Activities and Opinions

Minutes were approved from the last meeting.

Old Business Update:
Kathy reported on the funds raised from the booth at the Potato and Cabbage Festival in Hastings.

It was noted that 3rd Monday night dinners drop to 60-70 after June due to migration of farm workers. Next dinner is 6/21. Malinda will provide BBQ chicken; Kathy Bravo, JCP Cares will underwrite the rest.
Kathy also mentioned welcome back kits when the workers return in October. Mary mentioned PUSH has been trying to raise money to supplement toiletries kits.

There is enough money to file the articles of incorporation.

Corinne mentioned possibility of coming under Catholic Charities for admin support, either with a memorandum of understanding or contractual. It would be cheaper and quicker. Ann Breidenstein noted it solidifies bookkeeping and United Way can assign and track funding to the SEA community.

Corinne suggested a monthly narrative by a volunteer for the paper as a regular series, kind of like “A day in the life of…” Ann noted Margo Pope at the Record wants to do regular agency highlights. Corinne offered to write a proposal for Ms Pope.

Corinne and Mary will work on media contacts when the time approaches for doing so. Kathy Bravo noted a contact she has at Ch 4 for PSAs.

Kathy asked about percentage of migrant workers to the resident population. Corinne will mail copies of the 2004 Migrant Worker study done by the county.

Kathryn mentioned the possibility of “Christmas in July”, successful in many other communities.

Meeting adjourned to visit Alma’s retirement facility in Palatka to get ideas on layout, procedures and services offered.

Notes taken by Mary Lawrence

PUSH ATTENDS IST (Integrated Services Team) MEETING
5/21/2010

American Eldercare gave a presentation on Long Term Care Diversion, above and beyond home health care,that aims to keep people in their homes. It is more cost effective and better for the client.

Worksource gave a presentation on employment search, training and orientations. Denise Bryant mention Experience Works for workers 55+ and the People First website which is listing jobs for the VA retirement facility.

Attendees from different agencies made announcements:

Crookshank Elementary 5/26 & 5/27: donuts for dads, muffins for moms.

ESHC: 10% of tab at Chili’s being donated.

Wanda Brinson noted they are still awaiting the SHIP funding. They have applied again for CDBG (community development block grant).

David Hoak noted the 6/10 meeting at the Record for service providers to the homeless (at the Record building at 9AM) and that a street card and brochure of services is being updated. There will also be a training session on the HMIS (homeless management information system).

Sr Bryan, Catholic Volunteers in Florida, passed out brochures on stipend funded young volunteers for any organization who would like to have this help for 19k/yr.

Next IST meeting is 6/25, location to be announced. Anyone wishing to present needs to contact Brenda Ware.

Notes taken by Mary Lawrence

Hello Folks

I want to take this time to thank people who has generous donated clothes, hygiene, blankets and others through school year 2009-2010 to help our girls worked with P.U.S.H. - People United Stop Homeless by Dana Usina and her people volunteers. We collected more than we expected past school year and it was very successful community service for James Hall 2nd floor.

Since most of you are off for the summer, if you happen to have clothes, blankets, tents, cooking equipments or others that you want to rid, I am asking you to save and donate to James Hall 2nd floor when we return back to work in August because we are going to continue work with P.U.S.H. again for school year of 2010-2011. Homeless people do appreciate our thoughts and feel special by your kindness donations.

Thank you from James Hall 2nd floor
Staffs - Bonnie Padgett, Curemia Dailey and Michelle Tallent.
Students - Freshmen and Honor Dorm girls

Mike Davis, new head of HASJ, recapped the last meeting.

David Hoak explained progress on subcommittee work on a street card and brochure for distribution by agencies to clients.

Mike Davis wants a timeline by the next meeting.

A question arose about the HMIS (homeless management information system). It was to be updated by 6/7/10 but was mentioned as being incomplete as faith based and groups like PUSH are not included. David noted the information collected is confidential but will check if access can be granted to faith based groups. An ID number is used in place of individuals’ names. Jimmie Harden (ESHC) noted it is a federally mandated system. Allie, from St Francis House, volunteered to do a presentation to the group at the next meeting and David will find out who can gain access before the next meeting.

Jerry Cameron reiterated the current St Francis House location is unacceptable for a multitude of reasons. At the county level, it is the biggest issue right now. Mike Davis noted St Francis House is the main focus of HASJ as well.

Ellen Walden noted IDs are a huge issue in the Hastings area requiring intensive resources and time. Jerry Cameron put out the idea of a “network ID”, a locally based system. Allie noted HMIS can issue IDs with a picture. Law enforcement representatives present noted possession of ID helps them do their job. Both Cameron and the sheriff’s rep noted it is not against the law not to have ID.

Discussion of the relocation of St Francis House ensued, with the current plan of using the firehouse on Old South Dixie the best option so far, given proximity to services homeless need but there are NIMBY issues that need to be addressed. The county is also exploring other sites and alternatives. Jimmie Harden said transitional housing is “maxed out” over in West Augustine and they have no more land to expand.

It was noted women with disabilities have a huge need for housing. Diane Quick from Habitat noted they have disabled and elderly programs.

Jerry Cameron put forward the idea of a tent city.

Mary Lawrence asked about the progress of the business based HASJ committee. On a scale of 1 to 10, Mike Davis gave it a 2.

Notes taken by Mary Lawrence