Item B: City Council Goal – Update on Homeless Initiative Action Plan

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ATTACHMENT A Revised Action Plan – Council Priority Initiative Homelessness June 25, 2007 At the February 2005 retreat of the City of Eugene’s Mayor, City Council, and Executive Managers, eight strategic issues were identified; one of which was to “Develop a strategy to help the homeless in Eugene.” The Homelessness Action Planning Team developed a 3 to 5 year action plan with greatest focus on the first 18 to 24 months. During subsequent reviews Council acknowledged that homelessness has the potential to touch every resident and area within the City and expanded the definition of “the homeless” to include community members who are “at risk” of becoming homeless because they cannot afford food and shelter. Council approved action plans that identified gaps in current services, promoted public awareness, fostered collaboration with stakeholders, and proposed appropriate actions. In January 2007, the homeless goal was one of ten goals that the Council adopted for action. The homeless goal was approved with an emphasis on working with our partners to identify sustainable funding. The following is a status report on completed strategies and future strategies pending approval by City Council: A. Planning Horizon and Focus 1. Review the City’s past and present service delivery and staff training. Complete. 2. Review the Eugene Human Rights Commission (HRC) priorities and work plan on homeless/at risk community members. Complete. 3. Assemble community stakeholders, including homeless/at-risk community members, service providers, and other key stakeholders to determine current service levels and areas for collaboration. Complete. 4. Engage homeless/at risk community members hear their views on the most critical needs and determine how best to assist them in their transition away from homelessness. Complete. 5. Prioritize potential service enhancements based on greatest need, resource requirements and ability to accomplish the most positive results. Complete, and continually reviewed. 6. Stress the importance of the issue to county and local elected officials; request their leadership and support so priorities can be implemented. Complete. Given the potential scope and breadth of the initiative, related actions and tasks are grouped into short and longer-term horizons: Phase 1(18 to 24 Months) Action items that define, analyze and prioritize internal city and community-focused initiatives. These priorities will be used by elected officials to approve and fund the longer-term direction of homeless/at risk assistance. Phase 1 is complete. During Phase 1 the Action Planning Team, which was comprised of an interdepartmental staff team augmented by Human Rights Commission members and Human Services Commission staff, visited with service providers and met with homeless singles, families and youth. This study resulted in funding recommendations to the Budget Committee and City Council. Council allocated funds for homeless prevention, transportation assistance, and to increase hours at the Eugene Service Station and First Place Family Center. Additional City funding supported Safe and Sound, a program for homeless and at- risk youth. L:\CMO\2007 Council Agendas\M070625\S070625B.DOC