Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Services Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County updates warming-house fundraising and recovery housing openings
Summary
Council heard updates on Timber Bay and House of Hope beds, ongoing efforts to buy a warming house property, and day-to-day assistance provided to people experiencing homelessness.
Community services staff updated the council on recovery housing and warming-house efforts, reporting that a staff member is finishing training to operate a Timber Bay house and that House of Hope currently had an open bed. Staff said the recovery housing program is actively coordinating placements and sometimes reserves beds for people leaving jail.
On the warming house, staff said the group is raising funds to buy a house across from the Salvation Army in the town center but estimated it will need about $170,000 to complete purchase and necessary repairs. Council members noted the property market and repair costs make the plan challenging, but staff said the location is desirable because of proximity to services and the Salvation Army’s client contacts.
Council members described day-to-day assistance the county and partner nonprofits provide: vouchers for buses to larger cities, distribution of blankets and clothing, and use of storage units for donated goods. Staff said they accept donations but have limited capacity to advertise widely while they are still organizing storage and service plans. Council members encouraged additional community outreach and noted that homelessness in the county includes people living in vehicles, storage units and on friends’ couches, as illustrated by recent local assistance operations.
No formal action or vote was taken; staff said they will continue fundraising and will update the council on progress toward acquiring or opening a warming-house site.
