02/07/2006 - Homeless Policy Group
.
.
.
MEETING MINUTES
TOPIC - HOMELESS POLICY GROUP
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 7, 2006
Present:
Carlen Petersen
John Doran
Council member
Councilmember
Also present: Howie Carroll
Patricia O. Sullivan
Assistant Housing Director
Board Reporter
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall.
Councilmembers Petersen and Doran discussed their presentation to the City Council on
the Countywide Homeless Policy Group report. Assistant Housing Director Howie Carroll
recommended using the Policy Group Power Point presentation. It was stated that the
proposed increased cost of $13-million to provide homeless services over five years,
represented a nominal increase in costs of less than 20%, would allow the County to use money
more efficiently, and result in a 50% decrease in homelessness. It was recommended that the
presentation focus on the face of homelessness, which mostly affects single mothers and their
children. Mr. Carroll said the plan focuses on intervention and prevention. It is important to
educate the public that homelessness never will be entirely eliminated, as some prefer that
lifestyle. Models indicate the program will result in costs savings within 10 years to the criminal
justice system, jails, and hospitals. The program also is designed to help those discharged from
jails and hospitals and young people who age out of the system.
Mr. Carroll said the program will not require the City to spend additional funds. The City
will continue to control its CDBG (Community Development Block Grant), SHIP (State Housing
Initiatives Partnership), and HOME Investment Partnership Program funds. The City can
choose to release some of those funds to the proposed program, should it choose. Staff is
working to prioritize spending on homeless issues, such as awarding bonus points for proposals
to construct SRO (Single Room Occupancy) units. The County is the major local human
services provider. Concern was expressed that local governments not fight over available grant
funds. It was noted that affordable housing is an important component of the plan.
Consensus was to schedule the presentation for February 27, 2006, with Mr. Carroll
presenting the introduction, Councilmember Petersen presenting the plan, and Councilmember
Doran presenting the action plan and next steps.
The Council will decide if a presentation should be scheduled by Herb Marlowe,
regarding Pinellas County programs: Human Services Project and Homeless Initiative.
It was requested that color copies of the report and homeless statistics be submitted to
Council members prior to the presentation.
Adiourn
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.
Topic - Homeless Policy Group 2006-02-07
1