Program and Emergency Solutions Grant Program funds. Allentown has developed strategies in the areas of housing, rehabilitation, economic development, public improvements and public services and assistance to homeless persons and families (to name a few) which it hopes to address in the next five years. Heidi also outlined the proposed activities proposed for funding for the upcoming 2015-2016 program year, including the use of Emergency Solutions Grant funds for the operations of four homeless shelter programs and one Rapid Re-housing Program. Chris Cassidy made a motion to accept and support the City of Allentown’s Consolidated Plan for the period of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2020 and the Annual Action Plan for the period of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. Tina Stanley seconded the motion. The motion to approve and support the Consolidated Plan and Action Plan passed. Presentation and Discussion-Improving Employment Option for the Homeless Leigh Howard of Diana T. Myers and Associates (DMA) began the presentation by outlining some of the barriers that have been identified which prevent homeless persons from increasing income and securing employment. She listed a few items and through much discussion, the following list was compiled. The skills (or lack thereof) of clients Access to employment opportunities Issues surrounding working with people with disabilities Familial/childcare issues Transportation Age Competence of clients Access to jobs that pay a living wage Lack of address/ability to get a shower, look presentable for an interview Soft skills Rob Nicolella stated his concern with trying to determine what the benchmarks are. For the homeless populations, what is good? Is better than last year a good measure? Leigh Howard noted that both figures are correct, having a percentage of people improving income, plus measuring improvement from last year are both valid measures. The reality is, to be competitive in the HUD funding world, data is vital. Now the standard is to demonstrate an increase in earned income. also noted that eventually our CoC will be measured against itself. As data becomes more exact, we can establish a baseline and demonstrate improvement on how the agencies are assisting their clients. HMIS data can help determine how we are doing. HUD is looking at possible new performance measures which are a work in progress. Lehigh noted that HUD language right now is to prevent a return to homelessness, but the question the group posed is- how can you eliminate homelessness without increasing income?
Program and Emergency Solutions Grant Program funds. Allentown has developed strategies in the areas of housing, rehabilitation, economic development, public improvements and public services and assistance to homeless persons and families (to name a few) which it hopes to address in the next five years. Heidi also outlined the proposed activities proposed for funding for the upcoming 2015-2016 program year, including the use of Emergency Solutions Grant funds for the operations of four homeless shelter programs and one Rapid Re-housing Program. Chris Cassidy made a motion to accept and support the City of Allentown’s Consolidated Plan for the period of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2020 and the Annual Action Plan for the period of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. Tina Stanley seconded the motion. The motion to approve and support the Consolidated Plan and Action Plan passed. Presentation and Discussion-Improving Employment Option for the Homeless Leigh Howard of Diana T. Myers and Associates (DMA) began the presentation by outlining some of the barriers that have been identified which prevent homeless persons from increasing income and securing employment. She listed a few items and through much discussion, the following list was compiled. The skills (or lack thereof) of clients Access to employment opportunities Issues surrounding working with people with disabilities Familial/childcare issues Transportation Age Competence of clients Access to jobs that pay a living wage Lack of address/ability to get a shower, look presentable for an interview Soft skills Rob Nicolella stated his concern with trying to determine what the benchmarks are. For the homeless populations, what is good? Is better than last year a good measure? Leigh Howard noted that both figures are correct, having a percentage of people improving income, plus measuring improvement from last year are both valid measures. The reality is, to be competitive in the HUD funding world, data is vital. Now the standard is to demonstrate an increase in earned income. also noted that eventually our CoC will be measured against itself. As data becomes more exact, we can establish a baseline and demonstrate improvement on how the agencies are assisting their clients. HMIS data can help determine how we are doing. HUD is looking at possible new performance measures which are a work in progress. Lehigh noted that HUD language right now is to prevent a return to homelessness, but the question the group posed is- how can you eliminate homelessness without increasing income?
April-14-2015-Minutes.docx