Title
Discussion - composition of the Community Coalition on Homelessness
Body
Issue/Request:
At the November 11, 2020 Community & Economic Development Committee (CEDC) meeting staff provided a presentation and framework to begin a process of evaluation and community dialogue regarding a coordinated effort to respond to homeless related concerns within the community, and to begin to connect available resources across a multi-faceted and multi-discipline approach.
Key Issues:
The CEDC was in favor of creating a community coalition of stakeholders to develop a long-range plan to respond to homelessness within the community. Below are key aspects that the coalition could focus efforts around:
• evaluate existing resources available
• identify gaps in homelessness support
• identify availability of resources to fill gaps
• enlist community support
• create awareness and education within the community
City staff developed a list of potential community stakeholders to consider in organizing the Community Coalition on Homelessness:
• Social Service Agencies
• Religious and Charitable Organizations
• Homeless advocates
• Resident representatives
• Business representatives
• Community members
• Elected Officials
• City Officials
o Administration
o Police Department
o Neighborhood Services
o Law
o Prosecutor’s Office
o Municipal Court
o Parks and Recreation
The creation of a Community Coalition on Homeless and appointments to the coalition would ultimately be determined by the Mayor and City Council.
Proposed City Council Motion:
No motion prepared at this time - agenda item for Committee discussion purposes
Background:
On November 11, 2020 Police Chief Travis Forbes provided a presentation to the CEDC regarding homelessness and outlined current resources and responses within the community. The CEDC unanimously agreed to begin taking steps to build a community stakeholder group to develop a long range plan and response for the community. The CEDC also recommended the presentation and information presented at the November 11, 2020 CEDC meeting be shared with the entire Mayor and City Council for their awareness.
Presenter
Mark Dunning, Assistant City Manager
Travis Forbes, Police Chief