Homeless Leadership Council

Homeless Leadership Council Meeting Notes 04/21/06

Attendees were: Laurie Thom - Central Oregon Partnership, Suzanne Reininger – Bend-La Pine School District, Diane Seyl – Jefferson County Public Health Department, Sarah Elliott – Deschutes County Mental Health, Christine Lewis – Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority, Corky Senecal - Central Oregon Community Action Agency Network , Linda Walker – Central Oregon Community Action Agency Network, Diane Romero – Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority, and Jo Anne Van Antwerp – Central Oregon Community Action Agency Network.

1) Diane Romero explained a few things about HUD Section 8 Housing Choice Program
a. There are 1003 Vouchers/month
i. 200 mainstream (62 and under and disabled)
ii. 803 regular program vouchers.
b. Adjusted Gross Income is figured as such: Gross income – $480 per dependent - $400 per senior - $400 per disabled person.
c. The voucher = rent amt – 30% of Adjusted Gross Income.
d. There is a random monthly lottery drawing for available vouchers the third Monday of each month for the regular program.
e. The mainstream folks are on a 6 month waiting list for ease of entry.
f. Units are inspected before approval and Health/Safety/Sanitary issues must be taken care of by the landlord.
g. There is one full time inspector and one in training.
2) Christine explained SuperNofa for CORHA’s HUD Funding.
a. 250 vouchers nationwide.
b. Vouchers stay the same, budget is less.
i. Strategic planning needed.
1. Less staff vs. fewer vouchers vs. smaller vouchers, etc.
3) Other facts:
a. Federal funds are for administrative costs only.
b. There are no City, State, or County funds.
c. There are 600 properties in Central Oregon.
d. There are 60-80 properties in the process of development.
e. Building is done in incorporated areas so investors will be interested.
f. The latest property is Prairie House, a special needs facility with 8 individual apartments. The Grand Opening is May 11th and all are invited. It will be a community event.
g. There is also a transitional Crisis Resolution Center and Emma’s Place. CORHA is looking at a site in Madras and working on a site in Redmond.
h. From 2001 to 2005, housing prices went up double the increase of incomes. (See Handout)
i. Each year, voucher recipients are re-checked for income/qualifications. (60% of area median income (except special needs properties.))
j. The family self sufficiency program consists of a 5 year contract to work with a family to establish goals – credit, homeownership, etc. Goals are re-established yearly.
k. Section 8 vouchers can be used for mortgage payment for 15 years. At 15 years the home is refinanced and the voucher ends.
4) Laurie talked about the Public Awareness Committee
a. $500 had been committed for the website, www.cohomeless.org., and the invoice was $650.
b. Jo Anne will ask Michael to add a link to the COCAAN website to the site.
c. Jo Anne will call James Hutchins to see what we can do to help.
5) Corky spoke about the Continuum of Care Funds
a. COVO is applying for the $30,000 non competitive funds for Permanent Supportive Housing.
b. Need review committee for application review. (COCAAN’s and COVO’s) Needs to meet between 5/1 and 5/5.
6) Linda Walker, OCHH spoke about the HLC Training Conference.
a. It will be held June 9th at Eagle Crest.
b. The room will cost $300 and it seats up to 100 people.
c. The meal will be $12 -$15 per person.
d. Registration will be at 8:30 and Training will be 9am to 4pm.
e. Laurie and Christine will send mailing lists to Jo Anne and anyone else who has lists of those who would be interested, please send to Jo Anne before May 5th.
f. The schedule for the day was discussed and includes Breaking of Barriers of Public Perception of Homelessness, a report from the One Night Shelter Count, speakers, lunch with an Award of Merit to be given to one individual and one agency(chosen by HLC), a discussion of the efforts for a 10 year plan with speakers, fair housing issues, and messaging.
g. The Redmond Central Oregon Partnership office will take $ and registration.
h. Jo Anne will put together and distribute a flyer. (Linda will get her all the necessary info.)
7) Linda said that the Fair Housing Council is looking at rules and regulations for shelters. They will develop a manual of what is and is not allowable.
8) Corky distributed Housing Alliance flyers.
a. The Housing Alliance is developing a legislative agenda which will be modeled after Washington Housing Trust Fund ($100 million)
b. Corky requested support from HLC to focus on Central Oregon.
9) Laurie spoke about the Jericho Road Project
a. Transitional housing for 2 families: first family moves in June 1st.
b. Shelter scheduled to open next January.

The next meeting will be Friday, May 19, 2006 , at the Red Door Church at 8:30 AM. J