During a recent government meeting, Jamie Williams from Comcare presented an overview of the Shelter Plus Care program, a HUD-funded initiative aimed at providing stable housing and supportive services to homeless individuals and families with disabilities in Sedgwick County. The program currently operates through four referring agencies: Comcare, the Substance Abuse Center of Kansas, Miracles, and the Ryan White program.
Williams highlighted plans for an expansion of the program, which would allow any organization offering case management services to apply for participation, thereby adopting a more inclusive \"housing first\" approach. This change aims to increase the utilization of available housing vouchers and funding, particularly for those struggling with mental health issues alongside homelessness.
Commissioners expressed their appreciation for the work being done by Comcare and emphasized the importance of addressing homelessness in the community. The discussion underscored the need for collaboration and resource allocation to effectively support vulnerable populations. Following the presentation, the commissioners unanimously approved the renewal of the program, signaling a commitment to enhancing housing support services in the region.
The meeting also touched on budget discussions and committee reports, though no significant updates were provided in those areas.