Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry
General Membership Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2007

CALL TO ORDER/INTRODUCTIONS: The meeting was called to order by Chair Theresa Harrison.

The meeting for September was a general forum held during the evening. The St. Francis House provided a dinner of BBQ chicken with potato salad, baked beans, rolls, and tea. The members of the ACCHH Board provided funding for the side dishes. The board and volunteers from the general membership served meals to the homeless and hungry in attendance. There were 150 meals served. The turn out for the meeting exceeded expectations.

The forum included the annual VA CHALENG survey conducted by Vianne Marchese of the Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program. All interested at the meeting were invited to complete the survey and offer their opinions on gaps in services for homeless veterans.

The floor was opened to questions from participants. Questions included concerns around the recent tent city issue, employment opportunities, health care, and basic services. Representatives from member agencies were on hand to assist in answering questions and providing program information. The discussion was lively and there was enthusiastic participation.

The meeting adjourned at 7pm.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 9am

Respectfully Submitted,

Vianne F. Marchese, LCSW
Secretary