07/13/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Lamberts said that at this point Womenspace desperately needs a housing facility for battered Women. Mr. Keller noted that Womenspace e is on a future County Commissioners' agenda. Mary Milhaupt, Women's Commission member, said it is hoped that the County and City will jointly support providing a shelter home. Assistant City Manager noted that there is already a County-City program to deal with these kinds of concerns, i.e. , the Joint Social Services Revenue Sharing Committee. Ms. Smith said that she is opposed to going outside the existing structure to fund despite the critical need. She believes that any decisions should be made through the Joint Revenue Sharing Committee. Mr. Delay believes this request is outside the normal framework. There is a clear, immediate danger to people in the community that has not been addressed before, he said. He noted that no way can the Joint Revenue Sharing Committee fund this project now since money has already been allocated for the 1977-78 fiscal year. Mr. Williams agreed with Ms. Smith that the Joint Social Services Committee should be the tool used in this regard. Mr. Lieuallen felt that there are many times where a need gets to the point that justifies violating a fixed process. Anita Larson, Lane County staff member to the Joint Social Services Committee, noted that, if the City and County were to put additional money into the fund, it could be possible to fund Womenspace. She did note, however, that other non-profit agencies are watching very closely. They are very supportive of the concept, yet each one is feeling as though their financial lives are at stake as well. e Bill Wilhorn, director of Family Shelter House, noted that they are presently providing emergency housing to families including abused women. He said he wanted it to be very clear that there is a facility in town, partly funded through Social Services, that is providing this kind of a service. He noted there has been Some cooperation between them and Womenspace but that, if Womenspace had been more cooperative, such a facility as has been mentioned would be a reality today. Mr. Delay and Mr. Bradley both felt that an ad hoc committee should be formed to work in cooperation with the Joint Social Services Committee. Assistant City Manager felt it would be appropriate to ask the Committee to look at the need and report back by the middle of September. Addi- tionally, he felt it would be wise to let Council members know when any meetings take place, so that individual Council members can attend. Mr. Williams pointed out that the Social Services Committee received many requests that were not able to be funded. He is certain that, had this request come before it, it would clearly have been funded. Ms. Smith added that the policy of the Social Services Committee was not to fund any agencies that were not formally in existence at the time of consideration. Mr. Delay moved, seconded by Mr. Williams, to hold further discussion of the matter over to the July 20 Council meeting in order to allow Council members time to reflect on it. Motion carried unanimously. e 7/13/77--6 5b7