August 2024 Minutes
Fox Cities Housing Coalition
August 21, 2024
8:00 am
Zoom
Minutes
A. Present: Connie Raether, Nikki Gerhard, Susan Garcia Franz, Kendra Krisher, Cheryl Spindler, Donna Eggert, Liz Croley, Kim Esselman, Kimberly Mehlberg, Deb Langacker, Channon Jordan, Deb Langacker, Jennie Micke, Dora Fabian, Jo Muehl, Kim Luke, Kimberly Kopplin, Liz Bredberg, MaryBeth Wohlrabe, Mike Garrigan, Cynthia Whitely, Adam Hurst, Amy Lang, Ann Marie Lahti, Anne Tretinyak, Becky Heldt, Breanna Mekuly, Breanna Rosik, Cheryl Schefe, Claire Hoslet, Fessahaye Mebrahtu, Scott Schnurer, Emily Murphy, Jennie Moore, Jennifer Kennedy, Julie Reindl, Kelly Kohl, Kate Markwart, Kristi Clover, Elizabeth Reyes, Lisa Severson, Lori Hartz, Lori Jensen, Megan Wanke, Megan Zimmerman, Mindy Howell, Molly McGregor, Olivia Galyon, Paige Johnson, Sam Clement, Shaundra Wagner, Stephanie Van Hulst, Wayne Timm, Wendy Behling, Callie Timm, David Holst, Jonathan Pylypyv, Megan Santkuyl
B. Approval of July 17, 2024 Minutes; Deb moves, Molly seconds approval with addition of Fessaye Mehbrahtu in attendance. Motion carries.
C. Treasurer’s Update; One deposit, dues from Appleton Alliance. No expenses. $9953.61 balance.
D. FCHC Updates: We will not share our email list. Wrote a letter re: Supreme Court decision on Grants Pass. Will share fundraising events of member agencies only.
E. Coordinated Entry Update / Point In Time: Slides attached. July PiT: numbers high locally and nationally. More collaboration this year. 148 people found this July. 100% increase. Cheryl Schefe and Liz Croley are points of contact when you come in contact with someone facing homelessness. Liz serves Calumet, Outagamie and Northern Winnebago Co. even though se works for city of Appleton
F. COC Competition Announcement: Wisconsin BoS CoC competition is open. Pillars, Advocap and Salvation Army receive funds for rapid rehousing. This is the 2024-25 application cycle. Olivia will be reaching out to agencies for any info needed to complete the applications. https://www.wiboscoc.org/2024-hud-coc-competition.html
G. FCHC Supreme Court Response: FCHC exec team developed a statement in response to the Supreme Court decision around camping in communities. Letter was attached with agenda. Letter sent to the Balance of State.
H. HOME ARP Program: Pillars was awarded a HOME ARP supportive services grant. Eligible individuals experiencing homelessness will receive case management, financial assistance (rental application fees, security deposits). Pillars will be doing a brief training for agencies so all know who is eligible and how they can apply. Reach out to Jennie Moore with questions.
I. Faith Based Housing Summit: Economic Justice Work Group of First Congregational UCC chose housing as one of their issues. Working with other churches to plan the summit, which will be held Oct. 12th. Goal is to inspire faith communities to take action and to gain commitment for collective action for transformational change. Invitations were sent out to over 100 faith communities. Anyone connected with a faith community, please contact the pastor or faith leader to see if they received the invitation. Contact Jo Muehl with questions.
J. New Action Plan Work Groups Plans Susan Garcia Franz
a. Increase Non-Employment Cash Income--Jennie Moore; Will be reaching out to Pillars, Advocap and Salvation Army so they are reporting the same income.
b. Prevent or Reverse the Criminalization of Homelessness--Lisa Strandberg; Will focus on legislation and regulations with education of elected officials on homelessness. If interested in working with this group, contact Lisa at lstrandberg@pillarsinc.org
K. Committee Updates
a. Affordable Housing--Susan Garcia Franz; Continuing to work on the powerpoint and getting it out to as many groups as possible. If you are part of a service org or church that might be willing to have us present, let us know.
b. DEI--Tracie La Rue Moen: Met with People of Progression to learn about their activities around people of color. Reach out to Tracie if you’d like to be involved.
c. Website Task Force--Jonathan Pylypiv: Continuing to work on the website. Foxcitieshousing.org Password is housing. Look at this and provide any feedback to Jonathan.
L. Other Business;
· landlord discussion group; A small group of housing providers will be meeting with Jennifer Sunstrom and 2 landlords on August 28th. First meeting will allow housing providers to share their concerns, issues, etc. Second meeting will allow landlords to share their concerns, issues, etc. Third meeting will be a time to discuss possible ways to work together.
· TLP coordinators: Please remind your clients to contact Molly McGregor at the AASD or their school district McKinney Vento Homeless Coordinator.
· The Neenah Hope Fridge has moved. The new address 332 Broad St in Menasha The driveway can be hard to find so people are welcome to go to the front of the building at 333 First St Menasha andfollow the walkway to the back of the building.
· Cheryl and Liz are doing a presentation for front desk workers at all the area YMCAs to help them learn about homelessness and ways to engage people who may be experiencing homelessness.
· Appleton Housing Updates- New HUD VASH requirements are coming out! I hope to share more next meeting on this! We still have open Foster Youth Vouchers and VASH Vouchers! Please contact Kim Esselman or Donna Eggert if you have anyone you think may qualify!
M. Mindy moves, Donna seconds adjournment. Motion carries.
Recording available: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/w_DCz5RyUKVOkvtsfbC_1JbUFuiIcAkqQqiHGdv8lf66U3RCetjX__CyzkldvUcp.Fro2QUBNyXngfqZz
Passcode: @CK1e84@
Next Meeting – September 18 in person only at AASD Welcome Center