Agenda Date: 07/02/2019
Subject:
Title
Motion to designate funding for an assessment on homelessness as recommended by the Tri-Cities Homelessness Policy Group
Body
|
Prepared by: |
Samma Fox, Assistant to the City Manager |
PURPOSE:
Does council wish to pursue an assessment on homelessness as recommended by the Tri-Cities Homelessness Policy Group?
PRESENTATIONS:
Staff Presenter(s): N/A
Additional Presenter(s): N/A
SUMMARY:
In the fall of 2018, the Tri-Cities (Englewood, Littleton, and Sheridan) convened a Tri-Cities Homelessness Policy Group consisting of a council member, city manager, and police representative from each city, in addition to local service providers. This group met monthly to share information and current practices, as well as connect with other groups/entities to identify best practices. The proposed joint assessment is an initial recommendation from the group.
The proposed assessment (scope attached) from the University of Denver’s Burnes Center on Poverty and Homelessness, is comprised of two phases. The first is intended to increase understanding of chronic homelessness including the underlying causes, contributing factors, and barriers preventing people from exiting homelessness. The second focuses on understanding family homelessness.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
6/11/2019 - Study Session <https://littletongov.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3974725&GUID=DF1A8E78-E545-42C4-B132-AF859A45A9D0&FullText=1> - Council asked for additional information (attached) and supported moving the item forward to a regular meeting.
ANALYSIS:
Staff Analysis
This study will set a baseline by which staff and council can measure the effectiveness of any subsequent policy or resource decisions regarding this population. The study will provide important information to aid in targeting the resources needed by the population, and will be an important tool in practice and policy decision making for the future.
As an example, after the City of Trinidad, Colorado completed the study, it was found that the homeless population was significantly different than both staff and citizens thought. Staff believed the primary group was families, as they worked most with that population, and citizens thought it was individuals new to the city, which was not the case. This information allowed the city to target services that met the actual needs of the population, as opposed to the perceived needs, which were incorrect.
Council Goal, Objective, and/or Guiding Principle
AUTHENTIC - Littleton will continue to be inviting and safe for both residents and guests.
CONNECTED - Littleton will continue to have regional ties and be an inclusive and neighborly community that provides opportunities for youth, seniors, and residents in need to thrive.
ACTIVE - Littleton will support residents’ efforts to be fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle and seek to elevate its position as a dream community for outdoor recreation and nature enthusiasts.
ENGAGED - Littleton will remain civic-minded in all matters affecting the direction and priorities of city government and the community.
Fiscal Impacts
|
|
Total |
Other Contributions |
Littleton Share (1/3) |
|
PHASE 1: Assessment of Chronic Homelessness |
$ 51,545.00 |
TBD* |
$ 17,181.67 |
|
PHASE 2: Assessment of Family Homelessness |
$ 55,596.00 |
$ 55,596.00 (Arapahoe County) |
$ - |
|
|
$ 107,141.00 |
TBD |
$ 17,181.67 |
The Council Projects account, with $15,000 available, can be used to cover most of Phase 1. The remainder can be accommodated with minor re-prioritization. This will allow the project to start in 2019.
Council and staff of each of the cities are seeking partners to help fund the assessment including hospitals, South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, and Urban Drainage and Flood Control. If successful, the remaining cost after all contributions will be split evenly between the three cities.
Alternatives
Request staff to:
• Support the motion and commit funding of an assessment of homelessness
• Do not support the motion which will hinder the city’s ability to target programs and resources, such as county services, to impact this population. Failure to support the motion may adversely impact the Tri-Cities relationship and could result in a loss of funding opportunities with various partners currently considering contributing to the project
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approving the motion to designate funding in the Council Projects account for an assessment of homelessness.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the motion funding an assessment on homelessness as recommended by the Tri-Cities Homelessness Policy Group.