CITY OF DANBURY
Financial Resources and Fundraising Committee
Danbury Housing Partnership
155 Deer Hill Avenue
Danbury, Connecticut 06810
Minutes of the April 7, 2009 Meeting
Present: Nolan, Schierloh, McLachlan
Absent: Sistrunk
Also Present: Kathleen Deschenes, Interlude
A meeting of the Financial Resources and Fundraising Committee of the Danbury Housing Partnership was conducted in Danbury City Hall on April 7, 2009. The meeting was called to order by Mark Nolan at 2:10 pm.
Kathleen Deschenes, Executive Director of Interlude, Inc. made a presentation on a proposed SMHSA grant application being submitted in partnership with MCCA, Inc. The grant would provide funding under the “Treatment For Homeless” program for intensive outpatient treatment, case management and supportive services for substance abuse, mental health or co-occurring issues. A supportive housing piece will also be pursued. Mr. Nolan suggested that Ms. Deschenes contact Carolyn Sistrunk regarding the Housing Authority’s Project-Based Voucher Program. The grant would create potential collaboration with programs at the City Shelter as well as the City’s “Housing For Heroes” initiative. Ms. Deschenses will follow up with Health, Housing & Welfare Director Scott LeRoy and NPDCD, Inc. President Paul Valeri to explore cooperative efforts with the SMHSA grant initiative.
Paul Schierloh moved that the Financial Resources and Fundraising Committee recommend that the Partnership chair provide a letter of support for the Interlude-MCCA SAMSHA grant application for funding to provide services for people who are homeless. The motion was seconded by Mr. Nolan and passed unanimously.
A motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was made by Mr. Schierloh, seconded by Mr. Nolan and passed unanimously.
Mr. Schierloh reported that donation forms have been added to the Partnership website to for the Housing For Heroes program as well as the Danbury Housing Partnership Fund.
Mr. Nolan initiated discussion regarding current and upcoming grant opportunities. The Social and Supportive Services Committee is developing a comprehensive plan to be used in conjunction with an application to Connecticut’s Department of Social Services once they issue an RFP for Homeless Prevention Funds made available under the Federal stimulus program. The State may choose to retain the funding or make it available to municipalities or to non-profits if certification is given by the municipality approving the proposed use of the funds.
Mr. Schierloh confirmed that there was still no announcement regarding the Neighborhood Stabilization Program application submitted to the State by the City in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Danbury. (Sen. Michael McLachlan arrived at the meeting from another commitment).
Mr. Nolan reported that the closing on the property for Vet House would be taking place this week. A meeting of the Veterans Housing Workgroup will be called for mid to late April to provide updates on progress towards implementing the Housing For Heroes plan.
Mr. Nolan invited consideration of the HomeConnecticut legislation. The Housing and Community Development Committee advised against implementing the Housing Incentive Option under the legislation at this time for two reasons: 1. The Planning Department reported that Danbury already had ample densities allowed compared to those envisioned under the legislation and 2. The State budget situation makes it unlikely that they will have funding to pay the City the financial incentives involved even if the City adopted the measure. The committee agreed that further consideration should be postponed until the State financial situation stabilizes.
Mr. Nolan led a discussion of how to proceed with a meeting with lenders to discuss the foreclosure situation and address re-cycling properties as affordable housing. The committee agreed that a private roundtable discussion involving all lenders active in the region would be useful to assess current and future housing market conditions and what strategies are, and can be, pursued to both prevent foreclosures and to re-cycle foreclosed properties into affordable housing opportunities. Sen. McLachlan suggested that we hold the meeting as soon as possible so that lenders can tell us what is upcoming with respect to disclosure activity and what they can do address it. Mr. Nolan will consult with some lenders about the proposed meeting and also follow up with Mayor Boughton.
Discussion was held on financing for affordable housing for seniors. The Partnership has offered its assistance to the City with respect to the proposed development of the Police Station site on lower Main Street.
The Social and Supportive Services Committee is actively seeking information on best practice models for addressing the transitional housing needs of young adults and intact families who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. The committee will explore the availability of further financial resources beyond the Homeless Prevention Funds expected to be available through DSS.
A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Schierloh, seconded by Sen. McLachlan and passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 3:45 pm.