: Meeting Minutes :

Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry
General Membership Meeting Minutes
October 17, 2007

I. Treasurer Gail Monahan called the meeting to order at 9:03 am . Those in attendance were asked to introduce themselves.

II. Gail asked for a motion to approve the agenda (handout), the motion was moved (Jim Hencin) and seconded (Randy Stacey) with all voting in favor.

III. Terry Fleming moved and Jon DeCarmine seconded to approve the minutes of the August and September meetings.

IV. Program Updates

Radha Selvester announced that FL Works has received a training grant for $200,000 that can be for training and job enhancement for low-income and homeless clients – contact her for more information. Annette’s program at SFH is sun setting because the RFP was not released this year. They are looking for funding to continue the work – she has helped 54 people get employed and 49 housing, and the program is successful.

Nancy Wright at TRLS announced that they have hired Dan Kahn to continue his work on disability and social security benefits. This is a continuation of the ACCHH CAPP grant program. Nancy also announced that the agency will be doing general SS training on November 26, Place and time TBA, and invite all those interested to come. Contact her for more info.

Jon Decarmine announced the Implementation Committee will be meeting tomorrow regarding the security issue at the One-Stop. The zoning application has been filed and the housing trust is working toward the 501 c3 status. The Coalition has handed the Point in Time survey over to Jon and the Office on Homelessness, to be completed in late January – more details to follow, including solicitation of volunteers. Also, congratulations to Jon for being nominated to the FCH board.

Jim Hencin announced that meridian has the PT outreach worker position open again, and to please have anyone we know who may be interested contact them. The give a better way campaign has collected $101.70 in two months which is a little more than originally anticipated.

Ron Hall announced that the Preserve is in need to in-kind volunteers and tutors.

V. Board & Work Group Reports:
  • Board of Directors – HMIS – The Board has approved hiring Stacey Dreher to consult with us on the use of Service Point. She will be training Jim W. and Mike Mullis on the use and administration of the software, and then will be available to the membership for additional on-site training. The Board also approved a supplement and MOU for Three Rivers Legal Services for Dan’s position.
  • Executive Director’s Report – Homeless Night Out is taking place on Wednesday November 7 from 3-11 pm . Services providers should plan to be there at 2 to begin set-up. Fire of God will serve a meal at 5 and Sister Hazel will serve another meal at 8:30 . There will be ID services and some items for dispersal. The new ACCHH website will be up soon – please call Jim with suggestions.
  • Advocacy and PR – working lunch on 11/12 at noon- call Terry for info – will be planning the candidate’s forum for city elections.
  • Resource Development Workgroup – Next Meeting is Friday 11/9 at 9 am at the Thomas Center .
  • Hunger Work Group – Working on Homeless Night out services. Next meeting will be on 10/30 at 22 pm in the DCF offices.
  • HMIS – The data from 2006 is very inaccurate and we need to get more info on the 2007 data to see if the accuracy has improved. The Implementation Committee is looking to HMIS accuracy for funding eligibility and that it should be at 85% or more. This will take effect in the next 6-9 months. This is another reason for the HMIS training to be made available for the member agencies.
  • GPD – Ernest Graham reported that with the help of two homeless women, the serial rapist has been caught.
VI. Other business:
  • Mr. Paul Tape talked briefly about his organization - Men are Builders, and the food pantry they have in Levy, Dixie and Gilchrist counties.  The pantry just started in August of this year and is called "Feed My Sheep - Hannah's Gift."  Paul is very dedicated to building up this emergency food ministry and is actively looking for ways to develop partnerships with other organizations.  If you would like more information about this food pantry you can reach Paul at 352-232-6042
  • Homeless Veteran’s Stand down will be held on 11/16 at the 8 th Ave Armory. Contact Vianne for flyers.
  • The Pride Center and GAAP have moved to the Liberty Center on NW 13 th Street . They have space available for rent for meetings and fundraisers.
  • United Way is publishing a Holiday Help List that will be emailed.
  • The Cold Night Shelter RFP will be out in approximately 2 weeks.
VII. The next meeting will be the homeless night out event.

Adjourned at 9:55