HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-0401 Documents Submitted at Mtg ubr- ;*A L-►-1-13 ss
March 27, 2013
To: Council Colleagues
From: Pam
RE: Future of the Homeless Steering Committee
I am proposing the following scenario for discussion in the study session on
Monday:
In brief, the HSC would be extended for a final period of 6-12 months with three
assignments:
1. To support the Homeless RFP process by reviewing the RFP, advising the
council on selection of a contractor, and providing counsel, support and
assistance to the service provider during the start up phase of the project.
2. To continue and, if possible, complete current projects, including oversight
and evaluation of the shelter program, development of a veterans court and
investigation of an overnight parking program for women and children.
3. To work with the Housing Commission to transition both bodies into a new
Housing and Human Services Commission. This commission would take on the
continuum of housing issues from homelessness to transition housing to
affordable housing. Although housing/ lack thereof would be the primary focus,
the commission would also be available to address other poverty-driven issues
facing families in our community. The concept is consistent with the assignment
of CDBG allocations to the Housing Commission. It is also consistent with two
council goals to minimize the impact of homelessness and to enable people in
poverty to thrive.
I have reviewed this concept with the HSC and today I'll take it up with the
Housing Commission. I think the new responsibilities would reinvigorate the
Housing Commission and, at the same time, ensure that the very important
homelessness issues have, in essence, a "home." This structure is consistent with
other commissions in other cities, and is probably what we would create if we
were starting from scratch. The 6-12 month transition period is critical because it
will give all members a chance to work on and adjust to the new construct and
decide if they want to be involved on the long run.
Thanks for your consideration.
5~m~~ 4-1-1i sJ
CITY OF
ASHLAND
March 26, 2013
Mayor Stromberg and Council,
At the regular meeting of the Homelessness Steering Committee held on March 25, 2013, the
Committee members discussed the potential continuation, restructure and/or renaming of the existing
Homelessness Steering Ad Hoc Committee. The HSC members would like to convey to the council the
desire to continue the work of the committee, whether that be under a new name which speaks to a
broader goal of providing social and human service resources for all Ashland residents, or through a
process by which the current committee is merged with an existing commission.
HSC members are open to the proposal from Councilor Marsh that recommends a discussion of
the HSC merging with the Housing Commission. The HSC members are particularly supportive of a
gradual transition to take place over a 6-12 month period allowing both.groups to continue to work on
their respective projects over the course of that period. The HSC is currently working on several projects
which they would like to advance to a point where they are completed or can be handed off to another
entity. These projects include; (1) a proposal-for a safety program for single women and women.with
children who sleep in cars, (2) researching and coordinating efforts toward instituting a Veteran's Court
(3) developing showers resources for,those in need, (4) and planning and coordination for next winter's
rotating shelter program. Further the HSC members would like to assist the council as it works through
the RFP process for the help center.
This current group of volunteers has been dedicated to their charge over the last two years. Many
members will want to continue addressing issues of poverty and homelessness potentially under an
expanded charter that could include a broader range of human service needs. However, should the
council decide to continue the committee it may be time to look at appointing and re-appointing
members.
Sincerely,
Rich Rohde and Sara Hopkins-Powell, Co-Chairs of the Homelessness Steering Ad Hoc Committee
DEPT. OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Tel: 541-488-5305
20 E. Main Street Fax: 541-552-2050
Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900
w .ashland.or.us ~r