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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-0604 Study Session PacketCITY OF -ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AGENDA Wednesday, June 4, 2003 at 12:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street 1. Homelessness - Regional and Local. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Administrator's office at (541) 488-6002 (TTY phone number 1-800-735-2900). Notification 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting (28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title O. RESOLUTION NO. 95- J~ A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE RIGHT OF ALL PERSONS TO USE PUBLIC STREETS AND SIDEWALKS AND TO BE TREATED EQUALLY REGARDLESS OF THEIR ECONOMIC OR LIVING CONDITIONS. THE CITY OF ASHLAND RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: ~ Concurrently with the adoption of this resolution, the city is adopting and implementing ordinances and programs to deal with the inappropriate uses of public streets, sidewalks and places and to ensure that publicly-owned property is used for its intended purpose. SECTION 2. The city council desires to reaffirm and emphasize its commitment to the citizens of Ashland regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons to use the public streets and places of the city so long as they are not engaged in specific criminal activity. Factors such as dress, unusual, disheveled or impoverished appearance do not alone justify enforcement action. All persons are to be treated equally regardless or their economic or living conditions. The homeless enjoy the same legal and individual rights afforded to others. City officials and employees shall at all times respect these rights. ~E~TION 3. The adoption of the ordinance criminalizing certain conduct within the city is not to be viewed as an intent to discriminate against a particular group and law enforcement officers shall enforce these provisions in a non-discriminatory manner, The police department shall keep statistics on the enforcement activities resulting from the adoption of these new provisions and report to the council when requested, ~F.G~.[O.i~I.~, The city has supported in the past and continues to support through funding and other resources many programs delivering services and assistance to our less-advantaged citizens. The city will continue to provide information about these programs which, utilize social workers and health workers and offer shelter, medical cars and general assistance to needy persons including the homeless. 'D~e city will make referrals to social service agencies and endeavor to familiarize the homeless with those services and programs available to them. SECTION 5, It is the Intent of this council to have law enforcement officials, local agency officials and outreach workers periodically meet to assess the effectiveness of the ordinance and these programs, to discuss whether the campsite removals are occurring in a humane and Just manner and to determine if any change is needed in the policies affecting the homeless. The Chief of Police is directed to report to the council within three to four months of the date of this resolution his assessment of the effectiveness of the enforcement of the ordinance and these programs. This resolution was read by title only in accordance with Ashland Municipal PAGE 1-RESOLUTION Ip:~'d~ar~l.R.! Co~e §2.04.090 cJuly ?/~$$ED and ,~DOP'rE~ Barbara Christensen, City Recorder SIGNED and APPROVED this J day of day of Paul Nolte, City Attorney Catherine M. Golden, Mayor PAGE 2-RESOLUTION The Meaning Of Work ~'~. unable to live ~n his own ~a howa8 having i:'~ ~ PhysiCal ~bl~. Ho. w~ ~ld he wo~d '~ ~ ~le ~ w~, ~ he c~ g~l~ ~ w~ ~m~le ~ fo~ow ~~. T~y ~g ~ ~~ ~ ~o ~ a h~lf y~ of p]O~ ~ a p~ ~me WO~ for a ~ p~ ~bl~ ~ ~ ~ ~ p~ ~ ~e ~ bm~ ~ ~ ~g ~ d~8~ W~ ~~ lo~ ~v~ gov~~ 8SI ~ ~e ~ ~~ by $548 ~ m~ b~ ~~ a ~ of $6~~ ~ ~lp him_ ~t ~W ~ ~,99~, ~ng $12,475 of m~ ~~' ~lo~ent Wo~ ~Ve' ~lo~ f~ ~lc ~ s~ ~d When one has work in our cultu~ one is ~egular", one is "OK". One can identify with parents, with n~ighbors; with one's own ~ models. The dignity and self respect that comes with work cannot be given to another. Only by our own. accxmapllshmeat do we grant that kind of integrity to ourselves. Having work, sldlls to trade, is a deeply in~omined.way of grrm6ng serf worth and exnOtional empowerment to ourselves. Going to work, coming home, budge6ng to pay one's own bills~it's the rhythm of life. With- out it a person remains out of step with others in the community, like an awkward dancer on the floor. The first question that happeas when we me~t new people is '~aat do you doT'. The community we live in defines who we are by thc answer to that question. If we have no answer, we may be partially or wholly invis~lc in thc: community. When we are invisible to thc-cC~m~nit~/it is-v~ 'a;mC~lt for'U~-t0 ~-Vi~leto ourselves. We tend to believe what the commuai~ be- lieves. If au individual.can wo~k, they have standing in the community. Th~ have purpose in the whole. "Given the choice 'between work and idleness, people will always choose work Regardless of our stations in life, the condiaons of our 'bodies and minds, or: the amount of moneY in 'our [:mrdc accounts, the ne~d to work remains one of our strongest drives. Work is central to our lives, and as such gives a large measure of structure to our days.' - .4 Working Life: the 1PSprogram :.::: Options Receives the Housing Partnership Award In ~ 2002, Options re0el~ another award. Oregon DHS Office of Menial Health and Addiction Services gave Options the Hoasing Partnership Award. The following is quoted from the presemtafion: ':..Options has been extremely creative and saccessyfd in ~ombining a wide range of finan~l resources to create high quality residenaal opportunities that take into ~t consutner preferences ..... Before it was fashion- able to proactively seek input from prospective residents when developing housing, they pioneered techniques which incorporated future residents' ideas into the design of the housing .......... Options operates some of the most 'creatively designed and funotional apa~i, nent buildings for persons with long term mental illness in Oregon. ~rot only are their buildings beautifu~ but they blend bcauti~ly into their stwrotmding neighborhoods. ..411 of this development does not happen without thoughO~ul p/ann/ng. It also takes financial wizardry. Options has received over $4.5 million from various federal, state, local and private resources to support develop- ment of these housing options. The funding for the bricks and mortar represent o~ly part of the ~'tory, .Options is also ~ 6reative in acquiring donations from local community groups to support its projects, and in the process has developed a wonderful reputation in the community.., " · "."OPtions has.not kep, t.th~r expertise to themselves, but has seen .the benefitofassisting others. Options provides consultation and management services to other nonProfit agencies located in Josephine, Jackson, Clacka- mas, curry, coos and DoUglas counties in Oregon, and have even done work in New York and California.. ..... .While tonight's award ho.no, rs ,Options' housing efforts, we can't help but mention Options' fine reputation as a s. ervice provider. Options has embraced a strengths-based case management approach that focuses on pos#ive attributes' ' rather than,..'~roblems~,.'~Options. ,, also is well known for their supposed employment expertise and provides training for employment specialists. Winter 2003 ~- Vol. 1 No. 5 MILLION IN CUTS TO 5£RVICES FC)R I 3 O00'ELDERL¥ DISABLED, I IENTALL¥ ILL AND .MEDICALLY NEEDY PEOPLE We have all seen thc hea_dllnes, however with the cl~feat of Measure 28, the r..eality of the impact of these cuts is be- coming palnfu]ly evident. The nun~bcrs and thc need are almost overwhelmihg~ The temptation to blame ...the legis- latu~, the-voters, the economy, is cm. otionally exhausting and robs us of our energy to deal with the very real new problems that our consumers are facing on a daily basis. Options as an agency has not been sitting by idly waiting for the axe to fall. We have made contingency plans as best we can. In addition to a great deal of belt tight,lng, we are worl6ng to expand contracts for development and con- sulting that we have with a variety, of agencies around the state and in northern California. Our board of directors has approved using precious reserve funds, saved over the 20 year existen~ of the agency, to help meet the deficits that we are facing, though the end of June This will give the agency a five month window to investigate other funding sources and workers a chauce to seek other employmcm and make plato where possfole, As of July 1, Options will be forced to make signlfi_~nt reductions in staffing which will dramatically affect programs which benefit JoSephine County citizem witfi the most severe psychiatric disabilities. For these in&VidualS' there is no rePrievc to date and no viable'solutions are scm ~on tlie horizon. We are therefore taking what is for us an unprccedemcd move. Although we had Originally planned this newsletter as a way to crease the community awar~ess, we are now seeing it as a potential fundi~ vehicle, We are asking that if you one of thc 13,507 coaulY voters who voted yes on Measure 28, please consider se~li~g us a contn'bution in lieu of that tax. If. Y°Uwere one of the 17,S22 "no" voters who did not fully res]iv~ the irr?a, ct of tMs.mcasure, wc would also welcome a contn'bution. To figure what yo~ Measure 28 tax would have been, write down your ~riual inc6me, moVe the decimal point over 3 places and divide by 9_. To find the monthly tax, divide this figure by 12. We would welcome .any portion of amount as a tax deductfole contribution. We pledge that all funds we receive from this appeal will go directly to bonefit the hundreds.of mental health services consumers who were directly affected by these cuts. On Felmun'y 4~, Superior Court Judge Sam Slamm, said in denying, a consumer g~nerated lawsuit against the state. · "this is not fair to you but the 5~at*. was ~thin its rights in denying you these benefits, I only hope that other citizens will come forward to asdst you : Please be one of those dflzens and allow us to transform'YOur concern and contributions into services to those who most desperately need both. £mail If you would prefer to receive our newsletter by ~ please give us a ~ . ..dm. p us a letter or cmail us.. This will save Options money on paper,' postage and wages. Phone: 541476,23'73 leaye a message:for P~ Downing . . Email: :':pdownlngl~ons'Onllne.~rg Tllh. h .an,~t. in,. nOWdeiier,.and if you would prefer not to recdve it. lot uS ,know.by phone, mall or email- · :,' :., :;~.~,, .... . , ,.:::,, {mec~courourweos~e: www. opuonson-n~org" ~' '-- Question #1 How many people are homeless? Why? How many? In 1996, an estimated 637,000 adults were homeless in a given week. In the same year, an estimated 2.1 million adults were homeless over the course of a year. These numbers increase dramatically when children are included, to 842,000 and 3.5 million, respectively.~ Over a five-year period, about 2-3 percent of the U.S. population (5-8 million people) will experience at least one night of homelessness. For the great majority ~ these people, the experience is short and often caused by~a natural disaster, a house fire, or a community evacuation,z A much smaller group, perhaps as many as 500,000 people, have greater difficulty ending their homelessness. As one researcher who examined a sample of this group over a two-year period found:3 · Most--about 80% cxit from homelessness within about 2-3 weeks. They often have more personal, social, and economic resources to draw on than people who are homeless for longer periods of time. · About 10% are homeless for up to two months, with housing availability and affordability adding to the time they are homeless. · Another group of about 10% is homeless on a chronic, protracted basis--as long as 7-8 months in a two-year period. Disabilities associated with mental illnesses and substance use are common. On any given night, this group can account for up to 50% of those seeking emergency shelter. Why? The reasons why people become homeless are as varied and complex as the people themselves. Several sfructural factors contribute greatly to homelessness. · Poverty. People who are homeless are the poorest of the poor. In 1996, the median monthly income for people who were homeless was $300, only 44% of the Federal poverty level for a single adult.4 Decreases in the numbers of manufacturing and industrial jobs combined with a decline in the real value of minimum wage by 18% between 1979 and 1997 have left significant numbers of people without a livable income.5 · Housing. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that there are five million households in the U.S. with incomes below 50% of the local median who pay more than half of their income for rent or live in severely substandard housing. This is worsened by a decline in the number of housing units affordable to extremely Iow income households by 5% since 1991, a loss of over 370,000 units. Federal rental assistance has not been able to bridge the gap; the average wait for Section 8 rental assistance is now 28 months,s · Disability. People with disabilities who are unable to work and must rely on entitlements such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can find it virtually impossible to find affordable housing. People receiving Federal SSI benefits, which were $545 per month in 2002, cannot cover the cost of an efficiency or one-bedroom apartment in any major housing market in the country,? There are also several individual tfsk factors that may increase people's vulnerability to becoming homeless and experiencing homelessness on a longer basis,s · Untreated mental illness can cause individuals to become paranoid, anxious, or depressed, making it difficult or impossible to maintain employment, pay bills, or keep supportive social relationships. · Substance abuse can drain financial resources, erode supportive social relationships, and can also make exiting from homelessness extremely difficulL · Co-occurring disorders. Individuals with co-occurring mental illnesses and substance use disorders are among the most difficult to stably house and treat due to the limited availability of integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment in most localities. · Other c/rcumstances. People might also find themselves homeless for a variety of other reasons including domestic violence, chronic or unexpected health care expenses, release from incarceration, "aging out' of youth systems such as foster care, or divorce or separation. ~Burt, M~R., ,Non, L.Y., Lee, E., and Vatente, J.J., (2001) Helping Ame~ca's Homeless. Washington, DC: Uflaan Institute Press. 2LJllk, B., Phelan, J., Ekes~han, M., Slueve, A., Moore, R., Susser, E. (1995) Lifelirne and five-year prevalence of homelessness in the United States. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 65(3): 347-354. =Culhane, D. & Kuhn, R. A typology of homelessness by pattern of public shelter utilization. Personal communication, March 1996. Culhane, D., Chang-Moo, L., Wachter, S. (1996) Where the homeress come from: A study ofthe prior address ¢f~lfibution of famEes admitted to ~ubi~ shelters in New York City and Philadelphia. Housing Por~j Debate, 7-2: 327-~5. M.FL, Non, LY., Douglas, T., Valente, J., Lee, E., Iwen, B. (1999) Homelessness: Programs and Ute People They Sewe. Washington, SMishel, L., Bemstein, J., Schmitt, J. (1999) The State of Working America 1998-1999. Washington, DC: Economic Policy Institute. 'U~ted States ~ of ~ and.Urban Oeve;opment (200t) A Rep~xt on Worst Case Housing Needs in 1999. Wastingt~, DC: Economic Poicy Inslitule. aFedend Task Force on Homele~a-,ess and Severe Mental illness. (1992) Oulcasts on Main Slreet. Washington, DC: interagency Council on the Homeless. t.ezalL A.D., Edgar, E. (1998) Preventing Homelessness Among People with Serious Mental Ilnesses. Rockville, MD: Center fOr Mental Heallh Senaces. Question #2 Who is homeless? An estimated 842,000 adults and children are homeless in a given week, with that number swelling to as many as 3.5 million over the course of a year. People who are homeless are the poorest of the poor. While almost half (44%) of people who are homeless work at least part-time, their monthly income averages only $367 compared to the median monthly income for U.S. households of $2,840. Those who have disabilities and are unable to work can find it nearly impossible to secure affordable housing in virtually every major housing market in the country. The majority are unaccompanied adults, but the number of homeless families is growing: 66% are single adults, and of these, three-quarters are men · 11% are parents with children, 84% of whom are single women · 23% are children under 18 with a parent, 42% of whom are under 5 years of age Racial and ethnic minorities, particularly African Americans, are overrepresented: · 41% are non-Hispanic whites (compared to 76% of the general population) · 40% are African Americans (compared to 11% of the general population) · 11% are Hispanic (compared to 9% of the general population) · 8% are Native Amedcan (compared to 1% of the general population) Homeiessness continues to be a largely urban phenomenon: · 71% are in central cities · 21% are in suburbs · 9% are in rural areas People who are homeless frequently report health problems: · .38% report alcohol use problems · 26% report other drug use problems · 39% report some form of mental health problems (20-25% meet criteda for sedous mental illness) · 66% report either substance use and/or mental health problems · 3% report having HIV/AIDS · 26% report acute health problems other than HIV/AIDS such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, or sexually transmitted diseases · 46% report chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer People who are homeless also have high rates of other background characteristics: 0 · 23 Yo are veterans (compared to 13% of the general population) · 25% were physically or sexually abused as children · 27% were in foster care or institutions as children · 21% were homeless as children · 54% were incarcerated at some point of their lives ~ Butt, M.R., Ar(m, L.Y., Douglas, T., Valente, J., Lee, E., Iwen, B. (1999) Homelessness: Programs and the People They Senm. Washington, DC: Interagency Council e~ the Homeless. Question #3 Why are so many people with serious mental illnesses homeless? People with sedous mental illnesses are over-represented among the homeless population. While only four percent of the U.S. population has a serious mental illness, five to six times as many people who are homeless (20-25%) have serious mental illnesses. Their diagnoses include the most personally disruptive and sedous mental illnesses, including ~severe, chronic depression; bipolar disorder; schizophrenia; schizoaffective disorders; and severe personality disorders. Why so many? People with serious mental illnesses have greater difficulty exiting homelessness than other people. They are homeless more often and for longer periods of time than other homeless subgroups. Many have been on the streets for years? · Up to 50% have co-occurring mental illnesses and substance use disorders. · Their Symptoms are often active and untreated, making it extremely difficult for them to negotiate meeting basic needs for food, shelter and safety and causing distress to those who observe them. · They are impoverished, and, many are not receiving benefits for which they may be eligible. What do we know about them'/" · The majodty have had pdor contact with the mental health system, either as inpatients or outpatients. These experiences were not always positive; they may have been hospitalized involuntarily or given treatment services or medications they did not feel were of benefit. · Their mental illness symptoms as well as the hygiene problems associated with homelessness result in many untreated physical health problems such as respiratory infections, dermatologic problems, and risk of exposure to HIV and TB. · They typically are long-term citizens of the communities in which they are homeless. · Their social support and family networks are usually unraveled. Family members often have lost regular contact with their relatives or are no longer equipped to be pdmary caregiverS. _- · They are twice as likely as other people who are homeless to be arrested or jailed, mostly for misdemeanors. They are often good candidates for diversion from jail to more appropriate treatment, support, and housing. What can be done? · Most can be voluntarily engaged or re-engaged in treatment, housing, and support services. Mobile outreach can provide access to basic services, treatment, and housing.4 · Integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment delivered by multidisciplinary mobile treatment teams can reduce symptomatology and improve functioning in the community. · Providing supportive services to people in housing has proven effective in achieving residential stability, improving mental health, and reducing the costs of homelessness to the community,s ~Rosenheck, R., Bartok, E., Salomon, A. (1999) Special populations of homeless Amedcons. In Fosburg, L. Oennis, O. (eds), Prac~cal Lessons. Washington, D.C.: HHS & HUD. Koegel, P., Bumam, M,~., Baumohl, J. (1996) The causes of homelessaess, in Baumohi, J. (ed), Homelessness in America. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 24-33. Cordray, D., Lehman, A., (1993) Prevalence of alcohol, drug, and mental disorders among the homeless. Contemporary Drug Problems 20: 355-384. 2Culhane, D. & Kuhn, R. A typology of homelessness by pattern of public shelter utilization. Personal communication, March 1996. Culhane, D., Chang-Moo, L., Wachter, S. (1996) Where lhe homeless come from: A study of the prior address dis~ibution of families admitted to ~F~edliC shelters in New York City and Philadelphia, Housing Policy Debate, 7-2: 327-365. erel Task Force on Homelessrmss and Severe Mentel Illness. (1992) Outcasts on Main Street. Washington, DC: interagency Council on the Homeless. 4Lam, J., Rosenheck, R. (1999). Street oubeach to homeless persons with serious mental illness. Medical Care 37(9): 894-907. SCulhane, D.P., Metraux, S., Hadley, T. (2001) The Impact of Supportive Housing for Homeless People with Severe Mental Illness on the Utilization of the Public Health, Corrections and Emergency Shelter Sw-'tems. Washington, DC: Fannie Mae Foundation. Shem D., Felton, C., Hough, R., Lehman, A., Goldflnger, S. et al. (1997) Housing outcOmes for homeless adults with mental illness. Psychiabic Sen/ices 48(2): 239-241. Question #4 How can we end homelessness among people with serious mental illnesses? Research has provkled a substantial amount of infommtion on what services and practices are effective in ending homelessness for people with seriOUS mental illnesses. 1 Tho key is to: · Encourage the adoption of ev'~dence-based practices for services, treatment, and prevention of homelessness; · Establish partnerShips with Federal agencies, state and local governments, and public and pdvate agencies to reduce barriers to services and increase resources and funding; and · Conduct research that addresses important gaps in knowledge. 2 We know what works · Outreach, whether in shelters or on the street, is effective. 3 Given the opportunity, most people who are homeless and have serious mental illnesses are willing to accept treatment and services voluntarily. Consistent outreach and the introduction of services at the client's pace are key to engaging people in treatment and case management services. A consistent, caring, personal relationship is required to engage people who are homeless in treatment. · Integrated mental health and substance abuse treatment provided by multidisciplinary treatment teams can improve mental health, residential stability, and overall functioning in the community. Regular assertive outreach, lower caseloads, and the multidisciplinary nature of the services available on these teams are critical ingredients leading to positive treatment and housing outcomes. $ · Providing supportive services to people in housing has proven effective in achieving residential stability, improving mental hoalth, and reducing the costs of homelessness to the community. Supported housing is preferred by many homeless people with serious mental illnesses. Many people who are homeless and have serious mental illnesses can move directly from homelessness to independent housing with supports. However, the transition from homelessness to housing is a critical time that needs intensive support and attention, s · Prevention. Homelessness among people with sedous mental illnesses can be prevented. Discharge planning to help people leaving institutions to access housing, mental health, and other necessary community services can prevent homelessness during such transitions. Ideally, such planning begins upon entry into an institution, is ready to be implemented upon discharge, and involves consumer input. Providing short-term intensive support services immediately after discharge from hospitals, shelters, or jails has Preoven effective in further preventing recurrent homelessness during the transition to other community providers. ~Fosburg, L. Dennis, D. (eds), Practical Lessons. Washington, D.C.: HHS& HUD. Koegel, P., Bumam, Mdec, Baumohl, J. (1996) The causes of homelessness. In Baumohl, J.(ed), Homelessrmss in America. Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 24-33. ~SAMHSA (2001) Strategic Plan on SAMHSA's Role in Reducing and Prevenling Hometessne~ 2001-2005 (draft). Rockville, MD: SAMHSA. =Center for Mental Heallh Services (2001) Evaluation of the PATH Grant Program. Rockville, MD: CMHS. Lam, J.A., Rosenheck, R. (1999) Street out~each for homeless persons ~ serious mental iflness. Medical Care 37 (9): 894-907. Tsemberis, S., ~Jfenbein, C. (1999) A perspective on voluntary and involuntary outreach senaces for the homeless mentally ill. New Directions for Mental Health Services 82: 9- 19. Morse, G J~., Calsyn, R.J., Miller, J., et al. (1996) Outreach to homeless mentally ill people. Community Mental Health Journal 32 (3): 261-274. Bybee, D. Mowbray, C.T., Cohen, E.H. (1995) Evaluation of a homeless mentally ill outreach program. Evaluaden and Program Planning 18(1): 13-24. 4Ziguras, S.J., Stuart, G.W. (2000) A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of mental health case management over 20 years. Psychiatric Services 51(11): 1410-1421. Morse, G. (1999) A review of case management for people who are homeless. In Fosburg, L. Dermis, D. (eds), Practical Lessons. Washington, DC: HHS & HUD; Lehman, A.F., Dixon, L.B., Keman, E., DeForge, B.R. (1997) A randomized trial of assertive community treatment for homeless persons with severe mental illness. Archives of General Psychiat3y 54: 1038~1043. Morse, G., Calsyn, R., Klinkenberg, et al. (1997) An experimental comparison of three types of case management for homeless mentally ill persons. Psychiatric Sewices 48(4): 497-503. Burns, B.J., Santos, A.B. (1995) Assertive community treatment. Psychiatric Services 46 (7): 669-675. Dixon, L.B., Krauss, N., Keman, et al. (1995) Mo(fifylng the PACT model to serve homeless pemons with severe mental ii,ess. Psychiatric Services 46(7): 684-688. 5Culhane, D.P., Metraux, S., Hadley, T. (200t) The Impact of Suppor'dve Housing for Homeless People with Severe Mental illness on the Ub~ization of the Public Health, Corrections and Emergency Shelter Systems. Washington, DC: Fannie Mae Foundation. Lipton, F.R., Siegel, C., Hannigan, A.,et al. (2000) Tenure in supportive housing for homeless persons with severe mental ~d~eSS. Psychiabic Services 51(4): 479-486. Tsemberis, S., F-_isenberg, R.F. (2000) Pathways to housing: Supported housing for street-dwelling homeless individuals wi~ psychiatric disabilities. Psychiabic Services 51(4): 487-493. Rosenheck, R., Morrissey, J., Lam, J., et al. (1998) Service system integration, access to senaces, and housing outcomes in a program for homeless persons with severe mental illness. American Journal of Pubflc Health 88(11): 161 0-1615. Shem, D., Felten, C., Hough, R., et al. (1997) Housing outcomes for homeless adults with mental illness~ Psyctdat~ Sewices 48 (2): 239-241. Goldfinger, S.M., Schutt, R.K. (1996) Comparisons of clinicians' housing recommendations and preferences of homeless mentally ill persons. Psychiatric Sewices 47(4): 413-415. Hurlburt, M.S., Wood, PA., Hough, R.L (1996) Providing independent housing for the homeless mentally ill. Journal of Community Psychology 24 (3): 291-310. 6 Rosenheck, R., Dennis, D. (2001) ~me~mited asserlive community treatment of homeless persons with severe mental illness. Archives of General Psychiatry. 58(11): 1073-1080. Shinn, M., Baumohl, J~ (1999)Rethinking the prevention of homeiessness. In Fosburg, L.B., Denn'=, D.L. (eds.), Practical Lessons. Washington, DC: HHS & HUD. Interagency Council on the Homeless (1999) Exemplary Practices in Discharge Planning. Washington, DC: Interagency Council on the Homeless. Lezak, A., Edgar, E. (1998) Preventing Homelessness Among People with Serous Mental Illnesses. Rockville, MD: CMHS. AveryL J.M., Kuno, E., Rothbard, A., Culhane, D. (1997) Impact of Continuity of Care on Recurrence of Homelessness Following an Acute Psychia~c Episode. Philadelphia, PA: Center for Mental Health Policy and Sen/ices Research, University of Pennsylvania. Susser, E., Valencia, E., Conover, S., et al. (1997) Preventing recurrent homelessness among mentally ill men. Amedcan Journal of Public Health 87(2): 256-262. For more information about the Homeless Programs Branch, please contact: Frances Randolph, Dr. P.H., Acting Branch Chief Homeless Programs Branch Center for Mental Health Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (301) 443-3706 Last Updated: March 17, 2003 Question #5 What about the needs of children who are homeless? In any given week, it is estimated that more than 200,000 children have no place to live. Over the course of a ye~ar, as many as 1.4 million children experience homelessness. Forty-two percent of these children are under the age of five. Why do children become homeless? Homeless families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population, comprising needy forty percent of the total homeless population. 2 Eighty-four percent of these families are headed by single women with dependent children. An increase in the number of families living in poverty, the shortage of affordable housing, and criticafrisk factors in the lives of mothers, including trauma, interpersonal violence, and mental health and substance abuse problems, all contribute to family homelessness. How is homelessness ha~[ul to children? ~ Homelessness affects children's mental health, and causes emotional and behavioral problems. · Anxiety, depression, withdrawal, and other clinical problems are found in 12 percent of preschoolers and 47 percent of school-age children. · 16 percent of preschoolers have behavior problems including severe aggression and hostility. · 36 percent of school age children exhibit delinquent or aggressive behavior. Homelessness causes educational and learning difficulties for children. · At least one fifth of children who are homeless do not attend school and more than one fourth have attended three or more schools in a year. · Children who are homeless are diagnosed with learning disabilities such as dyslexia or speech and language impediments twice as often as other children. · Children who are homeless are twice as likely to repeat a grade as other children. Homelessness affects children in other ways. · Homeless children go hungry at twice the rate of other children. They also experience illnesses such as stomach problems, ear infections, and asthma at higher rates. · Nearly 25 percent have witnessed acts of violence in their{amilies, usually against their mother. · They experience physical and sexual abuse at two to three times the rate of other children. · In one year, 22 percent of homeless children spend some time apart from their immediate family, with 12 percent being placed in foster cam. What can be done? The Center for Mental Health Services and Center for Substance Abuse and Treatment are currently evaluating interventions for homeless families with mental health or substance abuse disorders in eight sites across the nation. The cross-site study will identify the most effective approaches for meeting the needs of these families and make recommendations to help improve services for families that are homeless nationwide. In addition, the National Center on Family Homelessness recommends the following to help homeless families: · Maximize poor families' economic resources and build their assets. · Develop an adequate supply of decent affordable housing. · Support education, training, work and child care for parents. · Eliminate hunger and food insecurity. · Protect the health of homeless children. · Improve mental health services for children and parents. · Ensure access to school and opportunities for success in school. · Prevent unnecessary separation of families. · Expand violence prevention, treatment, and follow-up services. For more information: National Resource Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness Policy Research Associates, Inc. 345 Delaware Avenue Delmar, NY 12054 Phone: 800-444-7415 E-mail: nrc~prainc, com National center on Family Homelessness 181 Wells Avenue Newton,MA 02459 Phone: 800-962-4676 Web site: www.familyhomelessness.org E-mail: judy.woolfson~familyhomelessness.org ~ Butt, M.R., Aron, L.Y., Douglas, T., Valente, J., Lee, E., Iwen, B. (1999) Homelessness: Programs and the People They Serve. Washington, DC: Interagency Council on the Homeless. 2 Better Homes Fund. (1999) Homeless Children: America's New Outcasts. Newton, MA: Better Homes Fund. 3 Ibid. Homes for the Homeless and The Institute for Children and Poverty. (1999) Homeless in Amedca: A Children's Story, Part One. New York, NY: Homes for the Homeless and The Institute for Children and Poverty. Ending Chronic Homelessness: Strategies for Action U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary Report from the Secretary's Work Group on Ending Chronic Homelessness March 2003 Executive Summary [ Ma~n page of Report I Contents ofReporl ] The Issue: Each year homelessness affects 2 - 3 million individuals in the United States. For most people, homelessness is a short, one-time event. But a relatively small and visible group experiences homelessness repeatedly or for long periods and places heavy demands on available assistance. This group, persons experiencing chronic homelessness, is most often made up of single, poor adults with prevalent disabilities. Ending their homelessness requires housing combined with the types of services supported by the programs of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). To improve the response of these programs to chronic homelessness, and to address a collaboration agreed to with Secretary Mel Martinez of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Secretary established a Work Group on Ending Chronic Homelessness. The Work Group was charged to develop a comprehensive approach for the Department to better serve these persons. The Work Plan: The Work Group assigned the task of developing a comprehensive approach to an Interagency Subcommittee that focused on four tasks: 1. Defining chronic homelessness and identifying effective treatments and sen/ices 2. Understanding how relevant Departmental programs respond to the identified treatments and sen/ices 3. Identifying objectives and desirable outcomes that would improve responsiveness 4. Formulating a comprehensive action plan. To develop a plan, eight assistance programs of the Department were identified as relevant to the treatment and service needs of chronically homeless persons. The programs were asked to enumerate barriers and opportunities on service use for this population. The eight programs were: 1. Medicaid 2. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 3. Social Services Block Grant 4. Community Services Block Grant 5. Community Health Centers 6. Ryan White Programs 7. Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant 8. Community Mental Health Services Block Grant The Findings: Availability of the services: The eight assistance programs have considerable flexibility to offer treatments and services needed by chronically homeless persons. However, no mainstream program is sufficiently comprehensive to serve as a single source for the full range of identified treatments and services. Use of the services by homeless persons: While each of the eight programs indicated that at least some of the treatments and services are used by homeless persons, the absence of data to validate access was pervasive. Categorical funding: The Department's assistance programs are authorized and funded as responses to specific conditions (e.g., poverty, lack of insurance) or populations (e.g., I-[IV/AIDS patients). The multi-problem nature of chronic homelessness revealed several issues of significance when trying to bridge these categorical approaches. 1. Coordination -- The lack of a requirement for coordination across categorical programs makes the creation of a seamless service delivery system a challenge. The flow of HHS resources to different State agencies and community based organizations means that both providers and homeless persons may have to interact with many different agencies. 2. Eligibility Gaps -- A person experiencing chronic homelessness may meet eligibility standards in one categorical program but not another. This creates problems in constructing a comprehensive service response to the multi-problem nature of chronic homelessness. 3. Flexibility -- There are few incentives to support State and local providers as they search for ways to combine these programs flexibly. There may be numerous structures and rules that present challenges when working across categorical programs. Capacity: Programs may lack any funding leeway to take on clients with complex, multiple needs, may not have staff with the skills to work with these individuals, or may not be familiar with the effective service delivery interventions. 2 Proposed Goals and Strategies: Help eligible, chronically homeless individuals receive health and social services · Strengthen outreach and engagement activities · Improve the eligibility review process · Explore ways to maintain program eligibility _. · Improve the transition of clients from homeless-specific programs to mainstream service providers Empower our State and community partners to improve their response to people experiencing chronic homelessness. Use State Policy Academies to help States develop specific action plans to respond to chronic homelessness Permit flexibility in paying for services that respond to the needs of persons with multiple problems Reward coordination across HHS assistance programs to address the multiple problems of chronically homeless people Provide incentives for States and localities to coordinate services and housing Develop, disseminate and use toolkits and blueprints to strengthen outreach, enrollment, and service delivery Provide training and technical assistance on chronic homelessness to mainstream service providers Establish a formal program of training on chronic homelessness Address chronic homelessness in the formulation of future HHS budgets or in priorities for using a portion of expanded resources Develop an approach for baseline data, performance measurement, and the measurement of reduced chronic homelessness within HHS Establish an ongoing oversight body within HHS to direct and monitor the plan Work to prevent new episodes of homelessness within the HHS clientele · Identify dsk and protective factors to prevent future episodes of chronic homelessness · Promote the use of effective, evidence-based homelessness prevention interventions Closing Consideration: The strategies in the plan are for consideration within HHS. It is assumed that no strategy would be implemented without going through the Department's normal policy and budget approval processes, particularly since some strategies may require additional financial and staffing resources and/or review for legislative authority. Council Communication CITY OF -ASHLAND Title: Dept: Date: Submitted By: Approved by: Synopsis Study Session on Homelessness Administration May 28, 2003 Ann Seltzer ~/13 Gino Grimaldi ~ The purpose of this study session is to educate the Council and the public on the scope of homelessness in Jackson County and in Ashland and to consider what role, if any, the City might play in helping to address gaps in services. This study session frames the issue of homelessness through four aspects: · Education of the public and decision makers about homelessness · The need for housing and shelter · Camping enforcement issues and options · The need for jobs. This packet contains a variety of information associated with the topic including: · The Jackson County Continuum of Care Strategic Plan · The Homeless Task Force Action Steps · The Continuum of Care Gaps Analysis · The Continuum of Care Homeless Survey · The Homeless Shelter Nightcount Report · Myths and Facts about Homelessness · City of Ashland Health and Human Services Plan · City of Ashland Resolution No. 86-35 · City of Ashland Social Service Grant History Background The City of Ashland Strategic Plan includes a Social and Human Services element. One of the goals of FY 2002~ 2003 was to develop a Health and Human Services Plan. That plan is in place and one of the goals is to provide a comprehensive and coordinated system of services to address people in need. A number of policies associated with that goal are identified. One of Council's goals for FY 2003-2004 is to review and consider the strategies identified in the Health and Human Services Plan. In March of 2001, the Jackson County Homeless Task Force was established under the auspices of the Jackson County Continuum of Care. A Continuum of Care is a national model for a local or regional system for helping people who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness by providing housing and services appropriate to the whole range of homeless needs in the community. In 1996, HUD implemented the Continuum of Care approach, under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, to streamline the existing competitive funding and grant-making process and to encourage communities to coordinate more fully the planning and provision of housing and services for homeless people. CiTY OF -ASHLAND City Council Study Session on Homelessness AGENDA Wednesday, June 4, 2003 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Council Chambers 1175 East Main Street I. Education - Framing the problem A. Jackson County Homeless Task Force (HTF) Co-chairs, Ed Angeletti ACCESS Inc., Bill Yaeger, Salvation Army Overview of HTF Demographics of the homeless in Jackson County · Existing services in Jackson County and Ashland · Gaps in services and possible options B. Community Works, StreetWise DawnDee Elliott, Homeless Youth Advocate · Homeless teens · Challenges · Needs C. Interfaith Care Community of Ashland (ICCA) Sharon Shreiber, · Families and Transient People · ICCA's roles in the Continuum of Care regional picture · Services provided · Gaps and Challenges · Health Needs Sahron Laws, Senior Program, City of Ashland Community Health Center II. III. Camping enforcement issues and possible protocol options Scott Fleuter, Chief of Police Cate Hartzell, Councilor D . a tA /.~ J°b/Empl°ynlent ,~ [~/1~TBD hOb ( cl'rY HALL Tel: 541488-6002 20 East Main Street Fax: 541-488-5311 Ashland, Oregon 97520 TTY: 800-735-2900 wry.ashland.or, us HOMELESS TASK FORCE 2003 SYSTEMS ACTION STEPS (By Core Workgroup) 1. Brief Statement of Action: -- - a. Strategy #1: To strengthen Continuum of Care by maximizing current resources and finding new ongoing sources of funding. 1. Sub-steps Sub Step Responsible Person or Start/Finish Organization Carry out a thorough housing needs Homeless Task Force by June 2003 assessment in Jackson County 1. Research getting SOU student to take on as project Jan Vau~hn answer by 11/22 Work cooperatively to apply for Homeless Task Force (Continuum Ongoing funding opportunities as the), arise, of Care) Encourage Jackson Co. Community Connie Saldafia November 4, 2002 meeting Services Consortium to continue with the proposal to publish funding oppommities Continue working together to Homeless Task Force Ongoing reduce duplication of services and eliminate l~aps in services Create public awareness of Homeless Task Force members Ongoing Issues of homelessness Value of service agencies in community. Press conference, work with Homeless Task Force January, 2003 politicians to increase their awareness oftbe issues. Release results of surveys, announce fall conference, Regional/local Poverty Conference Homeless Task Force, through Fall, 2003 (Include Klamath, Josephine, committee Siskiyou) Other persons, organizations, agencies, etc. who need to be involved: Resources required On-going sources of funding for operations. c. Coordination of fundraising efforts. Barriers a. Funding sources stretched more as state resources are reduced. b. Service providers and funders speak "different languages." c. Small non-profits do not have the resources to dedicate to resource development that large organizations have. Strategy 02: Address Economic Discrimination in Property Management Sub Step Responsible Person or Start/Finish Organization Research, Report to HTF Jill Munn Present results to community HTF Fall 2003 Strategy #3: Establish a Community Information Center to alert homeless individuals to resources, events. Sub Step Responsible Person or Start/Finish Organization Create Resource Boards at Mcdford HTF committee City Hall, CERVS, Visitors Center, St. Vincents dining hall, Salvation Army Community Services. Develop plan to maintain current information. Jackson County Community Services Consortium Homeless Task Force P.O. Box 755, Medford, OR 97501 ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION June 4, 2003 PURPOSE: The purpose of the Homeless Task Force is to examine the entire community's homeless needs and resources, identify the gaps and priorities, establish goals, and implement long range plans that address the gaps and priorities identified by the community. MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Jackson County, Oregon, Homeless Task Force is to eliminate homelessness and its root causes because no one should be homeless. VISION: Recognizing the reality and presence of homelessness in Jackson County; Motivated to eliminate homelessness and its root causes; and Striving to improve the quality of life for person and community: The Jackson County Homeless Taskforce envisions a system of care that: · Responds to the human need of homelessness, without discrimination · Moves clients toward self-sufficiency · Integrates services directed toward client self-sufficiency · Reflects collaboration between public and private human service agencies Jackson County Community Services Consortium Homeless Task Force P.O. Box 755, Medford, OR 97501 CURRENT JACKSON COUNTY OREGON HOMELESS STATISTICS GAPS Analysis: The FY 2003 Jackson 'sis an estimated unmet need as follows: Single Men and Women For Persons in Families with Children Emergency Shelter Beds - 3 Transitional Housing - 33 Permanent Supportive Housing - 266 Permanent Affordable Housing - 271 Emergency Shelter Beds - 5 Transitional Housing - 60 Permanent Supportive Housing - 5 Permanent Affordable Housing - 121 Emergency Shelter Beds - 6 Transitional Housing - 207 Permanent Supportive Housing - 142 Permanent Affordable Housing - 17 Emergency Shelter Beds - 16 Transitional Housing - 66 Permanent Supportive Housing -5 Permanent Affordable Housing - 314 Jackson County, Homeless Count: The Annual Jackson County Homeless Count counts individuals who repons themselves as being homeless at the time they receive services from a local agency during a 24 hour period. In FY 2003 the Survey showed a total of 792 homeless individuals. Jackson County Homeless Survey: Top Five Responses for Cause of Homelessness: What caused you to become homeless?" "What do you need to get and keep housing/keep from being homeless forever?" 1. Loss of Income/Employment 2. Low Income 3. Poor Credit 4. Medical 5. Eviction 1. Affordable Housing (decent & safe) 2. Help with Rental Deposits 3. Employment 4. Clean up my credit 5. Help with Apartment Search 1. Loss of Income/Employment 2. Low Income 3. Domestic Violence 4. Drug/Alcohol 5. Mental Illness 1. Employment 2. Affordable Housing (decent & safe) 3. Help with Rental Deposits 4. Transportation 5. Clean up my credit Jackson County Community Services Consortium Homeless Task Force P.O. Box 755, Medford, OR 97501 HOMELESS POPULATIONS IN JACKSON COUNTY, Homeless adults with disabilities Veterans Homeless Youth 1. Runaways/other homeless youth, age 16 to 22, who accept transitional housing with supportive services to help them be self-sufficient. 2. Runaways and other homeless youth under the age of 16, who have urgent basic needs and are not involved with state social services program. 3. Runaways and other homeless youth 16-22, who refuse transitional living services, but have urgent needs for food, clothing, other basic needs. 4. Pregnant and parenting teens in public school but on their own (more than 200 a year, as young as 13). 5. Homeless youth who are in public or altemative high school, but on their own. 6. Youth 11 to 17 in need of emergency shelter, referred by social services agencies. The needs will be served when the new Jackson County Youth Shelter opens in March 2002. Homeless Single Adults without Children: Homeless Families: Jackson County Community Services Consortium Homeless Task Force P.O. Box 755, Medford, OR 97501 WHAT ARE THE ROOT CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS IN JACKSON COUNTY? "Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked .... Being poor means being an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets." (National Coalition for the Homeless Fact Sheet #1, June 1999) Chronic unemployment and underemployment Low wage jobs without benefits Low Fixed Incomes · Shortage of Affordable Housing · Shortage of Accessible Affordable Housing · Education issues · Health issues · Substance Abuse and Mental Illness · Domestic Violence · Poor Credit Histories · Loss of housing-eviction HOMELESS AND HOUSING PROJECT JACKSON COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICE CONSOTRIUM ANNUAL JACKSON COUNTY HOMELESS SURVEY Emerqenc¥ Shelters/Meal Sites 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Gospel Mission - Men Gospel Mission - Women & Children Salvation Army - Men Salvation Army - Women & Families w/Children Other (St. Vincents) Zion House St. Marks House 4th. Street House 46 43 99 116 143 11 7 9 12 10 0 20 18 20 24 34 13 36 36 22 44 45 62 40 130 6 6 17 17 5 Law Enforcement Orqanizations Jackson County Jail 38 9 36 54 37 Veterans Programs Domiciliary - General Domiciliary - HCHV Domiciliary - Admissions 302 382 387 212 52 25 8 12 21 47 4 2 4 4 6 Social Services Agencies ACCESS Adult & Family Services - Ashland Adult & Family Services - Medford Adult & Family Services - White City Ashland Community Food Store Caring Friends CERVS/ICCA Dunn House State of Oregon, Employment Division - Ashland State of Oregon, Employment Division - Medford Jackson County Housing Authority Interfaith Care Community of Ashland Jackson County Detox Services Job Council On Track, Inc. Addictions Recovery Center Youth Works/Community Works La Clinica del Valle Salvation Army Social Services Office Medford Social Security Office State Senior & Disability Services DASlL West Medford Family Center 26 4 10 I 0 8 0 0 0 4 0 6 10 0 4 I 0 0 2O 8 16 18 28 18 42 0 16 14 12 29 26 10 14 20 28 14 12 0 15 15 1 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 0 10 20 41 49 34 8 7 0 12 17 24 7 6 21 0 7 13 23 14 23 0 3 7 4 7 23 19 0 32 26 0 0 0 70 0 23 19 9 2 20 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 8 16 17 4 0 12 14 0 0 0 TOTAL 692 690 837 859 792 05/02/2003 16:19 FAX 541 664 7927 ROGUE YLY C. OF GOV'TS ~006 Continuum of Care: Gaps Analysis JACKSON COUNTY, OREGON FFY2003 JAcKSoN County Combined GAPS Analysis I Estimated Current Unmct Nee~l/I Relative Contact: Ed~Angeletti, ACCESS ~41~-774-4330 ' lqleed InVentory Ga~, Priority lndi,~idual~ I I II .:~xamp~e;~ ,;;,:{.;,_~m~g_ea~-'~:~imCl~er;,,,~:~,.?r.,~ "-.' s:,;~,i***,~ I~.' ~.,, ~": *.*,~;1:~ -,'.~,~ ,.' .,;.- ,, ,..-- ,., :. ,, ~ .......... , ..... ;~.I*.~.-'.*.'>, [ Emergency Shelter 122 116 6 M I Transitional I-Iousm§ 269 62 207 H Beds/Units Permanent SupPOrtive Housing 310 168 142 H Permanent Affordable Houdng 27 10 17 H Total 728 356 372 ~, i,, ,,. ;.~... ,: .,... jOb Serrates "& T~aknin~ 135 92 44 L Case Management 533 228 3.0,5. H Estimated Substance Abuse Treatment 48 26 ' 22 H Supportive ' M~'nial Health Care ' 350 43 31 ~ H Servsces Housing Placement 18 4 14 H Slots Life Skills Train/n~ 419 93 316 M Other- Guardianship 20 2 19 H _ Other - Conservatorship 30 1 29 H Chronic Substance Abusers 24 33 -9 H i .Seriously Mentally Ill 350 39 311 H Estimated - Dually-Dial[nosed 93 117 -24 M Sub- Veterans Populations Persons with Hrv/AiDS Victims of Domestic Violence 10 8 2 L Youth 36 22 12 All Others Not Mentioned Abox~e 66 48 18 H · Persons in Families with Children I Emergency Shelter 44 28 16 FI Tmnsitio ,naI Homing I 19 53 66 H Beds/Units .,Permanent Supt~ortive Housing 12 7 5 H Permanent Affordable Housing_. 406 92 314 H Total 581 180 401 ,,,~h. !,~;11,1. ,,. ,,,, ,., .,-,, _J_ob 5crvieez & Training 21 4 17 H Case Management 137 71 66 H Child Care 3 3 0 Estimated Substance AbUse Treatment ' Supportive Mental Health Care 10 10 0 Services Housi, n, $ placement 27 21 6 Slot~ Life Skills Training 3 i 16 15 Other M Chronic Substance Abu~er~ 18 7 11 H Estimated Seriously,Menially Ili H Sub- Dually-Diagnosed 2 9. .. 0 H , . Populations Veterans Persons with H1WAIDS Victims of Domestic Violence 44 32 I~- M Parenting or Pregnant Youth U21 I9 13 6 All Others Not Mentioned Above 5 2 3 M I Illl 0S/02/2003 16:08 FAX 541 664 7927 ROG[~ VLY C. OF GOV'T$ Jackson County Community Services Consortium . .Homeless TaskForce_ P.O. Box 755, Medford, OR 97501 002 ,,Continuum of Care Homeless Survey-- 2003 Survey Report (Prepared by ACCESS, Inc.) METHODOLOGY: This survey was dislributed with instructions by mail to all of the organizations in Jackson County that provide services to homeless persons to ,survey those homeless persons encountered during a one week period. SURVEY: Th~ survey contained t. kree questions. A lotal of $8 homeless persons were surveyed. Two questions were quantitative and one was qualitative. Responses to the two quantitative questions were tabulated (see below) and the qualitative question is shown in transcript format. See survey attached. A. QUESTION #1: What caused you to become homeless? 6 Child Abuse 12 Poor Credit 6 Cfimiml History 21 . Domestic Violence 19 Drug/Alcohol (ha the home) 16 Drag/Alcohol (self) 13 Evicted 2 Gambling 14 Kicked Out 2I Low Income 3 2 Loss of Income/Employment 8 Medical 14 Mental lllness 7 Poor Rental History 4 Pregnant 3 Property Sold 4 Runaway 4 By Choice (MW- Homelc,s Survey l~oort FY0a.dac} 05/02/2003 16:08 FAX 541 664 7927 ROGUE VLY C, OF GeV'TS ~003 QUESTION #1 ANALYSIS: The top five- (5) responses to this question, "what caused you to become homeless?" were ~ follows: 1) Loss of IncomcfEmployment 32 people 2) Low Income 21 people 2) Domestic Violvnce 21 people 3) Drug/Alcohol (in thc home) 19 people 4) Drug/Alcohol (self) 16 people 5) Mental Illness 14 people 5) Kicked Out 14 people Consistent with la.st year's results, two of the top causes again - Loss of Income & Employment (32) and Low Income (21) - can essentially be grouped into one category, IncomedEmploymcnt. Domestic Violence was tied for second with 21. Thus, 53 people (47 %) responded that the cause of their homelessness was a result of low income md/or loss of income/employment and 21 (18%) as a result of Domestic Violence. This fact points to the importance of addressing employment, worlcforce development, and domestic violence issues when working with thc homeless population. If'these issues are not addressed, it is likely that the person will remain uncanployed or continue to be homeless. Based on the Oregon Employment Department regional data there are jobs available in Southern Oregon. However, there is also a large labor pool, which results in high competition for available jobs--even when the pay is low. Competition is especially high for "living wage" jobs, because so few are available. It is imperative that organizations dealing with the homeless population partner with organizations that provide workforce development programs when providing housing assistance or developing housing projects that target homeless persons. This survey finding points to the importance ofincre~ing the number of living wage jobs available in Jackson County. Business and workforce development programs are essential in providing businesses and potential employees with the tools necessary for success in the increasingly competitive business world and job market. The surveys also find that providing connections between domestic violence victims and outreach advocates by partnering in the community through education and awareness campaigns will help to address tkis issue. The other three causes that were ranked in the top five are drug and alcohol, mental illness, and eviction. Thc second most important cause based on the survey was drag & alcohol in thc home or self use - 35 (31%). Even though we do not know the reason for being kicked out or evicted, based on the other survey responses we can assume that income and employment played a role. Thus, this piece of the survey is evidence of the fact that so many low-incomc people live from paycheck to pay check without the proper medical care/treatment; always one paycheck away from becoming homeless. 2 ci.iMw~ Homeless Survey P. rpor~ FY03.doc) 05/02/2003 16:09 FAX 541 664 7927 gOGUE YLY C. OF GOV'T$ ~004 OUESTION #2: What do you need to get and homeless? 45 21 3 8 9 50 20 14 5 15 11 28 5 47 13 33 keep housing/keep Help with deposits for rental Help with apartment search Disability Accessible Housing Drug or alcohol trcatmcnt Drug/alcohol-free housing Need good job Need better job skills Need counseling Health Care Mental Treatmeut Learn how to keep a job Learn how to manage my money Safety from abusers Clean up my credit Learn how to avoid eviction Housing I can afford that is decent and safe Help with prescription payments Childcare Transportation from being QUESTION #2 ANALYSIS: Thc top five (5) responses to this question, "What do you need to get and keep housing/keep fxom being homeless forever?" were as follows: 1) Need good job 50 people 2) Housing I can afford that is dece~t & safe A7 people 3) Help with deposits for rental 45 people 4) Transportation 33 people 5) Clean up my credit 28 p~ple As you cam sec from the list of the top five responses, thc top two mo~ most important ways to keep people from becoming or remaining homeless is the availability of good jobs and safe, decent, affordable housing. There is a shortage of affordable housing in Jackson County. These results show the need for organizations to continue to focus on workforcc development and the development of affordable housing to address these unmct needs. The third-highest need wa~ "help with deposits for rental." This is an on-going problem for low-income people and wa~ indicated in last year's homeless survey as well. Most often people find that they can afford the monthly rent, but that landlord requirements for first, last, and deposit are prohibitive. Many times these move-in costs exceed a full months worth of wages. Like the need for more rental assistance funding, there is also a clear need for move-in cost resistance in lackson County. 3 ~a[MW - Homek:~s Sur~cy Kcgort FY03.doc} 0§/02/2O03 16:09 FAX 541 664 7927 ROGL~ VLY C. OF GOV'TS ~005 Over the last several years, funding for rental assistance programs (both emergency & transitional) has decreased, especially funding for staffing these programs. Further, these programs have become increasingly focused on Serving families with chikken as opposed to single persons. However, this need has continued to increase as housing costs in the region continue to soar. The fourth-highest need wa "Transportation". QUESTION//3: Employment Status 1) Unemployed 48 people 2) Employed 28 people 3) Employed but wages are not enough 25 people 4) Fixed Income 13 people 5) Seasonal Worker 9 people QUESTION #3 ANALYSIS: The majority of the homeless persons who were surveyed are unemployed. As the . previous responses have shown, we also know that this fact ha, contributed to their homelessness. The surveys also revealed that the second largest group was those persons that are employed but wages are not enough. The third largest group was those people who are on a fixed-income. These people are d/fferent firom those who are employed and don't earn enough in that they have circumstances that reswict them from increasing their income; such as a disability. In contrast, people who are unemployed or underemployed but are able~bodied have the opporttmity to increase their sldil level, work more hours, or find other means of increasing their income. The second and third categories (employed and employed but wages are not enough) were grouped together. These responsea were grouped together because those who are employed clearly are not earning enough to meet even their most basic needs. For most of us it is difficuIt to imagine how this is possible to be employed and homeless, but none the less there are people in our community who are working but have no place to live. eja [MW - Homeless Survey Re,on FY03 aloe) 05/02/2003 16:09 FAX 541 664 7927 ROGUE VL¥ C, OF GOV'T$ HOMrq ~NES~ AND HOUSING PROJECT JACKSON COUNTY COMMUNITY SER1/ICrE CONSORTIUM 'ANNUAL JACKSON COUNTY HOMELESS SURVEY Emerge.racy Shelter~fMeai Sites G~spe. J Mission - Men C~spet Mission -Women & Ch~dren Salvation Army - Men Satv~an Am~- Wqman & Famfies w/Children ~:~n Hause :~t Marks House th STREET EOUSE Law Enforcement .O.~aniznflons. - Jackson County Jail 006 1998 1999 21~0rI 2GOl 20'02 46 43 9g 11 7 _9 a 20 18 3~ --13 36 44 45 62 Veterans [3 roctt-~ms Do~tiery ~-~ene.~i HCHV Admissions 11~ 12 2o 17 143 lo 17 '5 38 g 36 54 37, 21:12 382 387 212 5 2 25 8 12 21 q7 4 2 4 4 6 OREGON HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES Homeless Shelter Nightcount Report JACKSON County Report Sheltered Statistics Singles Statistics Singles provided emergency shelter in Shelter Facility Singles provided hotel/motel/campsite vouchers Rent/Mortgage Assistance Singles provided transitional housing Adult Adult Male Female Male Female Unknown Male Female 0-11 0-11 12-17 12-17 5 5 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 0 I 0 25 10 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals 32 19 0 0 0 I 14 Adult Adult Family Statistics Male Female Families provided emergency shelter in Shelter Facility Families provided hotel/motel/campsite vouchers Rent Mortgage Assistance Families provided transitional housing Total Total Unknown 0-5 6-11 12-17 Individuals Families 2 5 6 4 3 0 20 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 16 32 1 20 30 12 111 34 2 10 1 11 3 0 27 10 Totals 20 47 8 35 36 12 158 52 Total Individuals Adult Male Adult Female Children Unknown Total Sheltered 52 66 84 22 224 Turned Away 0 0 4 0 ~ Totals 52 66 88 22 ( 2:28'/ Eligible for Other Services Male Female Children Unknown Veterans 8 1 0 1 Farmworkers I 0 0 0 Domestic Violence 5 25 11 7 Corection Release in last 90 days 8 0 0 1 Physically Disabled 12 10 I 2 Developmentally Disabled 1 2 3 0 Psychiatrically Disabled 6 14 4 4 Substance Abuse 20 15 I 4 Dual diagnosis (Mental Health and Substance Abuse) 6 4 0 2 Version 3.0 LHN Page 1 04/14/2003 4:24:25 PM November 15, 2002 OREGON HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES Homeless Shelter Nightcount Report JACKSON County Report Nevember 15, 2002 Cause of Homelessness Child Abuse Couldn't afford rant Credit Criminal History Domestic Violence Drug/Alcohol(In Home) Drug/Alcohol (Self) Evicted Gambling Kicked Out Medical Mental Illness Poor Rental History Pregnant Property Sold Runaway Unemployed By Choice Other Unknown Families Singles (18+) 0-11 12-17 3 10 6 0 2 1 4 0 17 4 28 4 2 8 3 1 12 14 16 2 7 7 8 2 4 25 5 0 7 4 12 0 0 0 0 0 6 9 6 4 20 12 32 4 2 5 3 0 4 4 7 0 5 6 9 0 2 3 3 2 1 0 1 0 1 2 2 0 8 13 8 3 6 11 8 2 0 0 0 0 Sheltered & Turned Away Household Composition Pregnant and parenting Teen Households under 18 Single Adults and Unaccompanied youth under 18 Childless Couple Adult Single Parent Households Two Parent Family Male Female 0-11 12-17 Unknown 0 2 0 2 0 39 26 0 0 14 4 4 0 0 0 33 67 53 7 7 25 28 2O 6 I Version 3.0 LHN ' Page 2 04114/2003 4:24:26 PM November 15, 2002 OREGON HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES Homeless Shelter Nightcount Report JACKSON County Report Ne~ember 15, 2002 Age Range 0-5 6-11 12-17 18-23 24-44 45-54 55-69 70+ Unknown Male Female Unknown Total 17 20 0 37 20 16 0 36 4 11 0 15 9 16 0 25 31 38 0 69 10 7 0 17 2 5 0 7 0 0 0 0 8 14 0 22 Ethnicity Asian Black/African American Hispanic or Latino American Indian or Alaskan Native Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White Unknown Adult Adult Children Unknown Male Female 1 0 0 0 I 3 6 0 1 4 12 0 2 2 0 0 0 2 I 0 44 53 65 21 3 2 4 I Turnaways Singles Present Situation Car Hospital Street Squatting Motel/Hotel Staying W / Friends or Family Camping Other None Adult Adult Male Female 0-1l 12-17 Unknown 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Version 3.0 LHN · Page 3 04114/2003 4:24:26 PM November 15, 2002 OREGON HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES Homeless Shelter Nightcount Report JACKSON County Report November 15, 2002 Families Present Situation Adult Adult Families Male Female Children Unknown Car I 0 0 0 0 Hospital 0 0 0 0 0 Street 0 0 0 0 0 Squatting 0 0 0 0 0 Motel/Hotel 1 0 0 0 0 Staying W / Fdends or Family 2 0 1 3 0 Camping 2 2 2 4 0 Other 2 0 0 0 0 None 0 0 0 3 0 School Count Age Range Unknown K-5 7-8 9-12 In School 0-5 0 5 0 0 5 6-11 0 28 5 0 33 12-17 0 0 4 9 ~3 18-23 0 0 0 5 5 24-44 0 0 0 0 0 45-54 0 0 0 0 0 55-69 0 0 0 0 0 70+ 0 0 0 0 0 Unknown 0 0 0 0 0 Version 3.0 LHN Page 4 04/14/2003 4:24:27 PM November 15, 2002 ASHLAND STRATEGIC PLAN SOCIAL AND HUMAN SERVICES ELEMENT Mission Statement To ensure that all people in Ashland live in a safe, strong, and caring community, the City of Ashland seeks to enhance the quality of life and promote the self-reliance, growth, and development of people. To these ends, the City of Ashland will strive to provide resources and services to meet basic human needs ..... Overview and Philosophy Central to the attainment of this mission are a series of commitments and strategies to ensure that the City of Ashland will be characterized as a safe and healthy community. We value a community in which citizens are free to grow, to be safe within their person and family, and to join forces in the collaborative caring for one another. The City of Ashland, as a government institution, is charged with promoting the general welfare. The status of the general welfare is severely diminished when there are those in the community who are ill with treatable conditions, but for the price of treatment, remain untreated; those who lack food and shelter, but for the price such necessities, who remain homeless and hungry. Every such circumstance diminishes the strength and functionality of the community, and erodes the ability of children to learn, of adults to work, parents to parent and seniors to remain independent. Critical first steps toward the attainment of a safe and healthy community reside in the creation and support of a collaborative community wide safety net. When one thinks of providing a safety net one thinks first of any critical, life-or-death needs which might be provided to a person to protect against undue suffering or an inhumane response from neighbors. Specifically, a safe and healthy community: · Offers its residents drug-free schools, workplaces, and community centers, while creating capacities for the prevention and treatment of chemical dependency; · Is characterized by citizens who are not afraid to venture from their homes at night, and parents who are assured that their children are safe from negative influences that promote crime, substance abuse, or violence; · Is characterized by the affordable and accessible presence of primary and preventative health care services which in turn support a healthy workforce and reduce adolescent pregnancies, infant mortality, disability, and the spread of communicable diseases; · Is one that provides an essential safety net of effective and responsible emergency assistance to those who are unable to feed or shelter their families and who are confronted with situations they cannot alleviate by themselves; · Supports the development of families through such programs as parenting education, affordable housing, quality childcare, crisis intervention, victims' assistance, and senior services; · Is one that affords justice, and equal access to justice, to each of its members in a continuous effort to break the cycle of poverty, stabilize and strengthen the ability of parents to care for their children, obtain safe and affordable housing, facilitate safe working conditions, defend against consumer fraud, and protect the frail and vulnerable from abuse. As the City of Ashland moves along a continuum which focuses on self-sufficiency, the tools for self- sufficiency must be included within the context of the community's safety net. There is no person who will achieve true self-sufficiency if denied timely, continuous, and affordable access to needed treatments, interventions, advocacy, and skill-building. For these reasons, beneficiaries of the community's safety net hold ethical obligations for personal advancement along a progressive continuum toward self-sufficiency (unless otherwise constrained by disability or vulnerability). The Role of the City of Ashland The City of Ashland plays a strategic and pro-active role in facilitating a safe and healthy community by: Providing leadership in community forums in which safety, health, livability, and quality of life are discussed or debated. Enacting a responsible public policy that: 1) Safeguards strategic partnerships with charitable providers of safety net services; 2) Remains mindful of potential negative or unintended outcomes; 3) Invites the counsel of community professionals who are actively involved in the delivery of safety net services when contemplating relevant public policy. · Encouraging true collaboration, rewarding a dedication to and focus on mission, and discouraging unnecessary duplication of service or effort; · Establishing clear definitions and priorities for safety net services and allocating public resources in accordance with those priorities; GOAL # 1: PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE AND COORDINATED SYSTEM OF SERVICES TO ADDRESS PEOPLE INNEED POLICIES: (1-1) Identify opportunities to achieve a broad spectrum of integrated community services that provides for all residents by helping eliminate identified barriers associated with collaboration such as liability insurance, ways to mitigate obstacles to information exchange among agencies, ways to overcome "turfdom" and fears of budget invasion and the creation of a streamlined, performance based contracting system that rapidly identifies changes in the community and responds with innovative projects. (1-2) Create a consistent database of information on local service needs, successful program solutions to human and social service problems, and sources of funding for human and social service programs. (1-3) Assist older Ashlanders, through the Senior Program, in achieving an opportunity for employment free from discriminatory practices because of age; suitable housing; an appropriate level of physical and mental health services; ready access to effective social services; appropriate institutional care when required; information about available supportive services; and supportive services which enable elderly persons to remain in their homes. (1-4) Ensure that the needs of low income individuals are considered in the planning for public housing, community services, and fees for development. (1-5) (1-6) Identify opportunities to develop creative partnerships with service organizations that could include technical assistance, staff development, co-sponsorship of programs and development of new revenue sources. Play a leadership role in the creation of a "City of Ashland Operating Foundation for a Safe and Healthy Community." GOAL # 2: ENSURE THAT THE ALLOCATION OF PROGRAM FUNDING IS FAIR~ OBJECTIVE AND CONSISTENT. POLICIES: (2-1) Allocate public resources, from within the City's general fund, in an amount set by resolution, for the direct support of essential safety net services. In recognition of the reality that the costs associated with the provision of essential safety net services increase on an annual basis, give due consideration in the City's budget process to matters pertaining to inflation indexes, environmental factors which may contribute to increased demand for services, and compensation rates (livable wages) paid to social service employees. (2-2) Allocate, as permissible by the CDBG Block Grant process, on an annual basis, fifteen percent (15%) of categorical CDBG resources for the direct support of qualifying safety net services. (2-3) Expend through the City's budget process, resources allocated from the City's General Fund and the proportional share of CDBG funds, in the charitable, private not-for-profit sector for the provision of safety net services such as: (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Temporary, emergency food and shelter; Substance abuse education, prevention and treatment; The preservation of dignity and equal access to justice; Primary and preventive health care services; Critical supportive services for families, seniors and victims. GOAL #3: ENSURE THAT FUNDED PROGRAMS DIRECTLY ADDRESS CHANGING PRIORITIES AND ARE ADMINISTERED IN AN EFFECTIVE AND COST-EFFICIENT MANNER POLICIES: O-1) Ensure that the City consults with local agency officials in the design, delivery and evaluation of services, by establishing an Ad Hoc Human Services Task Force with its primary focus on working on the implementation of Policies 1-2, 3-2 and 3-3 and related human services planning and management issues. (3-2) Develop and adopt techniques for analyzing and measuring the equity of outcomes and benefits of services delivery which can be integrated into planning, evaluation and budgeting components. Programs should be evaluated on the basis of well defined performance standards that relate to program administration and participant development, in addition to the basis of numbers served or placed. (3-3) Develop a format for presentations to the Budget Committee, to be made every 3-4 years, which utilize the results of the monitoring framework outlined in Policy 3-2. National Law Center On Homelessness and Poverty Myths and Facts about Homelessness It is a tragic aspect of our culture that homeless people, in addition to suffering from the hardship of their condition, are subjected to alienation and discrimination by mainstream society. It is even more tragic that alienation and discrimination often spring from incorrect myths and stereotypes which surround homelessness. The following examines some of the myths and the realities about homelessness. Arrest Records of Homeless People Myth: Homeless people commit more violent crimes than housed people. Fact: Homeless people actually commit less violent crimes than housed people. Dr. Pamela Fischer, of Johns Hopkins University, studied the 1983 arrest records in Baltimore and found that although homeless people were more likely to commit non-violent and non- destructive crimes, they were actually less likely to commit crimes against person or property.! The report findings are summarized in the following table. % of crimes against person or % of all other types of property Grimes 2_,rimes committed by homeless 25% 75% ;)eople 0,rimes committed by non- 35% 65% ~omeless people The Magnet Theory Myth: Setting up services for homeless people will cause homeless people from all around to migrate to a city. Fact: Studies have shown that homeless people do not migrate for services. To the extent they do move to new areas, it is because they are searching for work, have family in the area, or other reasons not related to services. A recent study found that 75% of homeless people are still living in the city in which they became homeless.-2 Myths and Facts about Homelessness - Page I of I The Chronic Theory Myth: Homeless people are a fixed population who are usually homeless for long periods of time. Fact: The homeless population is quite diverse in terms of their length of homelessness and the number of times they cycle in and out of homelessness. Research on the length of homelessness states that 40% of homeless people have been homeless less than six months, and that 70% of homeless people have been homeless less than two years.-3 Other research on the length of homelessness has identified three primary categories of homeless people: transitionally homeless who have a single episode of homelessness lasting an average of 58 days, · episodically homeless who have four to five episodes of homelessness lasting a total of 265 days, · chronically homeless who have an average of two episodes, lasting a total of 650 days.4 Homeless Population Demographics Myth: Homeless people are mostly single men. Fact: Families constitute a large and growing percentage of the homeless population. A recent study found that families comprise 38% of the urban homeless population.-~ Other research finds that homeless families comprise the majority of homeless people in rural areas.-6 Employment Myth: Homeless people don't work and get most of their money from public assistance programs. Fact: Homeless people do work, and a relatively small percentage of them receive government assistance. A nationwide study by the Urban Institute in 1987 found that only 20% of 1,704 homeless people received AFDC, GA, or SSI.z A study done in Chicago found that 39% of homeless people interviewed had worked for some time during the previous month.-~ Myths and Facts about Homelessness - Page 2 of 2 Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Myth: All homeless people are mentally ill or substance abusers. Fact: Around a quarter of homeless people are mentally ill, and about 40% are alcohol or substance abusers, with around 15% suffering both disabilities. Koegel has researched the prevalence of mental illness among the homeless population and found "between 20% and 25% of those homeless people studied have at some time experienced severe and often extremely disabling mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and the major affective disorders (clinical depression or bipolar disorder)? James Wright, of Tulane University, has studied the prevalence of alcohol and other drug abuse among the homeless population. He finds that 38% of homeless people are alcohol abusers, as opposed to 10% of the general population. He furthermore finds that 13% of homeless people are drug abusers.~ The Center for Mental Health Services states that betweeenl0 and 20% of homeless people suffer "co-occurring severe mental and substance use disorders.''~ 1. James Wright, Memo to NLCHP: Transiency of Homeless Substance Abusers I (Mamh 11, 1997) 2. Martha Burr, What We Know About Helping the Homeless and What It Means For HUD's Homeless Programs Testimony presented to the Housing and Community Development Subcommittee of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives 1 (March 5, 1997). 3. Dennis Culhane, Testimony presented to the Housing and Community Development Subcommittee of the Pamela Fischer, Criminal Activity Among the Homeless: A Study of Arrests in Baltimore 49 (January, 1988). 4. Banking and Financial Institutions Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, Figure 3 (Mamh 5, 1997). 5. U.S. Conference of Mayors, A Status Report on Hunger and Homelessness in America's Cities:1996 (1996) 6. Yvonne Vissing, Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Homeless Children and Families in Small Town Ame#ca, 1996 (1996). 7. Martha Burr and Cohen, America's Homeless: Numbers, Characteristics, and Programs that Serve Them 43 (1989). 8. Peter Rossi, Down and Out in America 40 (1989). 9. Paul Koegel, Causes ofHomelessness, Homelessness in America 31 (1996). 10. James Wright, Homelessness and Health 68 (1987). 11. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Integrating Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Homeless People with Co- Occurring Mental and Substance Use Disorders 1. Myths and Facts about Homelessness - Page 3 of 3 Training Curriculum for HCH Outreach Workers National HCH Council, Inc. January 2002 NLCHP - About the Law Center Page 1 of 2 Housing Income Education Civil Rights Homelessness and Poverty in America About the Law Center The National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty was established in June 1989. It is governed by a nine-member board of directors that includes lawyers, activists, researchers, and homeless and formerly homeless people. Based in Washington, D.C., the Law Center works with a wide variety of groups around the country. The mission of the Law Center is to alleviate, ameliorate and end homelessness by serving as the legal arm of the nationwide movement to end homelessness. To achieve its mission, the Law Center pursues three main strategies: impact litigation, policy advocacy, and public education. To amplify the work of its small staff, the Law Center relies on interns, volunteers, and the pro bono assistance of the private bar. The Law Center strives to place homelessness in the larger context of poverty. By taking this approach, the Law Center aims to address homelessness as a very visible manifestation of deeper causes: the shortage of affordable housing, insufficient income, and inadequate social services. The Law Center presses for solutions that address the causes of homelessness, not just its symptoms. The Law Center was established by Maria Foscarinis, a former Wall Street lawyer working to address homelessness at the national level since 1985. c s B o E I Legal Notice I Privacy Statement I About the Photos I Ot.h Copyright © NLCHP 2002 http://www.nlchp.org/about/ 5/27/03 RESOLUTION NO. 86- ~ A RESOLUTION ADOPTING AS CITY POLICY THE FUNDING OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES WHEREAS, the City Council has in past years funded a number of health and social services through the City Budget with funds from Federal Revenue Sharing monies;--~nd WHEREAS, it appears that Federal Revenue Sharing monies will not be available in the future; and WHEREAS, the Mayor has appointed a committee on Community Health Care and Future Social Needs which has concluded that the City should continue to fund certain Health and Social programs; and WHEREAS, the Council, adopts the recommendations of the Mayor's Committee insofar as it recommends said funding; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that the funding of health care and social service needs is an important City function which contributes to the health and well being of the citizens of Ashland. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: It is hereby declared to be the policy of the City of Ashland to fund in future years from the General Fund, health and social services needs of the type currently being funded in fiscal year 1986-87 by the City of Ashland in an amount at least equal to $46,644., expressed in 1986 dollars, adjusted for inflation. The foregoing Resolution was READ and DULY ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Ashland on the ~ day of ~/L~,.~J , 1986. Nan E. Franklin City Recorder SIGNED and APPROVED this ~/~-'~ day of ~~ ~Y~-~- {i{ --- 1986 B.~ Gordon gedaris ~ayor 0 O~ CO IX~ , O~ 0 0 CO 0 ~ CO ~ 0 PO , 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 CC} 0 ~ O0 0 ~ 0 O0 0 0 ~ 0 ~ ~ (:~ ~ 0 0 0 -c~ b -c.~ :-.I ~z~ -.~. o o -co , 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~ ~ o o o-~ o o-, ~ 0 0 0 C,,,ll 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 C~ 0 0 '~1 0 ~ , ~ , 0 Co 0 ~.1 0 0 0 0 '~l 0 0 O~ 0 0 0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 C~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 CONTINUUM OF CARE STRATEGIC PLAN JACKSON COUNTY, OREGON March, 2002 By the Jackson County Homeless Task Force of the Jackson County Community Services Consortium Post Office Box 755 Medford, OR 97501 CONTENTS OVERVIEW OF THE CONTINUUM OF CARE 5 Background of The Jackson County Homeless Task Force 5 Purpose 6 Mission Statement 6 Vision 6 WHO ARE THE HOMELESS JACKSON COUNTY? Numbers People Homeless Adults with Disabilities Veterans Homeless Youth Homeless Single Adults without Children Homeless Families 7 7 7 7 9 9 10 10 WHAT ARE THE ROOT CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS IN JACKSON COUNTY? Chronic Unemployment and Underemployment Low Wage Jobs Without Benefits Low Fixed Incomes Shortage of Affordable Housing Shortage of Accessible Affordable Housing Education Issues Health Issues 14 Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Domestic Violence Poor Credit Histories Loss of Housing Due to Eviction 12 12 12 13 13 13 14 15 16 16 16 HOW THE CONTINUUM OF CARE MEETS THE NEEDS 17 The Role of The Non-profit in The Continuum of Care 17 Community Volunteer's Role -- 18 Role of The Government 18 Federal Government 19 State of Oregon 19 Jackson County 19 Municipal Governments 19 Council of Governments 20 WHO PROVIDES THE HOUSING, SHELTER AND SERVICES? Providers of Permanent Housing Non-profits Public (Quasi-Governmental) Providers Transitional Housing Emergency Shelter Supportive Services Non-profits Mainstream Governmental Agencies 20 20 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 JACKSON COUNTY 2002 CONTINUUM OF CARE PLAN 23 Introduction 23 FIVE YEAR STRATEGIES 23 Homeless Citizen Advisory Council 23 Emergency Shelter/Transitional Housing Subcommittee 23 Veterans Subcommittee 24 Homeless Youth Subcommittee 24 Accessible Affordable Housing Subcommittee 24 Systems Subcommittee 24 2002 ANNUAL ACTION STEPS FOR CONTINUUM OF CARE SUBCOMMITTEES Emergency Shel ter/Transitional 25 Homeless Veterans Subcommittee Homeless Youth Subcommittee Accessible Affordable Housing Subcommittee Systems Subcommittee (Core Work Group) 25 Housing 27 28 30 34 APPENDICES A-11 A-II A-III A-IV A-V 35 2002 Gaps Analysis- Jackson County Homeless Task Force 2002 Homeless Survey- Jackson County Homeless Task Force 2001 Annual [24-Houri Homeless Count- Homelessness.and Housing Project 2001 Medford Oregon Program Planning Study- The Salvation Army 1999 Accessible Affordable Housing Survey- Accessible. Affordable Housing Work Group JACKSON COUNTY, OREGON, CONTINUUM OF CARE PLAN March 2002 OVERVIEW OF THE CONTINUUM OF CARE Background of the Jackson County Homeless Task Force: In 1989, the Jackson County Community Service Consortium's Homelessness & Housing Project (currently The Homeless Task Force) began addressing issues facing homeless citizens. It held a community forum on affordable housing in 1990. A report was issued and a plan designed to begin coordinating efforts and establishing a networking group to address on-going issues ofhomelessness. This group also developed a model for an Annual Homeless Survey, with data collection beginning in 1989 and continuing to date. In 1995 the strategic plan of Senior Disability Services of Rogue Valley Council of Governments identified accessible, affordable housing for people with disabilities as the number one priority. The Accessible Affordable Housing Work Group was formed to address this issue in 1996. One of its first projects was a survey of all subsidized housing complexes in Jackson County to determine the number and variety of accessible units available, with a follow-up informational mailing to apartment managers. The group, comprised of representatives from a variety of community agencies, sponsored a conference in 1997 to address the issues of accessible affordable housing. After a field trip to Portland to assess models of housing for people with disabilities, including shared-caregiver models, the group began efforts to create permanent housing for very low income people with disabilities in Medford and surrounding areas. A community-wide survey of people with disabilities, carried out in 1999, identified housing needs and preferences for the population. In March of 2001, the local Community Action Agency announced new funding opportunities. targeting the homeless disabled through the HUD/McKinney Act. Subsequently, the Homelessness & Housing Project combined forces with the Accessible Affordable Housing Workgroup to form the Homeless Task Force, under the auspices of the Jackson County Community Services Consortium. This new community partnership has led to the Continuum of Care planning process for public and non-profit providers of homeless services. Upon completion of the Continuum of Care planning process, this group will be tasked with promoting future applications, with a ranking and review process in place. Meanwhile, the Home At Last 2001 grant request has been awarded by HUD, through its McKinney/Vento funding process, to provide permanent supported housing to persons with disabilities in Jackson County and will begin operation in the Spring of 2002. An on-going project for homeless and runaway teens, the HART program of Community Works was submitted as a renewal application. Purpose: The Jackson County, Oregon, Continuum of Care Plan was developed as the result of a community-wide strategic planning process in Fall and Winter of 2001, with the express purpose of giving non-profit and government agency providers a "road map" of actions to follow in reducing homelessness in Jackson County. The Plan is the result of a concerted effort by numerous agencies and individuals who met to develop a common understanding of the needs of the homeless and to agree upon a coordinated plan to improve housing and services for homeless citizens. It is hoped that this Plan will not only guide such efforts, but will provide social services agencies with useful information to help them in developing resources for other persons in the community who are low income and at-risk of becoming homeless. Mission Statement: The mission of the Jackson County, Oregon, Homeless Task Force is to eliminate homelessness and its root causes because no one should be homeless. Vision: The Jackson County Homeless Task Force envisions a system of care that: Responds to the human need of homelessness, without discrimination: The Jackson County Homeless Task Force will respond to the homeless population through strategic outreach, individual assessment, relevant referrals, meaningful placement and personal follow-up. Moves homeless people toward self-sufficiency: The Jackson County Homeless Task Force will help move the homeless population to self-sufficiency and empowerment. Integrates services directed toward self-sufficiency: The Jackson County Homeless Task Force will provide an integrated continuum of services based on interagency collaboration, networking and referral - all directed toward the best interest of the homeless person. Reflects collaboration between public and private human service agencies: The Jackson County Homeless Task Force will collaborate at all levels of service to ensure the sustainability of resources (fiscal, personnel and property), the coverage of needs, and an honest forum of communication. WHO ARE THE HOMELESS IN JACKSON COUNTY? Numbers The Annual Jackson County [24~houri Homeless Survey counts individuals who report themselves as being homeless at the time they receive services from a local-~ency during a 24 hour period. In 2001, the Survey showed a total of 880 homeless individuals. The 2001 Jackson County Gaps Analysis showed an estimated unmet need for single men and women in shelter beds to be 3; transitional housing, 33; permanent supportive housing, 266; permanent affordable housing, 271. For persons in families with children the gap in emergency shelter beds was 5; transitional shelter, 60; permanent supportive housing, 5; permanent affordable housing, 121. Through a phone survey, the Shelter/Transitional Housing Subcommittee of the Continuum of Care found there are up to 311 emergency and transitional beds to serve the needs of the homeless in Jackson County. (Emergency shelter: 118 for single men; 30 for women; families 71. Transitional: 49. Residential treatment: 43) The phone survey found that shelters turn away 20-28 families each month; 10 single men and no single women are reported to be turned away in a month. There is a 24 to 30 person waiting list for residential substance abuse treatment. There are only two detox beds, located at Genesis Recovery, which are available in the community outside of the hospital emergency room and county jail. Additional Recent Relevant SUrveys: The following is a list of additional surveys which have been carried out within the last three years. The complete results or summaries of all surveys can be found in the appendices at the end of this document. 2002 Homeless Survey - Jackson County Homeless Task Force 2001 Medford Oregon Program Planning Study - The Salvation Army 1999 Accessible Affordable Housing Survey- Accessible Affordable Housing Work Group People Homeless Adults with Disabilities: A very high percentage of homeless individuals have some sort of disability-physical, mental or both. The disability often contributes to the person's being homeless by preventing the individual from working and earning sufficient income to pay for housing or by causing the individual to be a poor tenant and eventually evicted. Physical and mental disabilities are often coupled with substance abuse, leading to an even greater tendency towards instability which, in turn, leads to homelessness. People with disabilities often have no or very low incomes. A newly disabled person applying for Social Security benefits could wait from six months to two years to be approved. In the meanwhile the person receives General Assistance of $314 a month. It is almost impossible to maintain housing of any kind on that low income in the Rogue Valley. Some individuals cope with that situation by living in a low-end motel for three weeks and on the street for the fourth week of each month. The primary agency serving persons with disabilities in Jackson County is the Disability Services Office (DSO), which is a state agency. Disability Services provides a wide range of services, which include Food Stamps, Medicaid, a state cash assistance program for persons awaiting approval from Social Security for disability benefits, in-home help with activities of daily living, foster care, assisted living, nursing home and other supportive s~e_rvices as needed and as money allows. DSO case managers work closely with the staffs of Jackson County Mental Health, Jackson County Developmental Disability Services and DASIL (a grass roots advocacy organization for persons with disabilities). Clients are referred to many non-profit service providers in the area for a wide variety of resources. There are currently about 3,500 disabled persons receiving assistance through the Disability Services Office. On any given day 5 of the approximately 50 people who walk into the office for help are there because they are homeless or are on the verge ofhomelessness. Lack of affordable, accessible housing was identified as the number one priority of the Advisory group for the agency. Services which the office can provide to assist persons who are homeless include placement in a supported living situation if the person meets criteria, advocacy with landlords and referrals to Legal Services who represent our clients who are in the eviction process. For a small group of clients, with no income and who meet the criteria, the branch offers assistance with security deposits and cash assistance. Jackson County Mental Health assists those persons in the community with mental illness. Mental Health provides case management services, supported living situations, respite care and advocacy services and money management for persons whose homelessness is related to mental illness. Psychiatrists and psychologists administer medication and therapy. Developmental Disability Services assists those persons in Jackson County who are developmentally disabled. They provide case management, money management and supportive services to the developmentally disabled. Additionally, they contract with private agencies to provide supported living situations, self directed support dollars and in-home help. DASIL is our local Independent Living Center. They provide advocacy, assistance in completing forms and applications, eg., Housing Authority and Social Security, and assistance in finding affordable rentals in our local community. DASIL will be the agency who will be providing the staff support for the Home At Last program which will provide permanent supported housing for people with disabilities once the funding is received from HUD. Publically funded (Oregon Health Plan) substance abuse treatment for homeless individuals is provided by OnTrack, Inc., on an out-patient basis. Addictions Recovery Center provides a limited nUmber of in-patient beds, as does the Salvation Army, working with Genesis Recovery program of Asante Health System. As far as services for homeless people with disabilities, it should be noted that in Jackson County there are no emergency shelter beds for women which are wheelchair accessible, and there are only two accessible men's beds. Beginning in Spring 2002, the Home At Last program will provide permanent supportive housing for homeless people with disabilities. Veterans: Nationwide, data reflect that approximately 35% of the homeless are Veterans. However, the annual Jackson County Homeless Survey demonstrates, from 1989 to 2001, a higher density population of homeless veterans locally, ranging between 45 and 50%. Additionally, 60 to 65% of the homeless veterans surveyed locally stated they had a physical and/or ~m_ental disability. Special programs have been initiated in Jackson County to serve homeless veterans, i.e., the Department of Veteran Affairs Domiciliary at White City, provides in-patient and out-patient medical and psychiatric services, as well as an active outreach program. A special "Stand Down" event occurs annually, serving approximately 600 homeless veterans in one weekend. Despite these special programs available locally, housing has always represented a gap in services. Fixed incomes and few fully-subsidized, affordable accessible units make transition into permanent housing difficult. Homeless Youth: The homeless youth population in Jackson County is characterized by six main groups (organized by whether or not they are eligible and/or willing to receive help, and by special factors such as pregnancy.) Runaways and other homeless youth, age 16 to 22, who accept transitional housing/ supportive services to help them be self-sufficient: The Homeless and Runaway Teen (HART) program of Community Works serves 70-75 a year throUgh its Transitional Living Program. For this group, the needs are high, but are being served for the youth who request help. Runaways and other homeless youth under the age of 16, who have urgent basic needs and are not involved with state social services program: The Streetwise program of Community Works is their only resource because they are too young to receive transitional living services. The needs of this group are very high. The community must face the needs of children who can only receive food and a sleeping bag and be turned back to the street because they are too young to receive services legally. Runaways and other homeless youth 16-22, who refuse transitional living services, but have urgent needs for food, clothing, other basic needs: Streetwise serves these youth. (The program lost its Medford site in 2001, and South Medford High School staff reports that students she would have referred to Streetwise now have no resources at all for basic needs.) The needs are high because there are many more homeless youth than are being served. More outreach is needed, and a drop-in center in Medford as well as Ashland. pregnant and parenting teens in public school but on their own (more than 200 a year, as young as 13): Their needs are high, but the teens who request help are presently being served by: · North and South Medford High case managers · Cross Roads Alternative School (part of Community Works) · Magdalen Shelter (run by Sacred Heart, Junior League, and the Community Development Corp.) Homeless youth who are in public or alternative high school, but on their own: Their needs are high, but the teens who request help are presently being served by: · North and South Medford High case managers · Cross Roads Alternative School Youth 11 to 17 in need of emergency shelter, referred by social services agencies: The needs will be served when the new Jackson County Youth Shelter opens in March 2002. Homeless Single Adults without Children: Many individuals who are homeless fall through the cracks of all the standard programs. They are single women and men without children. Single women have a particularly difficult time being homeless. Homeless women are often less visible than men because they cover up their true situations in order to maintain the appearance of normalcy. Some women are victims of domestic violence, released from the safe home, unable to return to their former situation, who have no other options. Single women without children are not eligible for money from the domestic violence grant. Some find themselves h Jlg-~alone as the result of divorce or the death of their husband, with no resources for the first time in their lives, nor job skills to help them survive. When they reach the end of their stay at the emergency shelter they have no w~~o. Homeless women are particularly vulnerable to being victimized. One agency/CERVS./reports being contacted by 2-3 single women each day who do not have a disability or bs~_La~ at;use problem. The numbers of women in the latter two categories are higher, are not on many receive income much Statistics available how based on their disability. CERVS currently has transitional shelter capacity for three to five single women. The remainder are put on a waiting list and then referred to the Women's Mission for a ten-day stay. The Women's Mission reports that 20 to 25 of their 45 beds are filled with single women at any one time. Some homeless men and women are actually working, but have lost their place of residence due to a financial crisis which could not be handled with their minimum wage income. They may be sleeping in their cars or under the bridge. Having no children, they do not qualify for TANF; having no long term disability, they do not qualify for Social Security benefits. A certain percentage of homeless people (9.4% of the 2002 Homeless Survey) say they are able- bodied and homeless by choice. One provider asks the question, "How many who say they are homeless "by choice," have actually been disabled by the state ofhomelessness, i.e., a psychosis formed by being out of one's known environment?" In general, there are many more emergency resources available for single men than women. There are 30 emergency shelter beds available for single women and 118 beds for single men in the Medf°rd area. All are served by four soup kitchens: two operate seven days a week, two operate once a week and one of them is for teens. Homeless Families: In Jackson County, both working families and families on public assistance become homeless. There are many factors which cause this phenomenon, but poverty is the highest cause. In this area, rents are high relative to the average wage. Ifa family is paying 50% or more of its income 10 on rents, any emergency can lead to late payments and, ultimately, to loss of housing. Homeless families can turn to a range of resources. The local branch of Oregon Community Human Services provides TANF to families which qualify, Medicaid health care through Oregon Health Plan, medical transportation, Food Stamps, and a range of Welfare-to-Work services. Families are referred to community non-profit agencies for food boxes, vouchers for clothing and household goods, transportation assistance and alcohol and drug treatment. Families are encouraged to get on the waiting list at the Housing Authority of Jackson County for housing vouchers and subsidized housing. The following shelter beds/transitional housing programs are available for families: Salvation Army has five family units. Families can stay from 30 to 60 days. Community Works can house 3 families (parenting teens) for up to 18 months. Saint Marks Episcopal Church and Zion Lutheran Church and CERVS have two houses. St Marks serves from four to six families; Zion serves six individuals. Both have on-site managers who are also in transition. Saint Vincent de Paul houses up to five families. OnTrack houses moms and children and dads with children during substance abuse treatment. Occasionally, churches provide vouchers for families to be sheltered in motels on an emergency basis. During the winter homeless families in Ashland may participate in a rotating shelter between churches. WHAT ARE THE ROOT CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS IN JACKSON COUNTY? "Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked .... Being poor means being an illness, an accident, or a paycheck away from living on the streets." (National Coalition for the Homeless Fact Sheet ltl, June 1999) Chronic Unemployment and Underemployment: During the recession of Winter 2001-2002, Oregon had the highest unemployment of any state in the country, 9.6%. Inadequate job skills and/or education level for area's economic needs; unresolved and/or undiagnosed health issues; substance abuse issues ranging from self-medication to addiction; inadequate public transportation; lack of living wage jobs; poor economy, overall. In the 2002 Continuum of Care Homeless Survey, 47 out of 117 respondents (40%) reported loss of employment or other income as the cause of their homeless situation. Once a person becomes homeless, the barriers to finding employment are increased significantly. Without access to a phone or car, a job search is sincerely handicapped. Lack of access to showers and appropriate clothing impacts interview success. For families with small children, the need for childcare inhibits the search process. Low Wage Jobs Without Benefits: Employment opportunities are eroding, even in a booming economy. Facts: "stagnant or falling incomes and less secure jobs which offer fewer, if any, benefits" (National Council for the Homeless, June 1999) are forcing adults with families to work for two or more employers in order to make enough money to meet basic human needs (housing, food, transportation). A 2001 report by Southem Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SOREDI) showed that because the highest proportion of jobs in this area are in the retail and service industries, there are more part time workers than full time. This leads to one of the lowest Annual Earnings per Worker in the country (Jackson County ranked 237 out of 318 cities surveyed.). The 1997 Jackson County "Report on Poverty" reported that 47% of the local population is living below the median income and paying more that 50% of their income for rent. The most recent census data we have shows that in 1990, 76% of Jackson County low- income renters paid more than 30% of income for rent. (Oregon Progress Board's 2001 County Data Book.) The economy is a major underlying factor ofhomelessness. BASIC HUMAN NEEDS become reduced to commodity form and relegated to the Market. The real cost to society is found in the assault on society, the breakdown of institutions that support society, and human quality of life. 12 Low Fixed Incomes: People with disabilities, seniors and families on TANF all receive fixed incomes, which are substantially below poverty level. Other benefits, such as Food Stamps, Oregon Health Plan, child care and housing subsidy assist them to survive. However, any increase in a benefit in one area, causes a reduction in income or subsidies in another area. It is extremely difficult for a person dependent on "the system" to cover their housing needs. A person with a disability who receives SSI may never break out of the cycle of poverty. A disabled person waiting to be approved for SSI receives General Assistance of only $314 a month. There is virtually no housing available in this area at 30% of a GA grant. Median income for the area is $41,900 a year (HUD, December, 2001): a person on SSI receives $6,600 a year. To qualify for the Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid health coverage) a one-person family is limited to $698 per month. Shortage of Affordable Housing: Jackson County is the 5th least affordable place to live in the United, based on the median cost of housing vs. the median income. (National Assoc. of Home Builders, Medford Mail Tribune, March, 1999) The phenomenon of declining affordability is driven, in part, by upward pressures on housing prices, due to high in-migration of wealthy individuals. People who routinely pay more than 30% of their take home pay on rent are extremely vulnerable to crisis - even a small one - which can place them and their families on the street. People with d. isabilities and recipients of other forms of fixed income often pay 50% or more of their incomes for housing. In addition they are especially challenged by the high move-in costs (first and last months rent, plus security deposit). Statewide, the Hunger Factors Survey 2000 (Oregon Food Bank Network and Child Welfare Partnership at Portland State University) showed that of emergency food recipients, 50% of households paid more than 47% of their income on housing, 30% paid over 70% on housing, and 27% had to move within the previous two years to find affordable housing. "According to a study by the National Low-income Housing Coalition, Oregon's affordable housing wage is $11.67 per hour." A further barrier to finding appropriate housing in Jackson County is the extremely low vacancy rate in rentals Overall. The vacancy rate currently (early 2002) is calculated at 3.8% by the Southern Oregon Renters Association. Shortage of Accessible Affordable Housing: People with accessibility needs, due to disability, meet further barriers when it comes to finding housing that accommodates their requirements. Of 205 respondents to a 1999 survey of low income people with disabilities, 116 listed affordability as their main barrier to finding and maintaining housing; 21 listed accessibility. (June 1999 Survey done by Accessible Affordable Housing Work Group) A 1997 survey of subsidized housing complexes showed that, while most met the bare minimum requirement for numbers of accessible units, and some went beyond wheel chair accessibility to include accommodation for blind or deaf residents, the number of accessible affordable units was 13 not large. The wait list system of the Housing Authority creates a system in which accessible units are permitted to be leased to non-disabled people, thus further reducing the pool of available units. At the time an accessible unit becomes vacant, the wait list will be scanned for people requesting an accessible apartment. If the disabled applicant's family size does not match the bedroom size the unit will go to a non-disable51 tenant. However, when a disabled family does meet the bedroom size, the current not-disabled tenant must move, making available the accessible unit for the disabled family. The Housing Authority has received special vouchers for people with disabilities; however, if accessible housing stock is not available in the community and the person does not have the financial ability to modify a home, the person with the voucher is out of luck. The Accessible Affordable Housing Subcommittee of the Continuum of Care is working to raise the general awareness among housing providers of the need for accessible or adaptable units. Education Issues: Just as low levels of education are linked to poverty, they are linked to homelessness. Individuals who drop out of high school are more likely to have low-paying jobs, and are therefore more susceptible to a declining economy and rising costs. Successful school completion is more difficult in Jackson County than the rest of Oregon. Statistics released in January, 2002, show that Jackson County's overall dropout rate declined in 2001 to 6.7% from the previous year's 7.22%. However, this rate is still higher that the state average of 5.25%. Some schools in Jackson County had rates as high as 10.4%. (Medford Mail Tribune, January 18, 2002) Dropout figures do not reflect the number of youth who earned GEDs, for whom "life prospects ... are closer to those of a high school dropout." In 1999 only 67% of Oregon students graduated, compared with 74% nationwide. Youth who are homeless have special difficulty completing high school. ("Characteristics of Youth Population Served"/ILP, 1999, referenced in "Has Oregon Failed its Teens?," MDT Quarterly, January 2002). __Programs offered in K-12 and even at college and university levels are not adequate to address the impacts of poverty on a student's ability to benefit from academic instruction. Also, those programs continue to be reduced and/or eliminated as part of the Oregon State budget crisis. Access to higher education continues to become more costly - even for students with competitive academic histories. Under-educated adults with families have even greater challenges accessing whatever programs are available. Pregnant and parenting teens have severe challenges to complete their education. The cycle of poverty continues as poor families are increasingly marginalized from the benefits of a business-oriented society. Health Issues: Unmet medical needs lead to chronic illness. People living in poverty can become chronically "un-healthy," making them even more susceptible to acute illness and disease for which they do not have the means to obtain adequate medical treatment. The working 14 poor, some of whom are homeless, often are forced to access health care through the hospital Emergency Room. One of Medford's two large hospitals reports that during FY 2000-2001, 5400 patients (17% of all patients) were "private pay," with no insurance. The majority of those were considered indigent. Cumulative affects of poverty can include: long periods of poor nutrition, un- and under- treated injuries and illnesses, untreated mental illness, self-medicatiori-with alcohol and/or drugs for depression, pain and boredom. All these effects impact a person's ability to strive to survive. The lack of Universal Health Care puts a much larger burden on society then the actual dollar costs of preventive health care, itself. In addition, the lack of a place to live, itself, can prevent a person from receiving medical procedures that require ongoing aftercare. People with physical and/or mental disabilities make up a large portion of the homeless population of Jackson County. In the 2001 Homeless Survey, 24.8% of respondents listed medical issues or pregnancy as causing their homelessness, 12% listed mental illness. The disability often contributes to the fact that the individual becomes homeless to begin with and the disability is then often exacerbated by the person's homeless status. The un- and under-diagnosed populations are the result of no insurance, or restricted benefits for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) recipients. At the state level 42% of households receiving food boxes reported that one member was working, however, only 16% of those households had employer-sponsored health care. Of the more that 3000 households surveyed, 25% had no health care coverage at all. Sixteen per cent of households with children had no coverage for them. Only 51% of respondents had family members who were covered by the Oregon Health Plan. (Hunger Factors Survey 2000, Oregon Food Bank Network and Child Welfare Partnership at Portland State University). Substance Abuse and Mental Illness: Every stage along the Continuum of Care is impacted by the fact that a high proportion of homeless individuals suffer from substance abuse and/or mental health issues. 14.5 % of respondents to the 2001 Homeless Survey stated that drug or alcohol use was the direct cause of their homelessness; 12% cited mental illness. People with alcohol or drug dependency often seem to fall through the gaps. Since the County reduced its detox facility two years ago to a "sobering unit," chemical abuse detoxification and substance- related, medically managed bed space is virtually non-existent. The two detoxification beds at Genesis Recovery are limited to people on Oregon Health Plan or other insurance. By default, the task of stabilizing an individual in need of detox services falls on our over-burdened emergency rooms or jail. This is not cost effective. Often there are no residential treatment beds available for those who are requesting such services. Only one state-funded (Oregon Health Plan) residential treatment bed is allotted in Jackson County. The waiting list is long; and often unrealistic terms must be met to stay on the list. Fortunately, there are many slots available for day treatment covered by the Oregon Health Plan; however, participation in regular outpatient treatment is often difficult for a homeless person to accomplish, especially in the absence of detoxification facilities. Once residential or out-patient treatment is completed people need long-term follow up care. Meeting the shelter needs of those individuals can easily exhaust social service resources. Shelter beds fill, as do transitional houses. Domestic Violence: In recent years, the term "domestic violence" has begun to include other forms of violence including abuse of elders, children, and siblings. The term ~omestic violence' also tends to overlook male victims and violence between same-sex partners. Domestic violence against persons with disabilities by family members and care givers is a serious problem. Therefore, at CDC they prefer using the more specific term "intimate partner violence (IPV)," defined as actual or threatened physical or sexual violence, or psychological/emotional abuse by a spouse, ex-spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, ex- boyfriend/ex-girlfriend, or date. Some of the common terms that are used to describe intimate partner violence are domestic abuse, spouse abuse, domestic violence, courtship violence, battering, marital rape and date rape. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a substantial public health problem for Americans that has serious consequences and costs for individuals, families, communities, and society. Recent efforts have been made to increase resources to address gaps in knowledge and to improve services for victims, perpetrators and child witnesses. Jackson County's domestic violence shelter operates at near capacity with 30 beds, serving 600 women and children a year. Many single women or women with children transition through this program in dire need of housing. The lack of appropriate affordable housing alternatives often renders them homeless or back living with the abusive partner. Domestic violence has been rated among the top five causes of homelessness in the Jackson County Annual Homeless Survey (1989-2001). Sixteen (13.4%) of the 119 respondents to the 2002 Continuum of Care Homeless Survey sited domestic violence as the cause of their homeless state. Affordable, accessible housing is always identified by this population as a critical need in order to break the cycle of violence and provide viable alternatives to returning to an abusive situation. Poor Credit Histories: Twenty nine homeless people surveyed in the 2002 Continuum of Care Homeless Survey (25%) cited poor credit as a cause of their homelessness. No matter what their background or intentions, people who have extremely low incomes are continually at risk of poor credit. Consumer credit is readily available to people with low incomes at very high interest rates and debts mount quickly, especially for those with poor decision making skills. People whose lives are balanced precariously on the economy and on many other unpredictable factors are very vulnerable to crisis; and even a seemingly minor emergency such as an unplanned car repair or medical expense can cause bills not to be paid. Loss of Housing Due to Eviction: 16 Stabilizing people in existing housing is far more cost-effective than finding homes for them once they become homeless. Eviction is another stage in the spiral into homelessness for many individuals and families. Once a person has been evicted, they find it impossible to get into another rental situation. An individual evicted from public housing is also ineligible for Section 8 vouchers for a full year. The Apartment Owners Association reports that in 2000 a total of 1058 evictions took place. 32 people (27.4%) who responded to the 2002 Continuum of Care Homeless Survey d~¢losed that they had been evicted or thrown out. Eighteen (15.4%) reported poor rental history as a cause of their homeless situation. The Second Chance portion of the Home At Last program addresses this issue, by providing an opportunity for a homeless person to clean up his or her rental history. After participation in the Second Chance renters training, the person will receive a certificate, which can be presented to potential landlords as a "guarantee" of the person's suitability as a tenant.. Home At Last staff will coach tenants and work with landlords to enhance the person's ability to retain his or her housing. HOW THE CONTINUUM OF CARE MEETS THE NEEDS The Role of The Non-profit in The Continuum of Care Non-profit agencies play a large role in the Continuum of Care process in Jackson County. Much of the responsibility for assisting the homeless and the populations most "at-risk" of becoming homeless has fallen to the private non-profits, which provide basic emergency services. Public human service providers are often burdened with an already heavy case-load and do not have time or resources to focus on the overwhelming needs of the homeless clients, but must focus on poverty needs of the clients in general. Jackson County's public and private agencies are always searching for ways to return homeless families and individuals to productive lives, and, hopefully, to self-sufficiency. Far too often, agency staff have to become housing specialists due to the overwhelming need for advocacy around issues of poor rental history, shortage of housing options and availability, expense of short-term shelter (motels) and limited incomes which fail to meet landlord and property manager demands. Steady increase in service requests, as indicated in the Gaps Analysis and Homeless Survey, continue to outstrip human service providers' ability to "provide". It is an ever increasing burden on non-profit Boards, Directors, staff and volunteers, to maintain existing emergency services, given the economic down turn, which throws more people into the social services system, lessens private donation, and creates budget deficits for govemmental funders. In the attempt to fill the housing needs for disabled clients, those in recovery, seniors, or youth, many local agencies and faith-based ministries are developing and running both temporary and transitional housing programs with success. This approach, as opposed to the development of housing by governmental agencies, has a two-fold benefit. The first is more personalized service for the client. Each agency, although serving a diverse clientele at times, usually focuses on the needs of one population. Each agency in the Jackson County Continuum of Care knows best the 3.7 needs of its clients - physically, emotionally and economically - and can structure their housing programs to best meet the criteria of those they serve. The second benefit accrues to the agency through the long-term investment in property. Not-for-profit organizations are hard pressed to fund expanding services without a long-term plan. The role of the non-profit in providing transitional housing has evolved over the last five years in Jackson County. Non-profits have the ability to network with faith groups, thereby helping the community by freeing up other resources for housing the homeless. One of the non-profits' major contribution to the Continuum of Care is the ability to pull in volunteers. Volunteers keep the non-profits alive by providing no-cost manpower which reduces the need for paid staff and literally keeps existing programs going. The value of that manpower is financial leverage when it comes to fund-raising. Community Volunteers' Role Volunteerism is important to all communities. Good people provide compassion and service to those individuals who need an extra hand in life. Volunteers bring passion to service and assist in creating beauty in our local communities and improving the overall quality of life. Their contributions are needed and deeply appreciated. To give an idea of the value of volunteerism in Jackson County, here are the volunteer hours calculated for a year by four social service agencies: CERVS, 19,360 hours; ACCESS, 41,702 hours; Community Works, 20,826 hours; and DASIL, 9,718 hours, for a total of 91,606 hours. The federally accepted rate for valuing each of those hours is $16.05 (Independent Sector, February 16, 2002). Last year volunteers gave their community a gift of time, energy and care worth $14,702,276. People with disabilities in Jackson County contribute countless volunteer hours to their community. In the area of homelessness, they work very hard in networking with landlords in order to get housing for homeless people. A huge percentage of homeless individuals are, themselves, disabled. These disabilities interfere with their ability to find and sustain housing. Volunteers assist in searching for suitable housing, filling out the forms, mediating with landlords and, if necessary, becoming representative payees. They work closely with state agencies, churches and other community groups to gather resources needed to find and maintain housing. Volunteerism provides oppommities for people with disabilities to be productive. In Jackson County, individuals from churches, community groups, state agencies and businesses volunteer their time, money and skills. These individuals and groups are working together to provide needed assistance to maintain stable housing. They are assisting with fumiture, food, personal items, deposits, energy assistance, counseling, writing grants and fundraising. Volunteers also help raise community awareness about the importance of community human services. The passion and services of our volunteers are major components of the Continuum of Care. Role of the Government In Jackson County, homeless individuals and families receive services directly and indirectly fi.om governmental agencies, ranging fi.om the federal to state to county agencies. Federal Government: Social Security Administration: provides financial benefits in the form of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI) to a large portion of people who are on fixed incomes and homeless. Medicare coverage is available through the Social Security Office for people over 65 years of age and some people with disabilities. Veterans Administration: operates a Domiciliary in Jackson County, where veterans receive medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment. Seven beds are available for veterans to transition back into the community. An active Homeless Veterans Outreach program travels to camps and remote communities in three Oregon and two California counties, bringing food, clothing and services and assisting veterans with enrollment in benefit programs. USDA Rural Housing operates a number of subsidized housing projects in Southem Oregon available to homeless persons. State of Oregon: Oregon Department of Human Services: agencies provide state services to homeless individuals and families through its Self Sufficiency, Child Welfare, Vocational Rehabilitation and Senior and Disability Services Offices. These mainstream resources include case management, Medicaid health coverage (through the Oregon Health Plan), long term care, medical transportation, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), assistance getting on SSI & SSDI and, for some, a small monthly grant (General Assistance) until Social Security is granted. State offices also provide a variety of back-to-work training options and job development for those who are employable, and other services to support back-to-work efforts, such as child care and job-readiness classes. Jackson County: Jackson County Health and Human Services provides public health services through its Health Department. Homeless individuals receive a range of services from Jackson County Mental Health and Jackson County Developmental Disability Services. Jackson County Mental Health operates transitional houses and respite care and funds crisis beds at a local hospital. Jackson County assists local non-profits to provide safety net services with its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Of course, the County also houses homeless people arrested and convicted of crimes in the jail. Municipal Governments: The Cities of Medford and Ashland also administer CDBG funds and have a process to fund non-profits to provide basic services which benefit the homeless. Housing Authority of Jackson County is a municipal corporation which provides the Housing Choice (formerly, Section 8) voucher program, including disability vouchers, subsidized public housing, below-market housing, home-owner rehabilitation assistance and the Family Self-Sufficiency program. 19 Council of Governments: The Rogue Valley Council of Governments is a quasi-governmental organization, which administers the state services to seniors and people with disabilities. Its 1997 strategic planning .process identified the shortage of accessible, affordable housing for people with disabilities as the highest need for the populations it serves. Since then, it has been actively-trying to meet that need. It has played a role in facilitating the Continuum of Care process, with special emphasis on accessible, affordable housing for people with disabilities, and is the sponsor for the HUD- funded Home At Last project. WHO PROVIDES THE HOUSING, SHELTER AND SERVICES? In Jackson County subsidized housing and supportive services are supplied by public and non- profit providers. Providers of Permanent Housing Include: Non-profits: · ACCESS, Inc. (Low income rental units, including specialized transitional housing in conjunction with Jackson County Mental Health.) · Rogue Valley Manor (Pacific Retirement Services) (Seniors only) · OnTrack, Inc. (Low income rental units) · Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation (Remodel and sales to low income families) · Lions Sight and Heating (Low income rental units to seniors and people with disabilities) · Habitat for Humanity (Construction and sales to low income families) · Living Opportunities, The ARC of Jackson County, ASI, Pathways (Group homes and supported independent community living for people with developmental disabilities) · Community Works Supported Housing Program for teens Public (Quasi-Governmental) Providers: Housing Authority of Jackson County (Housing Choice (formerly, Section 8) vouchers, including disability vouchers; public subsidized housing; below market housing; home- owner rehabilitation assistance; and the Family Self-Sufficiency program) Home At Last (Administered by Senior & Disability Services of Rogue Valley Council of Governments, operated by DASIL Center for Independent Living, funded by HUD: offers permanent housing for people with disabilities, through rent-subsidized scattered apartments; supportive services, including the Second Chance Renters Training; assistance with finding housing, prescriptions, durable medical equipment, transportation, job preparation, etc.) Transitional Housing is Provided by: 20 · OnTrack, Inc. (Supportive programs for chemically dependent mothers with children and fathers with children: recovery, self-sufficiency, family preservation. Supportive program for people released on parole/probation: recovery, life skills, job readiness) · The Salvation Army (Men, women, families: alcohol & drag treatment in conjunction with Genesis Recovery, self-sufficiency) · CERVS (Two homes: Single men on an emergency basis; families and 3 to5 single women "must work the program": self-sufficiency) · Community Works Homeless and Runaway Teen program, funded in part with McKinney Continuum of Care funds (Host families, group homes) · Rogue Retreat (Christian-based recovery) · Victory Challenge (Christian-based recovery) · Oxford Houses (recovery, self-sufficiency) Emergency Shelter-is Provided by: The Gospel Mission (Men's and Women's programs) St. Vincent de Paul CERVS (In from the Cold Shelter) Interfaith Care Community of Ashland (Church Rotational Shelter during winter months) Duun House program of Community Works (For victims of domestic violence) Supportive Services for the Homeless Provided by: Non-profits: · Shelter Development Committee of Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation (Homeless Day in the Park: resources for homeless people.) · ACCESS, Inc. (Rent, deposits and utility assistance, food boxes) · CERVS (Food, housing advocacy, information and referral, clothing, storage lockers, showers, homeless voice mail, prescription assistance) · ICCA (Day Center providing laundry facilities, showers, job assistance, church rotational shelter, motel vouchers) · Salvation Army (Meals, information and referral, clothing, household items, utility assistance, prescriptions, transportation) · St. Vincent de Paul (Meals, information and referral, clothing, household items, ID's, work clothing, shelter) · OnTrack, Inc. (Out-patient and in-patient substance abuse treatment, including for moms with children and dads with children, in-school counseling and prevention activities, HIV/AIDS support and outreach, anger management) · Addictions Recovery Center (In-patient & out-patient drug and alcohol treatment, gambling addiction and other therapy) · Living Opportunities, The ARC of Jackson County, ASI, Pathways (Assistance with daily needs for people in group homes; supports for independent community living for people with developmental disabilities, service coordination, vocational services) · Creative Supports, Inc. (Service coordination for people with developmental disabilities) · DASIL (Operating the Home At Last Program: assistance in finding housing, advocacy with landlords, food boxes, assistance with prescriptions, durable medical equipment, transportation, completion of forms, representative-payee services, renter training) · Community Works/The Grove (For teens: day center, laundry, showers, backpacks, 21 clothing, personal supplies, meal one evening a week) Peace House/Uncle Food's Diner (For teens, one evening meal a week) Caring Friends (For adults, one evening meal a week) Food & Friends (Senior meal sites, home-delivered meals once person is situated.) Mainstream Governmental Agencies: Senior and Disability Services of Rogue Valley Council of Governments (For adults, including seniors: State services of case management, Medicaid acute care [Oregon Health Plan] and long term care services, Food Stamps, financial assistance for those waiting to get on Social Security, medical transportation, Employed Persons With Disabilities, protective services for elders and adults with disabilities, etc.) Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) Vocational Rehabilitation (Work readiness and job development for people with disabilities) DHS Family Self Sufficiency (For families: TANF, Food Stamps, Welfare to Work, child care assistance, diapers, gas, emergency housing grants) DHS Child Welfare (Protective services for children, parenting classes, supervised visitation) Jackson County Mental Health (Treatment-individual and group, medication management, emergency beds, Crisis Team, transitional housing). VA Domiciliary (Medical and substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, Homeless Outreach, Stand Down: resources for homeless vets) Jackson County Health Department (WlC, health services, immunization, TB testing, family planning services, HIV/AIDS testing) Jackson County Developmental Disability Services (Benefits eligibility determination for people with developmental disabilities) 22 JACKSON COUNTY 2002 CONTINUUM OF CARE PLAN Introduction The Jackson County Continuum of Care Plan, originally developed in late 2001 and early 2002, consists of the Five-Year Strategies and Annual Action Steps for several subcommittees which each focuses on a specific population or task. Sub-committees will meet a minimum of four times each year to monitor progress on their action steps and to update the action steps for the following year. The Homeless Citizen Advisory Council did develop and prioritize three five-year strategies. However, its priorities were integrated into the other working subcommittees, due to the transitional nature of that committee, itself. Individuals who participate on the Homeless Citizen Advisory Council subcommittee are encouraged to attend the monthly Homeless Task Force meeting. In fact, the umbrella organization for the Task Force, the Jackson County Community Services Consortium, has provided funding for stipends to enable homeless individuals to participate in the Continuum of Care planning process. The subcommittees are: Emergency Shelter/Transitional Housing, Veterans, Homeless Youth, Accessible Affordable Housing, and Systems. The Systems subcommittee is actually comprised of members of the Core Work Group. An additional subcommittee, the Annual Homeless Count carries out its functions as a part of the regular operations of the Homeless Task Force. FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIES Homeless Citizen Advisory Council Five-Year Strategies: Development of a public-funded shelter and legal campground providing a broad basis of service to singles, as well as couples and families; also providing lockers, showers, and laundry facilities. (Include in Shelter Subcommittee Action Steps.) Develop the "Second Chance Program" locally with short and long-term comprehensive case management. (Include in Accessible Affordable Housing Action Steps.) As to drug and alcohol treatment beds, we feel that there are adequate outpatient facilities, but transportation should be available from areas outside Medford. (Several programs do provide transportation assistance. The Home At Last project will provide bus passes for up to three months for homeless participants.) Emergency Shelter/Transitional Housing Subcommittee Five-Year Strategies: Increase the number of residential alcohol and drug treatment beds. b. Make the public and Local Alcohol & Drug Planning Commission aware of the need. c. Develop more outpatient treatment beds or shelter by networking 23 with current shelter providers in the area. Increase the number of accessible shelter beds. Increase the number of transitional shelter beds. Develop a publicly funded shelter with amenities. (From Homeless Citizens Advisory Council) Support the development of a non-profit campground. _~ Veterans Subcommittee Five-Year Strategies: Enhance outreach programs, utilizing specialized needs assessment tools, targeting a regional, rural population. Support the development of affordable, accessible housing on the Domiciliary grounds based on Homeless Provider Grant/Per Diem Housing Program/VASH. Homeless Youth Subcommittee Five Year Strategies: Maintain the Youth Transitional Housing services available through the current McKinney Grant. Develop additional resources for homeless youth under the age of 16 Recreate a Drop-in Center in Medford for youth that are homeless, runaway, or at risk and are between the ages of 11-22, to include: medical assistance, counseling, referrals, and other services Create an Emergency Shelter for youth Accessible Affordable Housing Subcommittee Five-Year Strategies: Support the implementation of the Home At Last permanent supportive housing project if 2001 McKinney grant is approved. b. Intensive case management services which will include money management, mediation with landlords, skills training on how to get along with neighbors, keep your apartment clean, etc. i. Follow-up case management services, even after several years if required, in order for the person to maintain their housing. Eight week renter training course which will result in a certificate of completion for participants which then can be presented to potential landlords. Support other affordable accessible housing projects in the community, including the VA's Homeless Providers Grant/Per Diem Housing Program Systems Subcommittee (Core Working Group) Five-Year Strategies: T° strengthen Continuum of Care by maximizing current resources and finding new ongoing sources of funding Address economic discrimination in property management. Promote the creation of and participate in a Jackson County Affordable Housing Coalition 24 2002 ANNUAL ACTION STEPS FOR CONTINUUM OF CARE SUBCOMMITTEES Action Emergency Shelter/Transitional Housing Subcommittee Action Steps # 1: Increase the number of residential alcohol and drug treatment beds. a. Element of the Action: To help fill the biggest gap in our Valley by creating more treatment beds for those who are ready to end their addictions and begin a life of recovery. As of now most do not have this option when they seek such services unless they have good insurance or money. b. Sub-Steps: Sub-Step Recruiting current shelters to wave their 'back to work' And allow individuals to stay while active in treatment. Raising the beer and wine tax and using that money towards more treatment beds. Responsible person or organization All current shelter providers to should participate. (Jill Munn and Bill Yeager will help in recruiting these beds. Jill Munn and Joel Williams will work on this element. Oregon has the lowest tax now and it hasn't been raised in 23 years. Start/Finish Ongoing/Salvation Army currently offers one to three beds ASAP/2003 ballot c. Other agencies that need to be involved: Local drag and alcohol board and any politicians who care to add to a healthier community. d. Barriers: Like always make aware to the community the need for such services, and of course money. Action # 2: Create more transitional houses, particularly more special needs houses,.i.e, for special populations, such as the duel-diagnosed and sex offenders, single women without children, etc. and in the outer lying areas of the Valley--Ashland, Grants Pass, etc. a. Element of the Action: To make available more beds for those in transition with special needs and without to prepare them for self-sufficiency. A big gap is in towns outside of Medford area. b. Sub-Steps: Sub-Step I Responsible person or Start/Finish I organization 25 Talk with local churches about supporting a new transitional housing program. Network with other agencies who are already crating transitional programs, such as Options based out of Grants Pass Any agency that helps the homeless. Entire sub- committee Entire committee 2002/ongoing ASAP o c. Other agencies who need to be involved Perhaps all agencies who work with the homeless population. d. Barriers: Money and NIMBY Action # 3: Begin an "Out of the Cold" Shelter Program a. Element of the Action: For the coldest days in the winter months to create a safe warm place for the homeless to sleep during these coldest nights. b. Sub-Steps: Sub-Step Find a location that would accommodate many, preferably an existing shelter or social services agency which has a building. Work with the City to help them recognize the need Responsible person or organization Whole committee every living person Start/Finish ASAP/by December, 2002 Ongoing Action # 4: Create a non-profit campground a. Element of action: to locate an area that would facilitate a camp for homeless people in transition. This would fill a huge gap for those who are camping illegally now. b. Sub-Steps: Sub-Step Raising awareness in the community about how a program like this would benefit the community as a whole Finding a prime location for such a program Responsible person or organization John Statler, Marry Mosentheim StarffFinish Ongoing 26 Homeless Veterans Subcommittee Annual Action Steps Action #1: To promote and encourage continuation of the Homeless Veteran Outreach Program, through the VA Domiciliary, White City (HCMI Program). ___ a. Elements of the Action: Provide additional outreach events in and around Southern Oregon: special assistance given in remote, poverty areas, not otherwise served. b. Strategy the Action carries out: Continuation of HCMI Outreach events. Events provide services in remote communities lacking in services, i.e., food boxes, clothing, Department of Defense surplus & assistance with VA claims. c. Sub-Steps: Sub-Step Network/advocate with VA re: Outreach Gain Commitment by White City Dom to continue Homeless Veteran Outreach Responsible Person or Organization Jan Vaughn and Homeless Task Force Jan and Leadership at DOM Start/Finish Start now Start now d. Other persons, organizations, agencies, etc. who need to be involved: Other agencies which serve Veterans Action #2: Pursue Homeless Providers Grant/Per Diem funding opportunity through the VA HCMI Program to provide transitional and permanent housing for homeless veterans. ao Key Elements i To create a large, subsidized housing development, providing accessible, affordable housing to homeless Veterans and other low income people of Jackson County ii. Promote "accessibility" of large number of units through Grant/Per Diem housing; b. Sub-Steps: Sub-Step Contact Debbie Price of Oregon Housing & Community Development Approach Housing Authority of Jackson Co. to partner with ~VA Responsible Person or Organization Jan Vaughn Jan Vaughn, Deborah Price Start/Finish 27 Network with VA Jan Vaughn Respond to NOFA/pursue Grant writing Sub-committee grant Round up match Grant writing Sub-committee Support project Homeless Task Force __. Other persons, organizations, agencies, etc. who need to be involved: i VA Dom ii Housing Authority iii Oregon Housing and Community Development iv Agencies which provide services to Veterans Resources Required: i Willingness of Housing Authority to parmer with VA to provide special housing program - Grant/Per Diem at White City. ii Grant-writing for federal, state & local resources iii 40% match. e. Barriers: Developers are busy with other projects. 28 Homeless Youth Subcommittee Annual Action Steps Strategy #1: Continued Transitional Living Services to Homeless Youth through HART (Homeless and Runaway Teen) Program a. Elements of Action: Reapply for Supportive Housing Program funding in the spring of 2002 i A debriefing will be held with a representative from HUD to go over last year's SHP grant scores. ii The Homeless Task Force will need to designate the HART program as the #1 b. Strategies the Action Carries Out: To continue to provide as many vulnerable homeless and runaway youth with viable housing alternatives that will help them become self-sufficient. c. Sub-steps: Sub-step 1. HUD debriefing on last year's Continuum of Care and projects grant proposals. 2. Information collection, guidelines analysis and grant writing Responsible Person or Organization Organizations to attend: ACCESS, RVCOG, Community Works, and other Homeless Task Force members To be determined after discussion at the Homeless Task Force Start/Finish February 5, 2002 February through April, 2002 d. Other persons, organizations, agencies, etc. who need to be involved: All agencies who work with homeless youth - local school districts, service providers on the Homeless Task Force. e. Resources Required: Staff time for agency personnel. f. Barriers: The HUD processes are difficult and must be carefully analyzed. Strategy #2: Additional Resources for Homeless Youth Under the Age of 16: Begin problem solving at the Homeless Task Force in order to bring the problem to the awareness of the community and develop a plan to create a safe alternative to the street for youth too young to receive transitional housing. a. Elements of Action: Research must be done to look for existing model programs and examine how they operate, and to find funding sources if appropriate models are identified. b. Strategies the Action Carries out: To provide as many homeless and runaway youth who are exceptionably vulnerable because they are under the age of 16 with help to get 29 off the streets. c. Sub-steps: Sub-step 1. Program and grant research 2. Community awareness and support for solving problem 3. Strategize funding options Responsible Person or Organization. To be determined after discussion at the Homeless Task Force StarffFinish To be determined after discussion at the Homeless Task Force To be determined after discussion at the Homeless Task Force d. Other Persons, Organizations, Agencies, etc. who need to be involved: All agencies who work with homeless youth - local school districts, service providers on the Homeless Task Force. e. Resources Required: Staff time for agency personnel, agenda time for discussion at the Homeless Task Force. Planning and funds to do a community awareness campaign. f. Barriers: The staff who would do the research are people who are already doing a full or more than full work load. (Perhaps this could be a senior project for a college student.) Strategy #3: Create a Teen Drop-in Center in Medford: Place a drop-in center for homeless youth, ages 11-22, in Medford, the highest population center in Jackson County. a. Elements of Action: Research must be done to find an appropriate and affordable place and to find funding to support its operation. (Funding for the services of Streetwise staff to work directly with the kids and to train volunteers is provided by a Sexual Assault Prevention and Outreach grant, but there is very little funding for rent and expenses for a Streetwise center.) b. Strategies the Action Carries out: To provide as many homeless and runaway youth who are vulnerable and between the ages of 11-22 as possible with a drop-in center where they can access medical assistance, counseling, and referrals to services that will supply basic needs and encourage self-sufficiency, self-esteem and empowerment. c. Sub-steps: Sub-step 1. Grant research and writing 2.Location research Responsible Person or Organization Streetwise with help of Community Works staff Streetwise staff StarffFinish 30 d. Other Persons, Organizations, Agencies, etc. who need to be involved: Any agencies that could provide space for the drop-in center. Many other agencies would be involved in Streetwise's day-to-day operations in Medford, but not in the development and placement of the drop-in center, other than supplying letters of support for grant proposals. e. Resources Required: Community Works stafftime - Program director, Program manager, grant writer. f. Barriers: Only a small amount of stafftime can be devoted to this project because of pressing needs for direct service work and because of the needs of other programs. Accessible Affordable Housing Subcommittee Annual Action Steps Strategy # 1: To provide an 8-unit Renters Training Course a. Elements of thc Action: To ensure the success of homeless individuals to retain permanent housing. By working with landlords, this strategy may also increase thc amount of housing available to homeless individuals. b. Sub-Steps: Sub Step 1. Obtain Curriculum for St. Vincent de Paul ($3,000) Raise funds for curriculum- grants, approach churches Field Trip to Eugene St. Vincent's Responsible Person or Organization Make a presentation at a meeting of Southern Oregon Renters Association (Contact Jim Kuntz at Housing Authority to get on agenda) Send a letter explaining the program to property managers Jim Kuntz will get mailing list. Jan Vaughn Core Work Group Star,Finish by May 1, 2002 Feb, 2002 2. Inform/involve landlords Laura February or March, 2002 Laura DASIL In coordination with Medford St. Vincent de Paul DASIL In coordination with St. Vincent de Paul 3. Train Trainers 4. Set up classes 5. Contact Agencies for referrals Prior to presentation at Feb or March meeting. By April By May 31 Housing Task Force and Consortium meetings. Ongoing reminders Connie & DASIL 8. Ongoing Case Management & followup with graduates 9. Ongoing contact with referral agencies. April 6. Implement classes DASIL & St. Vincent's May, June, 2002 7. Adapt curriculum DASIL, DD Services, Living Fall, 2002 Opportunities, in conjunction -' w/St. Vincent's in Eugene DASIL Housing Case Ongoing Manager, St. Vincent de Paul, Jan Vaughn for Vets Ongoing DASIL Housing Case Manager, St. Vincent de Paul, Jan Vaughn for Vets Accessible Affordable Housing Subcommittee 10. Ongoing Evaluation of Project per HUD guidelines Ongoing c. Other Persons, Organizations, Agencies, etc. Who Need to be Involved: i Faith-based groups ii Property management firms & landlord association iii Housing Authority iv Referral agencies d. Resources required: i $3,000 cash for curriculum ii Backup of St. Vincent's or creator of curriculum for training of trainers iii $500 for expenses (mileage of trainers, refreshments, contingency) Barriers: i Funding ii Not knowing whether a Housing Case Manager will be available through McKinney grant. iii NIMBY 32 Strategy #2: To provide long-term comprehensive case management to assist homeless persons to obtain and retain permanent housing. a. Elements of the Action: If McKinney grant is awarded for Home at Last, implement grant provisions. - .... b. Sub-Steps: Sub-Steps Design Client Referral Form, selection criteria, referral ~rocess Set up process for interacting with landlords. Design administrative/ bookkeeping system Hire and Train Housing Case Manager or hire intemally Begin work-enroll clients in Renters Training Course, assist them to locate appropriate accessible affordable housing, advocate for client with landlord when necessary, followup six months after "closing" case. Case manage homeless veterans Responsible Person or Organization Accessible Affordable Housing Subcommittee, DASIL Accessible Affordable Housing Subcommittee, DASIL DASIL, RVCOG DASIL Housing Case manager StarffFinish February, March 2002 February, 2002 When HUD funding is received-April, May, 2002 When HUD funding is received-April, May, 2002 Jan Vaughn Ongoing Co Other Persons, Organizations, Agencies, etc. Who Need to be Involved: i State, County and non-profit referring agencies, providing primary case management ii St. Vincent de Paul iii Centers for Independent Living d. Resources required: Provided by grant and collaborators e. Barriers: We will find out upon implementation of Home At Last project, once funding is received and protocols developed, 33 Systems Subcommittee (Core Work Group) Annual Action Steps Strategy #1: To strengthen Continuum of Care by maximizing current resources and finding new ongoing sources of funding. a. Elements of the Action: Homeless Task Force will strengthen its-funding capabilities through research (including facilitating a community-wide homeless/housing needs assessment) and cooperative funding arrangements to support the projects which the Task Force prioritizes. b. Strategy the Action Carries Out: To develop a model/plan for long-term funding streams to ensure stability of providers and continuity and comprehensiveness of services to clients c. Sub-steps: Sub-Step Carry out a thorough housing needs assessment in Jackson County Become familiar with all traditional public funding sources. Build a strong relationship with Debbie Price, our regional representative of Oregon Housing and Community Development. Research non-traditional and private fimding sources, including attending the PNN Directors Day. Work cooperatively to apply for funding opportunities as they arise, working with Public Private Partnership when possible. Encourage Jackson Co. Community Services Consortium to continue with the proposal to publish funding opportunities. Responsible Person or Organization Susan McKenzie (?) Core Group/Grant-writing Sub-committee Core Group/Grant-writing Sub-committee Core Group/Grant-writing Sub-committee Homeless Task Force (Continuum of Care) Homeless Task Force Start/Finish Winter term, 2002 Once Home At Last has begun implementation Ongoing 34 Continue working together to reduce duplication of services and eliminate gaps in services so we will be perceived as "fundable." Create public awareness of issues ofhomelessness and the value of service agencies in community. Develop higher profile of involvement with funders. Speak the same language. Get them to target the issues of importance to us. Homeless Task Force d. Other Persons, Organizations, Agencies, etc. Who Need to be Involved: Funders, public decision-makers. eo Resources required: i Committee time ii On-going sources of funding for operations. iii Coordination of fundraising efforts. Barriers i Funding sources stretched more as state resources are reduced. ii Service providers and funders speak "different languages." iii Small non-profits do not have the resources to dedicate to resource development that large organizations have. Strategy #2: Address Economic Discrimination in Property Management Strategy #3: Engage. in Community Education & Member Education Strategy g41: Establish a Community Information Center to Alert Homeless Individuals to Resources, Events. APPENDICES A-I A-II A-III A-IV A-V 2002 Gaps Analysis - Jackson County Homeless Task Force 2002 Homeless Survey - Jackson County Homeless Task Force 2001 Annual [24-Hour] Homeless Count - Homelessness and Housing Project 2001 Medford Oregon Program Planning Study - The Salvation Army 1999 Accessible Affordable Housing Survey - Accessible Affordable Housing Work Group 35 Housing Solutions, Gaps and People Who Fall Through the Cracks in Jackson County, Oregon 2003 John Statler This report is based on my interactions with people who are, have been or are at risk of becoming homeless. The report is also based on my personal experience of being homeless. It has been thirteen years since I last considered myself homeless. In all these intervening years I have volunteered my organ/zing skills to further the interests of people who are homeless. Evaluating the numbers of people who are homeless has proven to be an impossible task for our county as well as our nation. Social service agencies do a one day per year count of the people who show up for services and declare themselves to be homeless, but that number excludes all the people who will show up the next day and it certainly excludes all the people who don't apply for social services of any kind. We do know that over 600 children who attend school in the Medford School District were identified as homeless during the 2002 school year. That number alone should be enough to prove there is a catastrophic, though invisible, problem with homelessness in Jackson County. The varieties of types of people who are homeless, their reasons for becoming homeless and the solutions they find for their situations are less difficult to determine. All it takes to find answers to these questions is to ask a significant number of people over a considerable period. Some types of people who are homeless are easy to help; they are highly motivated and they are only recently homeless; perhaps they have lost their jobs through layoffs and may have lost their homes because they have been unable to find new work. Other people are not so easy to help, they don't have marketable job skills or they have mental or physical illnesses. Unfortunately, in my experience, the vast majority of people who are homeless don't find easy solutions to their problems of housing. They fall through the cracks of shelter providers and transitional programs. A brief list of the types of people who fall through the shelter cracks includes: Unmarried couples Full families that include elderly parents People under eighteen People'with pets People who have difficulty living behind walls (Vietnam Vets, mentally il!, abused) People in earliest stages of reaching out for recovery help (living in risky environments) People who are unwilling to accept shelter without paying The next page presents my list of possible housing solutions and my personal estimate of the gap that exists between the availability of the solutions and the number of people seeking them. I would point out here that camping, in a variety of forms, is the most commonly applied solution to homelessness, by people who are homeless, yet it is totally unsupported by our community and social service agencies.