Summary:
The Unhoused Workgroup convened to discuss initiatives aimed at supporting families facing housing issues. Community Coalition of Stanwood-Camano (CCSC) initiated the session by acknowledging participants. Participants introduced themselves, sharing their roles and experiences, which set the stage for collaborative discussions.
A significant focus of the meeting was the development of a Resource Hub intended to centralize services for families dealing with housing issues. CCSC outlined plans for a potential space at the food bank, which requires upgrades, and mentioned ongoing efforts to secure funding and partnerships with community organizations. Community Resource Center is taking the lead on this project and partnering with the Food Bank. The importance of addressing the needs of families experiencing homelessness was emphasized, particularly in light of the increasing number of unsheltered families in the area. Support from local authorities, including the police chief and mayor, was acknowledged as crucial for the Resource Hub's ongoing operations.
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The group highlighted the gradual approach to establishing the resource hub, ensuring that services cater to existing local populations rather than expanding beyond current needs. CCSC provided updates on various programs, including the Cars to Housing Program with Interfaith, which offers safe parking and support for families living in their vehicles, and the cold weather shelter, which has fostered community partnerships but faces challenges with attendance during extreme weather. The need for more volunteers and enhanced outreach efforts was discussed to prevent burnout among existing volunteers.
The conversation also addressed logistical considerations for the resource hub, such as structured hours for agencies and the need for confidential office spaces to facilitate private conversations. CCSC raised the issue of the potential need for interpreters to accommodate the diverse linguistic backgrounds of families served, while the group supported the idea of scheduling appointments to maintain confidentiality. The group expressed enthusiasm for collaboration and resource sharing, recognizing the potential impact of their combined efforts on the community.
Chapters & Topics:
Introduction and Technical Difficulties
CCSC welcomed participants to the Unhoused Workgroup meeting and noted the virtual attendance.Â
Introductions and Background on Faith Convenings
Introductions. The group also noted the significance of two prior faith convenings that contributed to the formation of this collaborative effort.
Resource Hub Development and Collaboration
SCAF outlined plans for a Resource Hub to assist families struggling with housing, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among multiple agencies. The food bank has a space available for the hub, which will require some renovations. CCSC is actively seeking funding and has received positive feedback from community partners about the initiative.
Community Resource Center Updates and Challenges
CCSC highlighted the Resource Center's long-standing presence in the community and the support it has received from local authorities. The discussion emphasized the need for facilities that provide essential services like laundry and showers.
Anacortes Family Center Model Discussion
A discussion regarding the Anacortes Family Center as a gold standard for community support facilities, emphasizing its seamless integration and the range of services provided. The center includes emergency shelter, transitional housing, and community outreach programs, all designed to maintain dignity and choice for families in need.Â
Resource Hub Development and Community Support
The group outlined plans for a resource hub that will start with basic services like mail and eventually expand to include facilities such as showers and laundry. CCSC highlighted the importance of sustainability in the project, referencing successful funding strategies from similar programs. The coalition has already allocated $30,000 for the resource hub, with the potential for additional funding.
Cars to Housing Program Overview
CCSC detailed the Cars to Housing Program, which provides five fenced parking spaces for families living in their vehicles. Families undergo background checks and receive case management services, along with basic necessities like food and hygiene items. The program's costs include $10,000 for fencing and $1,100 for case manager office space, with an annual budget for the family shelter program estimated at $700,000.
Cold Weather Shelter Operations and Community Partnerships
St. Aiden Episcopal Church provided an update on the cold weather shelter, noting that it has been operational for two years and has fostered strong volunteer and community partnerships. While the shelter has seen a good number of volunteers and support from local food banks, attendance has been disappointing on particularly cold nights. There is a call for more volunteers to prevent burnout among the core group and to enhance outreach efforts to attract more guests.
Planning for Confidential Office Spaces
CRC highlighted the urgency of creating confidential office spaces for effective communication among organizations. It was mentioned that scheduling appointments could mitigate confidentiality concerns. The group discussed the logistics of utilizing available spaces and the need for clear commitments from participating organizations.
Key Questions:
* What is the timeline for the resource hub to be operational?
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