TREASURE COAST HOMELESS SERVICES COUNCIL, INC. 2525 St. Lucie Avenue Vero Beach, FL 32960

772-567-7790 irhsclh@bellsouth.net

Meeting of the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc.

To be held at Community Church, 1901 23rd Street, Vero Beach, FL.

June 17, 2011 at 9 am

Meeting Agenda

I. Chairman's Matters a. Welcome

II. President's Matters a. Approval of Minutes

III. Treasurer's Matters

a. First Quarter Budget vs. Actual

IV. Executive Director's Matters a. Revision to Annual Goals b. Leverage Letters c. Presentation – Compassion House d. Camp Haven Update e. Veteran’s Stand Down f. HPRP Closeout g. FY 2011 Fair Market Rentals and Income Limits

V. Clearinghouse a. Summer Schedule

TREASURE COAST HOMELESS SERVICES COUNCIL, INC. 2525 St. Lucie Avenue Vero Beach, FL 32960

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Minutes of the meeting of the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc.

This meeting took place on March 18, 2011 at Community Church in Vero Beach, Fl. Present: Richard Stark, Joyce Carlson, Anita Cocoves, Louise Hubbard, Stefanie Myers, Stacy Malinowski, Andrea Bernard, Brad Bernauer, Charlotte Brown, Amy Burns, Lorne Coyle, Douglas Crouse, Catherine Dickerson, Wes Gordon, Leeanne Honey, Clive McEachern, Mary McEachern, Sylvia Cerda, Lorne Coyle, Renee Deschenes, Marcelo Dossantos, Gabe Greesham, Angela Guzenski, Alexandria Holland, Bonnie Hurd, Brenda Hendershot, Diane Johnson, Gaye King, Tom King, Bob Lawton, Hope Leet, Sharon McPeak, Robin Miller, Sonya Morrison, Margo Murray, Stephanie Myers, Gail O’Brien, Sebrena Pawley, Jennifer Sideregts, Tricia Pollard, Susan Reaves, Sue Rux, Odori Sanchez, Tracey Segal, Dione Shekon, Lindsay Slattery, Sharon Stratford , Gina Thompson, Yomira Tovar, P.J. Vernon, Cathy Viggiano, Page Woodward Excused: John Romano, Jan Huffert Chairman’s Matters Mr. Stark, Chairman, opened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. and welcomed the group. He thanked Community Church for allowing us to meet in their space. Joyce Carlson, President, announced that we did not have minutes of the January 21st meeting due to an error in recording. However, there is sufficient documentation including a sign in sheet, the agenda and attachments to allow the meeting to count as a regularly scheduled meeting of the Council. Approval of Final TCHSC 2010 Budget to Actual Report The packet contained final 2010 budget to actual report which required formal approval by the Board. Joyce Carlson, President, called for a review and approval. Approval was unanimous. Homeless Family Center Video The group viewed a homeless children’s advocacy video. Louise reported to the group that this video is a grass roots effort to get people to advocate on behalf of all homeless programs. We located a professional to develop the video. TCHSC paid for the video. The children are currently living at the Homeless Family Center. Lorne Coyle, Homeless Family Center wrote the video. Homeless Family Center also has letters from the children to the legislature . One says, ”Dear Mr. Negon, you have a home, I don’t. Can I come to your home?? In order to protect us all locally from potential retaliation, the tag says Florida Coalition for the Homeless, because it is not an organization that can be cut. We will be providing this video to all of you for your use. It will also be available on our website, tchelpspot.org Current State Funding Climate Louise reported that The Florida Coalition for the Homeless is lobbying today against the elimination of all funding for homeless programs. We are all in a very tight budget session at the State level and federally, HUD is operating under a continuing resolution. Many HUD projects expire today and face discontinuation. The State budget hearings are geared toward cutting or severely curtailing many critical human services programs, DCF, mental health,

TREASURE COAST HOMELESS SERVICES COUNCIL, INC. 2525 St. Lucie Avenue Vero Beach, FL 32960

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substance abuse, health care services and homeless services. They are all being targeted for drastic cuts and eliminations. The Governor has proposed the total elimination of the State Office on Homelessness, the enabling legislation for homeless programs and all funding for homeless programs around the state. John Romano, CEO, New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, has been in Tallahassee for over a week attempting to avoid cuts to community mental health services and to explain the impact of cuts on the whole system, not just on mental health services. The fallout of the proposed cuts to homeless programs and mental health services is huge to health care, hospitals, school districts, psychiatric facilities, jails, etc. The message that is being delivered to budget committee members is “pay now or pay later”. However, it appears that even this type of appeal to the dollars and cents isn’t working this year. Hopefully, the Children’s’ video message will catch the attention of our delegation. Call your legislator and tell him to please stop cutting services to the poor. Any program that provides assistance to indigent people is under the gun. Camp Haven Proposal Sonya Morrison, The Source, provided an overview of the proposal for Camp Haven. She provided a list of people and organizations who endorse the project. The Source’s attempts to create a project in the recent past taught them that it has to be a project that is supported by the community at the outset. Since July of last year, the Source has researched the development of Camp Haven. We have reviewed other successful models in the US; visited Pinellas County’s camp project and studied challenges and successes. Next Step is to bring community leaders together to present this concept formally so that there is a wide acceptance at the community level and we can address opposition when it arises The Model: An unaccompanied homeless person has no legal shelter options whatsoever; they usually get a tarp or a sleeping bag, possibly a tent but they have no place to go. The Source would provide a place to camp legally. They would be the only gateway to the camp. They would assess an individual’s motivation to end homelessness before allowing them access to the camp. All campers will have to undergo criminal background checks and alcohol screening. If there is a violent felony, the individual cannot access the camp. The location for the camp has not been identified. The other programs in place show that people effectively govern themselves and will not permit things to go on that would jeopardize their ability to stay at the camp. The Source has budgeted for security, especially in the initial stages, to be sure the concerns of the community are addressed. Camp Haven will have running water, lighting and a lavatory. The actual time someone spends at the camp is driven largely by the local job market. Currently there is no cap on length of stay but campers will be working with a case manager who will monitor their progress. Bradley Bernauer, Director Indian River County Human Services, inquired about how many successful projects exist already in the state. Louise responded that there are currently at least nine or ten. There is one in Key West which is run by the Sheriff’s Department, on the grounds of the County Jail complex. They provide sleeping platforms, bathrooms and showers. The camp was actually set up by the Sheriff’s Department as their own initiative. One of the biggest reasons why some camps are not successful is that camps are often populated solely by the chronically homeless who are not as motivated to end homelessness. Camps programs need to

TREASURE COAST HOMELESS SERVICES COUNCIL, INC. 2525 St. Lucie Avenue Vero Beach, FL 32960

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have people who are motivated to get out of homelessness. Major road block is location. The Source has met with all Indian River County Commissioners, except Commissioner Flescher. The issue for them is finding a location that is not going to meet with major local opposition. There will be an informational summit on March 31 at 2:00 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Auditorium. Models all say that there should be a maximum of 50 campers per acre. The Source is really looking at providing options for people who are serious about getting off the street. It’s not always a simple economic crisis. They have to address their underlying issues and obstacles. Camps already exist in this county. The Source is simply attempting to give legitimacy to something which is occurring illegally at this time. Mr. Stark stated that he applauds immensely this initiative since it is something that is very appropriate at a time like this, “and the model, being well thought out and presented, has a chance to succeed.” He stated that we have an obligation to move forward with providing a new solution to an old problem and applauds the Source for reaching out to find a way to end homelessness that we have not used before. Point in Time Overview Louise presented the finalized Point in Time Count for the Continuum of Care as it had to be reported this year. She pointed out the significant differences in the state and federal reported numbers of those who declared themselves homeless. There are many more people homeless according to the State definition. Variances are due to definitional differences between the state and the fed which have still not been resolved due to the delayed implementation of regulations governing the HEARTH ACT. Regardless of how you count, Indian River County has the most homeless families. St. Lucie County, does not have as many families, largely due to the fact that there aren’t any family programs for homeless housing in St. Lucie. Stacy Malinowski, Mustard Seed Ministries, reported that Mustard Seed’s annual data showed a 40% increase in the number of single individuals, not families, who sought services. Martin County’s census went way down again. Anita Cocoves, Martin County Human Services reported that one of the major issues for undercounting was underreporting of homeless children by the School Board. We are not really tracking that many persons from the jail .The other issue is the School Board are under reporting their homeless children. They only provided us with 56 homeless children as their count when in fact we know it is much higher, but families do not want to report it. When data is already in the system under a program, we are able to de duplicate. 1683 total HUD homeless for the entire Continuum of Care or 2187 total State homeless, depending on the definitions. Females are 40% in total, counting children. Households with children is still on the rise. One major change 183 people said “they kicked me out”. 83% of the people who answered this survey reported that they were homeless a year or longer. For HUD we have to use 1683. Stephanie Myers, St. Lucie County Human Services Director stated that St. Lucie County missed a huge chunk of Veterans because the Veteran’s administration, including the local clinic, refused to participate. The new HUD VASH representative, Dione Shekon , described the expanded the HUD VASH program for St. Lucie County. Currently the Veteran’s Administration has 25 vouchers they are actively looking to fill. Residents must agree to reside in St. Lucie County.

TREASURE COAST HOMELESS SERVICES COUNCIL, INC. 2525 St. Lucie Avenue Vero Beach, FL 32960

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Participant needs to be eligible to receive services through the VA, with an honorable discharge. The voucher comes with case management services. HUD Income Eligibility guidelines for an individual is $20,900. The obstacle is that the vets are not currently registered with our Veterans’ Administration. Stephanie Myers reported that her office can assist to get them registered and eligible to receive services through the VA. Dione’s cell phone: 561-441-6145/or 772-8787876, office phone. Out of Reach Report The out of reach report, included in the packets, provides data for housing costs, statewide. FMR for one bedroom is $888.00 and. $51,600 is the current area median. 30% or $17,000 year is what is considered affordable for all housing costs. Most of our guys cannot afford more than $447.00 per month in housing costs. Regardless of what this data looks like, the bottom line is that our clients are not making enough money to afford housing. Housing wage is 14.60 and hour, so if you don’t make that, you are spending too much for housing. For those people who make $7.25/hr., the rate for a one bedroom is 210% of what they make per week. HPRP Update Total Financial Assistance expended as of March 17, 2011 was $1,879,619.45 The total amount of financial assistance available to the end of the grant is $2,136,259.00. We slowed down the outpouring of funds due to the availability of Challenge Grant funds and to evaluate whether or not we would have enough money to get us through. Only February was limited to “literally homeless.” Going forward, we can serve those with a three day notice or a shutoff notice. We expect your discernment and judgment as a case manager to decide whether an individual warrants an appointment and you can justify eligibility for these services, according to the requirements. ClearingHouse Chris Harris, Magellan Behavioral Health, talked about his experience in mental health services over the years and impending state cuts. What’s coming out now is not a small cut and a compromise, everything is on the table, all the mental health funding for indigent people because they thought everybody would qualify for Medicaid, because the legislature did not understand the rules of the system. There are all kinds of assumptions that are being made that are not true. This goes across multiple lines if we were to get rid of indigent funding the option s are jail, homeless or the ward. It’s more expensive on the back end. But [paying for it on the back end will come from a different election cycle, so it’s not their problem. Diane Johnson, Department of Children and Families agreed that this year is not just a cut in funding, it is a cut in the legislation that enables the funding to flow, as well. That is a disaster because there is no way that future funds can go to appropriations when there is no authorizing language. The transfer of the revenue goes to the general fund and is no longer dedicated to serving the indigent. Stefanie Myers, St. Lucie County Community Services reported that the Transportation Disadvantaged Funding is also slated for elimination. Many disabled persons have the ability to work and be viable in the community through the transportation disadvantaged program which provides regular transportation for disabled persons to their jobs.

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Discipleship Program PJ Vernon, volunteer for Image of Christ, reported on a program which is starting for housing the homeless. Mr. Vernon serves as a job developer to help homeless person prequalify for work. They work in community for 30 days working for various employers he knows. Then they can get a regular position if they can manage the work schedule. Some employers do not require a background check. Program is call AGAPE House, and it is located at 17th Street in Ft. Pierce. The program will be placing seven unrelated individuals in one house. They have to make sure that the people who are living there have the skills and motivation they need to hold jobs. Image has the funding from a church in Ft. Lauderdale. Wants to outreach to the Source to see what they are doing programmatically. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m. Sincerely, Louise Hubbard Executive Vice President

TREASURE COAST HOMELESS SERVICES COUNCIL2011 BUDGET VS ACTUAL

TCHSC, INC Budget 20111st Quarter

Actual1st Quarter

BudgetBudget

VarianceRevenue Contributions $ 94,000 $ 34,874.04 $ 23,500.00 $ 11,374.04 HPRP Admin & Data Collection $ 23,600 $ 12,881.37 $ 11,800.00 $ 1,081.37 IRCUW $ 30,000 $ 10,000.00 $ 7,500.00 $ 2,500.00 IRC $ 16,500 $ 4,125.00 $ 4,125.00 $ - Martin County $ 25,000 $ 6,250.00 $ 6,250.00 $ - St. Lucie County $ 22,500 $ - $ - $ - DCF $ 12,350 $ 3,087.50 $ 3,087.50 $ - ESG $ 20,000 $ - $ - Challenge Grant $ 20,000 $ - $ - JICSL $ 30,000 $ - $ 7,500.00 $ (7,500.00)HUD-FL0116B4H090802 $ 36,180 $ 6,471.45 $ 9,045.00 $ (2,573.55)HUD-FL0308B4H090901 $ 25,850 $ 3,913.86 $ 6,462.50 $ (2,548.64)Total Income $ 355,980 $ 81,603.22 $ 79,270 $ 2,333

ExpensesPayroll and Related Benefits $ 278,864 $ 56,156.86 $ 69,715.92 $ (13,559.06)Equipment Expenses - HMIS $ 25,000 $ 1,000.00 $ 6,250.00 $ (5,250.00)Equipment Expenses - Office $ 5,000 $ 2,008.80 $ 1,250.00 $ 758.80 Licenses & Dues and Subscriptions $ 2,000 $ 750.00 $ 500.00 $ 250.00

Insurance $ 4,800 $ 986.70 $ 1,200.00 $ (213.31)Supplies and Postage $ 5,616 $ 1,517.42 $ 1,404.08 $ 113.34 Professional Fees $ 14,000 $ 1,500.00 $ 3,500.00 $ (2,000.00)Telephone & Communication $ 8,000 $ 1,912.12 $ 2,000.00 $ (87.88)Conferences and Travel $ 4,500 $ 1,125.00 $ (1,125.00)Building Expenses $ 4,000 $ 1,670.00 $ 1,000.00 $ 670.00 Auto Expenses` $ 4,200 $ 1,063.20 $ 1,050.00 $ 13.20 Total Expenses $ 355,980 $ 68,565.10 $ 88,995 $ (20,430)

Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc. Continuum of Care FL509

Other CoC Objectives in 2009 - as amended May 21, 2010 Objectives Activities Person Responsible Clients

Served (1YR)

1. Increase capacity of the CoC to provide supportive services to homeless and near homeless individuals and families.

a. Seek Challenge Grant and other state and local funds to address the housing stability and employment needs of homeless and near homeless families including daycare and transportation .

Louise Hubbard, Treasure Coast Homeless Services Schonna Green, MISS INC.

65 persons in families

b. Seek Challenge Grant and other State and local funding for permanent housing assistance, case management and supportive servies staff to house homeless disabled adults in the CoC.

Louise Hubbard, Treasure Coast Homeless Services Mary McEachern, New Horizons

30 adults

2. Secure additional housing and utilities assistance funding to prevent and reduce homelessness in the CoC.

a. Secure Challenge Grant, ESG and private funds to provide financial assistance to pay landlords and vendors for rents and utilities.

Louise Hubbard, Treasure Coast Homeless Services

100 adults

b. Secure Challenge Grant, ESG and private funds to increase Resource Center capacity to screen, qualify and assist eligible clients to secure housing and supportive services.

Louise Hubbard, TCHSC, Inc. Catherine Dickerson, Resource Center Manager

100 adults

3. Sustain the CoC’s capacity to operate effective residential programs which prevent and address homelessness, including emergency shelter, transitional housing ad permanent affordable housing.

a.Use Challenge Grant, ESG and other funds to support operations, supportive services and professional case management in residential programs in the CoC which serve homeless families with children.

Lorne Coyle, Homeless Family Center, Schonna Green, MISS, INC. Dana Allin, Graceway Village

45 families

b. Use Challenge Grant, ESG and other funds to develop new home ownership and housing readiness preparation programs for TH program residents.

Schonna Green, MISS, Inc. Lorne Coyle, Homeless Family Center The Source, Sonya Morrison

20 families

Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc. Continuum of Care FL509

4. Create and Support affordable housing for low and very low income families.

a. Use Challenge grant, ESG and other funds to work with State, Federal other stimulus programs to secure housing for low and very low income families with children and persons with disabilities.

Schonna Green, MISS, Inc. 20 families

b. Use Challenge grant, ESG and other funds to work with funders to secure long term rental housing for targeted populations at of below 50% of AMI.

Jim Davis, TC Chapter NAMI, Dennis Bartholemew, SunUp of Indian River

16 individuals and family members

5. Create additional transitional and permanent housing opportunities for Homeless Youth.

Use HHAG and other funds to create transitional housing for youth who are homeless.

Louise Hubbard, Treasure Coast Homeless Services Jan Huffert, Children’s Home Society

30 youth

DATE

Louise Hubbard Executive Director Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc. 2525 St Lucie Avenue Vero Beach, FL 32960

This letter is to certify that YOUR AGENCY NAME is a member in good standing of the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council.

Our total operating budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2010 thru June 30, 2011 is $ TOTAL BUDGET. Of that amount $TOTAL RECEIVED FROM PRIVATE SOURCES is derived from private contributions and other private funding sources.

AGENCY NAME provides services to prevent, alleviate and eliminate the condition of homelessness for TARGET POPULATION on the Treasure Coast.

Sincerely,

Executive Director

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY VETERANS COUNCIL

ANNOUNCES

August 27

“For All Homeless Veterans”

“A Hand Up, Not A Hand Out”

Come Out and Join US!

The Source

1015 Commerce Avenue

Vero Beach, Florida

From 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Vero Beach, Florida

FREE SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THIS EVENT

FREE FOOD HEALTH SCREENING IDs

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION BENEFIT INFORMATION

HAIRCUTS CLOTHING VA ENROLLMENTS EVENT TRANSPORTATION

NOT A GOVERNMENT SPONSORED PROGRAM

REGISTRATION STARTS AT 10 AM Saturday August 27, 2011

MicheleS

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