Item B: Council Priority Issue - Homeless Strategy

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ATTACHMENT B City of Eugene Chronological History of Homeless Efforts & Actions 1947 to Present 2002 Community protest around homelessness included a park block tree-sitter. Status: The protest dissipated and the CCHY met again. They held meetings with homeless youth and eventually successfully recommended special three-year funding for the Safe and Sound program. 2003 Council approved CCHY’s recommendation to fund Safe & Sound substance abuse services for homeless youth through 2006. Status: Eugene’s contribution has leveraged nearly a half million dollars in private foundation funding during the last two years and provides comprehensive and coordinated behavioral health services for more than 800 youth each year. Safe & Sound is partnering with Community Health Centers of Lane County to secure Medicaid reimbursements. However, many of the pre-treatment services are not eligible for reimbursement. The Safe & Sound strategy of business, public safety, social services working together was effective in the downtown area and is now being replicated in the Monroe Park vicinity. 2004 Lane County submitted plan to end chronic homelessness as part of their HUD 2004 Continuum of Care application. Status: Funding already directed to this effort, and the City recently received a response to a housing RFP to add new housing for homeless veterans. 2005 Eugene Mayor and City Council adopt as one of 8 priority issues “develop a strategy to help the homeless in Eugene”. Current Status: A staff team was organized and an action plan, to be adopted by the City Council, is being developed. A collaborative base of stakeholders was approached and asked for their input on what could help with assisting this population. This included discussing issues with homeless singles, families and youth. This input will serve as the core of recommendations to the City Council for how the City can best assist this population. Page 4 of 4 11/21/2005