Date: 09/22/2009
Final
Presentation by Interagency Homelessness Council
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY POVERTY REDUCTION TASK FORCE
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10:13 AM -- Presentation by the Colorado Community and Interagency Council on Homelessness
Ms. B.J. Iacino, representing the Colorado Community and Interagency Council on Homelessness, briefed the task force on the council's work to date and its recommendations for reducing homelessness. Task force members received a report to Governor Ritter documenting the council's recommendations (Attachment A), and an update on these recommendations (Attachment B). Ms. Iacino referred to these documents in making her presentation.
10:25 AM
Ms. Iacino continued to brief the task force on the recommendations for mitigating homelessness by the Interagency Council on Homelessness. Ms. Iacino responded to questions regarding the need to ensure that those in the custody of mental health institutions are not discharged directly into homeless situations. Ms. Iacino responded to further questions regarding the council's recommendations for increasing state spending on homelessness programs in light of the recent round of recommended budget cuts and the state's continued economic downturn. Discussion ensued regarding a recommendation by the council to ensure smooth transitions by youth into adult and other age-appropriate human service programs.
10:36 AM
Discussion ensued regarding funding for upgrades to the Homeless Management Information System. Discussion returned to the subject of releasing persons in the custody of mental health institutions into homelessness, how current law addresses this issue, and a recommendation by the council that seeks to mitigate this problem. Ms. Iacino responded to questions regarding time values associated with the definition of homelessness. Ms. Iacino then discussed the council's work during the past six months. Senator Sandoval noted the subject parallels between the Interagency Council on Homelessness and the task force, and the relationship between poverty and homelessness. Ms. Iacino noted the resources contained in the footnotes contained in Attachment A, and the impact of recent budget cuts on emergency services for the homeless population.