Transcript September 29, 2011 - Preliminary Zoning Meeting

BUTLER HOMELESS
INITIATIVE, INC.
WHO IS BUTLER HOMELESS
INITIATIVE, INC.?
Founded and incorporated in 2007
Received 501c3 status in 2008
Mission: to locate and operate a
transitional home for people
meeting the HUD homeless
definition.
 Diverse board with 12 members
 Many other community supporters.
Petitions with over 450 signatures
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WHO IS BUTLER HOMELESS
INITIATIVE, INC.?
Member of the El Dorado, Augusta,
and Andover Chamber of
Commerce
 Member of the Kansas Coalition for
the Homeless and adhere to the
principles of the National Coalition
for the Homeless

WHY DO WE NEED
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
IN BUTLER COUNTY?
In Butler County, the 2009 Point in
Time Count showed us that we have a
homeless population of 120
 In 2011, 56% of all students in El
Dorado public schools were on
assisted lunches.

WHY DO WE NEED
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
IN BUTLER COUNTY?
In 2011, 60% of students in El
Dorado schools were classified as
impoverished by Federal income
standards. (40% in 1980)
 In the last 3 years, children in El
Dorado schools meeting the Federal
definition of homeless have ballooned
from 3 - 5 to 25 confirmed in this
current school year (Sue Givens)
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WHY DO WE NEED
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
IN BUTLER COUNTY?
The Salvation Army & MidKap have
helped over 75 individuals/families
with overnight housing in 2011 (at
least double from 2010)
 Churches have also been providing
far more overnight stays than past
years.
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WHY DO WE NEED
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
IN BUTLER COUNTY?
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Government funding for public
assistance & social services has been
cut back and will likely continue to be
cut back.
WHY TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
IN EL DORADO?
As County Seat, there are a large
number of social services already
existing. EG: WorkForce Center,
Social Services, Community Mental
Health.
 Strong partnerships with current
resources, social services, Ministerial
Alliance, Numana and other
organizations

WHY TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
IN EL DORADO?
Available educational resources
 Greatest number of displaced
individuals and greatest number of
potentially displaced individuals
 Greatest opportunities for
employment
 Strong community support
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Marion Nichols, Director
Mid Kansas Community
Action Program
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING BE RUN?
Experienced, paid coordinator on
duty, fully versed in social services
available to assist transition to
independent living
 Up to 1 week “pure” emergency
shelter provided
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HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING BE RUN?
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Within 48 hours of arrival, coordinator will
conduct an interview with new residents to
determine root cause of homelessness
Coordinator will utilize and access
partnership contacts to develop a plan for
independent living. Plan may include SRS,
MidKap, Social Security advocacy, health
care, education, employment, budget
counseling, parenting classes and other life
skills training.
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING BE RUN?
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BHI will work closely with school officials
and resident parents to aid children in
school attendance and studies.
Weekly progress reviews and resident
interviews will be conducted for continued
occupancy
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING BE RUN?

Residents may remain up to 4 months
in the transitional living
arrangement. After 4 months, a
review will be conducted to
determine progress and a board
decision will determine longer
lengths of stay.
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING BE RUN?
Residents will have a plan for the
business day and will be expected to
make continued progress towards
independent living. A bagged lunch
will be provided as needed.
 Residents will have a curfew of 6 pm
except in the case of employment,
approved meetings, other approved
circumstances. Doors locked at 9 pm

HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING BE RUN?
Residents will share in maintenance
and upkeep of facility
 Community service will be required of
all residents who are not prohibited
by work or disability
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HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING BE RUN?
Loitering will not be allowed around
the building
 A backyard recreation area provided
for residents with privacy fencing
 Drug and alcohol use will not be
tolerated. Random drug testing and
personal property searches will be
authorized by resident signature
upon registration.
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HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING BE RUN?
Partnership will be developed with
EDPD for safety concerns and
coordination.
 Facility will have outside lighting and
adequate parking.
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HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING BE RUN?
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Background checks will be conducted
on all residents and volunteers/staff.
Any open arrest warrants will be
respected
HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING BE RUN?
Meals will be provided by churches
and other community organizations
 Trained volunteers will staff facility
overnight
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HOW WILL TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING BE RUN?
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This preliminary plan of operation is
subject to board review prior to
opening and BHI welcomes input
from partnerships
IMPACT ON NEIGHBORHOODS
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Studies show no decrease in property
values or increase in criminal activity
in neighborhoods surrounding
supportive housing
–Urban Land Institute Report, 1999
(Study in Denver)
IMPACT ON NEIGHBORHOODS
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Other studies show steady increase in
property values surrounding
transitional housing
--Furman Center for Real Estate and
Urban Policy, 2008