Unhoused Workgroup Meeting 9/12/24

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The meeting started with an update on the numbers of qualified McKinney-Vento (99 families, 31 Unaccompanied) and foster youth (12) highlighting the increasing demand for assistance in the community. McKinney-Vento presented statistics that underscored the challenges of finding adequate resources, emphasizing the necessity for community collaboration to address these issues. To qualify for McKinney-Vento, the child/family has 0 nighttime residence.

The Community Resource Center (CRC) provided a presentation regarding current and potential services for the unhoused population. Mary Bredereck, Executive Director, clarified the limitations of CRC's capacity to respond to immediate needs, dispelling the misconception that it functions as a crisis center. Mary was asked about the potential for expanded services regarding unhoused services. The response was that their organization will be undergoing Strategic Planning exercises in October and it may be discussed.

The conversation shifted towards the potential establishment of a central hub that would involve multiple agencies to support the unhoused better. Additionally, the group explored collaboration with the faith community to replicate successful services for those in need.

The Community Coalition of Stanwood-Camano proposed researching the development of a community-based center dedicated to families in crisis, which would serve as a one-stop shop for essential services such as housing navigation, mental health support, and job assistance.

The meeting also included discussions on planning a convening of the faith community, considering logistical aspects and potential speakers. This meeting is tentatively scheduled for January 16 at the SCAF office at 6 pm.

The Coalition emphasized the importance of education and outreach, particularly in light of an upcoming town hall meeting, scheduled for January 23 at 6:30 pm, aimed at gathering community input and raising awareness about the unhoused population and the need for available resources.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to reconvene the following month to continue addressing these critical issues.

Action items