City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba highlighted concerns for persons experiencing homelessness; spoke to the need to address; and recognized Assistant City Manager Nasha McCray to present the item.
Assistant City Manager McCray made a PowerPoint Presentation (PPP); spoke to collaboration; to permanent housing goals; to pilot projects; highlighted the Doorway Project, a pallet shelter; outlined temporary housing solutions; an upcoming Request For Proposal; project goals; and spoke to the need for families with children resources. Assistant City Manager McCray reviewed the Safe Parking program; spoke to safe parking options; outlined program requirements; referred to hotel options for families with children; highlighted existing temporary and emergency housing; reviewed white flag shelter options; explained permanent housing transition goals; identified location considerations; highlighted the proximity to service providers; and opened floor for questions.
Discussion took place regarding heating systems; ventilations; expansion options; design; restroom provisions; electrical and sewer connectivity; shelter longevity; assembly options; bathroom availability and cost; and a 6 am exit requirement.
Mayor Vaughan requested staff research a partnership with Proctor and Gamble for temporary laundry facilities.
Councilmember Hightower requested an extension time to 7 a.m.; and for staff to research use of Regency Inn for Safe Drive location.
Discussion continued regarding families to be housed in a hotel setting; transportation assistance; collaboration with Continuum of Care (COC), Urban Ministry, and the Interactive Resource Center; and white flag funding.
City Manager Jaiyeoba explained staff would present proposals for the COC at the October 18, 2022 City Council meeting.
Discussion ensued regarding areas of persons experiencing homelessness in Districts 1 and 2; support systems; transportation and social services access; stakeholder outreach and engagement; on site case management; homelessness data collection; need for a gathering place; proposed community room; water and sewer requirements; and supply and demand concerns.
Councilmember Hightower requested consideration of weekend options.
Councilmember Thurm spoke to the need of bathroom facilities along the Greenway.
Discussion continued regarding public perception of Council action; the need for solutions; and program sustainability.
Councilmember Matheny referenced questions submitted to City Manager's office prior to the meeting; a sole source vendor; safety concerns; the Technical Review Committee; voiced concerns with use of Regency Inn; case management; and use of residential units. Councilmember Matheny voiced concern with a one-mile service radius; the need for a campus approach; spoke to community justice; and requested staff provide data on the use of the Regency Inn to house residents.
Assistant City Manager McCray explained pop up shelter production; partnerships with the Planning Department; and standard regulations.
Neighborhood Development Director Michelle Kennedy clarified availability of housing units; housing voucher implementation; explained a temporary immediate response; and service provider locations.
Mayor Vaughan spoke to the United States Army guidelines; requested staff research raising the 23 degree threshold for white flag shelters; requested staff to provide information to City Council within a two-week timeframe; inquired if Guilford County provide rooms; referenced funding for hotel accommodations during pandemic; and requested staff provide an accurate homeless and couch surfing point and time count.
Discussion ensued regarding a eight or nine month timeline; a city-wide focus; the need for partnerships and funding; and for internships and a mentor protégé program.
Scott Jones spoke to COC involvement; a tiny house community; voiced concern with pallet houses; with building code compliance; and spoke to hotel options.
Toad, representing the homeless community voiced concern with pallet houses; with the IRC; spoke to the usage of port-a-potty; and requested Council table the item for further discussions.
Emma Holland spoke to services connectivity; voiced concerns with the timeline; regarding partnership involvement; the need for long-term solutions; and stakeholder involvement.
Discussion continued regarding pursuit of partnerships; permanent solutions; task force frustrations; futuristic investments; fire ratings; assembly process; short and long term funding allocations; visionary solutions; weather related fatalities; and Greensboro Housing Authority (GHA) and COC collaboration.
Councilmember Thurm requested an amendment staff action to be pending approval by the Fire Marshal and the Technical Review Committee.
(A copy of the PowerPoint Presentation is filed in Exhibit Drawer E, Exhibit No. 33 which is hereby referred to and made a part of these minutes.)