Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry
Board Meeting Minutes
October 9, 2007

Present: Radha Selvester, Randy Stacey, Theresa Harrison, Gail Monahan, Vianne Marchese, Kent Vann, Sam Clark, and Jim Wright.

Quorum of 5: All Members Present

Treasurer's Report:

Gail reviewed financial reports. She distributed a letter from Katell and Company, PL asking for an increase in the auditing fee to $5,900 per year. Randy Stacey motioned to accept the increase beyond budgeted amount. This was seconded by Vianne Marchese. The motion was approved on a voice vote.

Gail asked for clarification on employee travel. Gail moved with a second by Kent to increase the budget for travel. The motion was approved on a voice vote. There was a second motion to have travel approved in advance by the board. This motion also was approved on a voice vote.

There was discussion about the need for Board approval of the contingency fund money. There is $350 in funds that can be used at the discretion of the Coordinator. The Board does not need to approve these expenditures in advance.

There was discussion of printing the resource guide. There is a credit for the coalition at the printers that can be used. Vianne Marchese can obtain 200 bound copies of the guide.

Gail presented that John DeCarmine wished to play a major role in the point in time survey that will be occurring in the winter. The Board approved of his involvement.

Old Business:

Dinner Meeting:

The September dinner was a success. Kent will bring a bill for approximately $190.00 for the Board to cover cost of side dishes.

Americorps Project:

There was discussion about the possibility of having an Americorps volunteer. After further investigation, it was determined that this opportunity was not what it had seemed. Sam made a motion to decline the project at this time. The motion was seconded by Randy Stacey and approved on a voice e vote. Jim will advise Americorps.

SSI/SSDI Applications:

Dan Kahn has been hired by 3 Rivers to do similar work in assisting homeless individuals with applying for benefits. After discussions and negotiations between 3 Rivers and ACCHH, it was agreed that 3 Rivers will draft a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by the ACCHH and themselves. ACCHH has agreed to pay $3.85 per hour plus FICA for Dan to continue his work. Jim will ask 3 Rivers to include input of this data into HMIS in the MOU.

Homeless Night Out:

The Homeless Night Out and Service Fair will be on November 6, 2007 . The DCF will register people for benefits in their access systems. There are plans to have a representative of the SSA. The DMV will have the mobile unit on hand to assist with ID. Jim is asking for donations. St. Francis House will donate up to $100 to help. Vianne Marchese will be able to assist with ID for eligible veterans. Fire of God ministries will serve food at 5pm . The service provider fair will be from 3pm to 6pm .

Blanket Drive:

Jim reported that the annual blanket drive will begin. B'nai Israel has pledged support. There are still logistics to be worked out. Jim will follow up with details.

Challenge Grants:

Jim has sent a letter to DCF to begin drawing down the money. The sub –agreements will be completed soon. With the main contact in place, the agencies who receive this money can begin to use the funds. John and Jim will work out the details of the consolidated proposal.

New Business:

HMIS:

Jim enjoyed the conference. Jim made contact with Stacy Dreher who has experience with service point. She is available to do some support and training for a reasonable rate of $25 per hour. After discussion there was a motion from Sam to authorize 20 hours at $25 per hour for assessment and training. The motion received a second from Radha. The motion was approved on a voice vote.

Office on Homelessness:

The office has some feedback for the coalition. This will be referred to the Continuum of Care (Resource Development) work group.

Bus Passes and Birth Certificates :

There are CAP funds available to purchase these items. There is $730 in funding for birth certificates. These can be accessed through partnership with Gainesville Community Ministries. There is $500 available for bus passes. Please let Jim know if you need some of these.

Announcements:

Vigil for Peaceful Paths

Florida Works E-News Letter is available.

Guest Chef on behalf of Peaceful Paths is October 25, 2007

Meeting Adjourned at 2:30pm

Next Meeting: November 13, 2007

Respectfully Submitted,

Vianne F. Marchese, LCSW
Secretary