Human Services Advisory Council

MINUTES Human Services Advisory Council City of Falls Church PURPOSE OF MEETING: To advise the City Council on human services delivery to Falls Church citizens. DATE OF MEETING: July 20, 2023 PLACE OF MEETING: In Person (Laurel Room) w/ Virtual Option MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY Debra Z. Roth at 6:30 p.m. THOSE PRESENT: HSAC Members: City Council Representative: Debra Z. Roth Marybeth Connelly Alisa Macht Jeff Person Student Representatives: Nicole Newman Liz Rotherham Jeff Ackerman Staff: Carter Williams Dana Jones Leslyn Barrow CSB Representative: Amanda Wu Commission on Aging Representatives: Guests: APPROVAL TO ADOPT THE AGENDA: The agenda for this meeting was adopted. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from the May 18, 2023 meeting were approved with corrections. NEW BUSINESS: Human Services Update – Leslyn Barrow provided an update on Human Services update including senior assisted living facilities, dental clinic program, emergency finance assistance (emergency rent, security deposit, utilities, food, clothing, transportation, prescription eyeglasses, etc.), farewheels taxi coupon program, and other basic needs. Leslyn Barrow also mentioned she helps elderly residents apply for different programs on an as-needed basis. She also handed the Housing and Human Services brochures to the members. Leslyn Barrow provided information on new state laws that became effective on July 1, 2023. • HB258, the law requires hotel managers and staff to complete online training on human trafficking within six months of being employed by a hotel and once every two years thereafter. Although the law was effective January 1, 2023, the Fairfax County Health Department will begin enforcing these requirements starting July 1.  • HB1702, landlords who own four or more units will have to provide written notice of a rent increase to their tenants at least 60 days in advance. • HB1963, this law amends the family and individual supports, community living, and building independence waivers to provide greater financial flexibility to individuals with developmental disabilities who are receiving waiver services. (Amanda Wu provided an update on this law) Leslyn Barrow also provided information on employment services. Outreach ideas for Housing and Human Services brochures were discussed. Youth Workforce Development Regional Collaborative – Leslyn Barrow already provided this update in her discussion above. Disability Awareness Month Proclamation – Jeff Parson received a Disability Awareness Month Proclamation from the City Mayor during the July Council Meeting. OLD BUSINESS: Unity Club Accessibility Status – There is nothing to report. Well Being and Seniors Accessibility and Affordable Housing Report – Jeff Person met with the people and still looking for possible next steps. He is still trying to more information. Commission on Aging Update – Dana Jones said we need a representative for the Commission on Aging. Currently, we don’t have a representative and she has been attending the meeting. They have put together committees for the SHAPE initiative on different subjects. They are going to have a meeting in August. Northern Virginia Aging Network had a legislative platform this year. They are advocating for allowing electronic participation for advisory boards and commissions with no restriction on the number of meetings per year. This request did not make it this year and they will try again next year. Some other things they are advocating for are requiring gradience to complete initial and ongoing training as a condition of their service and also increasing in the auxiliary grant to assisted living facilities to $2500, and requiring employers to provide at least 10 days of sick leave for all workers including direct care workers in nursing homes, assisted living, and health care workers. SHAPE Initiative Services for older adults and family caregiver Housing and neighborhood support Access to mobility options Personal wellbeing Economic stability OTHER August HSAC meeting – Members decided to take a break in August. Nicole Newman shared information on NISC National Institute of Fever Center. She said if the City of Falls Church Community Center is an NISC affiliate then we can get up to 10k to support for COVID vaccine awareness and support. Dana Jones announced Ripal Patel’s promotion. Amanda Wu provided information on a disability presentation hosted by The Sherwood Regional Library that will talk about housing rights. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. The City of Falls Church is committed to the letter and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This document will be made available in an alternate format upon request. Call 703-248- 5005 (TTY 711).