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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/13/2025 - Meeting Minutes MINI I F S UIZOM 'I'lIF, coNIIN31 iNl l'l' DFVFLOPMI;N"T & UAIIITAI, 1MPROVEMEN'l PRO.11-.('TS 13OARD MFFTING (CDCIP) Monday, October 13", 2025 5:00pin l. Board Members Board Members Not Present Brad Christensen Joseph Murphy (Jurphy) Devon Schechinger Jenny Bonk Dallin Jones Sean Weeks Cooper Fankhauser Staff Present Kerry Thomas Dennis Rutledge Sarah Nielsen Alexandra Hall Jack Markman Tyler Durfee Also Present Parviz Faiz Brian Diggs—Family Promise Vance Woodward— UCA (Online) Amanda Christensen- VOA (Online) Kristina Pulsipher (Online)—Ruff Haven Alex Wrench (Online)— TRH Abby Feerstra—FSH Mary Calhoon— FSH Saundra Stokes—YWCA (Online) Peter Frost—AAU Abdi Sheikh—AAU 2. Terms \ \1 Asian ;Association of 111,111 I.Sll first Step (louse l c'A Ptah Community Action l-R(' Mouth Resource Ccntcr VOA Volunteers of America lRII Tile Road ]ionic TANF Temporal-\, Assistance iirr Necdy Families ESG -- Emergency Solutions Grant COC - Continuum of Care TBRA —Tenant-Based Rental Assistance SSVF — Supportive Ser-vices for Veteran Families HMIS — Homeless Management Information System Code Blue Nights — A night the National Weather service predicts extreme temperatures of 18 degrees Fahrenheit or under. 3. NVelcome and Introductions Ms. Thomas begins the board meeting at 5:06 P.M. 4. Approval of Minutes Mr. Christensen asks the board if there are any corrections that need to be made to the minutes. Mr. Murphy motions to approve of the minutes, Ms. Bonk seconds. The minutes pass unanimously. 5. Application Review (ESG) Ms. Thomas goes over the process for the application review, as well as new info given to the board as of this year. Mr. Rutledge adds that the admin and risk assessment scores are different and if the board would like extra information on the assessment breakdown to contact staff. Ms. Thomas then explains the process for the speakers and board. L Utah Community Action (UCA) Mr. Woodward explains how the UCA uses the funding to assist their target population. He also explains the services available to the UCA's beneficiaries such as case management and housing support. Q. Mr. Christensen asks how long services are available to clients. A. Mr. Wooward explains that rental assistance is 3-4 months. Q. Ms. Schechinger asks how long$4,000 dollars lasts per household. A. Mr. Woodward explains that it lasts about 3-4 months and that they advise clients to contribute some of their own funds to lengthen the amount of time the $4,000 dollars will assist them. Q. \11. \1nr1'hN asks hoN\ thcN allocated Ihcir previous vcar's hinding hctwcert the sell ices and ease Ittan;tt1elnrnl salary. %. \It. \\ood\\and responds that he doesn't have an exact nunther, but that they X\ill use the sartue li0nmtla this vear as thcv did for the previous year. Q. A11. Chrislensen asks if the case manager serves clients with FSG funds only. A. Mr. Woodward responds that the case manager will he funded through FSG tends only, but their clients will he funded through other grants. Q. Mr. Murphy asks staff what the area of care is for F.SG funds. A. Ms. Thomas saes it is Salt Lakc County. H. Volunteers of America YRC Ms. Christensen asks if she can share her screen and Ms. Thomas says that she cannot due to OPMA. Ms. Christensen says the ESG funds will go toward operation costs for the YRC, which provides emergency shelter and housing services remedial for clients ages 15-22. She also mentions that she feels the calculation used for the application doesn't reflect the actual number of individuals assisted with the funding and that the YRC serves about 450 youth. Regarding long term goals, she says that 80%of clients that have access to the YRC's services for 7 days or more can participate in case-management, 30% successfully transition into long-tern housing, and 65%find transitional housing. Q. Ms. Schechinger asks for clarification of what 14,000 nights of safe shelter means. A. Ms. Christensen explains that it is the number of nights while serving 50 individuals per night. Q. Ms. Schechinger asks what the average stay tends to be. A.Ms. Christensen says she doesn't have that information on hand but is �N illing to find it. Q. Ms. Schechinger asks for clarification on a claim made on their application that 100 clients transition into some type of housing and, after noting that the success rate is 25%, asks if that is a normal success rate for the field. A. Ms. Christensen responds that because of the limitations of social support systems, that is an average success rate. She adds that this year they have increased the number of beneficiaries transitioned into housing in relation to the previous year. Q. Mr. Murphy asks how they calculated the dollar amount for the request. A. Ms. Christensen replies the VOA is looking for funds to fill their operation gap for their programs. Q. Mr. Weeks asks how the VOA coordinates reconnection with family. �. A1� � InI�trn�cn rrilir. Ihnl Ihru Ifl�cr�il,n ploC�railt aiII !rt v IIIIi from <lli`lIcl NN I)IC!I CjIi look Ilkc I onliectill!! 'I ;`.' I rl a cllcni aoc' out of the 1 R( Ihcv coordinatc vN Oh ether shelters or Flmily to iran"illon them to a ncNN space. Q. A11. Weeks asks Nv hen their clients are trrinsitiuned internally. if they use a different funding source. A. Ms. (`hlistensen replies that the new program's funding would cover the indiN idual. iii. Volunteers of America GEK Ms. Christensen explains the Geraldine E. King resource center's target population and that the funding is for operational costs. The program serves 200 women. but the VOA has been asked to serve an additional 50 women in overflow beds during the winter as well as an additional 20 during Code Blue Nights. She mentions they track data using Utah Homeless Services Homeless Management System, as well as the services available to beneficiaries. Q. Mr. Weeks asks how the calculation for number of households was made when the ask is for janitorial services. A. Ms. Christensen explains they take the overall operational budget and then break it down by percentages. Q. Mr. Murphy asks what the average monthly costs for janitorial services are. A. Ms. Christensen agrees to give staff the exact amount. Q. Mr. Murphy asks if the federal limitations on female identifying clients are causing changes to the program. A. Ms. Christensen says there has been some changes with how the VOA is allowed to collect data, and she anticipates that they will see some issues in the future but will continue functioning as is until told otherwise. iv. The Road Home Ms. Wrench introduces herself and her role at TRH. She explains that ESG has been a more flexible funding source for their Rapid Re-Housing programs, allowing 6-12 months of assistance as opposed to 4 months using other funding streams. This increases the success rate of re-housing. They are seeking to support H households as well as staffing costs with the ESG funds. Q. Mr. Christensen asks for more inforniation about TRH's case management services. A. Ms. Wrench explains that case management works both for beneficiaries within shelter and experiencing homelessness. When they are signed to a lease, the same case manager will guide them through receiving rental assistance, accessing employment, and increasing income. She also mentions that their case managers will provide assistance for families receiving different income streams, and the ca1,c load is cstimaled to 35-40. Q. Mr. A III i1)hy asks about the (Iiv CIS itication of hinds. A. Ms. AV rench responds that FAN IF are the largest part of their Rapid Re- Housing strategy. and also run programs through. FSG, COC, and TBRA funds. Because oftlhe time limitation fL)r TANF. TRl I's clients are ideally transferred to TBRA after the 4-month period, something they don't have to do with ESG funds. She also mentions they also have a rc-housing program for veterans and veteran families through their SSVF program. �. Ruff Haven \Is. Pulsipher introduces herself and Ruff Haven's Street Outreach Program. They intend to use the finding for additional staffing and street outreach. She says 80% of homeless people working with them are not working with any other organization which makes Ruff Haven a first point of contact for unsheltered individuals with animal companions. They are a HMIS provider and are looking to extend their case-management services. Q. Ms. Schechinger congratulates Ruff Haven on their recent accomplishments, then asks them to explain what an information referral means. A. Ms. Pulsipher explains that it is a referral to another organization. Q. Ms. Schechinger also asks for clarification on the number of their beneficiaries. A. Ms. Pulsipher explains that number is for their case management, veterinary clinic, and crisis sheltering programs. Q. Mr. Jones asks how they are able to coordinate with the Salt Lake County court systems. A. Ms. Pulsipher answers that Ruff Haven provides referrals on-site at homeless courts and has also assisted with taking care of incarcerated pets. Q. Mr. Murphy asks for more information on the recent change in some shelters to allow pets to stay in the resource centers. A. Ms. Pulsipher says that there are still some limitations to keeping pets in these centers and there is often no funding for pet supplies, which clients can receive through Ruff Haven which helps ensure homeless individuals stay in the shelter. Q. Mr. Murphy asks staff if ESG funds can be used for pet supplies. A. Ms. Thomas explains that ESG funds are specifically for human beneficiaries so pet supplies would not qualify, but street outreach and homeless sheltering do qualify. Q. Mr. Murphy asks about how Ruff Haven allocated their previous year's reward. A. Ms. Thomas replies that the city can't give out funds until it receives funding from HUD, so the allocation of funding is currently on hold. Ms. Pulsipher adds that bc:allsr oflhis. tile\ arc relying more on \ollnitecr work but are still assisting the collltlllllllt\ regilydlcss. i. First Step 11011se \1s. Calhoun c\plains that homelessness is at an all-time high and has increased 'h°„ this year in t!tall alone. First Stcp I louse's program aims to build trusting relationships with beneficiaries vyith behavioral health issues and substance abuse disorders. She shares an anecdotal story of a client who found stable housing and work through his participation in First Step House's program. (53.33) Q. Mr. Weeks asks 1f FSII has providers on campus that provide mental health and substance abuse services. A. Ms. Calhoun ans\ycrs that they have a two-person behavioral health team made up of a licensed clinician and a licensed social worker. They are not providing therapy. but the team is using their clinical skills to identify potential needs and approaches. Q. Mr. Weeks ask if the direct treatment services are on-site. A. Ms. Calhoun says the goal is to enroll clients into off-site treatment programs. Q. Mr. Weeks asks if, when a client is referred out, if the case managers follow up with that client. A. Ms. Calhoun explains that there is a transition to different case managers depending on the program,but FSH continues to stay in touch with the clients which is important because clients don't always succeed the first time, and it is ideal for them to have sorneone they can come back to for additional support. Q. Mr. Weeks asks how the case-manager position is trained for this role. A. Ms. Calhoun explains that they look to hire a certified peer-support specialist who have been in recovery programs and succeeded in long-term recovery so that they can better connect with clients. Q. Mr. Jones asks if the case manager is trained by FSH. A. Ms. Calhoun replies that they have an extensive training process including motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, etc. for all staff. Q. Mr. Jones asks if the staff trained by FSH often move on to perform in other, similar roles. A. Ms. Calhoun answers that FSH aims to promote within and mentions that there is a new program director promoted from within the organization who has been a clinician with a background in supportive housing and has famillal'lty with the population FSH is working with. Q. Mr. Murphy asks what inhibited the allocation of funds in past years. A. Ms. Calhoun says that unspent funds are often clue to staffing transitions and the length of the hiring process and sometimes receiving a larger amount of 1)i'1\;11c llln�l� 111;111 l'\pe�'iell. NIS. Stokes introduces hel:self 111d cyplains the rcelucst is to support the emergency shelter and transitional housing programs. .t hey arc looking to serve 500 adults and children vvho arc survivors ofdomestic violence. She says they are also using I)WS homClCSS11CSS funds to sustain their program and that 98",� of participants improve their safety because the YWCA offers safety planning for all clients in shcltcr and in their transitional housing program. Q. Mr. Mw3phy asks about the YWCA's unspent funds. A. Ms. Stokes (?) says that it is the staff tumover. They used to be at a 60% turnovcr rate during COVID but brought that down to 6% in recent years. Ms. \ielson adds that the unspent funds factors in their previous construction project \where the quote to do the project was much higher than the actual cost, so they had more unspent funds than expected. Q. Mr. Murphy also asks if the YWCA expects any issues with spenddown in the future. A. Ms. Stoker says they do not anticipate any large staff turnover,but there is some ambiguity in the bidding process for projects due to tariffs and inflation. Q. Mr. Murphy asks about a statistic in their application that states 35%of domestic violence survivors exit to safe housing, and why it doesn't have a higher success rate. A. Ms. Stoker says the affordable housing market is limited. and there is less funding this year which equates to a 2-million-dollar loss in funding. yui. Family Promise Mr. Diggs introduces himself and his organization, which is a community-based response to family homelessness. They use faith communities to house and feed unhoused families. Their goal is to move families into sustainable housing within 6-8 months. He also explains Family Promise's housing support services. The Emergency Shelter is one of their three main programs. Q. Mr. Christensen asks how the housing portion of their programs gets paid for. A. Mr. Diggs says that the Emergency Shelter has no fee,but the transitional housing does have an increasing fee up to a price point that helps fund the other programs. Q. Mr. Jones asks about their partnership with the local churches and whether Family Promise just receives the space or finding as well. A. Mr. Diggs says that the churches are rent free for Family Promise and non- proselytizing faith communities come in to feed the families. He also mentions that it doesn't have to be a faith community and that it utn be it business who helps the families. Q. \tr. Mui11hv asks about Meat kind ofoutrcach Falndv Promise does. Diggs saes that their ambiguity is due to their small size fir the past 30 wars, but thcv brought in a devclopnlcnt person boil the t 1 of't i and are aiming to grog\. Fspecially since tile\ have a nee\ model with increased marketing tactics. Q. Mr. Murphy asks how the tanlilics tend to find Family Promise. A. 1\4r. Diggs replies that they gel illanv referrals tiom many different orgailii.ations. Q. Mr. Weeks mentions he appreciates the comprehensive model of Family Promise, then asks if the same case-managers and staff exist across the programs. A. Mr. Diggs replies that ycs. the same case manager and small team work with the families across all of Family Promise's projects. Q. Mr. Weeks about how two staff members can handle 180 households. A. Mr. Diggs explains that the number factors in their Prevention and Diversion program which serve families through distribution of necessities, resources, etc. Q. Mr. Jones asks how Family Promise vets its clients. A. Mr. Diggs explains the case-managers process for intake. Q. Mr. Murphy asks if this is the first year applying for ESG funds. A. Mr. Diggs says no,but the person who had his position before did not apply in previous years. Q. Ms. Schechinger asks about the discrepancy between 20-30 families versus 180 Households. A. Mr. Diggs explains that it is likely a mistake on his part where 180 is from the Prevention and Diversion program and 20-30 families is the number for the Emergency Shelter program. Mr. Diggs ends with an anecdote of a success story where a family found housing in a place that was the same as the mother's childhood home. ix. Asian Association Mr. Sheikh introduces himself and says that due to the federal hording cap there has been a spike in referrals. With this funding, they will be able to help 35 households with case-management and housing services. Their goal is to create long-term housing stability for their clients by addressing multiple factors such as self-sufficiency and employment. Q. Mr. Christensen asks Ibr more information on how the resettlement funding cuts have affected the program's clients. A. Mr. Sheikh says that some families who had recently arrived are having difficulties navigating the US system and finding employment. After the funding Cut. 120 f"lnlllles this vCar "ent to the ?\/\(J from different resettlement agencies liar assistance clue to needing rental assistance. Mr. Frost adds that many other orgallITltloils )la\'C bCen Cut h'olll liinding. including the international Rescue C'onlnlittee (IRC). and families who had arrived just bef()re the cuts were in effect have been left behind. Q. Mr. Jones asks ifthey were funded last year. A. Nis. Thomas says they were not. Q. Mr. Murphy asks staff what factors into the Risk Assessment. A. Ms. Thomas offers to send the information to the board. Q. Mr. Murphy asks how the AAU might have been impacted by not receiving funding last year. A. Mr. Frost says that their housing program, which serves between 5-10% of referrals, and particularly those within the SLC boundaries which takes priority. Without the ESG funds, those individuals might not have had access to the program due to a lack of funding. 6. Other Business Mr. Rutledge asks for a member of the board to join Amanda's board. Mr. Murphy volunteers for the other board. Mr. Weeks asks staff if the board is allowed to give positive feedback if there is extra time. Ms. Thomas responds to be mindful of the time, but it is possible. Ms. Bonk mentions to take consistency into consideration. Ms. Thomas brings up the Risk Assessments for AAU for the board as an example of the Risk Assessment criteria and explains their function. Mr. Jones asks what the risk of asking for a larger project is. Ms. Thomas responds that the risk of potentially receiving a large amount of money includes spenddown, poor tracking of funds, etc. Mr. Durfee adds that any compliance issue is increased with an increased amount of funding. Mr. Jones asks how staff decide who to monitor. Ms. Thomas responds that they conduct a more in-depth risk assessment and monitor whoever scores the highest and may take into consideration a lack of'previous monitoring. Mr. Rutledge adds that monitoring takes place after the programs are finished and that they are advised to review 10% or 2 programs for each grant, depending on which is higher, so they monitor between 2 — 5 subrecipients per program, most commonly. Ms. Schechinger asks it'the findings are shared with the subrecipients. Ms. 'Thomas responds that they are. Mr. Rutledge adds that when findings are concerns are tuurld they are required to send a response as to how those were addressed and fixed. Mr. Murphy clarifies that they don't have to submit their final scores until the final funding night in Later in the year. Mr. Rutledge explains that the mini-funding nights need scores, but the scores ran he reopened until the final tending night.. 7. Adjourn Meeting is adjourned at 6:56 P.M. X CDCIP Bo rd hair This document along with the digital recording constitute the official minutes of the CDCIP Board meeting held October 13`h, 2025.