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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B: Council Priority Issue - Homeless Strategy ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: City Council Priority Issue - Update on Homeless Strategy for Eugene Meeting Date: November 30, 2005 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Staff Contact: Angel Jones www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-6065 ISSUE STATEMENT The purpose of this work session is to review the revised action plan for the City Council priority issue “Develop a Strategy to Help the Homeless in Eugene.” The City Council is asked to approve or modify the proposed action plan. BACKGROUND In February, the Mayor and City Council met to develop strategic priorities for the community. Out of that session emerged eight priority issues, one of which was to develop a strategy to help the homeless in Eugene. The initial action plan was reviewed by the council on July 13, 2005. After review of the proposed action plan, the City Council directed the City Manager to “bring back a refined and focused plan for addressing homelessness in Eugene based on feedback from providers and stakeholders.” Since the Mayor and City Council’s review last July, the staff team, with help from Lane County’s Human Services Commission staff, has actively engaged stakeholders. Three insightful meetings were arranged with groups of homeless community members. The team heard from homeless adults at the Eugene Service Station, homeless families at Shelter House, and homeless youth at New Roads. On three occasions the team met with a large group of professionals who are regularly providing services or advocacy for the homeless and at-risk population. The team also made presentations and heard from the Intergovernmental Housing Policy Board, the Eugene Human Rights Commission, the Lane County Commission on Children and Families and the Lane County Human Services Commission. In all, hundreds of stakeholders have been engaged to this point to identify the greatest needs and gaps in services to this homeless population. In addition, as part of the discussions, they provided feedback on the City’s role in the provision of these services. Recurring themes emerged from these stakeholders meetings and the subsequent gap analysis of existing services and needs resulted in a list of options in the revised action plan presented in Attachment A. A comprehensive history of initiatives, both ongoing and terminated, is included as Attachment B. Attachment C contains a summary of the plan’s actions steps, status, resource needs and projected time frame for completion. Attachment D provides action plan detail on the gap analysis work to-date. The staff team is in the process of working with the stakeholders to prioritize these gaps. The issues of homelessness are not isolated to Eugene, nor are they unique to the region. In order to find adequate solutions, the City will need to continue to partner significantly with homeless/at-risk L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M051130\S051130B.doc community members, service providers, advocates, appropriate City and County boards and commissions, Lane County, the State of Oregon and the Federal Government. RELATED CITY POLICIES The varied City policies that could be associated with this priority issue, depending on the plan outcomes, are discussed in the attached action plan. COUNCIL OPTIONS The City Council is asked to provide direction on the “Help the Homeless in Eugene” priority action plan. The City Council may approve the plan “as is” or approve a modified version. The City Council could also direct staff that no additional work be completed on this action plan, effectively putting work on this priority issue on hold. CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends that the City Council approve the proposed “Help the Homeless in Eugene” priority issue action plan. SUGGESTED MOTION Move to approve the proposed “Help the Homeless in Eugene” priority issue action plan. ATTACHMENTS A. Help the Homeless in Eugene Priority Issue Action Plan B. History of Homeless Initiatives/Actions in the Eugene Area over the Last 50+ Years C. Summary of Action Plan Steps D. Preliminary Gap Analysis Identified by Stakeholders FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Angel Jones, LRCS Executive Director Telephone: 682-6065 Staff E-Mail: angel.l.jones@ci.eugene.or.us L:\CMO\2005 Council Agendas\M051130\S051130B.doc ATTACHMENT A Strategic Priority Issue #8 Develop a Strategy to Help the Homeless in Eugene Action Plan - REVISED 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.” Based on the discussion outcomes, a desire was shown to determine the City’s future role in addressing this complex, international issue. The Homelessness Action Planning Team will develop a 3 to 5 year action plan with greatest focus on the first 18 to 24 months. Because homelessness has the potential to touch every resident and area within the City, our team has expanded the definition of “the homeless” to include community members who are “at risk” of becoming homeless because they cannot afford food and shelter. This action plan will identify gaps in current services, promote public awareness, foster collaboration with stakeholders, and propose appropriate actions. Our original plan, brought before the Mayor and City Council on July 13, 2005, was comprehensive and broad based but did not present specific recommendations prior to conducting meetings with key stakeholders. While the Mayor and City Council generally agreed with the original plan, they asked that the team host those meetings first and come back with a revised plan that had specific recommendations on ways that the City could help this population. A. Planning Horizon and Focus In order to make informed decisions, many areas need to be evaluated. The following strategies are the focus of our efforts and resources: 1. Review the City’s past and present service delivery and staff training. 2. Review the Eugene Human Rights Commission (HRC) priorities and work plan on homeless/at risk community members. 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. 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. 5. Prioritize potential service enhancements based on greatest need, resource requirements and ability to accomplish the most positive results. 6. Stress the importance of the issue to county and local elected officials; request their leadership and support so priorities can be implemented. 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 II (3 to 5 Years) – Longer-term approved priorities. These priorities will be initiated with the understanding that some go far beyond the five-year time horizon. Strategic Priority Issue Outcomes B. Page 1 of 4 11/21/2005 ATTACHMENT A Strategic Priority Issue #8 Develop a Strategy to Help the Homeless in Eugene Action Plan - REVISED The problem of homelessness is not isolated to Eugene; the City will need a great deal of assistance, especially from Lane County, the State of Oregon and the Federal Government. The following were goals and actions taken by the City’s staff team in order to make recommendations to the City Council: 1. Examine ways to more efficiently deliver service with existing resources based on the evaluation of City service delivery to homeless/at risk populations. 2. Assemble community stakeholders and form a “collaborative base” to identify the areas of most critical need. These stakeholders will include, but are not limited to, homeless/at-risk community members, City & County staff, the Eugene Human Rights Commission, Housing Policy Board, Human Services Commission, Commission on Children and Families, elected officials, past and present service providers, and business owners. 3. Engage homeless/at risk community members to listen to their views, determine their needs and to determine what enhancements they identify that would provide them with the greatest benefit. 4. Train City staff on issues relating to homeless/at risk community members. Provide more detailed training for City employees and work groups that are more likely to have frequent, daily interaction with homeless/at risk persons, which might include advising them about other appropriate service providers. 5. Prioritize the issues of most critical need and/or areas where the City and the “collaborative base” of partners can deliver the most effective assistance taking into account discretionary funding and the potential to re-deploy resources to higher priority areas. 6. Present the highest priority items to the Mayor and City Council, and request they direct the City Manager on which options should be implemented. 7. Assign appropriate City staff and other applicable resources to short- and long-term options approved by the Mayor and City Council. Progress to Date C. The following are examples of currently operational programs/actions that assist homeless/at risk community members which the City has participated in, supported or created. This list may not include programs run by the County and other organizations. 1967 City created special land use zone for the Eugene Mission to allow them to move to their current location on W. First Avenue. Current Status: Special land use zone is still in effect. th 1970 Family Shelter House opened with City assistance, on E. 11 Avenue, at the site that became the “Animal House.” The facility moved to its current location, 969 Hwy. 99 N, in 1977. Current Status: This facility is still in operation. 1990 Housing Policy Board (HPB) formed, by intergovernmental agreement, between Lane County, Eugene, Springfield, and HACSA. This public-private partnership prioritizes Page 2 of 4 11/21/2005 ATTACHMENT A Strategic Priority Issue #8 Develop a Strategy to Help the Homeless in Eugene Action Plan - REVISED permanent housing over emergency housing and sets a goal of adding 100 new rental housing units per year. Current Status: As of June 2005, 1,526 subsidized rental housing units have either been added or are in the pipeline for completion. Many are rented to formerly homeless households or those at risk of homelessness. 1990 Interfaith Emergency Shelter Program began when the Opportunity Shelter closed due to both funding shortfalls and recognition that this model was not successful. Following a public protest, the City provided seed money for the Interfaith Emergency Shelter Program, rather than implement the proposal submitted by the community members that would have allowed camping at the site of the former Jefferson Pool. Current Status: This program continues to operate. (St. Vincent dePaul) 1990 Family Access Center created. (Now called First Place Family Center.) This program began when the Opportunity Shelter closed due to both funding shortfalls and recognition that this model was not successful. This was a critical companion program to the Interfaith Shelter. Current Status: The program continues to operate at 1990 Amazon. (St. Vincent dePaul) 1992 Department of Public Safety camping policy revised. Current Status: Police enforcement actions became more complaint-oriented rather than proactive. 1993 New Roads School and Youth Access Center opened in December. Current Status: This program still operates (Looking Glass). 1995 Eugene Service Station, an adult access center, established with City seed money. Current Status: This program still exists at an expanded facility. The building is now shared by the Bethel Police Substation. 1995 Station 7, Looking Glass Youth Shelter, opened with City assistance replacing a smaller shelter that Looking Glass had operated since 1970. It was named Station 7, because the building was formerly a fire station. Current Status: This program operates as the only youth shelter in Lane County. 1997 The Safe Place Project initiated to provide transportation to emergency services for youth in crisis. Program received support from the City of Eugene. Current Status: The program still operates. 1998 Council approved CCHY’s recommendation for special funding for program expansion at Station 7 and Eugene Service Station. Station 7 was able to help more youth, until the funding ran out, and permanently expand its services. Current Status: The program had a shelter capacity of 13, but it is now at 10 due to budget cuts in 2003. Also, the daytime non-school hour activities had to be cut. 1998 Council repealed camping in industrial areas and expanded camping options at businesses and public property based on CCHY’s recommendation. SVDP received a contract for on-street facilitation services. The City provided 15 camping spaces and encouraged intergovernmental partners, churches, and businesses to provide spaces. Current Status: This program still operates and is generally regarded as very successful. 1990 City of Eugene Interdepartmental Community Action Team (ICAT) created to convene staff from various departments to address critical issues, including homelessness. ICAT meets to discuss various issues, including homelessness. Current Status: 2003 Council approved CCHY’s recommendation to fund Safe & Sound substance abuse services for homeless youth through 2006. Current 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 Page 3 of 4 11/21/2005 ATTACHMENT A Strategic Priority Issue #8 Develop a Strategy to Help the Homeless in Eugene Action Plan - REVISED partners with Lane County community health centers to secure Medicaid reimbursement; however, many of the pre-treatment services are not eligible and the partnership with the City is critical to ensure continued success. The Safe & Sound strategy of business, public safety, and social services working together, effective in the downtown area, is now being replicated in the Monroe Park vicinity, but additional funding is necessary. 2004 Lane County plan submitted to end chronic homelessness as part of their HUD 2004 Continuum of Care application. Current Status: Funding is 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. Also attached is a list of ongoing and terminated/completed community programs for homeless/at risk community members over the last several decades. (Attachment B) Action Plan & Resource Needs D. Based on the input of service providers, homeless advocates, homeless community members, governmental agencies and appropriate local boards and commissions, we have developed action plan steps that begin to address the highest priority issues identified. A summery list of those tasks, the current status, resource needs and projected completion dates can be found on Attachment C. Attachment D provides more detail on the gap analysis work to date. All stakeholders will continue to explore the needs of homeless/at-risk community members and the energy and resources in the local community to address these broad-based approaches. We will continue to recognize that the City only plays a role and cannot unilaterally solve the problem. We must continue to work together to make any progress on this international issue. Monitoring and Evaluation E. The Mayor and City Council will be briefed on the progress of the approved options quarterly via a reporting mechanism established by the City Manager. Page 4 of 4 11/21/2005 ATTACHMENT B City of Eugene Chronological History of Homeless Efforts & Actions 1947 to Present The following is a comprehensive list of local initiatives and programs to help the homeless. The only change to this document from the one presented on July 13, 2005 is the item for 2005 documenting the City Council Priority Issue and the progress to-date. 1947 Returning WW II vets allowed to camp in 100 sq ft trailers obtained from Portland’s war effort in a muddy cow pasture in West Eugene (now Sladden Park in the Whiteaker Neighborhood). Status: This initiative no longer in existence. 1967 City created a special land use zone for the Eugene Mission to allow them to move to their current location on W. First Avenue. Status: Special land use zone still in effect. th 1970 Family Shelter House opened with City assistance, on E. 11 Avenue, at the site that became the “Animal House.” The facility moved to its current location, 969 Hwy. 99 N, in 1977. Status: This facility is still in operation. 1983 City of Eugene Vagrancy Task Force established. (Chaired by a City Councilor) Status: Prohibited camping ordinance adopted, but recommendations for companion service funding were not implemented. 1987 City Council Social Goals Committee (Three Councilors and a Planning Commissioner) established. Status: A new focus on the creation of low-income housing, reviving a program to landbank sites (this included purchasing the Walnut Grove site, now nearing build-out, with 103 subsidized and 58 market rate rental and ownership unit), and the expansion and rehabilitation of the Family Shelter House and the creation of the Intergovernmental Housing Policy Board (HPB). Family Shelter still exists, but budget cuts have resulted in a drop from 29 to 21 available units. The HPB still exists. (Note: publicly assisted emergency housing assistance has generally decreased. For instance, the 96 motel vouchers in 1990-91 no longer exist. ) 1988 Opportunity Shelter opened as part of a community effort, spearheaded by the Eugene City Manager and the County Administrator, to house 50 homeless families by Thanksgiving. The st effort started on November 1. Status: The shelter operated for two years at 1990 Amazon, during which time its effectiveness and other alternatives were evaluated (see below). The 4J school district donated the space, which continues to be used for homeless assistance. 1989 Planning commission completes a study related to affordable housing. This includes adopting limitations on MH park closures, zoning changes such as duplex units on corner lots, reducing parking for affordable housing projects, and a controlled income and rent density bonus. Status: Options for low-income housing development increased. Some of the changes were amended or lost during the land use code update process. 1989 Lane County Task Force on Homelessness and Affordable Housing established. Status: This 23-member task force with broad-based membership created a blueprint for future housing efforts that remain in effect today. Recommendations for a stable funding source were not adopted by the Board of Commissioners. But the creation of the HPB was a direct result. 1990 Housing Policy Board (HPB) formed, by intergovernmental agreement, between Lane County, Eugene, Springfield, and HACSA. This public-private partnership prioritizes permanent housing over emergency housing and sets a goal of adding 100 new rental housing units per year. Status: As of June 2005, 1,526 subsidized rental housing units have either been added, or are in the pipeline for completion. Many are rented to formerly homeless households or those at risk of homelessness. Page 1 of 4 11/21/2005 ATTACHMENT B City of Eugene Chronological History of Homeless Efforts & Actions 1947 to Present 1990 Interfaith Emergency Shelter Program began when the Opportunity Shelter closed due to both funding shortfalls and recognition that this model was not successful. Following a public protest, the City provided seed money for the Interfaith Emergency Shelter Program rather than implementing the proposal by the community members which would have allowed camping at the site of the former Jefferson Pool. Status: This program continues to operate. (St. Vincent dePaul) 1990 Family Access Center established. (now called First Place Family Center) Status: This program began when the Opportunity Shelter closed due to both funding shortfalls and recognition that this model was not successful. This was a critical companion program to the Interfaith Shelter. This program continues to operate at 1990 Amazon. (St. Vincent dePaul) 1991 Special cold weather/snow emergency shelter opened at Whiteaker School during winter vacation. Status: This was a one-time compassionate response. It did result in what may have been the most accurate local homeless census ever – 599 people at various shelters on Christmas Eve. 1992 Department of Public Safety camping policy revised. Status: Police enforcement actions became more complaint-oriented, rather than proactive. 1993 Centennial Car Camp created (following a Human Rights Commission recommendation). It operated during three winter seasons ending in June 1995. Status: Eugene became, perhaps, the first city since post World War II to try a homeless camp. It focused attention on this community problem and provided a legal alternative to illegal camping on the streets. It also helped the State of Oregon close an illegal homeless camp at Armitage Park; the reasons included eroding intergovernmental financial support, management challenges, and siting concerns. The camp was envisioned to be used by adults, but households with children lived there as well. 1993 Shelter Work Group looked for a permanent campground and other solutions. Status: No solution identified, but the outcome was a great deal of education about the extraordinary challenges of siting and operating an urban campground for homeless people. 1993 New Roads School and Youth Access Center opened in December. Status: This program still operates (Looking Glass). 1994 New Shelter Work Group created. Status: Another committee, chaired by a State Representative (and former City Councilor) tried again, with little success, to identify options to address the impacts of the growing homeless population. 1995 “Cracking the Housing Crisis,” a blueprint for housing action and responses, adopted by Council. Council set housing goals and identified subsidies to encourage the creation of low-income housing and homeless assistance programs. Status: These goals and actions continue. 1995 Council Committee to Finance Affordable Housing recommended a utility tax to address housing and homelessness. Status: The measure failed at the polls in 1996 and a potential revised measure, worked on by a reconstituted committee, was tabled after Measure 47 passed. 1995 Eugene Service Station, an access center for adults, was established with City seed money. Status: This program still exists at an expanded facility. The building is shared by the Bethel Police Substation. 1995 Station 7, Looking Glass Youth Shelter, opened with City assistance to replace a smaller shelter that Looking Glass had operated since 1970. It was named Station 7, because the building was formerly a fire station. Status: This program continues to operate as the only youth shelter in Lane County. Page 2 of 4 11/21/2005 ATTACHMENT B City of Eugene Chronological History of Homeless Efforts & Actions 1947 to Present 1996 Utility Tax to support housing and homelessness rejected by voters. Status: Funding for homeless programs has not kept up with increased demands. 1997 Council Homeless and Shelter Task Force created by Mayor and two Councilors. This task force was later renamed the Council Committee on Homelessness and Youth (CCHY). Status: Local awareness of the complex issues related to homelessness and the growing problems associated with homeless youth increased. Council adopted a variety of CCHY’s recommendations. (See below) 1997 Homeless Action Coalition’s “Campaign for Legal Places to Sleep” issued. Status: CCHY recommended an ordinance change. (see below) 1997 Ordinance approved by Council to allow camping on streets in industrial areas, at churches, and at private residents as a result of CCHY’s recommendation. Status: Significant camping problems in some residential neighborhoods were dramatically reduced, but new problems were created in industrial areas. Lessons were learned. 1997 Safe Place Project initiated to provide transportation to emergency services for youth in crisis. Program received support from the City of Eugene. Status: The program still operates. 1998 Council approved CCHY’s recommendation for special funding for program expansion at Station 7 and Eugene Service Station. Status: Station 7 was able to help more youth, until the funding ran out. Station 7 was able to permanently expand its services. The program had a shelter capacity of 13, but it is now at 10 due to budget cuts in 2003. The program also had to cut its daytime non-school hour activities. 1998 Council repealed camping in industrial areas and expanded camping options at businesses and public property based on CCHY’s recommendation. SVDP received a contract for on-street facilitation services. City provided 15 camping spaces and encouraged intergovernmental partners, churches, and businesses to provide spaces. Status: This program continues to operate and is generally regarded as very successful. 1998 Council funded CCHY’s recommendation for “Summit Summer” youth recreation and jobs program targeted to homeless and at-risk youth. Status: This program was successful, but no long-term funding was identified. 1998 Council funded the CCHY’s recommended pilot “Homeshare” program. Status: This very successful and cost-effective program matched people with extra rooms in their homes with people who needed housing. It eventually closed when permanent funding could not be secured. 1998 Council funded a pilot project to place porta-potties in selected locations. Status: The program recognized that sanitation is a very big problem associated with homelessness. Placing portable toilets proved to be a significant challenge and the experiment was not continued. 1990 City of Eugene Interdepartmental Community Action Team (ICAT) created to convene staff from various departments to address critical issues, including homelessness. Status: ICAT meets to discuss various issues, including those relating to homelessness. 2001-2002 Housing Policy Board and Human Services Commission jointly sponsored the Homeless Prevention Task Force which issued a preliminary report on homelessness. Status: At about the same time that the preliminary report was issued, the economy dipped and State instituted dramatic budget cuts to services overwhelming the prevention concepts and funding options. Page 3 of 4 11/21/2005 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 Attachment C CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY ISSUE #8 - DEVELOP A PLAN TO HELP THE HOMELESS IN EUGENE Action Planning Steps Summary STEP PROJECTED ACTION PLAN STEPSTATUSRECOMMENDATIONRESOURCE NEEDS # COMPLETION PROJECT INITIATION Team Formed: LRCS: A Jones, M Magee, C Bennett, M Robeson; CS: C Mauch, G Rikhoff; Continue to meet to assess fluctuating 1Formation of City Staff TeamMinimal City staff timeOngoing EPD: C McDermed, R Roberts; PDD: R needs of the Homeless. Weinman; PW: S Medary 2Direction from City Council Required Awaiting Council direction on Action Plan.Approve Plan on November 30.N/ANov 2005 RECEIVE INPUT FROM STAKEHOLDERS Meet with Human Service Commission Met with Human Service Commission and Continue to monitor progress and 3City staff timeSep 2005 and service providers service providers receive input Meet with Homeless Service outreach Continue to monitor progress and 4Met with Homeless Service outreach members City staff timeSep 2005 members receive input Meet with single adults at Eugene Met with single adults at Eugene Service Continue to monitor progress and City staff time and minimal costs 5Oct 2005 Service StationStationreceive input(meals, etc.) to facilitate meetings Meet with Shelter Care Family Housing Continue to monitor progress and City staff time and minimal costs 6Met with Shelter Care Family Housing familiesOct 2005 familiesreceive input(meals, etc.) to facilitate meetings Meet with Looking Glass New Roads Continue to monitor progress and City staff time and minimal costs 7Met with Looking Glass New Roads youthOct 2005 youthreceive input(meals, etc.) to facilitate meetings Continue to monitor progress and 8Meet with Housing Policy BoardMet with Housing Policy BoardCity staff timeNov 2005 receive input Meet with Eugene Human Rights Continue to monitor progress and 9Met with Eugene Human Rights CommissionCity staff timeNov 2005 Commissionreceive input Meet with Lane Co. Commission on Met with Lane Co. Commission on Children & Continue to monitor progress and 10City staff timeNov 2005 Children & FamiliesFamiliesreceive input Meet with Lane County Human Services Met with Lane County Human Services Continue to monitor progress and 11City staff timeNov 2005 Commission DiscussionCommissionreceive input Determine role of the Chamber of Meet with Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Commerce and business 12Commerce and the business City staff timeDec 2005 business communitycommunity Meetings Being Scheduled community in this initiative. Page 1 of 311/21/2005 Attachment C CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY ISSUE #8 - DEVELOP A PLAN TO HELP THE HOMELESS IN EUGENE Action Planning Steps Summary STEP PROJECTED ACTION PLAN STEPSTATUSRECOMMENDATIONRESOURCE NEEDS # COMPLETION IDENTIFY GAPS/OPPORTUNITIES Identify and prioritize gaps/opportunities Stakeholder groups have been queried, and Prioritize gaps/opportunities, and City staff time and minimal costs 13for services to homeless and at-risk Ongoing gaps/opportunities identified.continue discussions.(meals, etc.) to facilitate meetings community members. Identify funding options for prioritized Identify funding options based on City staff time and minimal costs 14Stakeholders will develop funding options.Ongoing gap/opportunities.priorities.(meals, etc.) to facilitate meetings PROJECT DEVELOPMENT First 24 Months (See Attachment D for details) Safe & Sound identified as a high priority for at-Continue City contribution for Safe At-Risk Youth present a growing 15risk youth; City contribution set to expires at and Sound At-Risk Youth Prevention $70,000 AnnuallyJun 2006 problem in the community. the end of FY06.Program. EPL is developing a program that allows equal The Homeless consider access to 16access to materials & services to the Implement EPL program.None identified to-dateJan 2006 Library services a high priority. Homeless. The consensus of stakeholders is to develop Collaborate with multiple entities to Identify City's portion from The high cost of utility bills is a factor 17recommendations to improve funding for the increase available funding for the existing resources, i.e. storm Jan 2006 that impacts homelessness. Energy Share program.Energy Share program.water and wastewater. Review current transportation issues; The Homeless consider access to public To be presented when plan is 18Initial discussions with LTD have begun.discuss options w/LTD and other Mar 2006 transportation a high priority.developed transportation providers. Provide Internet access at service The Homeless consider Internet access Staff team working with service providers to provider locations; explore possibility To be presented when plan is 19Mar 2006 a high priority.determine the level of need.of using Telecom funds and other developed public/private sources. Staff team working with service providers to Prevention initiatives are key in Develop and prioritize options and To be presented when plan is 20develop a prioritized list of options as well as Mar 2006 addressing homelessness.identify funding options.developed funding sources. Staff team working with the Housing Policy Lack of adequate housing for Homeless Board & the HRC to explore, determine, and Develop and prioritize options and To be presented when plan is 21Dec 2006 youth is a growing problem.prioritize options and possible funding identify funding options.developed sources. Train staff, especially those with City staff members need additional Staff team is reviewing existing training and City staff time mostly, but could frequent interaction. Develop easily 22training to better address Homeless developing new programs for training, include outside consulting, Dec 2006 understood brochure regarding needs.outreach and informational tools.printing and other costs. services to Homeless. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT Page 2 of 311/21/2005 Attachment C CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY ISSUE #8 - DEVELOP A PLAN TO HELP THE HOMELESS IN EUGENE Action Planning Steps Summary STEP PROJECTED ACTION PLAN STEPSTATUSRECOMMENDATIONRESOURCE NEEDS # COMPLETION First 24 Months (Continued) (See Attachment D for details) Federal and State decisions impact the Work with elected officials to identify Staff team is identifying key legislative issues City staff time mostly, but could 23community's ability to respond to legislation that affects the Homeless; Jun 2007 that impact local Homelessness.include outside consulting costs. Homeless issues.direct lobbying efforts to meet needs. City policies, ordinances, rules, etc. City staff time mostly, but could Staff team reviewing City policies to determine Once identified, make necessary 24might contain barriers that impact the include outside costs. (i.e. City Jun 2007 what could be modified to remove barriers.modifications to remove barriers. Homeless.Attorney Fees) Project Development (3-5 Years +) (See Attachment D for Details) We must deal with constantly fluctuating Status will continue to fluctuate due to changes Continue to analyze and prioritize 25needs for services and appropriate in Federal, State and local funding available to Ongoing gaps in service and funding methods.needs to be determined funding methods.address the needs. Status will continue to fluctuate due to changes Work with community partners to The community needs more permanent 26in Federal, State and local funding available to develop ways to fund permanent and Ongoing and transitional housing. needs to be determined address the needs. transitional housing needs. Status will continue to fluctuate due to changes Work with community partners to seek People with dual diagnoses (multiple 27in Federal, State and local funding available to housing options for people with Ongoing issues) need more housing options. needs to be determined address the needs. multiple issues. Work with community partners to Supportive services including medical, Status will continue to fluctuate due to changes expand supportive services including 28mental health and substance abuse in Federal, State and local funding available to Ongoing medical, mental health and substance needs to be determined treatment need to be expanded.address the needs. abuse treatment. The Homeless need better access to Status will continue to fluctuate due to changes Work with community partners to 29education, training and employment in Federal, State and local funding available to increase access to education, training Ongoing needs to be determined opportunities.address the needs. and employment opportunities. Page 3 of 311/21/2005 ATTACHMENT D Strategic Priority Issue #8 Develop a Strategy to Help the Homeless in Eugene Continuum of Care and Other Stakeholder Gap Issues Below is a preliminary list of gaps identified by homeless/at-risk community members, the Continuum of Care provider group, homeless advocates, the Eugene Human Rights Commission, the Lane County Human Services Commission, the Eugene Housing Policy Board and the Lane County Commission on Children and Families. These are just initial ideas and we need to develop and understand the costs and scope of the gaps further so that they can be prioritized based on greatest need and greatest ability to help the local homeless/at-risk population. We are still in the process of quantifying the gaps and talking to additional interested stakeholders, like the business community and neighborhood groups. This will be an on-going dialogue well beyond the adoption of this plan but we wanted to at least give a “snap-shot” in- time of what are currently being seen as the gaps in service to assist local homeless/at-risk community members. The list below is sorted by which step in the plan the identified gaps would be covered if it was NOTE: THESE ARE prioritized as a high-need by the stakeholders in subsequent meetings ( NOT IN PRIORITY ORDER ): Action Plan Step 15 - At-Risk Youth present a growing problem in the community. City funding for this valuable and effective program will end next year. The City should o strongly consider continuing the funding. Action Plan Step 16 - The Homeless consider access to Library services a high priority. Library service should be equitable and available to local homeless community members o The library is one of the few local areas to get free computer/internet access in this o community and there needs to be greater access given to homeless individuals Action Plan Step 17 - The high cost of utility bills is a factor that impacts homelessness. The Energy Share program currently runs out of money. While EWEB and rate payers o currently donate to this fund, the City’s Waste Water and Storm Water funds do not Expand the Energy Share program to help service providers with energy issues. The increase o in energy costs will require some providers to cut back programs and facility availability. Action Plan Step 18 - The Homeless consider access to public transportation a high priority. Safety at LTD bus stops and the buses o Travel : Barrier to get help because of need to travel from place to place to get various o services, especially single parents with children Need a cheap way to get around town to the different providers, job interviews and other key o support services, especially with higher energy prices Action Plan Step 19 - The Homeless consider Internet access a high priority. Computers and internet access for non-profit program participants at their facilities o Page 1 of 4 11/21/2005 ATTACHMENT D Strategic Priority Issue #8 Develop a Strategy to Help the Homeless in Eugene Continuum of Care and Other Stakeholder Gap Issues Action Plan Step 20 - Prevention initiatives are key in addressing homelessness. City matching funds – grant programs o Flexible spending account for agencies to dispense that will help prevent homelessness o Help with accessing mainstream benefits (food stamps, social security disability etc.) o Intensive case management for homeless prevention (no longer general assistance o /emergency assistance from State limited – limited Oregon Health Plan access) Additional scholarship support for the Renters Rehab program o Greater support for family homeless programs will help prevent youth homelessness and o runaways : One-Stop Shop an event (once/twice a month) to offer multiple services in one site to o educate about local services and provide direct access for people who are homeless. This one stop shop could include: multi-lingual/cultural services; food stamps DHS, social security, mainstream benefits enrollment; help with transportation/ LTD access; housing programs/forms/application; advocates on site from difference agencies, i.e. Lane County Mental Health, domestic violence services, help with restraining orders, CAHOOTS, Buckley treatment; computer access for program participants to look for resources or job search. Credit counseling and other like services. This is one of the bigger barriers to folks losing o their housing or being able to regain it once homeless. Coming up with first and last months rent, security deposits and other fees associated with o getting into housing Educational funding opportunities for youth which will help them gain job related skills and o keep them off the street Healthy and safe foster care for youth o Action Plan Step 21 - Lack of adequate housing for Homeless youth is a growing problem. Fund a now closed host-home family program for 11-17 yr olds (85 youth per year) o Funding support for day program for homeless and runaway youth – staffing during day time o and weekend hours is currently inadequate at existing facilities that support youth Rural homeless youth issues need to be address because even though they are not originally o from Eugene, they will gravitate here because this is where the services, limited as they are, exist There is a need for more domestic violence space for youth o Action Plan Step 22 - City staff members need additional training to better address Homeless needs. City of Eugene and Lane County staff need to be more sensitive and knowledgeable of o homeless issues Local elected officials need to be made aware of the myths and realities of local homeless o community members Page 2 of 4 11/21/2005 ATTACHMENT D Strategic Priority Issue #8 Develop a Strategy to Help the Homeless in Eugene Continuum of Care and Other Stakeholder Gap Issues Action Plan Step 23 - Federal and State decisions impact the community's ability to respond to Homeless issues. City needs to advocate positions at state legislature re: service delivery priorities o A commitment from the City to create awareness of homelessness in Eugene - who is o impacted, which programs offer services, and encouraging citizen involvement Support a campaign to encourage voter participation among the homeless population o Local elected officials need to strongly support Lane County’s efforts on their “Plan to End o Homelessness is 10 Years” which is a Federally supported program being developed by many cities nationwide Action Plan Step 24 – City policies, ordinances, rules, etc. might contain barriers that impact the Homeless. Review existing ordinances to see how better to allow homeless community members to o camp in appropriate location Review existing City department policies and procedures to see which have the greatest o impact and barriers to homeless community members Action Plan Step 25 - We must deal with constantly fluctuating needs for services and appropriate funding methods. Bathrooms and showers for public use, especially those that are currently not open 24/7 o Cost of Living adjustment (COLA) for the Human Services Commission and agencies it o serves Encourage the low-income and homeless population to weigh in on community issues and o decisions by regularly holding forums or outreach, bring information to the people, conduct surveys, etc. In the shelters and other locations that homeless people gather host informal mini-workshops o on how to have a political voice-or even set up a table with one person teaching this. Provide concrete examples of times when citizens have impacted policy. All services for homeless and at-risk persons with limited English skills o Childcare is a huge issue that needs to be addressed for folks who are homeless and at-risk of o becoming homeless. After-school programs are also a huge need. Action Plan Step 26 - The community needs more permanent and transitional housing. Follow-up support to stabilize people in Transitional Housing ($50,000 for 15 households) o Need more transitional housing units for individuals with disabilities (mental and/or physical) o University of Oregon housing (low income Westmoreland); could be option for low income o housing for general population Need to have housing options other than the Mission to house homeless singles o Support while on waiting list for an emergency shelter o Single women who use domestic violence services can’t find housing by the time their o emergency stay is up and return to abusive situation (need help with move in costs and affordable housing availability) Housing for families, singles and youth with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) o Housing for sexual offenders is and will continue to be a problem as their living situation are o known publicly Page 3 of 4 11/21/2005 ATTACHMENT D Strategic Priority Issue #8 Develop a Strategy to Help the Homeless in Eugene Continuum of Care and Other Stakeholder Gap Issues More availability of shelter space to homeless community members with pets, currently o prohibited at many facilities Action Plan Step 27 - People with dual diagnoses (multiple issues) need more housing options. More funding for substance abuse and mental health services (behavioral health services) o Dual diagnoses facilities need to be expanded because many homeless community members o suffer from multiple issues Facilities that allow a place to get shelter while addressing substance abuse issues. (“Wet” o facilities) Action Plan Step 28 - Supportive services including medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment need to be expanded. More funding for behavioral health services o Bigger funding issues – Oregon Health Plan o More funding for substance abuse and mental health services (behavioral health services) o Lack of outpatient treatment for alcohol and drug issues o Need more Transitional Housing units for individuals with disabilities (mental and/or o physical) Adult outpatient services and youth detoxification facilities needed o More private access to needle exchange services o Support for “Housing First” model – get them a bed and then help them with their addiction o Action Plan Step 29 - The Homeless need better access to education, training and employment opportunities. Homeless community members have a huge disadvantage because they do not often have an o address and phone Job training is very limited and in demand o Equal access to materials at the Library would be a great help in gaining information on job o training and other employment needs Page 4 of 4 11/21/2005