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With this in mind I propose that a County "Task Force" or "Study Group" be created to address the Homeless Problem. The assignment would be to evaluate the extent of the problem and the types of homeless people, identify existing needs and resources and the adequacy of such resources, determine whether there is wasteful duplication of resources, review the manner in which neighboring communities deal with the problem and the possible interaction with such cormnunitics, consider needed facilities and suitable locations and costs, etc. This should enable the Task Force to make recommendations as to what can and should be done in our community by the County, the City, the law enforcement agencies, the IRM Hospital, the Coalition for the Homeless and others and how they should interact and how the effort should be fimded. This could go a long way towards eliminating misunderstandings, confusion and even suspicions regarding the Homeless Problem. I would recommend that the Board take the lead in proposing and sponsoring the Task Force. This would establish in.,tanI credibility for the effort and signal the seriousness of the County's concern. The Task Force could have as it members, for example, representatives from the Board of County Commissioners, the Hospital, relevant service organizations, charities, law enforcement and other government agencies, local churches, the Coalition, and private citizens whose judgment and leadership could be helpfid. If the Board will take the leadership in sponsoring a Task Force, I will seek to provide an initial $10,000 to help reimburse the County for the cost of additional staff support and otter expenses of the Task Force. If more finds are needed (within reason), I will seek to obtain those funds as well. Some staff work can probably be obtained on a volunteer basis. Meanwhile, it is obvious to me that the Coalition has tackled a problem far too large for its limited capacity. Nevertheless, the Coalition has made a start in serving a small segment of the Homeless Problem. It has raised some funds from donors and from its successfid "Celebration" fund raiser, it is working to obtain larger facilities and laumch a capital campaign. The Coalition deserves to be encouraged by the Board of County Commissioners because it is the best hope at the moment for doing something constructive about the Homeless Problem. The Board could amt the Coalition with needed finds and help in finding better facilities. While the foregoing Task Force proposal is solely of my own devising, 1 understand that the Coalition does not object and is prepared to cooperate and participate. Sincerely, A .7 WA94-<111 Copies: Vice Chairman Fran Adams Commissioners Caroline Ginn, Ruth Stanbridge and John Tippin Bill Duggan, President, Coalition for the Homeless Chairman Macht reviewed the suggestion for a County task force to address the problem of homelessness in the community and noted that Richard Stark is a very fine man who is willing to put his money where his heart is. Chairman Macht continued that he would be glad to become the County's representative on this task force if the Board wishes to move forward with this. He also believed that if the County is going to participate in the discussion, it will also need to financially participate. He believed there are some funds in the budget which are not currently obligated which could be released for a match without affecting the status of the taxes. Commissioner Adams felt the task force is an excellent idea and would certainly provide an evaluation of the current needs in that area. She looked forward to seeing the results of the task force but was reluctant to endorse a monetary contribution without a specific dollar amount. She did believe the County could provide staff support if appropriate. She felt that the time to support a financial match would be after the evaluations and recommendations are brought back to the Board. AUGUST 3, 1999 -59- 800K II D PAGE 7