GH CAN Operations Agenda 11/20/19

November 20, 2019 Greater Hartford Coordinated Access Network

Operations Meeting Notes

1. Welcome and Introductions

• Kassandra Agosto - CHR
• Sofina Begum - Journey Home
• Manuel Cadena - Catholic Charities
• Crane Cesario - DHMAS
• Janievette Correa - ImmaCare
• Carmen Crespovalle - CRT McKinney
• Kelly Daisey - Chrysalis Center
• David DuVerga - South Park Inn
• David Dyment - Mercy Housing and Shelter
• Heather Flannery - Interval House
• Ruby Givens-Hewitt - My Sisters’ Place
• Abigail Kelly - Hands on Hartford
• Patricia Lopez-Cruz - CHN
• Rebekah Lyas - ImmaCare
• Patricia Lopez - Cruz - CHN
• Geri Maciel - SAMH
• Elijah McFolley III - The Open Hearth
• Andre McGuire - CRT/McKinney Shelter
• Denise Mitchell - ImmaCare
• Matt Morgan - Journey Home
• Malika Nelson - CHR
• Teresa Nieves - Chrysalis Center
• Allyce Pace - CRT
• Zanetah Sasser - CHR
• Monique Shand - YWCA
• Wanda Wesley - Community Partners In Action
• Steve Hurley - CHR
• Yoldalis Gutierrez - CRT

2. Fund Available (21k +) for GH CAN - Matt Morgan
1. Discussion for GH CAN Ops to determine/brainstorm what the funds should be used for

• Teams of 6 paired up to discuss what the funds can be used for. Here are some of the ideas:
• Flexible diversion: using the funds for insentives
• Flexible funding for application fees, IDs, birth certificates and other identification 
• Extended rental assistance (ST RRH)
• Shared room deposits
• Emergency utility assistance (gas)
• Transportation for obtaining documents and housing search
• Mattress and furniture funds 

3. Cold-weather updates- Sarah Dimaio/Kelly Gonzalez
1. Warming Center
1. It is still unknown if we will have a new location for the Warming Center or if it will be a Willie Ware. 
2. There has been confirmation from 5 churches to host one night per week. SAMH is still working on confirming churches to host on Friday and Saturday night. 
3. Once we have a finalized location and date there will be a press release to notify residents.

4. Leadership Updates –Crane Cesario or Rebekah Lyas
1. Fair Housing Training to take place during Operations Meeting on December 4th
2. The training will cover how to resolve matters before having to “turn” someone away. 
3. Leadership agrees that this training is important and needs to be covered for leadership and frontline staff at shelters. 

5. PIT Update

a.      Database will be open until 11/21/19 for data entry

b.      Shelters are expected to give a bed count to Lisa Quach at Journey Home

• We are still accepting volunteers, anyone interested should contact, Alison Sjoberg (Scharr) at Journey Home.
• Trainings for staff volunteers and new/returning volunteers will be in January.  Staff training will be on January 15 at YWCA in Hartford at 2:30pm, and volunteer training will be on January 14 at CRT from 5pm-7pm.

7. Journey Home Updates
1. Please allow up to 48 hours for response when submitting homeless verification forms.
2. Security Deposit Guarantee & Rapid Exit – at least 7-10 days for Mary to process applications
3. Still funding available for rapid exits!

8. Announcements
1. iCare and IOL training to come soon

If any clients are interested in moving to Bristol – new lottery opening for 2 bedrooms at Zbiwoski Park, applications must be mailed with a post mark date no later than November 22, 2019.