Kelly Smith, chief administrator in the mayor’s office, briefed the Common Council about the city’s multi‑pronged approach to homelessness and related services. "Paul was essentially using City Hall as a warming center," Smith said, describing how individual outreach informed policy ideas and partnerships.

Smith reviewed actions taken this year: ARPA funding to the Salvation Army to operate an overnight men’s shelter during emergencies; emergency allocations after motel closures displaced families; city participation in statewide mayoral consortium discussions on reconnection strategies; and pursuit of grant funding for a street‑team model that would pair social workers, peer recovery coaches and mental‑health navigators. She said the city applied for state health department funds for the street team and will reapply after receiving feedback.

Smith reported the region’s point‑in‑time count rose to 279 this year (Region 1) — a 41.6% increase from the previous year — and explained that much of the regional rise was in a neighboring county. She also noted nonprofit capacity limits and said the city is coordinating with local shelters and service providers. The mayor’s office will host a community meal after the holidays to convene providers and residents to align services and identify needs.

Smith said a grant committee will decide awardees for restoring communities/opioid response grants before year end; the city received around 20 applications for roughly $167,000 in available funds.

Next steps: the mayor’s office will share Smith’s summary with council and continue to pursue partnership grants and the street‑team model.