File #: 210730    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 8/19/2021 In control: Council
On agenda: 8/19/2021 Final action: 8/26/2021
Title: Directing the City Manager to initiate a community needs assessment for the purpose of addressing the needs of the houseless population and those at risk of houselessness and report back to the City Council in 120 days.
Sponsors: Ryana Parks-Shaw
Attachments: 1. No Fact Sheet - Resolution, 2. FW_ Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee, 3. 210730 Authenticated

RESOLUTION NO. 210730

 

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Directing the City Manager to initiate a community needs assessment for the purpose of addressing the needs of the houseless population and those at risk of houselessness and report back to the City Council in 120 days.

 

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WHEREAS, Committee Substitute for Resolution 210060 established the Mayor’s Homeless Services Task Force to convene relevant stakeholders for the purpose coordinating and improving the services provided to persons experiencing homelessness; and

 

WHEREAS, over the past few decades, housing costs have risen faster than incomes, driving more and more families and individuals into houselessness; and

 

WHEREAS; over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the impact of job and income loss driving additional families and individuals into homelessness at an ever- increasing rate; and

 

WHEREAS, current efforts to respond to this increased demand for shelter, food, medical and other services in support of the houseless population, although well-intended and helpful in the moment, have not provided an ongoing or long-term solution; and

 

WHEREAS, there is a lack of a community-wide comprehensive list of the many houseless providers and the essential programs and services they offer to the unhoused in Kansas City; and

 

WHEREAS, the Council has been tasked with making critical decisions with incomplete or wholly anecdotal information; and

 

WHEREAS, extensive stakeholder input regarding the need for improved collaboration and coordination has been collected through the Regional Houseless Forum held April 24,2021 and in other contacts with stakeholders; and

 

WHEREAS, the community must assess and understand current resources, capacity and the current and future needs in order to develop effective long-term solutions; and

 

WHEREAS, improved collaboration and coordination in addressing houselessness is not possible without a thorough analysis of existing community assets, strengths, and gaps in service provision and resources; and

 

WHEREAS, the City is in a leadership position to provide this needs assessment to the community; NOW, THEREFORE,

 

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

 

That the City Manager is hereby directed to initiate a community needs assessment to serve as a foundation for addressing the needs of the houseless population and those at risk of houselessness and to facilitate effective coordination of service providers’ efforts and local government resources and report back to the Council in 120 days. 

 

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