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Joplin council hears homelessness commission update and welcomes new director Eric Argenbright
Summary
The Joplin Regional Commission on Homelessness reported organizational progress and introduced Eric Argenbright as the new director of homelessness response; Argenbright, who has extensive Continuum of Care experience and lived experience, outlined immediate outreach and website improvements and said he will prioritize coordination with local providers.
Eric Argenbright, who was introduced to the council as the new director of homelessness response for the Joplin regional effort, told the council he brings nearly 15 years of experience in homelessness services and ‘‘lived experience’’ that informs his approach.
The presentation came during the council meeting when Dwayne Dreling, chair of the Joplin Regional Commission on Homelessness and director at United Way, summarized the commission’s recent organizational steps: articles of incorporation, formalization of the position’s housing within the Economic Security Corporation, and the commission’s selection process for a director. Dreling said the commission received nearly 40 applicants and convened a selection committee that included provider and community representatives before choosing Argenbright.
‘‘We identified seven candidates that we interviewed. One obviously rose to the top and I’m really pleased tonight to introduce to you our new director of homelessness response, Eric Argenbright,’’ Dreling said.
Argenbright described his background in statewide homeless-coalition work, including leading collaborative funding applications and raising substantial renewal funding. ‘‘While doing that…we increased our annual renewal demand by almost $5,000,000,’’ he said, adding that he hopes to bring similar improvements to Joplin’s Continuum of Care. He said he began the job the prior Monday and has spent his first days meeting providers and residents with lived experience.
On near-term priorities, Argenbright said the commission will update and improve the Continuum of Care website and launch a shared calendar to improve coordination among service providers and the public. ‘‘We’re going to have a calendar page tomorrow…so that anyone and everyone has the ability to [view events and meetings],’’ he said, characterizing the initial steps as ‘‘low-hanging fruit’’ that will yield faster improvements.
Council members thanked the commission for formalizing the role and said they expect close coordination between the director, the Economic Security Corporation and the city. Mayor Cortez and other council members encouraged Argenbright to be accessible to households and providers across the community; the new director said he has already visited local providers and plans ongoing outreach.
The commission’s formalization of the position and the hiring of a dedicated, paid director represent a shift from volunteer-led work toward a staffed model the commission and council described as important for strengthening local planning, grant applications and service coordination. Dreling and Argenbright said more detailed program and funding plans will follow as the director settles into the role.
Next steps: the commission and Argenbright will continue outreach to providers and residents, update the Continuum of Care website and report back to the council on progress and measurable outcomes.
