David Hoak, United Way, convened a meeting of providers of homeless services to introduce Mike Davis, the new leader of Mayor Boles’ commission to address homelessness. Mike proceeded to outline the 5 goals previously achieved by the Home Again St Johns committee:
1. Create adequate short-term housing options and supportive permanent housing options for those who are chronically homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
2. Create organizational structure that has wide stakeholder ownership and that results in clear leadership and coordination among service providers. This structure based on everyone having ownership of and equally participating in a comprehensive homeless management information system and coordination of funding.
3. Create a single place in the community for Triage/Connection with all services to homeless and those at risk of homelessness.
4. Create a system of outreach to those in need of service that brings them into the system as soon as their need is identified.
5. Adjust our local laws to reflect that everyone has a place to call home in our community and it is not acceptable to sleep or attempt to call home places not intended for human habitation.
David Hoak reviewed some costs of homelessness and a separate document is attached herein. In 2009, Fire and Rescue calls for hospital transport averaged 12 per 1000 people in the general population but 200 homeless per 1000 people in the general population.
SAPD reported in 2009 that 10% of calls involved homeless people.
David Hoak asked attending agencies to provide statistics not listed on the attached sheet. Notable is the Flagler Hospital’s total estimate of homeless services, including transport, at approximately $1.6 million dollars in 2009.
Mike Davis opened discussion on the HMIS (homeless management information system). Agencies reported the revised format is easier to use and agencies that use their own systems agreed in principle to participate in this dual entry system.
A representative of First United Methodist (the only faith based organization represented), asked if goal 5 meant that homeless people who choose to live outside will be criminalized. David Hoak indicated this would be addressed down the road after a system is in place. Jerry Cameron, representing the county, indicated that such choices have consequences. David Hoak mentioned sanctioned tent cities.
Mike Davis wanted to focus on goal 3: the Triage/Connection facility. Mary Lawrence suggested the new St Francis Shelter as this was stated in the PUSH endorsed understanding of the function of the new shelter, including offices for VA, medical referral, ID assistance, etc. Jerry Cameron suggested a county/St Francis House hybrid, as the county social services is already doing much of this work.
The representative from the sheriff’s office noted the need for a detox facility. All agreed on that point.
The 24/7 call in hotline 211 was mentioned. It needs updated information and also it was noted that calls come in from other counties. David Hoak agreed more coordination between the HMIS and the hotline is needed but would involve huge amounts of work.
Jerry Cameron noted the leverage county funding through agencies generates. Agencies can leverage and provide more services than the county could. Mike Davis felt the county should handle the detox facility
Someone asked where the veterans group was. David Hoak said he had spoken to Vets4Vets and Jerry Cameron noted we already have veteran programs in place. Both recognized not all groups were represented at today’s meeting. Renee mentioned that St Francis House has a VA representative every Monday.
Jerry Cameron envisioned a coordinated private, non profit, church and government solution.
David Hoak suggested a web page for input and notification of regular meetings. He also mentioned putting together a Homeless Connect, a one day event involving all providers of homeless services where people can come and get specific help and information.
Jerry Cameron noted the huge push back on moving St Francis House. There are many more obstacles than just the NIMBY attack from St Gerard’s Campus. They are still moving forward with the concept, Renee stating she had about 500k in the bank.
It was decided to have a smaller group compile a comprehensive list of current services in the county. Ben Comey noted at the end that the county has a continuum of care and funding like the 750k challenge grant must go through the lead agency, currently the Emergency Services Homeless Coalition.
Record publisher Ron Davidson assured the group of coverage of any timely and relevant actions.
Group agreed to meet in the next 3 weeks.
Notes only, not official minutes of the meeting.
INSERT SCANNED IMAGE OF STATISTICS FROM AGENCIES/LAW ENFORCEMENT
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