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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-91 Human Resources & Economic Development 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 a government past the 15 day requirement for housing. Extensive counseling services are also provided as a part of the program. Overall costs for room board are approximately $200, 000.00 and 24 hour paid staff plus volunteers are utilized. Dora Reynolds then explained the YWCA's request for $17, 000.00. She noted that the request is to assist in the program for providing shelter for victims of domestic violence. The $17, 000.00 would help offset the day to day operations for utilities, food, and non-personal costs. It would then free up money for the Family Advocacy Center. The Center is proposed to cost between 1.6 million dollars to 3.1 million dollars. Approximately $300, 000.00 has been raised to date. The program has been in place for seventeen years utilizing a building which was built in 1917. Between 500 to 515 residents are assisted each year. The program provides emergency housing and clothing needs. Individuals may stay up to 30 days. Case management is utilized as well as crisis counseling and education on the cycle of violence. Adults and children are assisted. The program is staffed 24 hours per day and support groups are utilized. Housing was emphasize as being critical and the need for new facility for the Family Advocacy Center was highlighted. They are seeking a facility with approximately 25,000 square feet minimum which would house 22 to 28 individuals per day. The goal is to develop transitional housing up to two years. Council Member Luecke noted that the original request was for $25, 000. 00 and had been scaled down to $17,000. 00 when the Mastic option became unavailable. In response to Council Member Luecke's question it was also noted how difficult it is to find affordable housing due to problems of housing stock, lack of housing substitutes, and underemployment or unemployment. Kathy Baumgartner of the South Bend Bureau of Housing then explained their request for $3, 000.00. She noted that this would assist individuals who have a temporary loss of income which would affect housing. South Gate was listed as one example. The monies would help preserve housing while a person is in treatment and would help prevent homelessness. It would assist in short term layoffs and would address a need different than that addressed by the Trustee's Office or the Family Children's Center. She noted that it would be experimental in nature and that guidelines would be provided as to how assistance would be determined. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke, she noted that priority was given to the homeless but that the grants would be such that the processing would be similar to the Block Grant Programs. v ' The committee then heard a presentation from the members of the St. Joseph County AIDS task force. Dr. George Plain noted that initially the project began as a community action group. "Entitlement" funds became available for St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties and that $15,000.00 was necessary for a staff member. Dr. Plain noted that AIDS patients seek to be home with their families if at all possible. He also noted that in October of 1989 Life Magazine featured a Mishawaka man who lived with his sister and then was assisted by Hospice. He stated that AIDS has increased approximately two hundred and fifty percent with seven AIDS individuals diagnosed in 1989 and 18 being diagnosed in 1990. Mr. John Frybort noted that 110 individuals have tested positive in St. Joseph County. He is the case manager and noted that approximately 40% of the individuals who have AIDS have difficulty seeking housing. The typical age is 30 to 40 years of age. There is a definite need for an emergency shelter as well as shelter when a family is unable or unwilling to provide shelter needs. He noted that the City of Fort Wayne is leasing a building in the downtown area and carries a mortgage of approximately $300, 000. 00. Other cities have gone to group homes. He stated that the concept of having a single family home would allow a site to be selected where the home has had a HUD foreclosure. They are proposing that one dollar per year be paid over a three year basis with the sale at the end of three years. Renovation would be made as necessary. Approximately $3,800. 00 is needed for utilities and insurance and approximately $1,200.00 for items related to the prevention of homelessness. They are anticipating that between three to four individuals would be living at the home. Dr. Plain noted that many individuals with AIDS come back to the area after living in New York, New Jersey, or California. He stressed that AIDS is a behavioral disease. In response to a question raised by Council member Ladewski it was noted that there is a waiting list currently of five to seven individuals with most eligible for SSI or other Social Security benefits. It was noted that the task force is currently preparing guidelines addressing who would be eligible for living at such a residence. Council Member Slavinskas asked many questions with regard to the reaction of home owners and the educational process. Dr. Plain noted that the danger involved is "nil" and that a series of neighborhood meetings would be ongoing. Dr. Plain also noted that disposal of waste and certain medical supplies would be properly addressed. Patricia Paszkiot, the nurse involved with the program from the St. Joseph County Health Department, stated that most the houses currently being considered are in a "deplorable condition. " They are looking for a three or four bedroom home with HUD keeping title through the lease arrangement. In response to a question raised by Council Member Luecke, it was noted that the home would not be a care facility and that individuals must be able to care for themselves. In response to a question raised by Council Member Puzzello it was noted that of the eighty individuals from St. Joseph County and Elkhart County diagnosed with AIDS, approximately forty-five to fifty are living within St. Joseph County. Of this amount, ten to twelve are women. Council Member Zakrzewski asked several questions with regard to the potential location of the home. It was noted that the home would be within the Corporate limits of the City of South Bend and would have public transportation available to it. A home similar to the type proposed has in existence in the City of Kalmazoo for approximately five years. Council Member Slavinskas questioned whether the program would go forward whether or not the $5,000.00 request to the city would be granted. Dr. Plain answered that the program would go ahead regardless. He further noted that South Bend has been known for doing things in great cooperation with other units of government. Mr. Frybort noted that the original request was for $12,000.00. Following further discussion Council Member Ladewski made a motion seconded by Council Member Slavinskas that Substitute Bill Number 31-91 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed with Council Member Slavinskas abstaining. There being no further business to come before the Committee the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 pm. Respectfully submitted. Council Member Steve Luecke, Chairperson Human Resources and Economic Development Committee.