Greater Danbury Continuum of Care
June 8, 2010 Meeting Minutes
Present: Michele Conderino, Catholic Charities, Dawn Wilson, MCCA; Gladys McFarland, Amos House; Eileen Walsh, New Opportunities; Melanie Johnson, APGD; Tanya Bingham, Danbury Vet Center; Katie Cowell, CACD; Barbara West, CACD; William Soldati, CACD; Peg Molina, New Milford Social Services; Nikki Singer, ARC; Jacqueline Elam, HACD; Carina deCarvalho, Pilots; Sue Zaborowski, City of Danbury; Milena Sangut, WCMHN
Welcome: Milena called the meeting to order with introductions.
Danbury Vet Center Presentation:
Milena introduced Tanya Bingham from the Vet Center. Tanya stated that the Vet Center only serves veterans who have experienced combat and have mental health issues. They are under the umbrella of the VA Medical Center. 50% of the staff must be veterans. Their Mission is to provide quality care; serve the families of Vets; serve victims of military sexual trauma. There are currently four Vet Centers in the state, New Haven, Norwich, Hartford/Rocky Hill, and Danbury. The program is funded under the Veterans Administration. Services do not cost. Benefits are free for the vet and family. Danbury’s center hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8-4:30. There are some evening and weekend hours
Program Updates
There is a new program at ARC beginning June 14, 2010. The program is named Housing Families First (HFF) It is similar to Beyond Shelter but does not provide financial assistance. It is designed to help families with barriers finding housing. It provides short term case management. Clients must have a housing subsidy or sufficient income for housing. CACD and ARC are subcontractors for HFF
Housing Inventory (HDX)
Point in time count was entered and the housing inventory completed the month of May for exhibit 1
HMIS
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Reports (data Quality) Niki reported that there is an increase in single adults entered into the system. She also reported that there were 36 approved families applying for HPRP. 26 are receiving financial assistance
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AHAR: (Annual Homeless Assessment Report) Milena reported soon to be a requirement. It is a report to congress stating the number of homeless families that were homeless. The report is usually due Oct-Nov. We will begin to implement, making sure all Data Quality is correct.
HPRP
The prevention program served over 200 households/500 people statewide.
NOFA
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Registration
Milena reported the NOFA will be out after July 1, 2010. All renewals were funded. New awards have not been announced. Should be soon. The Danbury CoC is registered. All new applications need to register directly to e-snaps. Danbury has five grants up for renewal. HMIS, (2) Housing Authority SPC, and (2) DMAS- SPC grants
The Continuum discussed funding options that would house the most number of individuals. There was discussion about doing SHP leasing only for a two year term as this would allow the project to serve two to three people. A motion was made to do SHP “Lease Only” for a two year term on the next NOFA application. Motion carried unanimously. Milena will speak with Suzanne Wagner about the Hold Harmless amount and how that would impact the pro-rata.
HEARTH ACT
Milena distributed information on the informal roundtable she attended. The purpose of the discussion was to define homelessness and the impact of HEARTH on the CoC’s. More information to follow.
CoC Chairs
Milena reported that at the last meeting the Continuum agreed to vote in new Chairs after the NOFA was completed sometime in October 2010. We will accept nominations in Oct. to be voted upon in November 2010.
Workgroups
Other Business
Jackie Elam stated that the Housing Authority needs a letter of support from the Continuum to apply for “Designated Voucher Program” for individuals under age 62 with disabilities.
Next Meeting: July 13, 2010 City Hall