Greater Danbury Continuum of Care
Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2010
Present: Denise Valeri, Danbury Housing Partnership; Michael Oles, Off The Streets; Claudette Fogarty, Off the Streets; Don Lavallee, Off the Streets; Eileen Walsh, New Opportunities; Dawn Wilson, MCCA; Michele Conderino, Catholic Charities; Nikki Singer, ARC; Vestina Rankin, CACD; Jacqueline Elam, HACD; Gladys McFarland, Amos House; Linda Malavet, Women’s Center of Greater Danbury; Sue Zaborowski, City of Danbury; Nicole Campbell, VA; Varsha DuBose, Dept of Veteran Affairs; Carol Glintenkamp, Danbury Public Schools; Rev. Marion Hubbard, New Milford Homeless Coalition, Sabrina Ross, Head Start of No. Fairfield County; Milena Sangut, WCMHN
Milena opened the meeting with introductions.
Visitors: Mike Oles, Don Lavallee and Claudette Fogarty from “OFF THE STREETS” gave a presentation with a brief history of their organization and agency goal. Their goal is to help homeless get housed within 30 days. If individual can sustain a rent, they will help set them up. Funds can be used for utilities, security, rent, etc... Informational brochures were distributed. Milena commended “Off The Streets for their efforts.
New Opportunities
Eileen Walsh distributed child care applications from CCEH. Childcare is available for two months while parent is looking for employment.
Program Updates
Point in Time
A motion was made to do a summer count for unsheltered homeless at the Morning Glory breakfast and at lunch time during the month of June. Motion carried.
-Ten Year Plan. The Housing Partnership Breakfast is scheduled for Oct. 7, 2010 at the Amber Room.
-Point of Entry. Nikki distributed reports.
HMIS
Reports were distributed.
New Report required for Federal submission AHAR Annual Homeless Assessment Report. This will be our first time to submit data. It is not yet mandatory but will be in the near future. Suggest that we begin data submission this year.
HPRP
No new information. A higher percent of individuals are receiving prevention assistance versus individuals receiving housing.
Balance of State
Milena recapped last meeting discussion concerning Balance of State. Only one HMIS grant is allowed and CCEH has it. Danbury has its own grant. CCEH is willing to subcontract to ARC if the CoC joined the Balance of State. Danbury CoC would have representation on the BoS Steering Committee. We would still have to provide reports to the BoS. A motion was made to delay a vote for now. General consensus to revisit in September.
HEARTH ACT
Hearth Act will be in effect next year. Milena will do a presentation in May.
CoC Chairs
Milena developed job description for review. She will e-mail.
Workgroups
-Employment : no report
-Family Homelessness: Meeting scheduled for May 4, 2010
-Young Adult: A meeting was held. Looking to do a focus group. Next meeting April 27, 2010 in Bethel at 1:00pm
Jackie Elam reported that Housing First for Families Grant is due April 27, 2010. Housing Authority is submitting a grant for 100 vouchers to service disabled individuals under age 62. Application is due July 7, 2010. They have also applied for 50 family Reunification Vouchers. They are waiting on confirmation
Next Meeting 5/11/10 2:00pm