10/22/1990 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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-- --- -- e Mr. Holmer asked for an estimate of the entire homeless population in the Eugene community. Mr. Weinman said that it is difficult to determine how many homeless families reside in Eugene because families often alternate between staying in shelters and living with local relatives and friends. He noted, however, that housing shelters are continually full with long waiting lists. Responding to a comment from Ms. Ehrman that none of the options presented would take the place of the Opportunity Shelter, Mr. Weinman agreed and said that the council made a policy decision to target its money toward long-range permanent housing solutions, rather than temporary shelter facilities. Responding to a question from Mayor Miller, Mr. Weinman said that some transportation costs have been included in the Interfaith Emergency Shelter System budget. This might include funding for bus tokens or money for gasoline. Mr. Weinman emphasized that the City predicts that no one family would stay in this emergency shelter system for very long. Responding to a question from Mr. Boles, he said homeless families generally occupy Family Shelter House apartments for approximately 45 days. Mr. Gleason explained that the homeless problem began to escalate several years ago when the Federal Government made deep cuts in housing programs. He noted that it is difficult to solve the problem on a local level; the City is stepping up to the problem more than most. e Responding to a question from Ms. Schue, Mr. Gleason recommended that the money to support the shelter recommendation come from the General Fund Contingency. Approximately $400,000 would remain after the drawdown. Ms. Ehrman noted that concerns have been expressed by residents near Washington Park about potential increases in crime. If the access center were located in this area, she asked whether it would be possible to increase police or CAHOOTS Van patrols. Mr. Weinman said that increased police surveillance of the area would be appropriate, although it is not necessary to expect an increase in crime. - Ms. Ehrman asked about the status of the Washington Park facility. In response, Bob Schutz, PARCS Department, said that the City envisions that Westmoreland Center might use it as a satellite facility which would house either a daytime child-care facility, a nighttime rental facility, or a combination of the two. Ms. Schue moved, seconded by Mr. Bennett, to direct the City Manager to 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 enhanced family emergency shelter program (FY90-91); and 2) up to $58,000 to fund the Interfaith Shelter System and Access Center Program to be in e MINUTES--Eugene City Council October 22, 1990 Page 3 Dinner/Work Session ,-