemented to make it easier for individuals to report such activity.
This echoes information the agency previously released on the topic.
“We have not received any reports from any of the individuals in the encampment or any agency working with them outlining any specific staff member(s) or incident despite multiple requests. If anyone has information regarding these serious allegations, please email me at kdemasi@bartletthousingsolutions.org and provide as much detail as possible so that they can be investigated.”
The Diamond Village encampment moved off private property in lower Greenmont and onto a piece of adjacent city property on July 18.
The residents of the encampment, now more than 30, say they intend to stay on the property until the city engages them in discussion regarding permanent housing solutions.
Prior to the move, Bartlett Housing Solutions — which offers emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing options — worked with the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness to house 14 former Diamond Village residents.
TWEET @BenConley_DP
