MEETING MINUTES

PRESENT: Amy Bartels, ARCHES; Jim Cain, Parole and Probation; Dan Deitz, Salem Police; Chris Murfin, Winema Job and Career Center; Kenneth Rush, Bridgeway; Melanie Corey, Polk County Sheriff's Office; Mike McFetridge, PCP; Lauren Smith, ARCHES; Jennie Pino, ARCHES; Carla Cary, MWVCAA; Debbie Hall, Bridgeway; Tom Wisniewski, Salem NAMI; Liz Harrison, OHCS; Verena Wessel, NWHS-HOAP; Gary Lasater, SOS; Rick McKenna, CSI.

Chris Murfin from Winema Job and Career Center discussed the new TANF program micro enterprise component, which will allow participants up to a year to get a business going. Participants will have to complete a business plan and work independently, with help from Job and Career Centers.

With regard to the next tax measure, Chris also announced that if the measure does not pass in February, OHP would no longer exist as we know it. It will only cover children under age six and pregnant women. Bigger gaps in service coverage will exist.

Mike McFetridge from PCC announced that new housing was going to become available for people coming out of state hospitals. Twenty to 30 beds will be available this spring. Three of these cottages are on Greenway Drive.

Tom Wisniewski from N.A.M.I. shared that he went to help out at First Love Inc.'s food drop off site (which happens every Wednesday morning at 9:00 am under the Marion Street Bridge). He said that it was a very eye-opening experience and that the food went fast!

Dan Murphy reminded the board that the next ARCHES Advisory Board meeting would be held February 19, 2004 at St. Vincent de Paul's.

Dan also announced that both St. Vincent de Paul and ARCHES were considering several ways to combine efforts. Short-term plans include looking for funding to make offices for ARCHES at St. Vincent de Paul. Long-term plans include applying for grants that would help fund the construction of a 32-unit housing facility out of which ARCHES could operate. The future site of this tentative project would be on St. Vincent de Paul's existing property. Very near future steps include reviewing plans with an OHCS architect and doing a walk-through at St. Vincent's for a possible remodel.

Some benefits to the move are to be more centrally located with better access to food and clothing. Possible vocational training services will be offered at St. Vincent's, which would be an overall enhancement to ARCHES' services. Corrections clients would continue to be served if ARCHES moves, and the dialogue will continue with the county on ways to maintain ARCHES' support of corrections clients.

Dan and Rick McKenna recently attended a steering committee meeting for this project where several church denominations were represented. This effort is community focused, not just focused on the inside of institutions. Currently, those in charge of this project are doing mappings of chaplains and services that are available to DOC individuals who need help transitioning into the community. Director of the project, Chaplain Tim Cayton, will be at the next ARCHES Advisory Board Meeting to further discuss their efforts. We also have a commitment from Tim to join our advisory board.

The Gaps Analysis and Street Count happens every year, and directly effects the Continuum of Care grant. In the past, there have been difficulties getting an accurate count. This year, a committee will be formed to take on this important project. Help is needed to coordinate the effort. The count is due in May, and the Street Count portion will be completed in March. One of the reasons that this project is necessary is because it has a direct correlation to federal dollars available to provide services to homeless. Contact Carla Cary if you are interested in being involved.

ARCHES is currently low on hygiene supplies. Collaboration with churches and other organizations may help alleviate the shortage. Ideas given were to contact Schools' Community Service Programs, the ESL/GED program at Chemeketa, and Scouts programs. Other ideas are to encourage churches to hold drives and to contact Aramark for donations.

Dan shared details of the Policy Academy that he attended, in which all federal agencies were represented. It was a time of information gathering and team meetings. Each state was given the opportunity to come up with a plan to eliminate homelessness in the next ten years with the help of federal partners. Each group working on the plan had to have a consensus. One goal was to find ways to involve people from the community. By the end of the three-day conference, each team presented their plan to all the federal agencies and other states that were represented.

Meetings will be held in order to implement this plan every other month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dates to be announced. Previous plans have included families and children, which will be integrated into the current efforts. Several states have implemented their plan to end homelessness and have had very impressive outcomes..

Currently, ARCHES Project Case Manager Lauren Smith is working with 65 individuals/families who are receiving grant funds. People are doing well on the program, and continue to transition off as they become stable. Those who do not follow through with case management plans are terminated from the grant. Collaboration with the county continues, as more county clients are being offered grant services.

Information and Referral Specialist for the ARCHES Project, Amy Bartels, is coordinating and implementing a new and improved Life Skills course for ARCHES' and corrections clients. Jennie Pino, Outreach Worker, is also involved in this effort. The class currently being offered by the county has been considered not developed enough to make enough of an impact on clients. Therefore, the new Life Skills course is in the process of being developed to better meet the needs of county and ARCHES' homeless clients. The course will consist of at least four different classes and will also include the Bridges to Employment class currently being offered.

The next ARCHES Advisory Board Meeting will be held February 19, 2004 at St. Vincent de Paul from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by return email or by calling ARCHES at 503-566-6927.

The address for St. Vincent's De Paul Thrift Store and Social Services is 3745 Portland Rd NE (Site of the old Furrow's Building Supply Store). Parking is available in the back of the store through the gates.

PRESENT: Sharon Pascoe, WESD; Robin Pelton, MWVCAA; Mike McFetridge, PCC; Dan Murphy, Arches; Rick McKenna, MCSO Parole and Probation; Dan Deitz, Salem PD; Chris Murfin, Winema Job and Career Center; Gary Lasater, SOS; Ann Heath, NAMI; Roger Applegate, Marion Co Health Department; Liz Harrison, OHCS; Amy Sockett, CET at Friendship House; Valerie Freeman, Salem Hospital; Kev Brotton, NWHS; Tom Wisniewski, NAMI; Connie Kumm, Friendship House; Diana Fox, Bridgeway.

Dan provided summary of formation of ARCHES program with early focus on creating a "One-Stop" intake and referral center in Marion and Polk Counties. Modeled after Reno, NV program. In March 2001, Arches became part of MWVCAA and was piloted w/ Corrections population with multiple barriers i.e. 80% substance abuse history, 40% pre-incarceration homelessness, 20% significant mental health issues. Review of how Arches fits into existing partnership within Continuum of Care system. (See diagram). Chronic shortfall in low-income housing availability

Arches program update: Staff are currently fielding 4-5 calls daily. Most are from single parent families. In December 60% of clients were placed in transitional housing. 30-60 days until Arches moves to Phase II. March move into all of Dorm A at County Jail to include drop-in day center, additional office space for outreach coordinator, OHCS Housing Coordinator, emergency beds. etc. Willamette U student group assisting with furnishing day use area. Still waiting on receipt of funds from grant to do hiring.

Recent cooperative effort between Shangri-La, Arches, and MCSO, and Oxford Houses to acquire a property once used as housing for single expectant mothers. Will be used as low-income housing for clients facing multiple barriers and marketed as single units with shared kitchen and common living area.

Robin Pelton briefed group on MWVCAA receipt of $601K Continuum of Care grant funding. Focus for homeless with multiple barriers that allows for up to 24 months of assistance with intensive case management. Robin reported that "Gaps Analysis" to review and identify needs in community services was underway.

Friendship House representatives reported that a new group dubbed "ABLE" is now forming under the direction of Arlene Logan and Joe Beebe with Marion County Health Department. This committee is attempting to launch a project similar to Arches concept but with focus on homeless with mental health/dual diagnosis issues.

Group moved into refining Arches Development Work Plan w/ Robin Pelton facilitating the process. (See separate Work Plan document.)

Present: Vincent Floyd, Consumer Empowerment Team; Roy Maul, Onesimus Ministries; Dan Dietz, Salem Police Department; Jennifer Marvin, YWCA; Sharon Pascoe, WESD; Carla Cary, MWVCAA; Liz Harrison, OHOP; Roger Appelgate, Marion County Health Department; Gary Lasater, SOS Shelter; Jeri Moeller, Serenity Lane-Straight Facts; Chris Murfin, Winema Job and Career Center; Mike McFetridge, Psychiatric Crisis Center; Pat Schriener, Marion County Parole and Probation; Dan Murphy, ARCHES Project Manager.

NEXT MEETING: Thursday, February 20 2003 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Lunch will be provided. The meeting will be held at Marion County Health Department's River Grove Offices, 2111 Front St NE, Salem Oregon. (This is located just South of the intersection of Pine and Front, and just South of Marion-Polk Food Share) We will be meeting upstairs in conference room 203.

PARKING: You can park in the Front Street parking lot (3 different sections and entrances next to each other off of Front Street), if these are full the Stars Cabaret has been good in allowing visitors to park in their parking lot in the spaces along Front Street. There is also some parking available on side streets. Parking is somewhat limited so you may want to car pool if possible.

This will be a planned work-session to develop strategy and action steps for the board. We have a good process planned, and the time together will be well spent. This will be especially helpful for new board members, and longer-term members can help provide continuity.


	MEETING MINUTES 12/18/03 02/20/03 01/16/03 MINUTES FROM THE ARCHES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING December 18, 2003 PRESENT: Amy Bartels, ARCHES; Jim Cain, Parole and Probation; Dan Deitz, Salem Police; Chris Murfin, Winema Job and Career Center; Kenneth Rush, Bridgeway; Melanie Corey, Polk County Sheriff's Office; Mike McFetridge, PCP; Lauren Smith, ARCHES; Jennie Pino, ARCHES; Carla Cary, MWVCAA; Debbie Hall, Bridgeway; Tom Wisniewski, Salem NAMI; Liz Harrison, OHCS; Verena Wessel, NWHS-HOAP; Gary Lasater, SOS; Rick McKenna, CSI. ANNOUNCMENTS Chris Murfin from Winema Job and Career Center discussed the new TANF program micro enterprise component, which will allow participants up to a year to get a business going. Participants will have to complete a business plan and work independently, with help from Job and Career Centers. With regard to the next tax measure, Chris also announced that if the measure does not pass in February, OHP would no longer exist as we know it. It will only cover children under age six and pregnant women. Bigger gaps in service coverage will exist. Mike McFetridge from PCC announced that new housing was going to become available for people coming out of state hospitals. Twenty to 30 beds will be available this spring. Three of these cottages are on Greenway Drive. Tom Wisniewski from N.A.M.I. shared that he went to help out at First Love Inc.'s food drop off site (which happens every Wednesday morning at 9:00 am under the Marion Street Bridge). He said that it was a very eye-opening experience and that the food went fast! Dan Murphy reminded the board that the next ARCHES Advisory Board meeting would be held February 19, 2004 at St. Vincent de Paul's. Dan also announced that both St. Vincent de Paul and ARCHES were considering several ways to combine efforts. Short-term plans include looking for funding to make offices for ARCHES at St. Vincent de Paul. Long-term plans include applying for grants that would help fund the construction of a 32-unit housing facility out of which ARCHES could operate. The future site of this tentative project would be on St. Vincent de Paul's existing property. Very near future steps include reviewing plans with an OHCS architect and doing a walk-through at St. Vincent's for a possible remodel. Some benefits to the move are to be more centrally located with better access to food and clothing. Possible vocational training services will be offered at St. Vincent's, which would be an overall enhancement to ARCHES' services. Corrections clients would continue to be served if ARCHES moves, and the dialogue will continue with the county on ways to maintain ARCHES' support of corrections clients. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS FAITH-BASED RE-ENTRY PROJECT "HOME FOR GOOD" Dan and Rick McKenna recently attended a steering committee meeting for this project where several church denominations were represented. This effort is community focused, not just focused on the inside of institutions. Currently, those in charge of this project are doing mappings of chaplains and services that are available to DOC individuals who need help transitioning into the community. Director of the project, Chaplain Tim Cayton, will be at the next ARCHES Advisory Board Meeting to further discuss their efforts. We also have a commitment from Tim to join our advisory board. GAPS ANALYSIS/STREET COUNT The Gaps Analysis and Street Count happens every year, and directly effects the Continuum of Care grant. In the past, there have been difficulties getting an accurate count. This year, a committee will be formed to take on this important project. Help is needed to coordinate the effort. The count is due in May, and the Street Count portion will be completed in March. One of the reasons that this project is necessary is because it has a direct correlation to federal dollars available to provide services to homeless. Contact Carla Cary if you are interested in being involved. HYGIENE SUPPLIES ARCHES is currently low on hygiene supplies. Collaboration with churches and other organizations may help alleviate the shortage. Ideas given were to contact Schools' Community Service Programs, the ESL/GED program at Chemeketa, and Scouts programs. Other ideas are to encourage churches to hold drives and to contact Aramark for donations. OREGON HOMELESS POLICY ACADEMY Dan shared details of the Policy Academy that he attended, in which all federal agencies were represented. It was a time of information gathering and team meetings. Each state was given the opportunity to come up with a plan to eliminate homelessness in the next ten years with the help of federal partners. Each group working on the plan had to have a consensus. One goal was to find ways to involve people from the community. By the end of the three-day conference, each team presented their plan to all the federal agencies and other states that were represented. Meetings will be held in order to implement this plan every other month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dates to be announced. Previous plans have included families and children, which will be integrated into the current efforts. Several states have implemented their plan to end homelessness and have had very impressive outcomes.. ARCHES GRANT Currently, ARCHES Project Case Manager Lauren Smith is working with 65 individuals/families who are receiving grant funds. People are doing well on the program, and continue to transition off as they become stable. Those who do not follow through with case management plans are terminated from the grant. Collaboration with the county continues, as more county clients are being offered grant services. LIFE SKILLS Information and Referral Specialist for the ARCHES Project, Amy Bartels, is coordinating and implementing a new and improved Life Skills course for ARCHES' and corrections clients. Jennie Pino, Outreach Worker, is also involved in this effort. The class currently being offered by the county has been considered not developed enough to make enough of an impact on clients. Therefore, the new Life Skills course is in the process of being developed to better meet the needs of county and ARCHES' homeless clients. The course will consist of at least four different classes and will also include the Bridges to Employment class currently being offered. The next ARCHES Advisory Board Meeting will be held February 19, 2004 at St. Vincent de Paul from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP by return email or by calling ARCHES at 503-566-6927. The address for St. Vincent's De Paul Thrift Store and Social Services is 3745 Portland Rd NE (Site of the old Furrow's Building Supply Store). Parking is available in the back of the store through the gates. AGENDA: Introductions and Announcements DOC Faith-Based Reentry Project "Home for Good" presentation Update on Street Count effort City of Salem TBA Grant funds Staff changes at ARCHES Update on ARCHES/St. Vincent De Paul collaboration Oregon Homeless Policy Academy presentation Arches Advisory Board Minutes Work Session 2/20/03 PRESENT: Sharon Pascoe, WESD; Robin Pelton, MWVCAA; Mike McFetridge, PCC; Dan Murphy, Arches; Rick McKenna, MCSO Parole and Probation; Dan Deitz, Salem PD; Chris Murfin, Winema Job and Career Center; Gary Lasater, SOS; Ann Heath, NAMI; Roger Applegate, Marion Co Health Department; Liz Harrison, OHCS; Amy Sockett, CET at Friendship House; Valerie Freeman, Salem Hospital; Kev Brotton, NWHS; Tom Wisniewski, NAMI; Connie Kumm, Friendship House; Diana Fox, Bridgeway. Dan Murphy called meeting to order and opened with self-introductions of those present. Dan provided summary of formation of ARCHES program with early focus on creating a "One-Stop" intake and referral center in Marion and Polk Counties. Modeled after Reno, NV program. In March 2001, Arches became part of MWVCAA and was piloted w/ Corrections population with multiple barriers i.e. 80% substance abuse history, 40% pre-incarceration homelessness, 20% significant mental health issues. Review of how Arches fits into existing partnership within Continuum of Care system. (See diagram). Chronic shortfall in low-income housing availability Arches program update: Staff are currently fielding 4-5 calls daily. Most are from single parent families. In December 60% of clients were placed in transitional housing. 30-60 days until Arches moves to Phase II. March move into all of Dorm A at County Jail to include drop-in day center, additional office space for outreach coordinator, OHCS Housing Coordinator, emergency beds. etc. Willamette U student group assisting with furnishing day use area. Still waiting on receipt of funds from grant to do hiring. Recent cooperative effort between Shangri-La, Arches, and MCSO, and Oxford Houses to acquire a property once used as housing for single expectant mothers. Will be used as low-income housing for clients facing multiple barriers and marketed as single units with shared kitchen and common living area. Robin Pelton briefed group on MWVCAA receipt of $601K Continuum of Care grant funding. Focus for homeless with multiple barriers that allows for up to 24 months of assistance with intensive case management. Robin reported that "Gaps Analysis" to review and identify needs in community services was underway. Friendship House representatives reported that a new group dubbed "ABLE" is now forming under the direction of Arlene Logan and Joe Beebe with Marion County Health Department. This committee is attempting to launch a project similar to Arches concept but with focus on homeless with mental health/dual diagnosis issues. Group moved into refining Arches Development Work Plan w/ Robin Pelton facilitating the process. (See separate Work Plan document.) Next meeting date set for Thursday, March 20, 2003 from 10-noon at Arches in the "A" dorm conference room. Arches Advisory Board Minutes Work Session 1/16/03 Present: Vincent Floyd, Consumer Empowerment Team; Roy Maul, Onesimus Ministries; Dan Dietz, Salem Police Department; Jennifer Marvin, YWCA; Sharon Pascoe, WESD; Carla Cary, MWVCAA; Liz Harrison, OHOP; Roger Appelgate, Marion County Health Department; Gary Lasater, SOS Shelter; Jeri Moeller, Serenity Lane-Straight Facts; Chris Murfin, Winema Job and Career Center; Mike McFetridge, Psychiatric Crisis Center; Pat Schriener, Marion County Parole and Probation; Dan Murphy, ARCHES Project Manager. Dan called the meeting to order and proceeded with introductions of all present. Dan passed out orientation packets about ARCHES and the Continuum of Care Grant. He reviewed the grant and the positions that would be funded with the $601,000 over two years. The bulk of the dollars will be used for rental assistance for homeless persons including corrections clients. The grant has been awarded, now we must provide a technical submission and expect the first funds to be released sometime in March. Carla added that this grant is based on the continuum of care, gaps analysis put together by the Mid-Valley Housing and Services Collaborative. Dan reported on current grants in progress: Spirit Mountain: This was submitted about 60 days ago and there have been inquires from the Tribe but no final word yet. Paul Allen Foundation: No word yet. Carla spoke about the "Dream Project" which will now be called the "Model Project". She outlined the project and brought all up to date. The group focused on developing short and long-term goals and focused on ARCHES providing the base for the first phase; establishment of an intake center staffed 24/7. The long-term goal is to build a facility to house ARCHES alongside transitional housing. Carla will be attending a conference in Washington D.C. in February and the focus will be to develop funding for the Dream Project. New Offices for ARCHES: ARCHES will be moving into "A" dorm and will have use of the entire space for offices, drop-in center, conference room, and respite beds. MCSO will provide this space for no cost and the move will take place late February, early March. Dan passed out the current wish list for ARCHES and asked for all members to help where possible. The current budget does not allow for materials/supplies purchasing so the help is really needed. There was a request for the list to be e-mailed and Dan said he would. The work session for ARCHES was set for February 20th from 10 to 3. Topics for the session were discussed. Dan will e-mail location when set. New members to the board were welcomed, and they were thanked for the new energy they brought with them to the meeting. NEXT MEETING: Thursday, February 20 2003 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Lunch will be provided. The meeting will be held at Marion County Health Department's River Grove Offices, 2111 Front St NE, Salem Oregon. (This is located just South of the intersection of Pine and Front, and just South of Marion-Polk Food Share) We will be meeting upstairs in conference room 203. PARKING: You can park in the Front Street parking lot (3 different sections and entrances next to each other off of Front Street), if these are full the Stars Cabaret has been good in allowing visitors to park in their parking lot in the spaces along Front Street. There is also some parking available on side streets. Parking is somewhat limited so you may want to car pool if possible. QUESTIONS AND DIRECTIONS: Please call Roger Appelgate at 503- 373-3780 or Dan Murphy at 503-566-6927. AGENDA: This will be a planned work-session to develop strategy and action steps for the board. We have a good process planned, and the time together will be well spent. This will be especially helpful for new board members, and longer-term members can help provide continuity. Please check your calendars and plan to attend. The success of this meeting will depend on a good turn-out.