Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry
General Membership Meeting Minutes
August 15, 2007
St. Francis House

I. The meeting was called to order by Chair, Theresa Harrison. Members introduced themselves. The agenda for the meeting was adopted on a voice vote. The minutes from the July 18, 2007 meeting were approved on a voice vote.

II. Treasurer’s Report

Gail Monahan reported that the budget report is available. She cautioned that there were remaining monies on some grants and that having unused funds at the end the fiscal year can affect future grant awards.

III. Bylaws Changes

The proposed bylaws changes were discussed. After motion and second there was a hand vote of all voting coalition members. The bylaws changes were approved without dissent.

IV. Program Updates/Announcements from Service Providers

Cheryl Twombly shared that goody bags were available for programs who work with children.

Jim Hencin announced the annual conference sponsored by The Florida Supportive Housing Coalition and Florida Coalition for the Homeless. Information was distributed.

John Skelly provided information on Alachua County special needs shelter program in the event of natural disaster. People needing this type of service must be pre-registered with the county. There is additional information available on the web site.

Theresa Harrison announced that Peaceful Paths and the Child Advocacy Center are partnering to present the annual domestic violence summit on conference on 9/27 and 9/28/07. Details are available through the Suwannee Valley AHEC site.

V. Homeless Suggestions

A suggestion was made to include vocational rehabilitation in the coalition. Florida Works will extend this invitation.

VI. Board and Workgroup Reports

Coordinator’s Report

Jim Wright advised that membership letters will be forthcoming. The annual financial report is in process and will be shared once completed. The Give a Better Way campaign has begun through the City of Gainesville. The money collected in the retired parking meters is intended to be used for direct basic needs. Helping Hands Clinic has requested funds from this money. Other organizations may request to use funds by contacting Jim. Jim will be contacting agencies who have not renewed their coalition membership. There were still copies of ht resource guide available. This can also be obtained electronically by an email to Jim. There is a volunteer who is updating the website. The site is expected to be operational by the next meeting. Any ideas or suggestions can be sent to Jim. Finally, the Challenge grant award has not been received.

Advocacy and Public Relations

Terry Fleming reported that the committee would like to help organize the forum that has been held in the past for candidates for the upcoming city commission election in January.

Resource Development

Jim Hencin reported that the group has been on break but will resume meeting in September.

HMIS

A meeting has been scheduled for 9/6/07. The location will be announced.

Hunger Workgroup

Cheryl Twombly reported on group meeting from */3/07. The Breakfast on the Plaza has been moved to the spring. The Homeless Night out will have vendor displays in the afternoon and the evening meal will be served. She thanks Rhada Sylvester for organizing the Florida Works Overview. The program was comprehensive. The next project for the group will be to update the street card and meal schedules.

GPD

Officer Graham had no report. There were questions regarding the police taking photographs at the Walk for Compassion. Officer Graham reported that he takes photos of all events that he attends as a matter of practice. There were questions raised about the criminal activity in tent city. Officer Graham was met aware of an activity of significance involving tent city. There was discussion of previous courtesy report that was made available to the coalition in the past. This report will not be produced per GPD Chief. The concerns were expressed about the use of crime statistics to misrepresent homeless community. After discussion the decision was made to have Gail Monahan spearheads an effort to obtain the zone reports and review these to glean pertinent information for the coalition.

Board of Directors

Theresa Harrison offered the report. The vote by the City Commission on the One Stop Center is being postponed for 2 weeks. The time will allow for the gathering of additional information. The GRACE marketplace will work to bring the One Stop to reality thought his site is not the preference of the collaborative. The lack of site control also limits the ability to obtain funding from additional grant sources.

The tent city issue was discussed the City has stated that the problems there include satiation and trash, criminal activity, and code violations. The city will begin moving forward with evictions on city owned property. This will be a phased approach. The city is planning to contract for an additional 12 beds at ST. Francis House and Salvation Army to assist in the effort. The office on Homelessness has been asked to identify some long term shelter opportunities. This will be reviewed in 30 days. A fence will be installed once the property is vacationed. The newspaper erroneously reported that steps had been taken on the private property. The city ahs stated that no action will be taken on private lands until after a report fro the Office on Homelessness. It was reported that the County has a process in place should the homeless move to county property.

The Give a Better Way Campaign

Information can be found at Gainesvillegives. Com or Gainesvillegives.org. There are 6 meters that are located in the city to accept donations.

The September meeting will be moved to September 26, 21007 at 6pm. There will be a meal provided. This will be an opportunity to hear from the homeless community

VII. Announcements

The Preserve, Inc will graduate their second successful child.

Respectfully submitted,

Vianne F. Marchese, LCSW
Secretary