Item B: Update on Homeless Initiative Action Plan

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?Impacts of homelessness on the community including other government systems and services, hospitals, schools, etc. ?Existing and potential funding from local, state, federal, and private sources Comprehensive Community Analysis Part 2: Identification of Critical Gaps and Prioritization for Action Utilizing the information gathered in the environmental assessment, stakeholders will identify critical gaps and advise on opportunities to address such gaps. Comprehensive Community Analysis Part 3: Develop Strategies and Actions to Address Priority Issues Based on the identified priorities, stakeholders will form working groups to develop regional strategies, actions, and specific measurable outcomes. Such actions may be carried out by public entities, selected agencies, or members of the public. These strategies would also guide use of existing funding and identify areas where new funding is necessary. Future Role for the Blue Ribbon Committee The Blue Ribbon Committee was created by the City of Eugene as a limited duration committee with a targed purpose. Once the recommendations are completed the committee’s work is completed. The Mayor or City Council may choose to reconvene this committee or appoint a new committee to review the report and potentially advocate for the implemenation strategies. b) Continue the City of Eugene’s interim funding allocations that provided for homeless prevention and related services during the last two years: i) Prevent homelessness through emergency rent payments or security deposits. This strategy has been demonstrated to be very effective. ii) Aid homeless people and the health and safety of the whole community through increased operating hours at the First Place Family Center and the Eugene Service Station. iii) Provide transporation assistance for homeless people who find it both expensive and challenging to get to job or benefit appointments, get their children to and from school, or who need transportation for critical medical needs. Cost: $150,000 (currently funded as “annual one time” as opposed to an ongoing “base budget” item). A recent quarterly report to City Council on the use of these funds is attached in the appendix. Summary of Arguments Related to 1) Immediate Action Pro Con Remedies the lack of comprehensive and This is a low impact response in the short detailed information required in order to run compared to the enormity of the gain public acceptance. problem. 11 Blue Ribbon Committee on Homelessness, Recommendation April 2, 2008 -- Page