SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Endorse the Housing First and Coordinated Entry System being implemented by the Pinellas County Homeless Leadership Board, Inc. and adopt Resolution 16-18.
Body
SUMMARY:
The Pinellas County Homeless Leadership Board, Inc. (HLB) is the designated Continuum of Care (CoC) for Pinellas County through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The HLB is committed to developing a homeless services system that ensures that homelessness among Pinellas County citizens is rare, brief, and nonrecurring.
HUD has established a commitment to the Housing First philosophy, which under federal law is an approach to homeless assistance that prioritizes rapid placement and stabilization in permanent housing and does not have service participation requirements or preconditions, such as sobriety or a minimum income threshold. This philosophy includes the following components: 1) removing barriers to entry; 2) establishing a coordinated entry system; 3) practicing client-centered service delivery; 4) prioritizing households most in need; and 5) ensuring inclusive decision making.
The HLB has requested the City of Clearwater adopt a Resolution endorsing the HLB Housing First and Coordinated Entry System.
“Implementing Housing First,” a White Paper written by Community Development Manager Gabe Parra, provides additional information regarding the local implementation of this philosophy.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A