To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Katherine Smith, Director, Community Resources
Prepared By:
prepared
Lizze Loomis, Division Manager, Community Development, Housing and Homeless Services, Community Resources
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presenter
Presenter: Jessica Dianni Cox, Tri-Cities Homeless Services Coordinator, Community Resources
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Subject:
title
9:30 AM *Inclement Weather Sheltering Update
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this study session is to provide the Board updated information related to the Inclement Weather Sheltering program to include current allocations and spending, outcomes, and the program’s current state.
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Background and Discussion: On July 19, 2021, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) reviewed and approved the final staff recommendations for the allocation of Community Development Block Grant- Covid (CDBG-CV) funds, designating up to $721,773.60 for housing initiatives. Subsequently, on August 9, 2024, the BOCC authorized the reallocation of $112,220.95 to HAAT Force to address the critical resource gap for unhoused individuals, particularly during emergency weather conditions, following the closure of the Severe Weather Shelter Network (SWSN).
In addition, a Severe Weather Subcommittee was formed to enhance the coordination of severe weather sheltering services in the Tri-Cities area, comprising of representatives from various agencies, including the City of Englewood, City of Littleton, City of Sheridan, Arapahoe County, and others. The City of Englewood, with input from the Subcommittee, developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that was provided to the Tri-Cities Homelessness Policy Group on October 23, 2024. This SOP outlines the criteria for activating Severe Weather Overnight Shelters, which will operate from October 1 to April 30, based on specific temperature thresholds: shelters will be activated when temperatures drop to 20° or below without moisture, or 32° or below with moisture, projected for three or more hours during the overnight period. CDHHS staff will present the Inclement Weather Sheltering program, detailing current allocations, processes, and the program's present status.
Fiscal Impact: There is currently no fiscal impact to the County budget and no additional funding is requested.
Alternatives: None, this is an informational update.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: There are currently no staff recommendations available; this serves as an informational update.
Concurrence: N/A