Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution to adopt a Homelessness and Mental Health Strategic Plan.
Summary
DATE: February 7, 2023
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Danielle Singh, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Adoption of the Homelessness and Mental Health Strategic Plan
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Homelessness and mental health are a crisis of staggering proportions, growing worse every day in cities nationwide, the City of Killeen is no exception. There are numerous services and programs in Bell County, but agencies tend to operate individually rather than as a system of support to holistically address homelessness.
The cities of Killeen and Temple recognized that a comprehensive approach, including a series of short, medium, and long-term strategies is required to address homelessness. City Council authorized the entry into an Interlocal agreement to prepare a Homelessness and Mental Health Strategic Plan. The plan was developed to reduce and address the duration and frequency of incidents of homelessness within our county.
The Homelessness and Mental Health Strategic Plan is attached hereto. The plan’s major points of emphasis include:
• Develop and operate nine clinical tracks within three focus areas across Bell County
• Establish the Arbor of Hope non-profit to coordinate county-wide homeless services
• Proactively source new housing of all types
• Implement true case management and service coordination tools
• Create and support Arbor of Hope Campuses to holistically address homelessness
• Support successful transitional programs
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Option 1- Do not approve the proposed Homelessness and Mental Health Strategic Plan and continue to operate without a plan to address homelessness.
Option 2- Approve the proposed Homelessness and Mental Health Strategic Plan.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends Option 2, to approve the proposed Homelessness and Mental Health Strategic Plan. Having an adopted Homelessness and Mental Health Strategic Plan will serve as a roadmap to improve service delivery to reduce and graduate individuals out of homelessness within Killeen, Temple and throughout Bell County.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This item conforms to all applicable policies and laws.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
While adoption of the plan does not expend funds, the City Council will need to consider allocating funds in the future to implement the plan.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
N/A
Is this expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the Homelessness and Mental Health Strategic Plan.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Report