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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-0103 Documents Submited at Mtg From: HOMELESSNESS AD HOC STEERING COMMITTEE To: ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL What. Request from Homelessness Steering Committee to use The Grove to Provide Showers to the Homeless on a Limited,Temporary Basis Background. Currently showers are provided for the homeless once/week, free of charge at the Congregational Church on Monday mornings from 7:30 a.m.-12 noon. The problem is that not everyone is able to get showers within that limited time frame. Don Robertson,Ashland Parks Director, proposed allowing access to the shower at The Grove on a trial basis for a limited time, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Fridays, at a time when no other public is utilizing The Grove. This usage would be permitted under the City's current liability insurance coverage and would not increase the cost. We ask your approval to try this on a trial basis for six months. 1 will be available to answer questions at the Council meeting on 1/3/12. Sincerely, Heidi Parker, Chair Ashland Homelessness Ad Hoc Steering Committee January 3, 2012: Proposal from Homeless Committee to Use Grove to Provide Showers RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS POSED BY THE INSURANCE AGENT VIA THE CITY MANAGER: In general, the ability to bathe weekly, is widely viewed as both a necessityforgood health, as well as an important component of one's ability to seekgainful employment, thereby acting as a bridge to ultimately reduce homelessness. 7 1. Although this is technically not part of my duties as Chair of the IL Homelessness Steering Committee, but since this is such a small and temporary offering, I propose that I, Heidi Parker, having passed multiple background screens and having been an elected official and community volunteer for many years in Ashland, would interview and screen volunteers. Erin Reed of Community Works,who is currently the coordinator of the shower program offered by the Congregational Church, has agreed to provide training to volunteers. 2. The Congregational Church currently utilizes one male and one female volunteer together for 4 hours each week. The proposed Grove shower would only be for 2 hours once/week and would follow the same model. We already have several male and female volunteers who have expressed interest. 3. The entry way would be locked to the outside, and only one person at a time would be admitted. We would have 2 portable walkie-talkies,with one placed at the police station,just across the parking lot, and the other, held by the volunteers. Cell phones might also be utilized. We will consult with the APD to make sure we have adequately addressed security concerns. 4. & S. The time of 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Fridays was chosen because it is a time when The Grove is not utilized by anyone else. 6. In general, there are more resources available for women and children, such as vouchers, that allow them access to local motels. January 3, 2012: Proposal from Homeless Committee to Use Grove to Provide Showers RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS POSED BY THE INSURANCE AGENT VIA THE CITY MANAGER: ' In general, the ability to bathe weekly, is widely viewed as both a necessity forgood health, as well as an important component of one's ability to seekgainful employment, thereby acting as a bridge to ultimately reduce homelessness. 1. Question: How are volunteers to be screened? Although this is technically not part of my duties as Chair of the Homelessness Steering Committee, but since this is such a small and temporary offering, I propose that 1, Heidi Parker, having passed multiple background screens and having been an elected official and community volunteer for many years in Ashland,would interview and screen volunteers. Erin Reed of Community Works,who is currently the coordinator of the shower program offered by the Congregational Church, has agreed to provide training to volunteers. 2. Question: Male volunteers are highly recommended?The Congregational Church currently utilizes one male and one female volunteer together for 4 hours each week. The proposed Grove shower would only be for 2 hours once/week and would follow the same model. We already have several male and female volunteers who have expressed interest. 3. Question: What type of security will be in place at the Grove? The entry way would be locked to the outside, and only one person at a time would be admitted. We would have 2 portable walkie-talkies,with one placed at the police station,just across the parking lot, and the other, held by the volunteers. Cell phones might also be utilized. We will consult with the APD to make sure we have adequately addressed security concerns. 4. & S. Does the time set aside at the Grove interfere with other events or groups using the Grove at the same time? The time of 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Fridays was chosen because it is a time when The Grove is not utilized by anyone else. 6. Question: Is there a reason the City is considering not having showers available for women? In general, there are more resources available for women and children, such as vouchers, that allow them access to local motels, but we have no problem offering showers for either gender since there would only be one shower taken at a time.