Explanation
This legislation transfers funds from the Department of Finance and Management, Division of Financial Management, into the Mayor's Office to create a position of Homeless Advocacy. The position will serve as the City's point of contact on issues of homelessness. A primary role of the position will be to coordinate efforts in the public and private sectors to transition people from the streets to permanent housing, including addressing the critical issues of providing mental health and addiction services to the homeless, as well as job training and placement. The office will also continue developing an official protocol for cleaning up homeless camps. Numerous departments, including Public Safety and Public Service, currently work with the Community Shelter Board, Maryhaven, and other agencies to identify and eliminate homeless encampments.
City Council president Michael C. Mentel and Mayor Michael C. Coleman announced their intention to increase the City's focus on homeless issue this summer. The City has allocated over $3.7 million in 2007 to the Community Shelter Board for its efforts to address homelessness in Columbus along with a variety of community agencies working to create more affordable permanent housing.
Fiscal Impact: Funds are available in the Finance and Management citywide account to accommodate this position.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Auditor to transfer $20,000.00 within the general fund from the Finance and Management citywide account to the Mayor's Office to create a position of Homeless Advocacy and to declare an emergency. ($20,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus has long been a significant funder of programs designed to reduce homelessness in Columbus, including its more than $3.7 million allocation in 2007 to the Community Shelter Board for its efforts, along with a variety of community agencies, working to create more affordable permanent housing for homeless persons and...
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