Agenda Date: 08/20/2019
Subject:
Title
Resolution 42-2019: Approving an IGA with the Burnes Center for an assessment of homelessness in coordination with the cities of Englewood and Sheridan, and Arapahoe County
Body
|
Prepared by: |
Samma Fox, Assistant to the City Manager |
PURPOSE:
Does council approve the IGA with the Burnes Center for an assessment of homelessness in coordination with the cities of Englewood and Sheridan, and Arapahoe County?
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, local service providers, and other state and local agencies. The local service provider participants are the AllHealth Network, Change the Trend, faith-based group, and the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). This group meets monthly to share information and connect with other entities to identify best practices. The joint assessment is a recommendation from the group.
The assessment (scope and IGA attached) from the University of Denver’s Burnes Center on Poverty and Homelessness, has 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 phase will focus on understanding family homelessness.
PRIOR ACTIONS OR DISCUSSIONS:
6/11/2019 - Study Session - Council moved the item forward to a regular meeting.
7/2/2019 - Regular Meeting - Motion to designate funding approved.
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 information to aid in targeting the resources needed by this population, and will be an important tool in practice and policy making for the future.
As an example, after the City of Trinidad, Colorado completed its study, it was found that the homeless population was significantly different from what 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 meet the needs of the population, as opposed to the perceived needs.
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 Littleton share, not to exceed $17,181.67, will come from the Council Projects account. Council and staff of each of the cities continue to seek partners to help fund the assessment. There are funding commitments ranging from $5K-10K each from Centura Health/Littleton Adventist Hospital, South Suburban Parks and Recreation, Mile High Flood District (formerly UDFCD), the City of Centennial, Craig Hospital, and Swedish Medical Center. The remaining cost after all contributions will be split evenly between the three cities.
Alternatives
• Support the motion to pursue the assessment of homelessness
• Do not support the motion which will hinder the city’s ability to target programs and resources that help this population, and potentially adversely impact the resources of social service providers and law enforcement agencies.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approving the IGA.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve the resolution approving the IGA with the University of Denver’s Burnes Center on Poverty and Homelessness for an assessment of homelessness in coordination with the cities of Englewood, Sheridan, and Arapahoe County.