Welcome
- James Pogue, Comprehensive Life Resources
- Trying to sell Shelter to Puyallup
- Need a way to present the compelling benefits of a shelter.
- Looking for institute of higher learning to see if they can package the shelter idea in a way that will be attractive to policy makers in Puyallup (like covering the building in daffodils and naming it after Ezra Meeker, or better yet, name it after Dave and Dandy, Meeker’s oxen – no charge on these ideas, by the way, not sure why you are looking for expert advice… -ed)
Presentation
League of Women Voters
- Larry Seaquist - larryseaquist@comcast.net
- Here to consult us for ideas
- How can we begin to reduce the homeless problem earlier? (the crowd became hostile as they realized they would lose their jobs helping the homeless if there were no more homeless, and Larry was run out of town on a pole. –ed).
- Why, when we are living in an economy that is so wealthy – why does homelessness keep increasing?
- At the homeless conference, Michael Mirra said that “Homelessness is downstream of everything”
- We need food, clothes, a house. We actually have more needs. We are not a hunter gather society. We have to have a long education period. What we need to know keeps changing. We need to know how to learn. We need to buy food, so we need an income. We need to transport and stay connected – seldom can work where we live. Need to stay connected.
- Where are we? Today, most people, despite what the headlines say, are undereducated. 70% of 25 year olds need to have a marketable skill in order to run an economy. We are at 30% of what we need. For the first time in American history, kids make less than their parents. Food and clothing are more expensive than ever. Inexpensive food is not healthy. Many people lack adequate healthcare. Transportation is challenging, internet can be difficult to acquire in many areas. Society is polarized. Housing costs are very high. Even in rural economies, housing is very challenging. Urban areas it is more so.
- Many forces are pressing down on the average person.
- We need to have resilience.
- We should have a social safety net. But our current safety net is full of holes. We charge high tuition for college. Welfare is radically cut back. The new SNAP budget is radically reduced. The Affordable Care Act is under attack from the congress. Transit is a challenge – for instance, there no Pierce Transit on Key Peninsula any longer.
- So how can we go to a place with less homelessness
- We have some connections between our homeless response and the other agencies that provide basic services. Is there a way we can broaden the alerts so that the providers who have contact with folks at risk (in extremes) can get the assistance in all the areas they need help in? Are there ways in which we can better respond?
- We need to broaden our network of informal relationships and then deepen our formal relationships. (Larry said some great stuff after this, but I missed it somehow. –ed)
- How would we turn that set of ideas into an action strategy to reduce homelessness.
- Want feedback and suggestions on this idea. If this is a good way to think about this broader problem of homelessness? Does it open up an action strategy to begin to address homelessness?
Contact Larry with feedback - larryseaquist@comcast.net
Presentation
RAIN Teaser
- James Pogue, Comprehensive Life Resources
- Comprehensive Life Resources group in City of Tacoma that is working to reduce gang activity
- Enroll whole family in services
- Can get called in by a school, social worker, anyone.
- More info at a future meeting. Website is https://www.comprehensiveliferesources.org/other-programs/
Presentation
ACT team
Presentation
Accountable Communities of Health (ACH) – Community Voice Council (CVC)
- Pamm Silver - pammsilver@gmail.com - Accountable Communities of Health - http://www.piercecountyach.org/
- History of Accountable Communities of Health
- In 2014 two bills passed to integrate a new payment system for Medicaid billing
- Washington state was broken into 9 regions to implement the ACHs.
- The existing Medicaid system was broken system. The New one puts a different pay approach in place. Instead of paying for the issue of an illness, we are going to be addressing the entire person- physical health, mental health, environmental, family environment, transportation, food crisis, where they work – putting it all together.
- Want community members to tell us issues folks are encountering that affect their health so they can be worked on.
- Pathways model is being adopted – launching in 2019 (info on the Pathways model at http://www.piercecountyach.org/pathways-101/ -ed.).
- Avoid expensive care like the emergency room – get them before they go the ER
- Improving population health through prevention
- Work to a value based payment program – not fee for service – paid because of the outcomes of the people they serve.
- Community Voice Council brings recommendations to the Board of Trustees – which takes them to the State – to get resources for needed care.
- 17 members on the Community Voice Council looking at all the social determinates of health (the World Health Organization website on Social Determinates of Health is an informative one: http://www.who.int/social_determinants/sdh_definition/en/ - ed.).
- The Council needs to advocate for neighbors, friends and family.
- Work to make sure the system is accountable for the health outcomes of the community
- Survey out in the community –
- Asks what does healthy look like to you
- Are there barriers to your health
- Talk to folks one on one.
- Gather that data and send it to board of trustees, who can make a difference with it.
- Any comments or questions, contact me. Want to do a survey – contact me (pammsilver@gmail.com)
- Martha – I’m pragmatic. Give me an example of what kind of change the ACH can make? Pamm – with the new model, care coordination is followed by one person coordinating the care. That will make it easier for folks to get better coordinated care.
- Carrie – this is Medicaid only, correct? Pamm – yes, only for Medicaid recipients..
- Carrie – can people join the Community Voice Council? What is the Mission? After review by Regional Health Improvement Plan (RHIP) Council, it goes to provider council, then to the board of trustees, then to health department, and finally to the governing body (“Though I am not a chief of state, I must work twice as hard as one because I have to both administer a bureaucracy and run a revolution.” I’m not sure if you think of Yasser Arafat as a terrorist or a hero, or why this came to mind now, but this quote of his has stuck with me. –ed).
- Carrie – the Accountable Communities of Health are focusing on lots of areas – we should bring someone from the ACH to learn about the ACH as a whole.
- Pamm – there are open, public forums at the Council meetings. (info about upcoming ACH and Council meetings at http://www.piercecountyach.org/meetings/ -ed.)
- Carolyn – Is there are racial equality lens this work is viewed through? Pamm – there is a Data and Learning Team within the ACH. They look at cultural, financial, racial – and put all that data put together so we can fix the problems. (info about that team at http://www.piercecountyach.org/who-we-are/ )
- Do you have Medicaid recipients on the Community Voice Council? Pamm – Yes – we have different ages, ethnicities, peer supports, Medicaid patients and more - 17 hard-working people.
- There is currently one slot open on the CVC (an old announcement seeking members with a link to the application - http://www.piercecountyach.org/seeking-applicants-for-pierce-county-accountable-community-voice-council/ -ed)
- Time is set aside each meeting for public comment. Everything is open, lots of collaboration and openness.
- Website is a little weak – the mobile version doesn’t work – so use your laptop (and the site has some ADA accessibility issues too – someone spent real money on a fancy website, and it doesn’t get the job done… ed.)
- The next Community Voice Council meeting is Tuesday, June 5th, from 1pm-3pm at the ACH building 2201 S 19th, suite 101, Tacoma, WA
- Please provide us some comments.
- Gerrit Nyland
- Some Health Maintenance Organizations, like Kaiser Permanente (putting in a plug for my wife’s agency –ed) already tie patient outcomes into physician compensation.
- We have lots of room to make health improvements for folks experiencing homelessness. The average age of all deaths in Pierce County last year was 72. The average age for someone with a connection to the Pierce County homeless system was just 50 years.
- James
- We need to incentivize lower cost options to meet needs.
Also need an ACH overview
Presentation
Recovery Foundation
- James – many of us have had a long history with Kenny Moultry, previously with Sober Solutions
- Kenny Moultry –Recover Foundation - moultrypomona@gmail.com
- In 1999 - introduced to people helping other people – was getting out of prison and into treatment – was inspired by the folks who helped him. I thought it would be easy and I could help a lot of people – not so easy. But it is a real honor to be here today.
- I was overwhelmed at one point, and I might not have been able to be here, but I was able to do self-care to keep myself healthy.
- The Recover Foundation formed by trial and error.
- We were based in Auburn, but were encouraged to start up in Pierce County
- The Recovery Foundation is a Therapeutic Community – Working to teach at risk folks to help others reach their personal goals.
- This program is Transitional Housing – and my belief system has changed and evolved over the years
- Recovery Foundation is long-term, shared housing – some people will be there for the rest of their life
- It is the cheapest, quickest way to get folks off the streets.
- It is a Clean and Sober facility, but Harm Reduction is of interest for future projects. It is important to treat people like they are human.
- When people worry about where they are going to sleep and eat, it is hard to work towards reaching their goals.
- Clients in the program live with trained staff that are living in the house 24x7.
- When clients arrive, we need to build trust. Until there is trust, until folks are honest, it is challenging to help them.
- To build trust, clients hang out, cook together, watch movies together – it is a family setting
- Belief is that the residents and the people that need these services, they are challenging to navigate. We have navigators to help this with this work.
- Base plans on what people want to do. Work with client to identify what services in Tacoma would best fit their needs.
- House Managers transport folks to and from the appointments – to counselors, outpatient services. We show folks how to utilize the services.
- You enter the program by contacting us and filling out an application form. Currently full and have a waitlist. Looking to get more properties to expand housing openings.
- An agency can fax an application in.
- Can have clients come in, fill out paperwork, make sure we know what their needs are.
- Want to help the folks using your services to stay connected to you. Try to be good partners.
- In the house, we assist clients to stay on their meds.
- We are long term, and goal is for folks to stay long term.
- Cost is $500 per month – everything included, soap, cleaning supplies, everything.
- Folks supply own food and tobacco (wow, I didn’t know how to spell tobacco – bless you spell check. Not a word I type a lot, I guess. –ed).
- Martha – do you background check? Kenny – Yes, for arson and sex offender convictions – but will allow those folks in on a case-by-case basis.
- Sherri – how many beds? Kenny – have 21 beds. Goal is to have 50 houses like this.
- We Help folks to budget their money and food and tobacco and such.
- Clients can’t continue to use at Recover House, but if folks are willing to work to remain sober, will work to keep them housed while they are working to stay clean and sober.
- Focus on safe housing and connecting clients with the agencies to help clients meet their goals.
- Martha – do they have a lease? Kenny – yes they do, and they build a rental history
- Currently have women houses and men houses. Looking at couples houses.
- Any families or couples? Not now.
- How can we help you? We can Partner with your agency. You can write us in for our housing services. If you need a housing piece, that can be us.
- Patricia – how long is the program? Kenny – they can stay forever.
- Patricia – do you allow animals and gardens? Kenny – cats are OK, gardens are at the houses.
- Coley – how many houses? - 3 currently. Work with landlords – always interested in partnering with landlords.
- Sherri – can we hear from Ken? Ken – I have 2 ½ acres in midland – was zoned open space basically. It has mowed grass, possibly available for homeless housing, temporary shelters or however we want to set it up. Want to see how folks would want to go about it. Have to convince the community out there, though. The community has problems with theft and opioid use. Need to convince the residents around it that it would be a good thing to have out there. It is going to have to be pretty heavily policed. Site is located in Midland (98444). James – don’t send everyone to the property out at Midland yet. Maureen – you should contact Doug Richardson (County Councilmember) or his staff assistance – (https://www.co.pierce.wa.us/1405/District-6) – give them a heads up quietly before this hits the neighbors or the media.
- Kelley – is there no structure on the property? Ken – there is a barn for hay storage. The site has gas, power and storage. Kelly – can use youth build to build tiny homes.
- Ken – if you are interested in moving this forward lets meet. James – let’s have a meeting about this.
Reports
Phase 2
- Kim – new to CCS (warm welcome from the crowd – ed.)
- Josh Waguespack – Youth build came and helped at the site. Youthbuild built a building on their site, disassembled it, and are placing it at the site over the next week. A bit thanks to goodwill and YouthBuild.
- The stability site, with assistance from Molina, is putting a garden program together. First they are doing beautification. If anyone has a green thumb, come and participate at the site – spend time with the residents doing good things.
- Spartan race –between donations and sponsors, raised over $7,000. Spartan race team will use that money to provide 2 hot meals a week until the next race in August/September. We partnered with TRM – they will provide the meals. Going to call the meals paid for with this fund “Spartan Race Night”.
Reports
Hire253 – Employment Event
- June 5th starting at 10am. (a flyer and a poster for the event are attached. –ed).
- up to 60 employers (from 48) and have a waitlist.
- confirmed transportation – salvation army is providing transportation from a number of locations.
- Still need 8-12 tables
- HIire253 came from this coalition – if your organization isn’t present, we’ll make room for you. We want all the groups that are part of this coalition at the event.
- Need volunteers to be hire helper – introduce them to employers – help folks coming in get confidence to walk around and meet folks
- At Goodwill.
Reports
Tiki Apartments Update
- Greta Brackman (gbrackman@cmhshare.org)
- 33 units are still occupied at the Tiki apartments – they can stay till end of June
- 4 units have folks who have not paid April or May – they have 3 days to pay rent.
- Checks are being given to tenants –
- Allied Residential is supplying checks.
- Get $900 if they move out by the start of June
- Those leaving at the end of June – get $600
- If your turn in the keys, get check handed to you.
- Volunteers being directed to Associated Ministries
- Client care is directed through United Way 211 (you can reach them by calling 211 – you’re welcome –ed.)
- City of Tacoma asked 211 (just dial 211 –ed.) to gather data and be the central contact point
- Have tenants call 211 (again, dial 211. People say they appreciate the added contact information – just trying to help. –ed.) so United Way staff can connect them resources. Comprehensive Life Resources will help where existing resources aren’t meeting need.
- If you’ve helped Tiki residents get housed, please contact Greta at Comprehensive Life Resources (gbrackman@cmhshare.org)
- If you have services to offer folks at the Tiki Apartments, let Greta know.
Good of the Order
- Landlord appreciation breakfast – invite them to the May 23rd Chance for landlords to tell their positive and negative stories – want those landlords to know that it is a gamble and it can have a good effect. (May 23rd, 11:30am, at the Salvation Army Church – 12th and Union)
- Martha – after the meeting – stack table and chairs against a wall.
- Michael Gilbert – Administrative Law Judge – talk next week about how to increase success in SSI applications. Incentives in the system are all out of whack. Saw individuals who were clearly disabled not receive services in a reasonable amount of time (or ever). Want to give a common sense, pragmatic way to increase the speed and chance of getting the resources they need. Will be here in 2 weeks (May 25th with a powerpoint (thunderous applause – ed). James – SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) team lead is here. The Social Security process is a long term goal. It would be good to have assistance to speed it up.
- Washington Community Action Network – involved in the bailout – Butler locally is a contact – who has funding from the northwest bail fund – with a goal to bail out mothers who are in the pretrial process. Immediate need is to see if they can reach 3 people who are in a Tacoma/Pierce County system before Mother’s day to bail out women with children who are currently in prison because they don’t have bail. (hopefully I got that right – can’t find any corroboration on the Washington CAN website – ed.)
- Yuni – LASA and Molina – doing a healthcare hiring event next week – if clients cant’ get a driver’s license – we can work with them to get that. (I looked for info on the web about this, but failed. –ed).
- Maureen – if you work in the City of Tacoma, live in the city of Tacoma, or want to live in the city of Tacoma, take note - the City is working very fast on the new Tenant Rights Code – if you have an interest in tenant rights – what keep people house, want to get them in housing – now is when you act with the city of Tacoma. This is moving quickly.
- Theresa – Listening session at 4pm on Saturday, May 12th, at Blix elementary – the City wants to know what we have to say about affordable housing.
Restaurant Review
If you’ve not been to the Tacoma Cabana (728 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA), you’re missing out. First and foremost, this is a tiki bar – in the tradition of Trader Vics (many of the décor elements came from an old Trader Vics even). With a couple hundred rums and cocktails presented in full island flair, you can’t go wrong. Unless you’re clean and sober, then that would be all wrong. Jason Alexander (not that Jason Alexander), who staffs the bar, is one of Tacoma’s gems. He makes superb cocktails and is an excellent host. I’ve never had anything other than a pleasant experience here – the relaxed vibe you expect from a beach side bar is on offer in downtown Tacoma. They are open Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm-midnight. It is open to all ages until 10pm, so bring the kids. They will get endless joy from saying “pu pu platter”, and the pu pu platter does rock – Chicken satay, pork sliders, meatballs, etc. Good living. Vegetarian options are abundant too – they make a mean guacamole. Yes, tiki bars are probably a bit of an unsavory cultural appropriation (https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/09/07/492974870/lets-talk-tiki-bars-harmless-fun-or-exploitation ), and omitting alcohol and pork from my diet would probably extend my life. But I like my world to include occasional Mai Tais and bacon wrapped pineapple in kitschy, tiki splendor. It makes life worth living. One additional piece of advice - I’d recommend against driving to Tacoma Cabana. First, parking sucks. Well, bad parking for Tacoma, meaning you may be 2 or 3 entire blocks away. The horror. But the real reason is that the cocktails pack a punch, and you’ve no business driving after one. Uber is your friend. So, ready to escape life? Enjoy a night at Tacoma Cabana. Life will be waiting for your when you come back, and I think you’ll be happy for the escape.
Attendees
- Calvin Kennon Sr., Comprehensive Life Resources
- Shelbie Drey, Comprehensive Life Resources
- Passia Abraham, Comprehensive Life Resources
- Carrie Ching, Molina Healthcare
- Larry Seaquist, League of Women Voters
- Carolyn Weisz, University of Puget Sound
- Effran Davis, Pierce County District Count
- Robin Murillo, Recovery Foundation
- Daryl Jones, Recover Foundation
- Sammie Iverson, Tacoma Public Schools
- Dru Gonia, Tacoma Salvation Army
- Patricia Menzies, Tent City Tacoma
- Lynn Jones, Catholic Community Services
- Brian Wilson, Catholic Community Services
- Byron Corzo, Tacoma Rescue Mission
- Charleen Fitzgerald, Coordinated Care
- Candace Madlena, Career Path Services
- Sandra Iverson, VADIS
- Sheila Miraflor, Sound Outreach
- Yuni Medlin, LASA
- Barbara Kaelberer, Accountable Communities of Health
- Pamm Silver, Accountable Communities of Health
- Matthew Jorgensen, City of Tacoma
- James Youngs, City of Tacoma Public Art
- Joshua Waguespack, Catholic community
- Anisha Fernando, Catholic Community Services
- Mindy Kim, Catholic Community Services
- Kelly Blucher, Goodwill
- Valentinya Germier, Community Youth Services
- Coley Wiley, Community Youth Services
- Thomas Jones, (I think, but not sure –ed)
- Kenneth Moultry, Recovery Foundation
- Joseph Denton, Sound Outreach
- Sherri Jensen (with fetus en utero - congratulations)
- Martha Sheppard, Tacoma Salvation Army
- Owen, Catholic Community Services
- Davis, Catholic Community Services
- Carmen Adams, Comprehensive Life Resources
- Brenda Obrien, Comprehensive Life Resources
- Dawna Bryant, Comprehensive Life Resources
- Paul Lakosky, Tacoma Needle Exchange
- Julio Quan, Community Activist
- Michael Gilbert, PounceLaw, LLC
- Theresa Power-Drutis, New Connections
- Ernest I J Aguilera II, Department of Social and Health Services
- Ken Patterson, property owner – interested in hosting homeless
- Maureen Howard, Howard Consulting
- Suzanne Patterson, Pierce County Alliance
- Laura Vanhorn, Pierce County Alliance
- Brandon Chun, MDC