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26 <br /> <br />What does the screening or vetting process of applicants to these programs involve? <br /> Potential residents must submit an application to be considered. Applicants are expected to <br />check in periodically in order to stay on the wait list. <br /> Once an application is reviewed, operators invite the applicant in for an intake and <br />interview process, during which the operator inquires about the applicant’s background <br />including criminal and behavioral history; employment and housing status; his or her <br />individual needs and challenges in finding housing; and his or her strengths and abilities to <br />contribute, follow rules, and abide by the structure of the program. The interview and <br />intake process is in-depth and meant to gauge whether the applicant will be a successful <br />member of a rest stop or car camping site, can work well with others, and be a good <br />neighbor. <br /> Some operators also utilize Service Point, the Homeless Management Information System <br />(HMIS), in order to learn which social services the applicant is accessing and how often. This <br />provides operators with a better picture of the applicant and what their activities and needs <br />may be. <br /> Some operators or sites also require that residents recovering from or struggling with <br />addiction be actively enrolled in treatment in order to stay. Operators may also conduct a <br />criminal background check or a urine analysis for an applicant or resident at any time. <br />Refusal to comply can result in a 24-hour eviction from the site. <br /> Once the vetting process is complete and an applicant is accepted, he or she is required to <br />engage in an orientation process to learn more about the program and its structure, meet <br />fellow residents, and acknowledge that they understand all rules and protocols. <br /> Operators are focused on potential behavioral problems and how likely it appears that the <br />applicant will be able to adjust to the requirements of a rest stop or car camping site. This <br />entails a devoted amount of time spent on evaluating, assessing and monitoring a person <br />and their individual challenges and needs both before approving them as a resident and <br />within the first month probationary period. <br /> <br />What are Conestoga huts? <br />Conestoga huts are inexpensive and simple-to-build shelters for temporary emergency shelter. The <br />hut uses minimal materials to provide durable shelters that are well suited to the Pacific Northwest <br />climate, emphasizing keeping people dry and secure. The founders of Community Supported <br />Shelters (CSS), a non-profit organization that operates rest stops in Eugene and also builds the <br />Conestoga huts, developed the original design. Erik de Buhr of CSS recently published a book titled <br />“How to Build a Conestoga Hut.” The non-profit continues to build the huts for unhoused people to <br />use for shelter across the community. You can find more information and view photos of the huts at <br />http://communitysupportedshelters.org/conestoga-huts. Conestoga huts can be used at both rest <br />stops and car camping sites. <br /> <br />Would a rest stop offer shelter to the people who are living without housing in the <br />neighborhood already? <br />Anyone experiencing homelessness can apply to stay at a Rest Stop and will be considered if willing <br />and able to follow the rules of the rest stop. Rest stop operators or community members may be <br />able to help encourage someone who sleeps in the nearby neighborhood to apply and help them see <br />the benefits of entering into the program. <br /> <br />January 23, 2019, Work Session - Item 2