Homeless Services Ad Hoc Committee

HOMELESS SERVICES ADHOC COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025 CALL TO ORDER The Columbia Homeless Services Adhoc Committee conducted a meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at City Hall (Mayor’s Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, Second Floor, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The Honorable Will Brennan, Chair called the meeting to order at 1:04 p.m. and the following members were present: Attendee Name Title Status Will Brennan Chair Present Aditi Bussells Member Present Tyler D. Bailey Member Present COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 1. Homeless Services Update - Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of Homeless Services – The information was received. No action was taken. Councilor Brennan highlighted the importance of evaluating past successes in homeless services and identifying opportunities for future improvements. He emphasized the need for strong partnerships with service providers. Ms. Teresa Wilson, City Manager thanked Mr. Brennan and Mr. Bailey for their leadership, noting that the opening of Rapid Shelter two years ago was uncharted territory. She emphasized the importance of the ad hoc committee in addressing immediate needs with local providers' support. Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of Homeless Services provided an update on key achievements and initiatives. Since the 2022 launch of Rapid Shelter, 79 chronically unsheltered individuals have been permanently housed. The department has also partnered with non-traditional providers to assist those with dual diagnoses. Since June 2023, 27 residents have received aftercare services, totaling 115 engagements. As of December 31, 2024, 46 individuals remain at Rapid Shelter, with 827 community referrals. There was discussion about defining resistance to service; last permanent address reflected in the data; the number of individuals serviced; referral placement; donations and tax deductible status; and the Adopt a Pallet and Rapid Shelter mentorship programs. Page 1 of 2  HOMELESS SERVICES ADHOC COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025 2. Point In Time Count - Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of Homeless Services – The information was received. No action was taken. Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of Homeless Services explained the Point in Time (PIT) Count, an event organized by HUD as a designated evening where both sheltered and unsheltered individuals are surveyed and counted. This year, the PIT Count will take place on January 22, 2025. It is typically scheduled by the end of the month to align with the depletion of resources available to these individuals. The PIT Count is carried out by teams gathering data on the needs of those experiencing homelessness. She presented a visual aid illustrating the Midland Area Consortium for the Homeless (MACH) while emphasizing the challenges posed by the large geographic area covered. It is important for the City of Columbia to show strong support for the event, given the investments made in addressing homelessness. She also extended a call for help to the surrounding counties. There was discussion about how the date is selected; homeless service providers within surrounding counties and municipalities; staff volunteers; how the PIT count is conducted; data points for the homeless population; distribution of funding; and the city’s involvement with MACH. EXECUTIVE SESSION Upon a motion made by Dr. Bussells and seconded by Mr. Bailey, the Committee entered into Executive Session at 1:52 p.m. for the discussion of Item 3. 3. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)  Homeless Services ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC City Clerk Page 2 of 2

HOMELESS SERVICES ADHOC COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025 The Homeless Services Adhoc Committee will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall (Mayor's Conference Room), 1737 Main Street, second floor, Columbia, SC 29201. Members of the public may view the meeting online at www.columbiasc.gov. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov if you have questions regarding this meeting. The Honorable William Brennan, District III The Honorable Aditi Bussells, At-Large  The Honorable Tyler D. Bailey, At-Large Prior to entering the meeting please turn all electronic communication devices to the silent, vibrate or off position. All presenters should speak directly into the microphone for recording purposes. CALL TO ORDER COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 1. Homeless Services Update - Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of Homeless Services 2. Point in Time Count - Ms. Kameisha Heppard, LMSW, Director of Homeless Services EXECUTIVE SESSION 3. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements pursuant to S.C. Code §30-4-70(a)(2)  Homeless Services ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 1