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31 <br /> 1 Ann Oshel continued the presentation: <br /> 2 <br /> 3 Slide #7 <br /> Bridge Housing Works <br /> • Alliance has implemented 5 bridge housing programs beginning in <br /> 2017 <br /> • Supports a Housing First approach <br /> • Reduces other public costs such as jail stays and frequent interactions <br /> with first responders <br /> • Reduces the suffering and trauma of homelessness <br /> • Improves quality of life outcomes through the ultimate goal of <br /> permanent supportive housing <br /> 4 <br /> 5 Caitlin Fenhagen of the Criminal Justice Resource Department said the house was <br /> 6 donated to Caramore with the intention of supporting people with behavioral health. She said a <br /> 7 lot of work has been done, but to make it comfortable for program participants they will need <br /> 8 $50,000 from Alliance to renovate the basement area over the next two months. She reviewed <br /> 9 the remaining budget as presented in the agenda abstract materials. <br /> 10 Vice-Chair McKee asked if the request for 6 months funding is to get the county to the <br /> 11 next fiscal year. <br /> 12 Caitlen Fenhagen said yes. <br /> 13 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how medications will be stored in the home by <br /> 14 program participants. She asked if Alliance has seen roommate issues in their other bridge <br /> 15 homes. <br /> 16 Ann Oshel said it takes special licensure to administer medications. She said that staff <br /> 17 will be responsible for making sure that medications are stored in a safe location, and they have <br /> 18 not had any issues in the last 6 years. <br /> 19 Commissioner Hamilton said she is looking forward to seeing how it all works. She said <br /> 20 it is something that is needed in the community. She asked if the home will be coed. <br /> 21 Ann Oshel said it will not be coed. <br /> 22 Commissioner Hamilton said it will be interesting to know if people come into the home <br /> 23 with different mental health needs and how people get along. <br /> 24 Ann Oshel said they have moved people around in the past if there are roommate <br /> 25 issues. She said this is the second bridge housing program they have operated in a congregate <br /> 26 setting. <br /> 27 Commissioner Fowler asked if the county will be able to fill the four county beds. <br /> 28 Rachel Waltz said yes, that based on their caseloads, they would have 12 people ready <br /> 29 for bridge housing at any one time. She said they will be receiving grants soon for rapid <br /> 30 rehousing assistance and to help more households. <br /> 31 Commissioner Fowler asked if participants could stay past five months. <br /> 32 Ann Oshel said yes. <br /> 33 Commissioner Greene thanked Ann Oshel for her dedication to this work. <br /> 34 <br />