Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee – March 14, 2024
March 14, 2024 at 9:00 AM
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Event Recap
Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – March 14, 2024
On March 14th, the Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee (HIAC) convened to discuss ongoing efforts to address homelessness in Asheville and Buncombe County. This committee serves as the governing board for the NC501 Asheville-Bunkham Community Continuum of Care (COC), a vital coordinating body for homeless programs that works in alignment with federal guidelines from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The meeting provided updates on various initiatives, sparked important discussions, and resulted in key decisions impacting the community's response to homelessness.
A significant portion of the meeting centered around several key decisions and ongoing initiatives. The HIAC formally adopted a new COC charter, marking a crucial step in establishing the structure for the updated Continuum of Care. Minutes from their previous meeting on February 8th were also approved without discussion. Beyond these formal actions, the committee engaged in robust discussions regarding several pressing issues. The Ramada Inn property, previously slated for an emergency shelter but now in foreclosure, was a major focus. While the original purchase plans fell through, a deed restriction ensures it must be used for permanent supportive housing – an opportunity the committee acknowledged as vital. Discussions revolved around identifying a suitable purchaser and developer who can align their plans with the COC's goals. The committee also received a comprehensive update on Code Purple, the program providing shelter during cold weather, which saw a significant increase in usage this season (90 episodes compared to 68 last year), demonstrating the program's importance and effectiveness thanks to strong community partnerships.
Beyond these specific projects, the HIAC delved into broader strategic considerations. A debriefing of the recent COC competition with HUD revealed a score of 142.5 out of 200, highlighting areas for improvement in future applications. Specifically, the committee identified a need to expand rapid rehousing programs and develop a clearer strategy for reducing homelessness overall. Discussions also explored redesigning the Coordinated Entry System, which prioritizes individuals for housing and services, with ongoing technical assistance from HUD to explore alternative assessment tools. Peter Leifer of Helping at Risk Kids passionately advocated for solutions that support couples experiencing homelessness, emphasizing the unique challenges they face.
The meeting included valuable input from community members. Eric Hall, manager of the Ramada Inn property, voiced concerns about potential safety issues and increased homelessness if the property isn't managed effectively. Stephen Mariscalco inquired about the financial viability of supportive housing projects for developers, seeking clarity on how these initiatives generate revenue. Peter Leifer also requested information regarding addiction recovery programs that would allow couples to remain together, further underscoring the need for holistic support.
Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Members of the COC are encouraged to submit their applications by March 22nd, and board elections are scheduled for April 25th. The City of Asheville will continue to engage with the lender regarding the Ramada Inn property, exploring development options that align with COC objectives. The committee will also consider supporting Helping at Risk Kids’ grant application to address emergency housing needs for families. Finally, a discussion will be held regarding the potential formation of a COC Funding Committee before the new board is fully seated, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
The HIAC meeting underscored the ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness in Asheville and Buncombe County through collaboration, strategic planning, and a focus on permanent solutions. Residents can expect to see continued efforts towards accountable governance, prioritization of permanent supportive housing, and strengthened community partnerships as the COC continues to evolve under its newly adopted charter.