Moved by S. Kuperis, seconded by R. Santiago, that the minutes of the Homelessness Action Advisory Committee, held July 16,2015, be adopted.

Transcription

1 September 10, 2015, at 3:02 p.m., in Room 530, located at South Fraser Way, Abbotsford BC Committee Members Present: Chair - N. McCready; and R. Santiago Councillor D. Loewen ; G. Glaim; S. Kuperis; Staff Present:, Deputy City Manager- J. Rudolph; Manager, Bylaw Services- M. Laljee; Assistant Manager, Bylaw Services - R. Senghera; Homelessness Coordinator - D. Beno; Homelessness Research Analyst - L. Brummitt; and Recording Secretary - K. O'Sullivan Others Present: Councillor S. Blue and Councillor R. Siemens Public Present: 32:_ 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 3:02 p.m. 2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Moved by S. Kuperis, seconded by R. Santiago, that the minutes of the Homelessness Action Advisory Committee, held July 16,2015, be adopted. HAAC Moved by R. Santiago, seconded by N. McCready, that the September 10, 2015 agenda be amended to add a Verbal Report from the Director, Community Planning, regarding Abbotsfwd, as a new Item 4.1 and renumber all subsequent items; and that (1) all instances of "Homelessness Emergency Action Team Shelter" be replaced with "Temporary Weather Response Shelter", be approved. HAAC DELEGATIONS None. 4. BUSINESS OUT OF MINUTES 1 Abbotsfwd (Official Community Plan) update M. Neill provided a verbal report regarding Abbotsfwd (Official Community Plan update), including information on Stage 1 and Stage 2 engagement and findings. Stage 3 will involve a first draft of the Official Community Plan, further engagement; and various land use scenarios. An opportunity for City committees to share their input at a joint City committee workshop will be held this fall. Abbotsfwd updates can be followed on or at

2 September 10, 2015, at 3:02 p.m., in Room 530, located at South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC Page 2 Moved by N. McCready, seconded by R. Santiago, that the the verbal report by M. Neill, Director, Community Planning, regarding Abbotsfwd/Official Community Plan update, be received for HAAC Density bonusing, policies and provisions discussion Withdrawn by staff.. 3 Coordinated Outreach Working Group The Homelessness Research Analyst provided a status update on the Coordinated Outreach Working Group for September, Work has begun on gathering an inventory of services for people experiencing homelessness. This data will be used for developing a service card of emergency response services, housing assistance, and support services that can be utilized by outreach workers. An survey will be conducted of outreach working group members to explore interest in developing a walkabout model for Abbotsford. Discussion took place regarding how the walkabout model could be improved with coordinated responses and access to services. Moved by N. McCready, seconded by G. Glaim, that the update from the Homelessness Research Analyst, regarding the Coordinated Outreach Working Group; and activities update for September, 2015, be received for HAAC CARRIED..4 Temporary Weather Response Shelter I Drop In Centre Working Group The Homelessness Coordinator provided an update on the Temporary Weather Response Shelter/Drop-in Centre Working Group, which has been focusing on facilitating a Housing First approach. Rather than housing only, the Housing First initiative will include wraparound support to stabilize individuals with the intent of transitioning to permanent housing. The working group has met on a bi-weekly basis to: explore existing community emergency housing needs; engage in dialogue with BC Housing for funding support; and to develop a concept that builds on input and participation from all key stakeholders.

3 Abbotsford, BC Page 3 Moved by R. Santiago, seconded by S. Kuperis, that the update from the Homelessness Coordinator, regarding the Temporary Weather Response Shelter/Drop In Centre working group, be received for HAAC REPORTS.1 Coordinated Intake and Referral System The Homelessness Coordinator provided a second quarter update on the pilot project regarding the Coordinated Intake and Referral System, including: confirming housing inventory; identifying the target population; organizing the Housing First Best Practices forum; stakeholder engagement; focus groups; and the development of a Coordinated Intake and Referral model. There has been dialogue with BC Housing regarding their "vulnerability assessment tool" research to request Abbotsford be added to the list of communities to participate. Dialogue regarding integral strategy mapping project and how tangible visual mapping is working in other municipalities to develop tangible outcomes. Moved by S. Kuperis, seconded by G. Glaim, that the verbal update from the Homelessness Coordinator, regarding the coordinated intake and referral system, be received for HAAC CARRIED.. 2 Key Committee Recommendations and Initiatives The Homelessness Coordinator provided an update on the status of the Homelessness Action Advisory Committee key initiatives to address Homelessness in the Abbotsford Action plan. Discussion regarding the need to create some framework for a landlord procurement process to ensure wrap around support for tenants. Moved by R. Santiago, seconded by S. Kuperis, that the verbal update from the Homelessness Coordinator, regarding key committee recommendations and initiatives; and background information, be received for HAAC

4 Abbotsford, BC Page 4.3 Point in Time Homeless Count Inter-regional considerations and Urban/Rural Methodology The Homelessness Coordinator provided a verbal update about the proposed interregional research project with partner agencies in the Fraser Valley Regional District and Metro Vancouver regions to advance Point In Time homeless count methods with respect to: urban and rural environment considerations, understanding migration patterns, developing tools and resources to improve count methods, and to increase understanding of the population's housing and support needs. Moved by G. Glaim, seconded by R. Santiago, that the verbal update from the Homelessness Research Analyst; regarding Point in Time Homeless Count Inter-regional considerations and Urban/Rural Methodology; and background information, be received for HAAC CARRIED..4 Creation of a City extreme weather protocol The Homelessness Coordinator provided an update on Abbotsford's Extreme Weather Response Plan. The intention of the protocol is to articulate the City's role in collaborating inter-agency efforts for effective response; aid effective communication of all key players; provide access to City resources and spaces to aid in an effective response; and to continue dialogue about the required resources and coordination, in order to ensure effective responses during periods of extreme weather. The protocol development will incorporate input from various City departments, Fraser Health and Salvation Army. The protocol is still undergoing review from key players and will be circulated to the committee for its input and review prior to formal implementation. Moved by S. Kuperis, seconded by R. Santiago, that the update from the Homelessness Coordinator; regarding the creation of a City extreme weather protocol, be received for HAAC NEW BUSINESS.1 Best Practice Forum The Best Practice Forum will take place on October 15, 2015 at the University of the Fraser Valley. The forum will gather input from multi-stakeholders, including, but not limited to: service providers, the community, and persons who have experienced or who are experiencing homelessness.

5 Abbotsford, BC Page 5.2 Committee Roundtable There was discussion surrounding the implementation of a "City Camp Closure Protocol and/or Policy". It is timely to review or create a policy to bring forward to Council which will ensure wrap around support and services for each individual that is served an eviction notice. The Homelessness Coordinator is currently meeting with Staff about policy development and will bring this item forward at the next meeting. Fraser Health announced the expansion of the "Riverstone" (home/mobile detox) program. The workers are able to engage persons at risk on the ground/street level and offer them support either in residential treatment or as an outpatient. There has also been an increase in the number of short term action recovery (STAR) beds available, which will assist in further addiction treatment. Update on the Community Health Centre and the need to incorporate space within the facility for public use, access to health services and outreach. The Homelessness Coordinator was requested to attend the next meeting to provide input. Abbotsford Community Services announced two upcoming public information meetings regarding the Gladys Road low barrier supportive housing project on October 10, 2015, from 1 0:00am-12:00pm, and October 13, 2015, from 6:30pm-8:30pm. These meetings will provide an opportunity to engage in dialogue with the community and key stakeholders. 7. ADJOURNMENT Moved by G. Glaim, seconded by N. McCready, that the Homelessness Action Advisory Committee meeting held September 10, 2015, be adjourned. (4:24p.m.) Certified Correct: