report of the city of lawrence task force on homeless services commissioner mike rundle, chair june...

Report of the Report of the City of Lawrence Task City of Lawrence Task Force On Homeless Force On Homeless ServicesServices

Report of the Report of the City of Lawrence Task City of Lawrence Task Force On Homeless Force On Homeless ServicesServices

Commissioner Mike Rundle, ChairCommissioner Mike Rundle, Chair

June 2005June 2005

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This report is a presentation This report is a presentation summary of the Report and summary of the Report and Recommendations of the Task Recommendations of the Task Force on Homeless Services. The Force on Homeless Services. The complete report, together with complete report, together with appendices can be found at: appendices can be found at:

www.lawrenceneighres.org/task_force.shtmlwww.lawrenceneighres.org/task_force.shtml

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction

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BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND

Convened May 2003Convened May 2003 Comprised of 18 members appointed by Comprised of 18 members appointed by

the Mayor representing elected officials, the Mayor representing elected officials, government and non-profit service government and non-profit service providers, business and university providers, business and university persons, faith based organizations, and persons, faith based organizations, and neighborhood representatives neighborhood representatives

Members were a diverse group who Members were a diverse group who held widely differing opinions on held widely differing opinions on homelessness and homeless serviceshomelessness and homeless services

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CHARGECHARGE CHARGECHARGE

To study the problems To study the problems of homelessness* in of homelessness* in Lawrence and gaps in Lawrence and gaps in homeless services and homeless services and make make recommendations to recommendations to the City Commission on the City Commission on ways to address the ways to address the problems.problems.

*For the purposes of this study the focus of the problem was on street homelessness

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PROCESSPROCESSPROCESSPROCESS

Studied the Demographics of Studied the Demographics of the Lawrence Homeless the Lawrence Homeless Population Population

Examined Current Services and Examined Current Services and Service GapsService Gaps

Conducted Research on other Conducted Research on other Similar Communities and PlansSimilar Communities and Plans

Conducted 7 Public Forums Conducted 7 Public Forums with Stakeholder Groupswith Stakeholder Groups

Observed Independent Observed Independent OutcomesOutcomes

Identified Findings Identified Findings Developed Recommendations Developed Recommendations

using a Consensus Modelusing a Consensus Model Identified Cost EstimatesIdentified Cost Estimates

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A homeless person is defined by federal law in 42U.S.C. 11302 as an individual who

1. lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;

2. has a primary nighttime residence that is a: supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations, an institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized, a public or private place not designated for, or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings.

Demographics of the Lawrence Homeless Demographics of the Lawrence Homeless PopulationPopulation

Demographics of the Lawrence Homeless Demographics of the Lawrence Homeless PopulationPopulation

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DemographicsDemographicsDemographicsDemographics

The general observations and experiences of homeless service providers is that there are approximately 200 homeless individuals living in Lawrence either on the streets, in shelters, in camps, under the bridge etc., at any one time. For the most part this number does not include families who are homeless.

This population is partly fluid and changes as transients move in and out of the city.

The city conducts periodic homeless counts. The last four were:

Date Count*Jan. 1998 143Jan 2001 145June 2003 211Jan 2005 112

*The count includes only those willing to be surveyed. The 2005 count is low as many individuals refused to participate. The survey was held at the time a newspaper article was printed alleging a homeless identification badge system was being proposed.

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The Salvation Army Shelter served 305 unduplicated persons between June 2004 and May 2005. The average number served nightly ranged from a low of 24 in May 2004 to a high of 49 in January 2005.

The Lawrence Community Shelter served 237 unduplicated persons in its shelter between June

2004 and May 2005. The number served each night was 21.

The Lawrence homeless population is predominately male. In the last count 58 % who reported were male and 42% female.

Of the 305 persons served by the Salvation Army Shelter in the past 12 months 80% were male and 20% female.

Of the 237persons served by the Lawrence Community Shelter during the same period 80% were male and 20% female

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The Lawrence Homeless Population is affected or limited by a number of conditions which are reported through the homeless survey count and shelter intake forms. These are

Severe mental health problems 39% Alcohol and substance abuse 45% Unemployment 80% Lack of socialization and life skills 95%

47% of 95 people who responded during the January 2005 Homeless Count said they had some income. 17% had employment income, 10% had social security and disability income and 11% had welfare and general assistance benefits.

35% of the 95 people who responded during the January 2005 Homeless Count said they had lived in Lawrence longer than 3 years. Another 7% said they had lived in the city between 1 and 3 years.

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Current Homeless Housing and Current Homeless Housing and Support ServicesSupport ServicesCurrent Homeless Housing and Current Homeless Housing and Support ServicesSupport Services

The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army Lawrence Community ShelterLawrence Community Shelter Women’s Transitional Care ServicesWomen’s Transitional Care Services Pelathe Community Resource CenterPelathe Community Resource Center Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Lawrence-Douglas County Housing

AuthorityAuthority Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition

Kitchen (LINK)Kitchen (LINK) Jubilee CaféJubilee Café Bert Nash Community Mental Health Bert Nash Community Mental Health

CenterCenter Faith Based InitiativesFaith Based Initiatives

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Current Homeless Housing and Current Homeless Housing and Support ServicesSupport Services

Current Homeless Housing and Current Homeless Housing and Support ServicesSupport Services

The Salvation ArmyThe Salvation Army The Salvation Army presently provides a year The Salvation Army presently provides a year

round homeless shelter that can serve up to 125 round homeless shelter that can serve up to 125 individuals nightly. The shelter opens at 9 pm and individuals nightly. The shelter opens at 9 pm and shuts at 8 am daily. Common sleeping space is shuts at 8 am daily. Common sleeping space is provided on mats for up to 100 males in the provided on mats for up to 100 males in the auditorium and 25 females in the dining room. An auditorium and 25 females in the dining room. An evening meal is provided. A shower is available. evening meal is provided. A shower is available. Phone, mail, washer/dryer and transportation to Phone, mail, washer/dryer and transportation to appointments are provided. Space is provided first appointments are provided. Space is provided first come first serve to those who have agreed to come first serve to those who have agreed to participate in the Army’s Homeless Services participate in the Army’s Homeless Services Program which includes mandatory class Program which includes mandatory class participation in job and life skills training and participation in job and life skills training and twice monthly case management. Clients must twice monthly case management. Clients must also pass a breathalyzer test to stay at the shelter. also pass a breathalyzer test to stay at the shelter. Between June 2004 and May 2005, the Army Between June 2004 and May 2005, the Army served 305 unduplicated individuals in its shelter.served 305 unduplicated individuals in its shelter.

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Current ServicesCurrent ServicesCurrent ServicesCurrent Services

Lawrence Community ShelterLawrence Community Shelter The Lawrence Community Shelter began as the The Lawrence Community Shelter began as the

Lawrence Open Shelter in December 2003 in Lawrence Open Shelter in December 2003 in response to the need to fill a partial gap in response to the need to fill a partial gap in shelter services for the homeless. The shelter shelter services for the homeless. The shelter merged with the Lawrence Drop In Center in merged with the Lawrence Drop In Center in January 2005 to become the Lawrence January 2005 to become the Lawrence Community Shelter. The shelter provides a 7 Community Shelter. The shelter provides a 7 night emergency facility for up to 21 night emergency facility for up to 21 individuals and 7 day full service daytime individuals and 7 day full service daytime shelter for adults and some families shelter for adults and some families experiencing homelessness. The shelter experiencing homelessness. The shelter provides an evening meal and light breakfast, provides an evening meal and light breakfast, shower facilities, washer/dryer, telephone shower facilities, washer/dryer, telephone service, case management and training, service, case management and training, transportation to and from detox, rehab, and transportation to and from detox, rehab, and emergency medical visits. Between June 2004 emergency medical visits. Between June 2004 and May 2005 the shelter served 237 and May 2005 the shelter served 237 unduplicated individuals in its nighttime unduplicated individuals in its nighttime shelter.shelter.

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Women’s Transitional Care ServicesWomen’s Transitional Care Services Women’s Transitional Care Services provides Women’s Transitional Care Services provides

emergency shelter to battered and other women emergency shelter to battered and other women and children who are fleeing domestic abuse. and children who are fleeing domestic abuse. The shelter location is secret to protect the The shelter location is secret to protect the clients. The shelter has capacity for 19-21 clients. The shelter has capacity for 19-21 women and children who may remain for up to women and children who may remain for up to 30 days. The staff provides clients with meals 30 days. The staff provides clients with meals and other necessities as well as advocacy, and other necessities as well as advocacy, counseling, case management and referral counseling, case management and referral services to support the families transitioning to services to support the families transitioning to a new life. The shelter also serves homeless a new life. The shelter also serves homeless women who are not domestic abuse victims women who are not domestic abuse victims when space is available. In 2004, WTCS served when space is available. In 2004, WTCS served 210 unduplicated clients, 132 were children.210 unduplicated clients, 132 were children.

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Pelathe Community Resource Center Pelathe Community Resource Center The Pelathe Center provides transitional housing The Pelathe Center provides transitional housing

and supportive case management services for and supportive case management services for homeless families in partnership with the homeless families in partnership with the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority. The Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority. The Center owns seven units in the 1400 block of Center owns seven units in the 1400 block of Haskell Avenue dedicated for this cause. The Haskell Avenue dedicated for this cause. The Center provides the case management and Center provides the case management and supportive services for the families to help them supportive services for the families to help them overcome the problems and conditions that led overcome the problems and conditions that led them to becoming homeless. The LDCHA provides them to becoming homeless. The LDCHA provides rent subsidies to the families with city HOME funds. rent subsidies to the families with city HOME funds. Each client is limited to 18 months on the program. Each client is limited to 18 months on the program. The Pelathe Center serves 10 families a year The Pelathe Center serves 10 families a year through this program.through this program.

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Lawrence-Douglas County Housing AuthorityLawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority The Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority The Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority

provides about $230,000 annually in rent subsidies for provides about $230,000 annually in rent subsidies for transitional housing to homeless individuals and families transitional housing to homeless individuals and families using state and city HOME funds. These transitional using state and city HOME funds. These transitional housing programs are operated in partnership with housing programs are operated in partnership with several local support service organizations including The several local support service organizations including The Bert Nash Mental Health Center, The Salvation Army, Bert Nash Mental Health Center, The Salvation Army, The Pelathe Center, OARS, DCCCA, Lawrence Community The Pelathe Center, OARS, DCCCA, Lawrence Community Shelter and Success by Six. The support service Shelter and Success by Six. The support service agencies provide the case management and supportive agencies provide the case management and supportive services for the client and the housing authority services for the client and the housing authority provides the rent subsidy. Over 100 formerly homeless provides the rent subsidy. Over 100 formerly homeless individuals and families have been successfully housed individuals and families have been successfully housed through this program in the past five years.through this program in the past five years.

The Housing Authority also administers HOPE Building, a The Housing Authority also administers HOPE Building, a housing program for the chronically homeless who have housing program for the chronically homeless who have dual diagnosed mental health and substance abuse dual diagnosed mental health and substance abuse problems. This 3 year HUD grant can serve up to 10 problems. This 3 year HUD grant can serve up to 10 individuals at a time.individuals at a time.

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Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen (LINK)Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen (LINK)An Interfaith based nutrition kitchen open to all that provides a An Interfaith based nutrition kitchen open to all that provides a hot lunch Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The hot lunch Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The program serves about 150 lunches per day. It operates out of program serves about 150 lunches per day. It operates out of the First Christian Church.the First Christian Church.

Jubilee CaféJubilee CaféA KU and community volunteer program that provides a full hot A KU and community volunteer program that provides a full hot breakfast to all Tuesday and Friday mornings at 7 am. It breakfast to all Tuesday and Friday mornings at 7 am. It operates out of the First United Methodist Church and serves operates out of the First United Methodist Church and serves 140 meals a day.140 meals a day.

The Salvation Army The Salvation Army Provides a hot lunch Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays which Provides a hot lunch Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays which is open to all. It serves between 80 and 100 mealsis open to all. It serves between 80 and 100 meals..

Lawrence Community Shelter Lawrence Community Shelter Serves breakfast to all when the Jubilee Café is closed.Serves breakfast to all when the Jubilee Café is closed.

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The Bert Nash Community Mental Health The Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center Center The Bert Nash Center is the local community The Bert Nash Center is the local community health center providing clinical treatment and health center providing clinical treatment and case management services for adults and case management services for adults and children in Douglas County with mental health children in Douglas County with mental health problems that range from mild temporary problems that range from mild temporary depression to severe and profound mental depression to severe and profound mental illness. The center has a Community Support illness. The center has a Community Support Services program that serves mentally Services program that serves mentally disabled homeless individuals or individuals disabled homeless individuals or individuals who were previously homeless. It also who were previously homeless. It also operates a small permanent housing program operates a small permanent housing program for four of its clients in a facility it owns. It for four of its clients in a facility it owns. It partners with the LDCHA in providing case partners with the LDCHA in providing case management services for its clients in a management services for its clients in a transitional housing program for the homeless transitional housing program for the homeless operated by the LDCHA. operated by the LDCHA.

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Faith Based InitiativesFaith Based InitiativesThe local churches have long been a source The local churches have long been a source of funding and support to homeless of funding and support to homeless individuals and others at risk of individuals and others at risk of homelessness by providing needed homelessness by providing needed resources in times of crisis and difficulty. resources in times of crisis and difficulty. This includes food, shelter, clothing, rent This includes food, shelter, clothing, rent and utility assistance, transportation, and utility assistance, transportation, medical and other human services.medical and other human services.

The Lawrence Community Inter Faith The Lawrence Community Inter Faith Initiative (LCII) Initiative (LCII) Meets to coordinate a unified effort among Meets to coordinate a unified effort among 180 faith organizations to provide support 180 faith organizations to provide support and services to prevent homelessness and and services to prevent homelessness and assist in homeless service gaps.assist in homeless service gaps.

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Other Support Service AgenciesOther Support Service Agencies ECKANECKAN Ballard Community Center and Penn Ballard Community Center and Penn

HouseHouse Emergency Services CouncilEmergency Services Council Social Service LeagueSocial Service League Douglas County Dental ClinicDouglas County Dental Clinic DCCCA CenterDCCCA Center Health Care AccessHealth Care Access Heartland Medical ClinicHeartland Medical Clinic

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Homeless Service GapsHomeless Service GapsHomeless Service GapsHomeless Service Gaps

Mental Health In-patient ServicesMental Health In-patient Services Permanent Transitional Housing for Persons Permanent Transitional Housing for Persons

Released from the State Mental HospitalReleased from the State Mental Hospital Permanent 24 hour Emergency Shelter for Permanent 24 hour Emergency Shelter for

individuals and families with structured living individuals and families with structured living and daily activitiesand daily activities

Additional Transitional HousingAdditional Transitional Housing Coordination of Service ProvidersCoordination of Service Providers Coordination of Information on Local Homeless Coordination of Information on Local Homeless

Individuals (HMIS) Individuals (HMIS) Comprehensive Case Management ServicesComprehensive Case Management Services Long Term Outreach to the HomelessLong Term Outreach to the Homeless Social Detoxification ProgramSocial Detoxification Program

A Task Force subcommittee conducted a study of A Task Force subcommittee conducted a study of homeless service gaps in Lawrence during homeless service gaps in Lawrence during 2003/2004 and found the following needs.2003/2004 and found the following needs.

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Homeless Service GapsHomeless Service GapsHomeless Service GapsHomeless Service Gaps

Reliable and Consistent TransportationReliable and Consistent Transportation Homeless Prevention ServicesHomeless Prevention Services Job Readiness Training and PreparationJob Readiness Training and Preparation Business Network to Establish Job Business Network to Establish Job

OpportunitiesOpportunities Life Skills TrainingLife Skills Training Peer Support and Adult MentoringPeer Support and Adult Mentoring Landlord Mentoring and Support Landlord Mentoring and Support

AssistanceAssistance Clear Policy Guidelines for Police Clear Policy Guidelines for Police

Officers and City OfficialsOfficers and City Officials Law Enforcement Training on Handling Law Enforcement Training on Handling

Persons with Mental Health or Persons with Mental Health or Substance Abuse ProblemsSubstance Abuse Problems

Medication Cost AssistanceMedication Cost Assistance Payee ServicesPayee Services

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Research on Other Similar Communities and Research on Other Similar Communities and

PlansPlans

Research on Other Similar Communities and Research on Other Similar Communities and

PlansPlans

Plans were reviewed and interviews were conducted with Homeless Program Plans were reviewed and interviews were conducted with Homeless Program Coordinators and Leaders from the following communities to learn the nature Coordinators and Leaders from the following communities to learn the nature of their homeless issues and concerns and the programs they developed and of their homeless issues and concerns and the programs they developed and funded to address those concerns.funded to address those concerns.

Topeka, KansasTopeka, Kansas Kansas City, MissouriKansas City, Missouri Clearwater, FloridaClearwater, Florida Springfield, MissouriSpringfield, Missouri Colorado Springs, ColoradoColorado Springs, Colorado

Additional Information and Homeless Service Programs and Plans were Additional Information and Homeless Service Programs and Plans were collected and reviewed fromcollected and reviewed from

Hennipen County Minnesota (Minneapolis)Hennipen County Minnesota (Minneapolis) South Bend, IndianaSouth Bend, Indiana Salina, KansasSalina, Kansas Wichita, KansasWichita, Kansas Des Moines, IowaDes Moines, Iowa Denver, ColoradoDenver, Colorado El Paso, TexasEl Paso, Texas

The Task force also reviewed the document published by the United States The Task force also reviewed the document published by the United States

Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) titled, “The 10-Year Planning Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) titled, “The 10-Year Planning Process to End Chronic Homelessness in Your Community: a Step-by-Step Process to End Chronic Homelessness in Your Community: a Step-by-Step Guide.Guide.

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7 Public Forums with Stakeholder 7 Public Forums with Stakeholder

GroupsGroups

7 Public Forums with Stakeholder 7 Public Forums with Stakeholder

GroupsGroups

The Task Force conducted 7 forums with The Task Force conducted 7 forums with stakeholder groups and a community wide stakeholder groups and a community wide meeting between January 4 -11, 2005. The meeting between January 4 -11, 2005. The purpose of these forums was to solicit the input purpose of these forums was to solicit the input of various segments of the community of various segments of the community concerned with homelessness into the Task concerned with homelessness into the Task Force plan. The 7 stakeholder groups are:Force plan. The 7 stakeholder groups are:

Service providers, churches, education Service providers, churches, education providers, and homeless advocatesproviders, and homeless advocates

General business communityGeneral business community Homeless individualsHomeless individuals LMH, Police, Parks and Recreation LMH, Police, Parks and Recreation Downtown businessesDowntown businesses Neighborhood Associations and neighborsNeighborhood Associations and neighbors Funders and local governmentFunders and local government

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7 Public Forums with Stakeholder 7 Public Forums with Stakeholder GroupsGroups7 Public Forums with Stakeholder 7 Public Forums with Stakeholder GroupsGroups

General CommentsGeneral Comments Need 24/7 emergency shelter services to be continued Need 24/7 emergency shelter services to be continued

and expandedand expanded Need a relief AND rehabilitation modelNeed a relief AND rehabilitation model Encourage self-sufficiency of the homeless populationEncourage self-sufficiency of the homeless population Encourage coordination and cooperation with existing Encourage coordination and cooperation with existing

agencies and any new ones who come on boardagencies and any new ones who come on board Increase communication between all parties – police, Increase communication between all parties – police,

business, landlords, local communitybusiness, landlords, local community Establish a method of identifying homelessness Establish a method of identifying homelessness

demographics and subsequent needsdemographics and subsequent needs Provide adequate affordable housing/housing Provide adequate affordable housing/housing

subsidiessubsidies Provide jobs counseling/educationProvide jobs counseling/education Enforcement and/or adoption of ordinances to Enforcement and/or adoption of ordinances to

reduce/prevent unacceptable social activities reduce/prevent unacceptable social activities downtown and in the community as a wholedowntown and in the community as a whole

Provide adequate mental health servicesProvide adequate mental health services

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Observed Independent OutcomesObserved Independent OutcomesObserved Independent OutcomesObserved Independent Outcomes

During the two years the Task Force operated a During the two years the Task Force operated a number of independent critical events occurred number of independent critical events occurred that affected homeless services and programs. that affected homeless services and programs. Some of these events were outgrowths of the Task Some of these events were outgrowths of the Task Force’s influence. Others were not. Many things Force’s influence. Others were not. Many things that occurred helped improve and expand that occurred helped improve and expand homeless services or created a direction for homeless services or created a direction for implementation of the Task Force’s implementation of the Task Force’s recommendations. These outcomes or events are recommendations. These outcomes or events are indicators that the environment that existed in the indicators that the environment that existed in the community pre Task Force creation is not the same community pre Task Force creation is not the same as exists today. as exists today.

A Deepened Communication and Coordination A Deepened Communication and Coordination between Homeless Service Providersbetween Homeless Service Providers

Pursuit of Solutions and Realignment of Services Pursuit of Solutions and Realignment of Services by Homeless Service Providers by Homeless Service Providers

The Loss of a Major Homeless Program Service The Loss of a Major Homeless Program Service Grant and the Funding of a New OneGrant and the Funding of a New One

The Closing of the LMH Inpatient Mental Health The Closing of the LMH Inpatient Mental Health UnitUnit

Homeless Service Providers Willingness to Assume Homeless Service Providers Willingness to Assume Responsibility to Implement or Attempt to Responsibility to Implement or Attempt to Implement Task Force RecommendationsImplement Task Force Recommendations

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The Practitioners Round Table was formed by a Task The Practitioners Round Table was formed by a Task Force member with the facilitation assistance of the Force member with the facilitation assistance of the Center for Community Networking at the library. The Center for Community Networking at the library. The membership consisted of homeless service providers membership consisted of homeless service providers and other entities working in the area including the and other entities working in the area including the police department. The group met a number of times police department. The group met a number of times to discuss what each entity could do presently to help to discuss what each entity could do presently to help improve services to the homeless and address improve services to the homeless and address homeless concerns issues. Some accomplishments homeless concerns issues. Some accomplishments that resulted were:that resulted were:

Service Providers explored policies/procedures that Service Providers explored policies/procedures that could be changed to better serve homeless individuals could be changed to better serve homeless individuals and discussed ways to expand communications and and discussed ways to expand communications and case management for individuals being served by case management for individuals being served by multiple agencies so that needed program multiple agencies so that needed program interventions could take place before the individual interventions could take place before the individual failed and lost services or assistance.failed and lost services or assistance.

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A Deepened Communication and Coordination A Deepened Communication and Coordination between Homeless Service Providersbetween Homeless Service Providers

Discussions moved forward regarding the Discussions moved forward regarding the establishment of a Homeless Management establishment of a Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) which service Information System (HMIS) which service providers agreed was needed to improve service providers agreed was needed to improve service delivery to the homeless. delivery to the homeless.

Brought the police department into direct Brought the police department into direct discussion about problems of homelessness and discussion about problems of homelessness and the role they can play in helping to address issues.the role they can play in helping to address issues.

Agreed that a Homeless Resource List would be Agreed that a Homeless Resource List would be developed for the police department to place in developed for the police department to place in patrol cars.patrol cars.

Agreed that the service providers would develop a Agreed that the service providers would develop a 2 hour orientation program for police officers.2 hour orientation program for police officers.

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Pursuit of Solutions and Realignment of Services by Homeless Pursuit of Solutions and Realignment of Services by Homeless Service Providers Service Providers

As the Task Force identified needs and recommendations, As the Task Force identified needs and recommendations, service providers stepped forward to help address those service providers stepped forward to help address those needs.needs.

The Salvation Army and Lawrence Open Shelter/Drop In The Salvation Army and Lawrence Open Shelter/Drop In Center (now the Lawrence Community Shelter) coordinated Center (now the Lawrence Community Shelter) coordinated the expansion of shelter hours to provide 24/7 services to the the expansion of shelter hours to provide 24/7 services to the homeless. homeless.

Salvation Army and Lawrence Open Shelter/Drop In Center Salvation Army and Lawrence Open Shelter/Drop In Center submitted a CDBG joint application for public service funds to submitted a CDBG joint application for public service funds to help support 24/7 Shelter Services.help support 24/7 Shelter Services.

The Salvation Army and Lawrence Open Shelter collaborated The Salvation Army and Lawrence Open Shelter collaborated on the development of coordinated House Rules.on the development of coordinated House Rules.

The Salvation Army and Lawrence Open Shelter established The Salvation Army and Lawrence Open Shelter established opened communications on joint clients.opened communications on joint clients.

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Pursuit of Solutions and Realignment of Services by Pursuit of Solutions and Realignment of Services by Homeless Service Providers Homeless Service Providers

The Drop In Center merged with Lawrence Open The Drop In Center merged with Lawrence Open Shelter to become Lawrence Community Shelter Shelter to become Lawrence Community Shelter combining programs and staff to provide a limited combining programs and staff to provide a limited service 24 hour shelter program.service 24 hour shelter program.

The Housing Authority offered to amend the The Housing Authority offered to amend the definition of homeless to expand eligibility for the definition of homeless to expand eligibility for the City HOME transitional housing program to families City HOME transitional housing program to families that are “doubled up”.that are “doubled up”.

The Coalition for Homeless Concerns in association The Coalition for Homeless Concerns in association with the First Christian Church will open a temporary with the First Christian Church will open a temporary shelter at the church when the temperature goes shelter at the church when the temperature goes above 90 or below 30 degrees and the other shelters above 90 or below 30 degrees and the other shelters are full.are full.

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The Loss of a Major Homeless Program Service Grant The Loss of a Major Homeless Program Service Grant and the Funding of a New One. and the Funding of a New One.

In 2003 the City submitted an application to HUD In 2003 the City submitted an application to HUD under the Continuum of Care program for homeless under the Continuum of Care program for homeless initiatives. The results were:initiatives. The results were:

The Bert Nash Center lost its HUD funding for the The Bert Nash Center lost its HUD funding for the “Bridges to Independence” Program, a temporary “Bridges to Independence” Program, a temporary homeless housing program for the severely and homeless housing program for the severely and persistently mentally ill. “Bridges” provided both persistently mentally ill. “Bridges” provided both temporary housing for persons being released from temporary housing for persons being released from the state mental hospital under formal reintegration the state mental hospital under formal reintegration plans, and respite housing for persons from Lawrence plans, and respite housing for persons from Lawrence in a mental health crisis. The program housed up to 8 in a mental health crisis. The program housed up to 8 adults. “Bridges” formally closed September 30, 2004.adults. “Bridges” formally closed September 30, 2004.

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The Housing Authority received funding for a three The Housing Authority received funding for a three year grant to provide permanent housing for 10 year grant to provide permanent housing for 10 chronically homeless individuals who are dual chronically homeless individuals who are dual diagnosed with mental health and substance diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse problems who are willing to enter into a abuse problems who are willing to enter into a support service treatment plan. The program is support service treatment plan. The program is called HOPE Building. Referrals into the program called HOPE Building. Referrals into the program must come from The Salvation Army, Lawrence must come from The Salvation Army, Lawrence Community Shelter, or the P.A.T.H. Community Community Shelter, or the P.A.T.H. Community Outreach worker. The service treatment plans are Outreach worker. The service treatment plans are administered by the Bert Nash and DCCCA Centers. administered by the Bert Nash and DCCCA Centers. The program formally began January 2005. The The program formally began January 2005. The Bert Nash “Bridges” house is one of the housing Bert Nash “Bridges” house is one of the housing units used in the program.units used in the program.


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The Closing of the LMH Inpatient Mental Health UnitThe Closing of the LMH Inpatient Mental Health Unit

When LMH closed its inpatient mental health unit When LMH closed its inpatient mental health unit May 1, 2004 the entire community lost a critical May 1, 2004 the entire community lost a critical medical crisis treatment program that cannot be medical crisis treatment program that cannot be compensated for with counseling and case compensated for with counseling and case management. The loss to the homeless and the management. The loss to the homeless and the precariously housed was even more acute. The precariously housed was even more acute. The homeless have no local treatment options when they homeless have no local treatment options when they suffer mental health breakdowns. The mentally suffer mental health breakdowns. The mentally disabled who are in housing have no treatment place disabled who are in housing have no treatment place to enter when they are in an acute stage of their to enter when they are in an acute stage of their illness. When this happens their behavior often illness. When this happens their behavior often results in lease violations which frequently lead to results in lease violations which frequently lead to eviction. This frequently causes the person to eviction. This frequently causes the person to become homeless. At least 30 percent of the current become homeless. At least 30 percent of the current Lawrence homeless population was previously Lawrence homeless population was previously housed.housed.

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Homeless Service Providers Willing to Assume Responsibility to Homeless Service Providers Willing to Assume Responsibility to Implement or Attempt to Implement Task Force Implement or Attempt to Implement Task Force RecommendationsRecommendations

With proper funding the following agencies have expressed a willingness With proper funding the following agencies have expressed a willingness to take on the implementation of some Task Force recommendationsto take on the implementation of some Task Force recommendations

The Lawrence Community Shelter has expressed its willingness to The Lawrence Community Shelter has expressed its willingness to expand its shelter to 100 homeless individuals and to develop a full expand its shelter to 100 homeless individuals and to develop a full range of support services with the goal of moving an individual to his range of support services with the goal of moving an individual to his or her highest level of performance in order that they can be or her highest level of performance in order that they can be successful in getting and keeping permanent housing. The operators successful in getting and keeping permanent housing. The operators of the shelter are open to moving the shelter to a new location.of the shelter are open to moving the shelter to a new location.

The Salvation Army is moving forward with its plans to construct a The Salvation Army is moving forward with its plans to construct a new shelter that will provide residential housing for 51 individuals new shelter that will provide residential housing for 51 individuals and some families and children. The program will include support and some families and children. The program will include support services to help individuals overcome the condition in their lives that services to help individuals overcome the condition in their lives that led them to becoming homeless. led them to becoming homeless.

The Bert Nash Center has agreed to implement the mental health The Bert Nash Center has agreed to implement the mental health recommendations that fall within its mission and constituted recommendations that fall within its mission and constituted authority.authority.

The Housing Authority has agreed to implement transitional and The Housing Authority has agreed to implement transitional and permanent housing goals that lie with in its mission and constituted permanent housing goals that lie with in its mission and constituted authority.authority.

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Based upon its study and review the Task Force Based upon its study and review the Task Force finds that:finds that:

The homeless population has stabilized over the The homeless population has stabilized over the years to between 150-200 persons. Chief among years to between 150-200 persons. Chief among their problems are mental illness and substance their problems are mental illness and substance abuse.abuse.

Local homeless services are geared to individuals Local homeless services are geared to individuals and not families.and not families.

Local shelters are not sufficient to meet the Local shelters are not sufficient to meet the needs of the homeless population.needs of the homeless population.

The Salvation Army’s future shelter and The Salvation Army’s future shelter and temporary housing program will help serve needs temporary housing program will help serve needs of homeless families as well as individuals.of homeless families as well as individuals.

FindingsFindingsFindingsFindings

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There is no formalized directed approach for There is no formalized directed approach for moving homeless people to housing.moving homeless people to housing.

Central to moving homeless to housing is mental Central to moving homeless to housing is mental health and case management services.health and case management services.

There is no community inpatient mental health unit There is no community inpatient mental health unit to address crisis problems of the general to address crisis problems of the general community let alone the homeless.community let alone the homeless.

The Bert Nash Center is responsible for The Bert Nash Center is responsible for implementing integration and treatment plans for implementing integration and treatment plans for Douglas County residents released from the state Douglas County residents released from the state mental hospital, yet the community has no mental hospital, yet the community has no temporary housing to assist in their reintegration.temporary housing to assist in their reintegration.

There is no social detoxification program in the There is no social detoxification program in the community.community.

FindingsFindingsFindingsFindings

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RecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendations

The Task Force Recommends Six Major The Task Force Recommends Six Major Initiatives to Help Address the Community’s Initiatives to Help Address the Community’s Homeless Problems. These Six Initiatives Homeless Problems. These Six Initiatives are Spelled Out in the Full Task Force are Spelled Out in the Full Task Force Report. The Initiatives fall into the Report. The Initiatives fall into the Following CategoriesFollowing Categories::

Mental Health Service PlanMental Health Service Plan Emergency and Shelter Services PlanEmergency and Shelter Services Plan Case Management Plan for the Case Management Plan for the

CommunityCommunity Housing Program PlanHousing Program Plan Jobs Programs PlanJobs Programs Plan Community Quality of Life PlanCommunity Quality of Life Plan

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Mental Health Service PlanMental Health Service Plan

The City Commission Request the Lawrence The City Commission Request the Lawrence Memorial Hospital to Reopen the Crisis Mental Memorial Hospital to Reopen the Crisis Mental Health Inpatient Unit Health Inpatient Unit

An Emergency Outreach Team be Developed An Emergency Outreach Team be Developed and Funded which would Include Medical and and Funded which would Include Medical and Clinical Staff to Address Physical Health, Clinical Staff to Address Physical Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse for Mental Health, and Substance Abuse for Persons Experiencing HomelessnessPersons Experiencing Homelessness

Additional Housing be made Available for Additional Housing be made Available for Persons Released from the State Mental Health Persons Released from the State Mental Health Hospital who have no Home Hospital who have no Home

Social Detoxification Services be Provided, Social Detoxification Services be Provided, such as those Currently Provided by DCCCA in such as those Currently Provided by DCCCA in WichitaWichita

The City of Lawrence Develop Clear Policy The City of Lawrence Develop Clear Policy Guidelines and Provide Training for Police Guidelines and Provide Training for Police Officers on Appropriate Intervention with Officers on Appropriate Intervention with Persons Suffering from Mental IllnessPersons Suffering from Mental Illness

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Emergency and Shelter PlanEmergency and Shelter Plan

Our Community Make Available an Emergency Our Community Make Available an Emergency Shelter with Separate Accommodations for Shelter with Separate Accommodations for Individual Males, Individual Females, Families Individual Males, Individual Females, Families and Teens as well as Individuals who are and Teens as well as Individuals who are Intoxicated or Have Substance Abuse Intoxicated or Have Substance Abuse ProblemsProblems

Emergency Shelter Facilities should Include Emergency Shelter Facilities should Include Beds, Showers, Daily Meals, Laundry Beds, Showers, Daily Meals, Laundry Facilities, Day-Rooms, Gender Separation, Facilities, Day-Rooms, Gender Separation, Provision of Basic Clothing and Short-and-Provision of Basic Clothing and Short-and-Long-Term Storage of Personal ItemsLong-Term Storage of Personal Items

Scope of Shelter to be Provided in the Scope of Shelter to be Provided in the Community Should Include Additional Community Should Include Additional Transitional Housing/Residential Centers Transitional Housing/Residential Centers

The Shelter Program Should Consist of Relief The Shelter Program Should Consist of Relief and Rehabilitation Program Models that and Rehabilitation Program Models that Include Heavy Reliance upon the Case Include Heavy Reliance upon the Case Management TeamsManagement Teams

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Case Management and Programming Plan for Case Management and Programming Plan for the Communitythe Community

Four New Case Managers be Employed to Work Four New Case Managers be Employed to Work with Individuals Experiencing Homelessness and with Individuals Experiencing Homelessness and Those At-Risk for HomelessnessThose At-Risk for Homelessness

One New Outreach Caseworker be Employed to One New Outreach Caseworker be Employed to Work with Individuals Experiencing Work with Individuals Experiencing Homelessness and Those At-Risk for Homelessness and Those At-Risk for HomelessnessHomelessness

Case Managers Carry Out Duties under the Relief Case Managers Carry Out Duties under the Relief and Rehabilitation Shelter Model for Serving the and Rehabilitation Shelter Model for Serving the HomelessHomeless

Housing Management Information System (HMIS) Housing Management Information System (HMIS) be Implemented As Soon As Possiblebe Implemented As Soon As Possible

A 24/7 Information Hotline be Established for A 24/7 Information Hotline be Established for Homeless and Low Income/Near Homeless Homeless and Low Income/Near Homeless Individuals and Families in Need of AssistanceIndividuals and Families in Need of Assistance

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Housing Program PlanHousing Program Plan

The City Continue to Provide HOME Funds to The City Continue to Provide HOME Funds to the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing the Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority for its Transitional Program for the Authority for its Transitional Program for the HomelessHomeless

The Lawrence-Douglas County Housing The Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority Expand its Targeted Eligible Authority Expand its Targeted Eligible Population for HOME Transitional Housing to Population for HOME Transitional Housing to Include the Precariously Housed and Families Include the Precariously Housed and Families that are “Doubled-Up”that are “Doubled-Up”

The City Purchase Land/Property For The City Purchase Land/Property For Affordable Rental Housing DevelopmentAffordable Rental Housing Development

The Lawrence-Douglas County Housing The Lawrence-Douglas County Housing Authority Endeavor to Expand its HOPE Authority Endeavor to Expand its HOPE Building Program to Serve the Chronically Building Program to Serve the Chronically Homeless Who May Not Have Dual DiagnosisHomeless Who May Not Have Dual Diagnosis

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Jobs Program PlanJobs Program Plan

A Meeting be Convened of Agencies Willing to A Meeting be Convened of Agencies Willing to Assist in Job Readiness EffortsAssist in Job Readiness Efforts

A meeting be Convened with Downtown and A meeting be Convened with Downtown and Area Businesses to Discuss Possible Area Businesses to Discuss Possible Partnerships and Working with Candidates as Partnerships and Working with Candidates as they are Identified and Ready to Enter the they are Identified and Ready to Enter the WorkforceWorkforce

A Meeting be Convened with Appropriate City A Meeting be Convened with Appropriate City Departments to Determine Possible Departments to Determine Possible Temporary and Full-Time Job Opportunities Temporary and Full-Time Job Opportunities that are a Match to the Candidates from the that are a Match to the Candidates from the Jobs ProgramJobs Program

City Provide Funding for Work-Related Costs. City Provide Funding for Work-Related Costs. Such Costs may Include Transportation, Steel-Such Costs may Include Transportation, Steel-Toed Shoes, Safety Glasses, Safety Gloves Toed Shoes, Safety Glasses, Safety Gloves and Hard Hats, etc…and Hard Hats, etc…

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Community and Quality of Life PlanCommunity and Quality of Life Plan

A Community Commission on Homelessness be A Community Commission on Homelessness be Established to Work With Existing Service Established to Work With Existing Service Providers and Agencies to Facilitate and Make Providers and Agencies to Facilitate and Make Recommendations to the City Commission Recommendations to the City Commission Regarding the Implementation of this PlanRegarding the Implementation of this Plan

A Community Cooperation Committee be Formed A Community Cooperation Committee be Formed to Address Common Concerns Regarding to Address Common Concerns Regarding Homelessness Issues. This Committee should Homelessness Issues. This Committee should Provide a Vehicle for Communications Among all Provide a Vehicle for Communications Among all Aspects of our Community Regarding these Aspects of our Community Regarding these IssuesIssues

To Be Included in the Work of These Committees To Be Included in the Work of These Committees is a Review of Existing Ordinances with Police is a Review of Existing Ordinances with Police Department Guidance to Address Nuisance and Department Guidance to Address Nuisance and Problem Behaviors as well as Safety Concerns. Problem Behaviors as well as Safety Concerns. Existing Ordinances Should be Enforced and Existing Ordinances Should be Enforced and New Ordinances Should Be Developed to New Ordinances Should Be Developed to Address the Impact of Homelessness on Quality Address the Impact of Homelessness on Quality of Life Issuesof Life Issues

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This Community Should Approach Homelessness This Community Should Approach Homelessness and Homeless Services With the Goal of Ending and Homeless Services With the Goal of Ending Chronic Homelessness Within 10 Years. Homeless Chronic Homelessness Within 10 Years. Homeless Services and Programs Begun Under This Plan Services and Programs Begun Under This Plan Should Evolve and Change As Research, Treatment Should Evolve and Change As Research, Treatment and Service Approaches, Initiatives, and Funding and Service Approaches, Initiatives, and Funding Change. With This Goal in Mind the Community Change. With This Goal in Mind the Community Commissions Should Continually Monitor the Impact Commissions Should Continually Monitor the Impact and State of Homelessness in Lawrence and Advise and State of Homelessness in Lawrence and Advise Service Providers, the Community, and the City Service Providers, the Community, and the City Commission On How Well We Are Meeting the Commission On How Well We Are Meeting the Objectives Under This Plan and Areas Where Objectives Under This Plan and Areas Where Changes May Be IndicatedChanges May Be Indicated..


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Identified Cost EstimatesIdentified Cost EstimatesIdentified Cost EstimatesIdentified Cost Estimates

Based on the recommendations the cost estimates to implement Based on the recommendations the cost estimates to implement the plan over a three year period, funded with a combination of the plan over a three year period, funded with a combination of public and private sources, have been identified. public and private sources, have been identified.

Program

New (N) $1,387,800

Existing (E) $600,000

Subtotal $1,987,800

Facility

New $2,550,000

Ongoing $200,000

Subtotal $2,750,000

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Forming of committees, administrative support $6,000(N) Jobs

administrative support for meetings with agencies, businesses, City $6,000(N)

transportation assistance $3,600(N)safety gear

$2,400(N) Mental health

emergency outreach team $220,000(N) policies & training for police -0-

Case management 4 new case managers $161,000(N) HMIS first year, start up $20,000(N)

Housing HOME funding (current & ongoing) $200,000(E)

Facilities emergency shelter, Phase I $500,000(N)

First YearFirst Year$1,119,000$1,119,000First YearFirst Year$1,119,000$1,119,000

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Second Year Second Year $2,169,400$2,169,400Second Year Second Year $2,169,400$2,169,400Continuing expenditures from first yearContinuing expenditures from first year including HOMEincluding HOME $599,000(E)$599,000(E)

Additional second year expendituresAdditional second year expendituresCase management – outreach worker $42,000(N)Case management – outreach worker $42,000(N)Mental health – additional housing $14,400(N)Mental health – additional housing $14,400(N)HMIS – second year $14,000(N)HMIS – second year $14,000(N)Facility – emergency shelter, Phase II $1,500,000Facility – emergency shelter, Phase II $1,500,000 (N)(N)

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Third Year Third Year $1,449,400$1,449,400Third Year Third Year $1,449,400$1,449,400

Continuing expenditures, years 1 and 2 $669,400(E)

Additional third year expenditures

Case management – 24/7 hotline $30,000(N)Facility - Emergency shelter – Phase III

$550,000(N)Ongoing vehicle, utilities, maintenance $200,000(N)

Total for three years isTotal for three years is $4,737,800$4,737,800

Ongoing annual expenses Programs

$673,400Facility $200,000

report of the city of lawrence task force on homeless services commissioner mike rundle, chair june...

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