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25 <br /> 1 Blake Rosser said that space was considered, but there are challenges with using that <br /> 2 space and he doesn't think it is feasible except in the case of an emergency. He said the <br /> 3 preference is to have one standard site. <br /> 4 Vice-Chair Hamilton encouraged staff to begin thinking about increasing staffing at cold <br /> 5 weather shelters next year, as more people may be in need. <br /> 6 Blake Rosser said he thinks the shelters will be in a better position next year because <br /> 7 there was a lot of new staff this year and they have already learned a lot about how to improve. <br /> 8 Council Member Haven-O'Donnell asked if schools gyms have been considered as a <br /> 9 possible site for shelter. <br /> 10 Blake Rosser said that is one of the places that first comes to mind for shelter, but <br /> 11 unfortunately the schedule of most schools is in conflict with what he would consider to be fair <br /> 12 and dignified treatment for clients. He said they would have to get up and out of the gym when it <br /> 13 is still dark to be able to clean up for when the kids are coming to school. <br /> 14 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if a cold weather shelter in Northern Orange County is <br /> 15 still being considered. <br /> 16 Blake Rosser said yes. He said there are two churches, Hillsborough Presbyterian and <br /> 17 Saint Matthews Episcopal that are eager to help out. He said he has done walk throughs at both, <br /> 18 and they are on the path to securing a space. <br /> 19 Mayor Foushee asked Blake Rosser if he foresees gaining the funding for the partially <br /> 20 filled gaps he indicated in his presentation, and if there are any gaps in particular that are priority. <br /> 21 Blake Rosser said the short answer is no, but keeping the Housing Helpline would be <br /> 22 priority. He said that is basically the front door to the homelessness system. <br /> 23 Mayor Foushee asked what types of meetings and partnerships are happening to address <br /> 24 homelessness with other entities like the Chambers of Commerce, Downtown Partnership, etc. <br /> 25 Blake Rosser said there was a meeting he attended Monday with a lot of community <br /> 26 partners. He said they all agreed they need to meet more and make a more concerted effort to <br /> 27 address homelessness. <br /> 28 Travis Myren said in terms of actually putting people into housing, it is important to build <br /> 29 out the rapid rehousing program more with supportive services. <br /> 30 Commissioner Fowler recognized all the great work that Housing and their partners have <br /> 31 done. She said pre-COVID it felt like there were only gaps, so it is important to recognize the <br /> 32 progress and the fact that there might even be progress on those remaining gaps. <br /> 33 <br /> 34 <br />