AGENDA DATE: 6/15/2022
TITLE:
Title
Homelessness, Panhandling, and the System of Care
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Work session to discuss status of the homelessness system of care and request direction for responding to panhandling.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Dimock
PRESENTER (S): Kaki Dimock, Anthony Haro
LEGAL REVIEW: Not Required
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: A homelessness system of care has been established in this community that includes prevention services, street outreach, day shelter, low barrier and traditional emergency shelter, transitional housing programs for families, rapid re-housing program, and permanent supportive housing. This continuum of care is supported by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) lead agency responsible for funding coordination, goal setting, and policy development called the Blue Ridge Area Coalition for the Homeless (BRACH). BRACH coordinates collaborative funding requests to HUD, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and others, to supplement private fundraising activities by organizational members.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Economic Prosperity - Foster an environment that stimulates diversified job creation, capital investments, and tax revenues that support community goals
DISCUSSION: This region’s homelessness continuum of care is robust, with providers in all categories of service, however, capacity in each category is limited. Service providers are unable to meet existing demand due to a significant shortage in affordable housing. Future plans for additional permanent supportive housing at Premier Circle will have a significant impact on the number of people who are identified as chronically homeless, as defined by HUD. Limits to available beds in emergency shelter remain a concern for this community. While there are no proven practices for responding to panhandling, educational signs and outreach efforts are frequently used by localities.
BUDGET IMPACT: No impact
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This is an informational item only. No action is needed at this time.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A - Discouraging Panhandling 7-27-19 Update Memo