In a recent meeting, the San Francisco Local Homeless Coordinating Board (LHCB) addressed critical changes in its membership and the implications for funding applications aimed at supporting the homeless community. The board noted the departure of James Loyce, which has raised concerns about maintaining quorum for future meetings and decision-making processes.
During the discussions, it was revealed that Kelly Cutler, formerly with the Coalition on Homelessness, currently has no professional affiliations, while Mercedes Bullock remains with the Coalition but does not receive any city, state, or federal funds. The board also discussed potential conflicts of interest regarding members' affiliations with various service providers, particularly in relation to upcoming HUD funding applications.
The urgency of filling vacant seats on the board was emphasized, as the loss of Loyce could jeopardize the board's ability to function effectively. The board is considering candidate Hope, who has been involved in previous meetings, but it was noted that she is not a San Francisco resident, which may affect her eligibility. In contrast, candidate McVey was highlighted as a more qualified option due to her local residency.
The board plans to forward McVey's candidacy to the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) for consideration, with the hope of resolving the current membership issues by the next meeting on February 12. The discussions underscored the board's commitment to ensuring compliance with regulations while striving to enhance support for the homeless population in San Francisco. As the board navigates these changes, the focus remains on securing qualified members who can contribute effectively to the mission of addressing homelessness in the city.