10/22/1990 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. .- expense. Concerns were also raised that the Motel Voucher Program would not be an acceptable alternative because it would merely displace some of the families presently living in residential motels, in effect shifting the housing need around. Mr. Weinman said that staff recommends that the City enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Lane county in an amount up to $98,000 to provide the following emergency shelter services: 1) $40,000 to participate with Springfield and Lane County in the existing winter emergency shelter program; and 2) up to $58,000 to establish the Interfaith Shelter System and Access Center Program. He noted that in the event that the Interfaith Shelter System and Access Center do not go forward, staff would recommend that the City Manager proceed to fund up to $58,000 for the Commercial Motel Voucher Program alternative. Mr. Weinman reported that nine religious institutions have committed to participate in the nighttime shelter program and nine others have expressed a strong interest. He emphasized that the institutions felt strongly that a complimentary daytime program/access center would be necessary component of the program. Mr. Weinman said that two potential locations have been suggested for the Access Center: the Washington Park recreation building located at 20th and Washington Street or the recently vacated Head Start facility located in Glenwood. Both facilities would need some rehabilitation work; the Glenwood facility would cost approximately $5,000 more to operate because of rental e costs. Mr. Weinman noted that while the proposed shelter program would address the housing need for the next seven months, homelessness is a year-round problem which does not go away in June. In response to council request, Mr. Weinman said that the staff recommendation relates to the goals of the MOMS proposal in that it provides nighttime shelter for homeless families. He noted, however, that the MOMS group is dissatisfied wi.th the proposal and would desire a 24-hour program that provides more stable living conditions, similar to the Opportunity Shelter. Mr. Gleason advised the council that the religious institutions would not be willing to support a program that did not include the daytime access center. Responding to a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Weinman said that the access center coordinator would be hired through a non-profit organization, rather than a City employee. Ms. Bascom inquired about the comparative cost between the Motel Voucher Program and the City Emergency Shelter Facility. Mr. Weinman responded that both would cost approximately $30 per night. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 22, 1990' Page 2 Dinner/Work Session