Otto Washington, a resident who said he was dismissed from RPC after asking for help, urged the County Board on Oct. 18 to investigate alleged mistreatment at shelters operated by Path Forward.

"No single staff member should have the authority to dismiss a client from a shelter without proper review or oversight," Washington said, citing reports of improper staff conduct, alleged theft of donations intended for clients, and drug use on site.

Chair Takis Carantonis acknowledged the testimony and said the board and staff have been in contact with the shelter operator. Carantonis told Washington the board would follow up: "We will respond. I have myself scheduled a visit to RPC very, very soon in the next couple of weeks," he said.

Carantonis asked Washington to meet with constituent services staff member Stephanie Bello to continue the dialogue and provide detailed information. County staff and the board said they are aware of building-condition issues at RPC and emphasized they want to calibrate how best to intervene for resident safety and well-being.

No formal action or vote was taken during the meeting on shelter oversight; the board described the remarks as a request for follow-up, and staff said they will engage with the shelter operator and the resident to gather additional facts.

The exchange underscores ongoing local scrutiny of shelter operations and staff practices; the board signaled it will pursue an informational review and possible corrective steps after receiving more detailed information from the resident and staff.