Agenda Packet 5-13-19 Joint Work Session

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Housing for people with behavioral health and/or chronic health conditions that other have significant barriers to their stable housing. III. BACKGROUND/IMPLICATIONS OF ACTION A. Board Action and Other History In the fall of 2017, Lane County, with the participation and additional funding support of the City of Eugene, selected the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) to conduct a public shelter feasibility study and homeless service system analysis for Lane County. TAC presented their final report at a Joint Elected Officials meeting on January 22, 2019. After that meeting, a Steering Committee formed to develop an implementation plan based on the report’s recommendations. The Committee is comprised of Eugene City Manager Jon Ruiz, Lane County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky, the City of Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis, Eugene City Councilor Claire Syrett, Lane County Commissioners Heather Buch and Pat Farr, Poverty and Homelessness Board Chair Pat Walsh, Lane County Human Services Division Manager Steve Manela, and Homeless/Formerly Homeless Representative on Poverty and Homelessness Board Kris McAllister. This presentation will provide an overview of the Steering Committee’s work in identifying options for the development of additional capacity for: homeless outreach and crisis response; prevention and diversion of homelessness; a highly functional coordinated entry system that actively works with those in need of housing and services; a navigation center services and a low-barrier shelter as a vehicle to move more participants into permanent housing with the appropriated health and social service supports that they need; and the development of additional Permanent Supportive Housing for people with behavioral health and/or chronic health conditions that other have significant barriers to their stable housing. B. Policy Issues The TAC public shelter feasibility study and homeless service system analysis and subsequent work by the Steering Committee will provide options for local elected officials to consider in addressing improvements to the area’s homeless service and supportive service system and the development of a public shelter. 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 May 13, 2019, Joint Work Session – Item 1