I was just forwarded this email update! Re: Homeless Forum
Good Afternoon Community Leaders:
On Thursday September 10, 2020 the City of St. Charles in collaboration with the Shelter Task Force, held a community informational meeting regarding neighbors experiencing homelessness. Over 120 community members attended including churches, citizens, agencies and community leaders. A presentation was made on who is homeless within the City of St Charles as well as a profile of those specifically living under the 370 bridge. As part of the community discussion, we talked about some general presumptions of homelessness, public safety and a number of creative ideas.
MODOT will begin regular cleaning of their properties beginning later is September. Cleaning dates will be communicated to Sts Joachim and Ann Care Service Street Outreach who in turn will communicate with our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Suggestions included:
Consider employing our neighbors experiencing homelessness with the Parks Department and/or MODOT in monitoring activity and keeping trash picked up
Donation of a trash container along with Johnny On The Spots to help with basic human needs
Meet with local and county governments to discuss tax credits/incentives for landlords allowing monthly rents to be in line with what agencies can provide ie; average apartment rent in St Charles County is $962 for 2 bedroom but many agencies are only allowed up to $500 per month based upon grant that covers rent.
Employers receive a tax credit for hiring neighbors experiencing homelessness
Free water/sewer in place of a tax credit to landlords
On property tax bill, allow donation of funds to help homeless (City of St Charles looking at a ācheck hereā box for homelessness ā effort to increase knowledge of the County Assistance Board which helps agencies providing resources)
Affordable housing programs including āpocket or tiny homesā that would serve not only neighbors experiencing homelessness but those living around the poverty level.
Robust informational campaign through the City of St Charles about the needs ā Who, What, Where, Why, When and How. Agencies provide information with the City broadcasting this info and how to help. Next Steps:
Coordinated Entry provides means to assess along with resources to the most vulnerable men needing housed. Come to the table with resources and authority to act. This would be a higher level of ācase conferencingā than is currently happening.
Share with community members, agencies, and leaders not currently involved with Coordinated Entry on the resource needs ā who can step into the gap?
Engage the St. Charles Housing Authority to a higher level of connection with Coordinated Entry and local agencies providing housing
House 6 neighbors experiencing homelessness who are men by year end.
Add a series of Town Halls for community input and status updates by the Task Force
Looking forward to moving in a productive manner as we work towards safe, secure and attainable housing for our neighbors in a collaborative effort within our community. Feel free to share this email with those in attendance at the Forum or other interested parties. Reach out to me at anytime with suggestions or comments.
Regards:
Todd A Barnes
Executive Director Community Council
