Mary Shepherd Home Citizens' Advisory Committee

Shepherd Home Advisory Committee MINUTES December 13, 2023 5:00 Location: Zoom video and in-person at Shepherd Conference Room Those in attendance are Phil Cacciola, veteran and chair; Vinnie Loffredo, vice chair; Larry Riley, veteran; Atty. Ralph Wilson, Atty. Seb Giuliano, Carl Rodenhizer, Columbus House, Takisha Bryant, Shepherd Property Manager (DeMarco); ; Sherrie Garner, Vice-President of Operations, (DeMarco), Alaina Lasnier, CVH Director of Recovery Services Phil opened the meeting at 17:00. CVH Relationship Alaina Lasnier joined the meeting to explore what opportunities can be pursued for Shepherd tenants to access behavioral health services on the CVH campus. Alaina reported that most CVH services are limited to clients who are hospitalized at CVH. She did report some campus activities to have flexible access that she will explore. She will also exploree opportunities at Merritt Hall and River Valley Services. We agreed to meet again at the committee’s February 14 meeting. Sherrie offered to provide tenant demographics. Minutes Minutes of the November meeting was approved as presented. Occupancy and Applications Of the four vacancies in November, two units have been occupied. Two prospective applications were being pursued for the remaining units, but those prospects have dropped their continued interest. An application from the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program is being processed and additional applications are expected. Sherrie anticipates that assuming no new departures, that the two current vacancies should be filled during the beginning of February. A rent increase is being pursued with the housing authority. DeMarco has also recently filled a position in its finance office to fill an unexpected vacancy which has delayed monthly financial reports. Support Services. Seb noted financial support programs that have a veteran priority. These funds are typically to help individuals. We’ll look at how existing programs can support tenants at Shepherd. Building issues. A leak in the roof has appeared and the roofer has been called to assess and correct the problem. In the recent rainstorm, water penetrated two offices on the