About The Task Force
The Task Force on the Homeless is a coalition of public and private service providers, community organizations, religious congregations, businesses and individuals working to end homelessness in Sonoma County.
The Task Force is amembership organization. As a result, we depend heavily on our members for direction, financial support, and volunteer assistance.
Chair
Gale Brownell
Vice Chair
Dannielle Danforth
Secretary
Rev. Gene Nelson
Members
Nathan Acuña
Sam Barnhart
Georgia Berland
Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars Jan DeWald
Toni Fitzpatrick
Jon George
Majida Gibson
Nancy Lisk
V.J. Lopez
Don Nowacki
Nick Stewart
ars
The Task Force Board represents a cross section of our community and brings a diversity of perspective as well as a wealth of talent and commitment to the efforts of the organization.
Reporter Editor
Georgia Berland
Executive Officer
Reporter
Layout & Production
B Sullivan
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Going By The Numbers -
Making Sense of the Homeless Count
by Georgia Berland
At least 360 children were sleeping on the streets, in vehicles, encampments, agricultural or industrial buildings, outside, or were wandering with their families not knowing where they would sleep on January 26, the night of the 2005 Sonoma County Homeless Count. 239 were11 years old or younger. 121 were 12 to 18. Another 190 children were in shelters, transitional housing, or spending the night in a hotel or motel paid by a service agency. 104 children and their parents were staying with friends, family or co-workers on Count night. 15 homeless young people 18 or under were trying to make it on their own all but one unsheltered. Children whose families paid for a hotel or motel, even for a night or two, were not counted.
2232 homeless people were counted on January 26/27. 1737 fit Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) specifications for this Count. They were sheltered or in a place not meant for human habitation on the night of the count. The remainder had found a temporary place with friends, family or co-workers, or were clients of mental health, substance abuse, or child welfare agencies and known to be homeless, but not seen personally on Count day. Homelessness in Sonoma County: The 2005 Point-In-Time Count is online at the Task Force web site, www.sonomacountyhomeless.org. Reports for the 18 cities and towns where homeless people were found are being added during Affordable Housing Week May 14-22. Once complete, the report will be printed.
By no means do these numbers represent all the people living without homes just the people counted within the 24 hours allowed for this HUD-required point-in-time Count. Our Count missed many of the working homeless, others who were distrustful, fearful, or too incapacitated to participate, plus those in areas we just couldn't reach within the short Count period. Anyone temporarily in a motel or hotel for which they paid was not counted. Those surveyed however, sketch a portrait of those of us surviving without homes.
It is difficult to say whether these numbers indicate an increase, since the last enumeration in 2001 was done over a week, while this was only a 24-hour point in time. The Continuum of Care is developing an estimate of the larger number who might be homeless in our county over a year. One Count surprise was that almost 60% had been homeless for more than a year. Disabilities were common, with 31% having been treated for mental illness, 33% for physical or medical disabilities, and 41% for chronic alcohol or drug abuse. 15% to 18% had more than one disability. It is telling that only 44% of the overall homeless were sheltered. 20% were temporarily with friends, family, or co-workers. 36% were unsheltered.
Homeless children have no choice regarding their circumstances, nor do most disabled homeless people, given their limited incomes. The same could be said of working people who can't afford a home. The housing stock affordable to people making low incomes is simply not adequate, and costs impossible for many to cover.
What does this bode for our community and economy? How can we address this crisis? The Task Force invites you to work with us through our monthly General Meetings focusing on strategies to end chronic homelessness, and through the work of the Continuum of Care and it's committees, to discuss these issues and develop the multiple approaches needed to answer these crucial questions.
The Homeless Count was a monumental community effort. Over 400 volunteers through churches and community groups all over the county, coordinated by the Task Force, reached out to homeless people in nearly every community - serving meals, distributing thank you gifts, offering a shower, services, and a welcoming hand -- making personal contact with a variety of homeless people willing to share their personal information.
Count data will not only preserve funding from HUD, but support proposals and planning for services and housing for two years, until the next Count. Perhaps the most lasting and powerful outcome may arise from the personal contact and connections made between housed and un-housed people in our community. Volunteers who had not been previously involved were moved to seek solutions, and those who had already been active were better connected and coordinated. Knowing who is homeless in Sonoma County is painful. For all of us working to end homelessness, it is a strong impetus to renew our energy and commitment.
A personal perspective
by Gale Brownell
I've got to say you've been doing really good work. There's so much happening that offers hope; the economy, the job market, the new facilities available, the number of people and organizations trying to make a difference, the visions that spur us on
It seems like the community network is really beginning to weave together a broad response to homelessness. Look through this newsletter to see the organizations that are actively working on one segment of the issue or another. There are many others not mentioned who provide support and services; you are probably part of that net.
Many measures show progress: number of emergency beds and transitional beds available, number of permanent supportive housing units, frequency and quality of planning meetings, knowledge of the Sonoma County homeless populations, the visions and goals for processes and things which can help break the cycle of homelessness.
Despite our growth over the past 25 years, the network of people working together has grown in ways that you often see in smaller, closer communities. Often just being aware of a process or goal in one part of our lives can inform and assist decisions in another. We see more collaboration among organizations that didn't know much about the others' functioning in the past. There seems to be progress for all geographic areas of the county, for all the various sub-populations of homeless folks, with almost every type of service addressed somewhere.
- youth services, education, and other prevention activities;
- substance abuse and mental health treatment;
- permanent supportive housing;
- living wages; and
- affordable housingand we're seeing more of most of these.
There's no denying that there are still questions of equity and efficiency, prevention and humane response, short-term and long-term solutions. I hope you'll be part of the discussions to explore those questions in the near future. I'd like you to think and talk about this: When we feel we have enough shelter, how do we treat people who do not use the facilities and services that are available to them? What does it mean when people chose not to live under a roof? Are they crazy? What should we do if they pee and poop and litter and camp nearby? What does it mean when they prefer to live in a car, a run down camper, or a campground instead of moving to some inexpensive place to live? You can tell me your thoughts by e-mailing galephil@pacbell.net or calling me at 823-8943.
Thanks for all your good work over the past few years!
Gale Brownell is the Chair of the Sonoma County Task Force For The Homeless
Celebrate Affordable Housing Week May 14 -22!
by Jim Leddy and Kathy Hayes
The Sonoma County Housing Coalition, a broad based coalition of over 80 organizations interested in housing issues, is sponsoring Sonoma County's 3rd Annual Affordable Housing Week. This community-based, week long set of events throughout Sonoma County focused on housing is set for May 14th through 22nd .The purpose is to engage in a dialogue regarding housing affordability and its role in building a viable, healthy community. The 2005 theme is: "It's All Our Home."
As part of this 9 day "week" the Sonoma County Housing Coalition will participate in a media campaign and encourage dialogue in each of the county's nine cities and surrounding County areas to further strengthen the vision that affordable housing is key to robust, economically integrated communities. There will be Open Houses and Tours of Affordable Housing Developments, and City and County proclamations, along with presentations and discussions on ways to encourage future developments.
A schedule of events and speakers will be available in early May on the Coalition's web site, www.schousingcoalition.org. These include a Housing Heroes' Breakfast, a presentation to the River Rotary on homelessness, a community input meeting on affordable housing in Sebastopol, a tour of the new Oak View at Sonoma Hills senior complex in Rohnert Park, and release of the Regional Reports on homelessness in each of our cities and towns as a part of the 2005 Point-In-Time Count. The week will conclude on Sunday with the popular and informative annual Homebuyers Fair.
The Sonoma County Housing Coalition includes representatives from business, unions, faith-based organizations, nonprofit and for profit developers, environmental groups, and housing advocates. Formed in 2001, it has been working with elected officials, neighborhood groups, environmentalists and developers to help address a range of affordable housing needs throughout the County.
The theme of Affordable Housing Week - "It's All Our Home" - reflects the importance that the Coalition places on creating diverse sustainable communities, with decent, affordable housing for all. Each part of Sonoma County has its own mix of housing needs, and each jurisdiction must make an effort to address those needs or all parts of the County will be impacted.
Mark Your Calendar for October in Paradise
by Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars
Please reserve October 6th, 2005 for "October in Paradise", the annual fundraiser for the Sonoma County Task Force For The Homeless. This festive event supports the Sonoma County Task Force For The Homeless in its mission of advocacy, education, funding and development and coordination of services on homeless issues.
This wonderful and special event held at the beautiful Paradise Ridge Winery, promises to be an exciting evening with music, dining and dancing, live and silent auctions, great Sonoma County wines and "The Most Beautiful View in Sonoma County". Volunteers are needed. If you are interested in helping plan this fun event, or in becoming a sponsor, please call the Task Force on the Homeless office at 575-4494. (We are not staffed full time, so please leave a message).
We're also inviting your generous donations for our auctions. Getaways and vacations; personal treats and services like massages, haircuts, and spa treatments; and donations of free miles, special dinners, etc. are especially welcome.
We hope to again see the support of our whole community to help the Task Force in its valuable and important work.
Mary & Jose Tamayo House Opens
The Mary and Jose Tamayo house has just opened in Santa Rosa the first transitional living center for the 35 to 45 youth who "age out" of foster care each year in Sonoma County. At age 18, foster care kids are evicted from the "system of care". People at Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) were aware that many of these kids end up on the streets because they don't have family they can fall back on or a safety net in the community. Now a new 24-bed transitional living center on Yulupa Avenue is beginning to make a difference.
At this supportive housing program, SAY offers foster youth a safe home, with 24-hour supervision, counseling, case management, adult mentoring, and independent living skills. SAY Youth Employment Center includes job referrals, workshops on resume writing and interviewing, and job readiness training.
How was Tamayo House created? Community Action Partnership Sonoma County knew the desire of Social Advocates for Youth to serve these former foster youth. In December 2003, CAPSC approached SAY about a possible joint venture. CAPSC and Burbank Housing Development Corporation purchased a vacant assisted living center. Interim financing came from National Bank of the Redwoods and the Corporation for Supportive Housing. It took over a year to plan the program, make decisions about renovations, and find money to get started. Funding came from the State, Proposition 46, City of Santa Rosa, HUD - Continuum of Care, and United Way. SAY also got funding from Medtronic to create a computer lab, and Community Foundation of Sonoma County funded a part-time position.
Tamayo House is the result of three nonprofits all contributing what they do best. Burbank Housing and CAPSC own the building, and SAY manages operations. Frances Caballo, Executive Director of SAY, said "We are grateful to be in a collaborative partnership with CAPSC and Burbank."
Occupancy will be phased, with the first eight residents moving in by the end of April. Residents must meet the HUD definition of homelessness. Most will have private furnished rooms, share showers, community room and kitchen facilities, and pay subsidized rent. Youth must be between the ages of 18 - 24, but those 16 - 18 legally emancipated by the courts are eligible. The client's stay in this 2-year program depends on willingness to abide by program rules and expectations. Two on-site managers support and guide clients, but consequences are built into the program to provide "real life" experiences. The objective is to gradually maximize readiness for independent living, and help these young people renew hope for their future and become self-sufficient, productive adults.
This program still has unmet needs, including bathroom accessories (toilet brushes, mats, toothbrush holders), bookcases, unbreakable/microwaveable dishes and glasses, cork bulletin boards, pans, pots, grocery store gift certificates, twin sheets and pillow cases, twin beds. If you have any of these to donate, please call Gina Bell at 544-3299.
GOOD NEWS/ BAD NEWS FROM HUD
HUD (the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) has just announced that the Sonoma County Community Development Commission and non-profit providers are again eligible to receive about $1.7 million in funding for transitional and permanent supportive housing, and a limited amount of services, to assist homeless people. That's the good news.
The bad news is that HUD has significantly changed several provisions of the program. The effect is that we will probably receive $138,000 next year instead of the $750,000 we have been awarded in the past for permanent housing. Previously we were able to increase the number of rental assistance vouchers for disabled people, who are disproportionately represented in our chronically homeless population. We also used the funding for other forms of permanent supportive housing like Social Advocates for Youth's new Tamayo House, that provides affordable housing for young people who are aging out of the foster care system, or Stony Point Commons where 16 people with mental disabilities now live happily. A $7 million proposal for permanent supportive housing in the Rohnert Park/Cotati area is now further from reality than we hoped.
We must use a portion of HUD funding to implement a Homeless Management Information System. It's a good idea to know more about the characteristics of our homeless residents and what services they use. The sting comes in having to spend nearly $150,000 of program money for it. This doesn't count the time and money each participating organization will have to dedicate to the HMIS.
The Continuum of Care Planning Group is producing our annual Plan and submitting agency funding proposals. Other than the $149,000 incentive for vouchers or permanent supportive housing, we expect we will not receive funding for any new proposals. Existing programs would have to be sacrificed to fund new programs. We prioritized proposals in April and anticipate completing the Plan before May 17 when we hope to review it with the Board of Supervisors and the City Councils of Petaluma and Santa Rosa. If you want to be involved, contact the Continuum of Care Coordinator, Jenny Helbraun Abramson, at 824-2852.
The 2004 Continuum of Care grant approvals were announced in late January. Sonoma County organizations were awarded $1,845,943. The Sonoma County Community Development Commission (SC CDC) will receive $405,360 for rental assistance for residents of the S.A.Y. facility for youth, and $120,000 for supportive services that will help residents learn the skills they need to live independently. The SC CDC will continue rental assistance to clients of Community Resources for Independence and Face to Face with 3 grants totaling $491,412. Grants totaling $257,593 will assist Catholic Charities, COTS, and Vietnam Veterans of CA to provide transitional housing serving people for no more than 2 years. The balance of the funding, $137,358, will be used for case management and related services for clients of Community Action Partnership and Community Support Network.
Other Eyes
-- Stan Morèy II
It seems that Fate has placed me here
Betwixt the wherefores and the whys
To truly see my fellow Man
And look through other eyes. . .
I never thought about the homeless
And where their resting lies. . .
But now I see their common plight
I look through other eyes. . .
I seldom thought about their life
Of how or what they eat
To sustain a life of vacant stares
And mumbling, shuffling feet. . .
I never cared about these souls
Or the effects of their plight
Until I shared their common bond
And faced an unsure night. . .
There was a time within my youth
Where few challenges arise
But now my growth is tempered deep within
When I look through other eyes. . .
So don't ignore your brother Man
Or Sister in their need
But lend your part with healing heart
To clothe and house and feed. . .
Turn away the skeptic sight
And hubris of the wise
For Fate may call upon you too
To look through other eyes. . .
© 4/02/05
TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates
THE ADVOCACY and FUNDING COMMITTEE: Advocacy has been focused on the River area. Meetings have been held with Mike Reilly, the Fifth District Supervisor, the Russian River Chamber of Commerce, and with the owner of the Faerie Ring RV Park. We have also participated in the Safe Overnight Affordable Parking Committee (SOAP). Two potential grant funders for River Area projects have been identified.
Advocacy Committee members attended a meeting convened by Santa Rosa Police to address camping and environmental damage, particularly in streamside areas. We anticipate that enforcement and clean up actions will increase in Santa Rosa, and hope to work with law enforcement to assist those affected.
We attended the April 5th public hearing at the Board of Supervisors to address proposed zoning code amendments related to the Housing Element and affordable housing. This included comments on Jobs-Housing balance, the Living Wage, and many related issues.
The Task Force is concerned about Federal proposals to reduce Section 8 Voucher and Community Development Block Grant Funding, important sources of support for local homeless services, as well as proposals to move some HUD programs to the Department of Commerce. Board members have actively participated in the Sonoma County Continuum of Care funding and planning process to apply for the c. $1.7 million for which the new HUD formulas make us eligible. The amount of new housing funding is limited to $140k, downfrom $750k. In addition, the Resolving Crisis team of United Way is reviewing applications for emergency food & shelter, transitional, and permanent housing. United Way is also convening the committee to distribute $135,536 in Federal Emergency Food and Shelter grants.
Board members are serving on these committees as individuals (not as representatives of the Task Force).The Ending Chronic Homelessness Committee of the Continuum of Care, chaired by Gale Brownell, is planning a SAMHSA grant for 10 residential treatment beds for chronically homeless people with substance abuse issues. Small local/regional grants are being identified as well for potential future use. Other funding is being sought for projects described below under Coordination.
The Task Force has also extended its support from the Fund for the Homeless to the VoiceMail Project and is working with the Rohnert Park Fellowship of the Baha'i and Apex Voice Communications, Inc., the project sponsors, to assure that the system works as effectively as possible. For more information contact Gale Brownell at galephil@pacbell.net, or through the Task Force office, 575-4494.
TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates
THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: The Homeless Count Project has provided opportunities to educate the community on the reality of homelessness. Coverage has been good in local media. We are timing release of the Regional Count Reports with Affordable Housing Week May 14-21. Board members continue with speaking engagements and media appearances, and Task Force members submit Op-Ed pieces and letters to the media. To get involved contact the Task Force at 575-4494 or sctaskforce@aol.com.
TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates
THE FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE has broadened the ways people can support the Task Force. Our elegant October in Paradise annual fundraiser is scheduled for October 6 this year. Thanks to all of you who have responded or will be responding to our annual mailed solicitation that went out in February. We urge all of you to use CommunitySmart cards (visit www.communitysmart.com) to donate to the Task Force or other local charities. We also accept vehicle donations. Don Nowacki chairs the committee. To help, leave a message for Georgia Berland at 575-4494, or e-mail gberland@aol.com.
TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates
SAFE AFFORDABLE OVERNIGHT PARKING: This ad hoc committee is now operating in the River Area under the aegis of the Continuum of Care. It is seeking a way for people attempting to survive in vehicles to legally and safely park. To help, call Michael Benjamin at 869-9634, or e-mail wizard101092@yahoo.com.
TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates
The Task Force either facilitates these projects or we are active participants. We also work to integrate them with each other to strengthen them all and provide more effective and efficient services.
COURT HOMELESS PROTOCOL PROJECT: Initiated by Superior Court Judge Gary Nadler this is a collaboration between courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, public defenders, and mental health, substance abuse, disability, housing and homeless service agencies, churches, businesses, and individuals. The Task Force continues to serve as facilitator of the collaborative, at least until the program is implemented, and is supporting the grant search and development process. The collaborative has chosen Sonoma County Legal Services Foundation as the lead agency, and we are exploring several private funding sources. We are also meeting with Mental Health and the Courts to see if this project could possibily help the community fund and retain at least some of the functions of the FACT program and Mental Health Court. The Court Homeless Protocol Project includes an advocacy and discharge planning function to serve homeless people in the courts, and aims to reduce recidivism for homeless defendants and stabilize their situations. We hope as well to increase treatment and housing options for homeless defendants. Once this phase of the program is working well, we plan to add a pre-arrest diversion component to give law enforcement an option to bring non-violent misdemeanor defendants to alternative services. Contact Georgia Berland at gberland@aol.com or 575-4494
TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates
COORDINATION PROJECTS
The Task Force either facilitates these projects or we are active participants. We also work to integrate them with each other to strengthen them all and provide more effective and efficient services.
FREQUENT USERS OF HEALTH SERVICES INITIATIVE (FUHSI): The FUHSI project has now concluded. The collaborative left a lasting positive imprint on the community despite not being successful in funding an integrated case management system. The FUHSI project provided a six part high-quality training to clinicians and service agencies in issues such as social security benefits assistance, communications, and pain management. It generated excellent, detailed data on local health issues and emergency room use. It provided support to the Count Project and the Health Care for the Homeless Project development. Perhaps most significant, working together for more than a year improved coordination and forged lasting relationships between related disciplines.
TASK FORCE WORK IN PROGRESS:
Committee and Project Updates
COORDINATION PROJECTS
The Task Force either facilitates these projects or we are active participants. We also work to integrate them with each other to strengthen them all and provide more effective and efficient services.
HEALTH CARE FOR THE HOMELESS (FUHSI): We are now one of eight counties still in the running for five grants to be awarded later this summer. The State’s County Medical Services Program (CMSP) facilitates this cooperative effort to offer more appropriate services for frequent users of Sonoma County emergency departments, many of whom are homeless. Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital’s Community Benefit Division has been chosen as lead agency, and the program would include Sutter and eventually roll out to other hospitals countywide. The grant proposal submitted in April is for nearly $900,000 over three years to integrate case management across health, mental health, substance abuse, human services, courts, and housing and homeless services, to find each client a ?medical home?, and to provide training to clinicians and service agencies in issues such as pain management. For information contact Georgia Berland at gberland@aol.com or 575-4494.
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