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