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Council keeps homeless-task-force draft on agenda; invites volunteer coordinator to present plan
Summary
Council discussed forming a multidisciplinary task force to coordinate responses to homelessness, kept the draft resolution as a discussion item and asked volunteer facilitator Margaret Selby to present first-phase proposals at the March 24 meeting.
Portsmouth City Council kept a draft resolution on forming a homeless-task-force-style coordinating group on the council’s discussion calendar and asked volunteer coordinator Margaret Selby to present the group’s initial plan at the next meeting.
Council members described increased visibility of people experiencing homelessness in the city and said multiple local agencies are addressing portions of the issue without a central coordinating effort. Margaret Selby has volunteered to act as a facilitator to bring service providers, health partners and other stakeholders together to develop a multidisciplinary plan.
Speakers described a three-part approach Selby outlined informally: harm reduction, transitional housing with social supports, and expanded affordable housing options. Councilors emphasized the draft is a nonbinding expression of interest and would not create a city-run board or impose immediate obligations on the city; members said the group should remain community led and present needs assessments and proposals before the council considers any formal commitments.
Council members agreed Selby (also referred to as Maggie in discussion) and other stakeholders should report back periodically — with timing flexible, possibly monthly or as needed — and that Selby will be invited to the March 24 meeting to present an initial framework. The draft resolution remains a discussion item; the city solicitor described the draft as a “rough” working document.
