Monday night, by unanimous consent, the Salem City Council adopted Resolution 2019-17, supporting the formation of a regional CoC. From the staff summary:
Analysis of the Rural Oregon Continuum of Care (ROCC) structure has concluded that a Regional Continuum of Care (CoC) structure consisting of Marion, Polk, and possibly Yamhill counties, offers the potential for improved planning, coordination, and outcomes for homeless individuals and families. While there is no guarantee that federal funding will increase, and some possibility that funding could decrease in the short-term, there is potential for increased funding over time.
A Regional CoC structure will also facilitate better assemblage and use of data to drive service delivery and hold service providers accountable. This data has value in communications with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Oregon Housing and Community Services, the Congressional delegation, state legislators, and other relevant federal and state agencies.
To establish a new Regional CoC structure, participating governmental jurisdictions will need to continue contributing to staffing costs and to assist currently-funded programs, if needed, so that existing programs remain whole during the transition from the ROCC. This investment in and transition to a comprehensive systems approach is expected to achieve improved outcomes for homeless individuals and families. However, a systems approach requires cooperation and long-term commitment from the participating governmental jurisdictions.
The adoption of Resolution No. 2019-17 (Attachment 1) will indicate the City of Salem’s support for withdrawing from the ROCC and establishing a Regional CoC for the Mid-Willamette Region.
Staff Report 19-248
With the adoption of Resolution 2019-17, Salem joins Polk and Marion counties, which adopted similar resolutions on April 24 and May 22, respectively. Per the staff report, “The new Continuum of Care would be registered with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2020.” A second meeting with area housing and service providers is scheduled for June 17, 2019.
Photo: June 10 meeting of the Salem City Council. From right, Councilors Cara Kaser (Ward 1), Tom Andersen (Ward 2), Brad Nanke (Ward 3), Jaquiline Leung (Ward 4), Matt Ausec (Ward 5), Chris Hoy (Ward 6), Sally Cook (Ward 7) and Jim Lewis (Ward 8). Not shown: Mayor Chuck Bennett.