Agenda Packet 10-10-18 Joint Work Session

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related to homeless services and public shelter options. Based on feedback received from elected officials and other stakeholders, a final product will be created and presented in December or January 2018. This will set the stage for policy makers, community providers and the community at large to begin having policy discussions about how to address the recommendations provided by TAC. C. Board Goals The Lane County Strategic Plan calls for addressing the community’s need for affordable housing and addressing homelessness. Specifically, it calls for increasing housing options for residents to reduce the incidence of homelessness and increase affordability. Specific strategies include: convening, sponsoring, and implementing a collaborative multi-jurisdictional affordable housing action plan; identifying and implementing programs for supportive housing, short-term transitional housing, and long-term and permanent solutions to address homelessness; increasing access to prevention and treatment services and developing programs; and for developing policy focused on behavioral health, community health, and youth. D. Financial and/or Resource Considerations Lane County along with its City partners in the Human Services Commission will need to continue to identify, fund, perform resource development for grants and advocate for resources to continue to fund shelter and supportive housing development, operations and services. The Public Shelter Feasibility Study and Homeless Service System Analysis will outline options for use of resources needed to address housing and service needs of homeless populations in Lane County. E. Health Implications Poor health can contribute to being homeless, and being homeless can lead to poor health. Limited access to health care can make it worse. That is why the health of people experiencing homelessness is worse than that of the general population. Common health problems include: • Problems caused by being outdoors • Bronchitis and pneumonia • Wound and skin infections • Mental health problems • Substance abuse problems Many women experiencing homelessness are victims of domestic or sexual abuse. Homeless children have high rates of emotional and behavioral problems, often from having witnessed abuse and the trauma of experiencing homelessness. For many, the daily struggle for food, shelter, clothing, and safety relegates health to a distant priority which, in turn, exacerbates disease, complicates treatment, and drives excess mortality. October 10, 2018, Joint City-County Work Session – Item 1