Item B: Update on Homeless Initiative Action Plan

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The Federal Government is focusing financial efforts on the ten percent of people nationally who meet HUD’s narrow definition of “chronically homeless” (chronically homeless is actually 16 percent of Lane County’s homeless population). While it is true that this 16 percent often costs the various systems significant resources, the ability to help the 84 percent of situational homeless remains a crisis. If left unassisted, many are likely to become chronically homeless. Lane County’s budget crisis, although mostly averted in 2007, could still result in widespread and significant budget cuts to providers of services in 2008 and beyond. Day and night shelter, sobering and detox, and other critical treatment programs could either close or be curtailed. These cuts will impact public health and safety in Eugene. In addition, a Federal law now limits households to five years of benefits under the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. [This program used to be known as “welfare”.] For the first time, the five-year window is closing for many households. This will have serious repercussions. INTERMEDIATE MEASURES Identify and Track: ? The number of meetings with homeless community members, service providers, homeless advocates, City and County commissions and other key stakeholders to determine and prioritize gaps and needs. ? The amount of City budgets allocated to programs that directly help the homeless. ? The number of City staff who have completed training around interaction with homeless community members. Highlights of the quarter On June 25, 2007, just prior to the quarter, Council reviewed the homelessness goal, and members expressed support for both the measurable outcomes that have been achieved and the continued direction for the coming year. The Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee for Financing the Ten-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness has been the priority activity of the quarter. Key meetings and events this quarter: Homeless Action Planning Team (staff) 1 meeting Blue Ribbon Committee 2 meetings Blue Ribbon Steering committee 2 meetings 31 Blue Ribbon Committee on Homelessness, Recommendation April 2, 2008 -- Page