Community forum on homelessness announced; housing authority awaiting state CHS application

Patrick Wortens (chairperson of the Human Relations Committee, as he identified himself in public comment) addressed the commissioners during the public comment period to announce a countywide forum on homelessness and to update the board on a pending housing grant.

"...we established a committee to plan a forum...next Wednesday, November 12 at 07:00 at La Quinte High School," Wortens said, inviting commissioners and the public to attend. He described the forum format as a panel of about 10 people (including Commissioner Spanos) to explain what is happening, what resources exist and what is already being done; the panel portion will take roughly the first half hour and the remainder will be opened for public comment. Wortens emphasized that attendees should consider solutions when they speak and said the forum aims to reduce misinformation and help identify practical steps.

Wortens also told the board the housing authority has not received the state's application for the congregate housing services (CHS) program; the authority expected to receive it in August, but the application had not arrived by the time of this meeting. Commissioners suggested following up with the state's contact and Speaker 1 proposed setting a January 1 deadline for a response, after which the board could escalate the request if necessary. Wortens said he will send updates and materials to the commissioners.

The board thanked Wortens and agreed to follow up; he provided printed handouts and offered to supply more.