Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/27/2015

Home

there are also clothing closets and interview closets and advised that there is also a medical area, which remains open even when the center is not open. He stated that there are still a few tables open for the gala, which is scheduled for November 14th and noted that it is where a majority of the funds received come from. He reviewed other fundraising events that bring in donations and other funding received by the organization through the business community. Mayor Strommen appreciated the comments of everyone tonight and stated that this is a heart wrenching issue that the organizations bring a light of hope to. She was saddened that Ramsey is the only City that has invited these folks to further discuss the issue and the possible role of the City. Ms. Jeppson stated that there is support from other cities but not in this format with all the organizations present. Ms. Ryan agreed that this is a nice format, noting that the other opportunities to speak have been one on one with cities and one organization. Councilmember Kuzma asked Ms. Ryan for more information on the housing provided. Ms. Ryan stated that the congregation will free up space within the church and the organization has rollaway beds that are provided. She stated that each family has their own room to provide privacy. She stated that the day center is on the Lord of Life campus and that congregation, as well as other congregations, have looked for ways to empower and support the organization. Councilmember Shryock commented that it would be useful to find some space in the Ramsey Resident that outlines these organizations and the services they provide. She explained that residents can then be aware of how they can help and how they can utilize the services if needed. Ms. Jeppson provided additional information in regard to coordinated entry, noting that every public entity can be trained on step one, and reviewed the steps of the program. She stated that the system has been very successful but noted that there is a gap for 18-24 year olds, noting that age group receives the least amount of assistance and is the most increasing segment. Councilmember Johns asked if that has to do with youth aging out of the public assistance system. Ms. Jeppson stated that is a difficult age for any person and therefore the youth that age have difficulty reaching the right people for assistance. Mr. Swanson agreed that at that age the youth think they know everything and may act like they do not want your help, even though they do want you to care. Ms. Ryan referenced the example of a family that has split up during the homelessness problem and stated that their organization works to reconfigure families. City Council Work Session / October 27, 2015 Page 4 of 6