Item A: Workshop on Homelessness

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Pro: Each of the above items represents a response to a problem identified by the community or staff. After considerable review, they were presented to the City Council in November 2005. Con: Funds spent on these activities could, in some cases, be spent on other activities. Tier 1: Current City-assisted service Human Services Commission (HSC) Funding The City contributes $1,019,808 in General Funds and $390,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These funds go to a range of services; most are directly related to homelessness. The City’s CDBG contribution is limited to 15% of the total federal grant. Due to federal grant reductions, the HSC contribution will be reduced by $40,000 in the coming fiscal year. Homeless Camping Facilitation Contract The City contracts directly for $81,500 with St. Vincent dePaul to manage the on-street camping complaints and camping space program. Looking Glass Station 7 Eugene Police Department contributes $36,000 towards the provision of shelter beds. Willamette Family Treatment Buckley House, $28,300. Buckley House is facing budget cuts totaling $51,000 which mean the loss of two treatment beds and critical mental health services that enable Buckley to serve—and remove from the streets—adults with dual diagnosis and mental health crises. White Bird CAHOOTS Eugene Police Department contributes $244,000 for on-street crisis assistance Pro: These services are under-funded and yet are proven to be effective and have been established and reviewed regularly. Each represents elements of the public safety prevention and intervention system that save money on the enforcement side. Con: This $1.8 million in funding could be allocated to other key city services. While funding in this area can be helpful, there aren’t enough HUD vouchers to support increasing the number of housing units/beds at Shankle, Safe Haven and Shelter Plus locations. Building a new facility would be an expensive, long-term project. 8