Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution appointing citizens to the board of the ARBOR OF HOPE non-profit to lead the county-wide coordination and management of homeless services.
Summary
DATE: July 18, 2023
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Rashawn Smith, Community Development Administrator
SUBJECT: Appointment of Citizen Members to ARBOR OF HOPE county-wide non-profit coordinating homeless services.
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Homelessness and mental health is a crisis of staggering proportions growing worse every day in cities nationwide, the City of Killeen is no exception. Although there are numerous services and programs available within Bell County, the agencies tend to operate individually rather than as a system of support to holistically address homelessness. The cities of Killeen, Temple, and Bell County collectively agreed the situation necessitated a comprehensive approach - one with a series of short, medium, and long-term strategies to adequately address homelessness.
In 2022, the Bell County Judge and Commissioners began working on the plan to reduce the use of jail cells for homeless individuals through the Jail Diversion Program, while in February 2023 the cities of Killeen and Temple adopted the Homelessness and Mental Health Strategic Plan (HMHSP) (Killeen Resolution 23-034R, 2/14/23). The Plan was developed to reduce and address the duration and frequency of homelessness within the county. A major emphasis and recommendation from the Plan is to establish a 501(c)3 non- profit organization to lead the county-wide coordination and management of all homeless services and concerns, including overseeing implementation of the HMHSP. This organization will be known as Arbor of Hope.
The Arbor of Hope governing board will be composed of 4 members appointed by the Bell County Commissioners Court; 3 members appointed by the Killeen City Council; 3 members appointed by the Temple City Council; (1) Chairperson of the County Homeless Service Providers Advisory Council; (1) ex-officio representative of the Central Texas Council of Governments; and the (1) President/CEO of Arbor of Hope serving as an ex-officio member - total 13 board members.
The Community Development Staff, with input from the consultant, created an application to fill the three positions for Killeen. The Application was released and posted to the City’s social media sites as well as the City’s web page with an open session between June 2, 2023, through June 18, 2023. CD Staff received a total of 12 (twelve) applications for the three positions.
Questions in the application requested specific information and experience relative to serving on the governing board including fundraising, marketing, media/public relations/ communications, board development (recruitment, training, evaluation), volunteer recruitment or management, previous leadership capacity (other organizations, jobs or committee participation), strategic planning, information technology, community outreach, special event planning, grant research writing or management, legal services, finance and accounting, and knowledge/experience with homeless issues. Applicants will serve an initial term of two (2) years. Five (5) of the applicants demonstrate exceptional experience.
Staff has provided a copy of the applications submitted by everyone for Council’s consideration of appointment of the three representatives from Killeen to Arbor of Hope governing board.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Council may choose not to appoint any members.
2. Council may select three (3) individuals to for Killeen’s representation on ARBOR OF HOPE board.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Alternative number 2 is recommended.
With the appointment of three (3) individuals to represent Killeen and to serve as a portion of the governing board leading the county-wide non-profit in coordination and management of all homeless services.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This item conforms to all applicable City policies and laws.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
N/A
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:
It is recommended that the City Council appoint three (3) members to the ARBOR OF HOPE board.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
N/A