07-02-91 Human Resources & Economic Development

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fIammlttrr Erport Human Resources and Economic Development Committee can tide Ulnuunnn QIounrtl of tier (Mg of*until Brnt: The July 2, 1991 meeting of the Human Resources and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Steve Luecke at 3 :00 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Zakrzewski, Luecke, Ladewski, Slavinskas, and Puzzello; Dr. George Plain, Bonnie Strycker, Tammy Ofhm, Ted Leverman, Kathy Baumgartner, Patrica Paszkiot, RN, Peter Denisi, John Frybort, Don Porter, Dora Reynolds, and Kathleen Cekanski- Farrand. Council Member Luecke noted that the purpose of the meeting was to continue the discussion of Substitute Bill No. 31-91 which would appropriate $65,000. 00 received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Emergency Shelter Grants Program. Council Member Luecke noted that individuals representing the six various agency requesting monies were present for a review of their requests and to answer questions. Tammy Ofhm explained the Council of Providers of Services to the Homeless Program. She noted that the $25, 000.00 request would be used for food, security, and general supplies. The total yearly budget to run the Center for the Homeless is approximately $416,000. 00. She noted that there are 135 beds at the Center and that they are currently averaging between 75 to 95 individuals. The Center is operated on a "tough love" principle and three meals per day are provided. They work closely with the New Passages Program and the Family Literacy Program. They have recently expanded to provide boarding on the second floor. Since January, three off-duty South Bend police officers worked seven hours per day from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. seven days a week. Part of the grant will help pay for such security. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke, it was noted that most of the individuals are from St. Joseph County however some are also from Elkhart and Laporte Counties. Bonnie Strycker then explained the Youth Services Bureau request of $11,750.00. She noted that Safe Station began in 1976 to provide a home for runaways or individuals who are experiencing family problems at home. The goal is provide a safe place and to reunite families through structured programs. Safe Station assists individuals from the ages of 15 years to 19 years and annually provides services to approximately 200 youth. They are licensed by the state to provide services for individuals from the ages of 12 to 17 years of age. They must seek extensions from the federal