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I was asked by the some of the Cameron County Homeless Partnership members to submit an update of our Strategic Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. I have outlined a summary of our planning process and included some of the barriers and input from our local service providers involved in the discussion of local gaps and priorities.
As other Coalitions within the state, the Cameron County Homeless Partnership is holding public hearings throughout Cameron County to meet the mandate of preparation and approval of a Strategic Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in 10 Years.
The process commenced in November 2004 with a general meeting with appropriate Cameron County personnel. The following maps the progress of our planning process so far:
- In December 2004, the Cameron County Commissioners Court approved a resolution to support the development of Comprehensive Plan.
- The Cameron County Planning Department organized a small working group.
- Various planning meetings were held with our Coalition and a presentation was made to the Cameron County Homeless Partnership on March 29, 2005.
- A progress report was made to Cameron County Commissioners Court April 5, 2005.
- Four public forums for input have been held in Harlingen, Brownsville, Los Fresnos, Port Isabel, and Santa Rosa. The intent was to select larger and small communities coupled with some in rural areas.
The public forums included a PowerPoint presentation discussing homelessness within Cameron County, resources, needs, and local coalition efforts. Approximately 300 letters signed by Cameron County Judge were forwarded, including a general survey seeking to ascertain the recipients’ knowledge of the homelessness issues within their respective communities.
The public forums also included a general discussion on barriers to ending homelessness, whereby attendees were asked for input on priorities. During the presentation, it was noted that the plan was focusing on “chronic homelessness,” which does not reflect the homeless population within Cameron County. The presentation noted that the basis of addressing “chronic homelessness” originates from HUD data acknowledging the chronic homeless represent approximately 10% of homeless individuals and consume nearly 50% of services. It was noted that this ratio is not reflective within our communities.
Most recent analysis from service providers would reflect an Hispanic female head of household with two children would mirror those seeking assistance.
The reality is there does not exist mental health services and/or drug abuse services at the outset thus the allocation of funds towards this group is not accurate. In addition, both Cameron and Hidalgo Coalitions have attempted to inform HUD the problems in South Texas are unique and overcrowding is a significant factor and not individuals in out in the street. Thus, HUD’s definition of homelessness itself is a barrier.
The consensus of the meeting to date has revealed the program design of SuperNofa in the COC with emphasis on permanent housing mandating a cash match places an undue burden for providers. The option of leasing is available; however, the overall reduction in federal and state funding has many agencies in a survival rather than a sharing mode.
The level of economic deprivation has created continued problems at all levels. The United Way, which provides funds to many service providers, has predicted a 40% shortfall from last year. This is coupled with continued influx of immigrants from Central and South America that are undocumented and not eligible for services. The area also continues to attract individuals from the North seeking warmer climate and proximity to Mexico.
The local chambers of commerce continued to talk about growth, markets, and investments however it is understood that is their mission. The best analysis from another perspective is that there is “growth without prosperity.”
In summary the process continues with expectation of approval of plan and submittal of such to cities. The Coalition has made the determination it will also note the real homeless persons within Cameron County during this process to increase awareness of problem and seeking solutions.
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