Tuesday, April 13, 2010

March 9, 2010 Meeting Minutes

Porter County Coalition for Affordable Housing
Tuesday, March 9 ,2010
United Way of Porter County

Present: Madge Whickar (United Way), Kathryn Seftsma (NCIRCC), Mary K. Isaacs (The Caring Place), Caroline Shook (Housing Opportunities), Linda Stack (Horizon Bank), Cherie Davich (HealthLinc), Janet Stewart (Spring Valley Shelter), Erin Miller (Spring Valley Shelter), Darrell Franklin (Spring Valley Shelter), Jim Drader (New Creations), Karen Gilmore (Porter-Starke Services), Tom Isakson (New Creations), Brenda Sheetz (Porter County Community Foundation), Bill Oeding (City of Valparaiso), Bob Franko (Porter-Starke Services/Housing Opportunities).

Mr. Oeding gave a presentation on the City of Valparaiso's new Rental Registration program. He estimates that there are 6,000-7,000 people living in over 5,000 rental units within the city. In recent years the City has learned of several issues where people are living in substandard conditions which may be unsafe for the resident, and unsafe for first-responders who may need to access the property. Also, there are a number of units that it is unclear as to who actually owns the property. Therefore, the City is anticipating moving forward with the program that will require a rental unit to be registered with the City (including an one-time $10 registration fee per unit) that lists the basic ownership information, and then be subject to an inspection once every 3-5 years ($25 per inspection/unit). The inspections will only look at basic safety components such as an intact roof, hot water availability, heat availability and electrical service. Mr. Oeding said that group homes already under inspection by the Fire Commissioner due to state standards are waived from this program. Mr. Oeding requested that if the PCCAH is supportive of this program to send a letter of support to his office. (Late entry - a letter on behalf of the Coalition supporting the City's efforts was sent to Mr. Oeding later that week).

Bob Franko gave a brief update on the progress of the Christian Community Action/Housing Opportunities/Porter-Starke Services collaboration on assisting with the Spring Valley Shelter, and the future of the Shelter.

Kathryn Seftsma gave an update on NCIRCC's efforts in Jasper County.

Tom Isakson reported on the status of New Creation Business Adovates and the ongoing collaboration with the churches who provide shelter for men. He thanked Housing Opportunities for its work with the HPRP program and discussed how it has benefited New Creation.

Madge Whickar said the United Way will be receiving a donation of a number of computers that can be given to local agencies to assist with seniors.

Next meeting: Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. at the United Way of Porter County.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Coalition for Affordable Housing
November 17, 2009
Present: Tom Isakson, New Creation; Carol Nordstrom, Salem U.C.C. Church; Caroline Shook, Housing Opportunties; Jim Drader, New Creation; Madge Whickar, United Way of Porter County; Cherie Davich, HealthLinc; Brenda Sheetz, Porter County Community Foundation; Mary Hodson, Mental Health America of Porter County; Jim Henderson, Rays of Hope; Mike Yohe, Christian Community Action; David Cavanaugh, Porter County Sheriff's Department; Bob Franko (CHAIR), Porter-Starke Services; Heather Badger, Spring Valley Shelter; Missy Hayes, Spring Valley Shelter; Darrell Franklin, Spring Valley Shelter; Janet Stewart, Spring Valley Shelter; Ellen Paladini-Stone, Spring Valley Shelter; Bruce Linder, Porter County Aging and Community Services.

Discussed the community needs assessment that was completed some years ago, funded by HCDA. It was noted that one of the recommendations from that assessment was to create a county or city housing authority.

LaPorte County recently completed it's needs assessment and 10-year plan (will post on this site as it comes available). It was funded with a $50,000 grant.

Discussed the ongoing resource project -content still being developed. No new developments on website hosting. Tabled until further discussion on Housing Summit is held.

Housing Summit - was proposed by Bob Franko after having discussions with various partners and community stakeholders. Intent would be to bring together all stakeholders involved in housing in the county to determine needs, build cohesion, share resources and build better data. Committee was formed to explore summit structure: Bob Franko, Madge Whickar, Housing Opportunities representative, Sheriff's Department, Brenda Sheetz.

Gave agency updates:
Bruce Lindner reported that PCACS would be expanding bus-run hours, and that energy assistance had a deadline coming up of December 1.

Tom Isakson talked about New Creation's current progress and the need to have housing for homeless men in place by April 1, after the church support finishes for the winter.

Caroline Shook talked about the Rapid Rehousing program.




HOUSING SUMMIT COMMITTEE REPORT
December 10, 2009
Blackbird Cafe
Brenda Sheetz (PCCF), LaTosha Knight (HO), Bob Franko (PSS), Erin Miller (CCA).

Erin discussed the Northwest Indiana Housing Summit typically held in the Spring in Merrillville, with a keynote by Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman - hosted by the NWI Continuum of Care Council.

It was decided before proceeding with plans to develop a Porter County summit, that we learn more about the regional summit. Bob will contact Sharon Liggons (via Erin) and get the date and agenda for the next conference. Once we secure that information, Bob will distribute the information to the committee and we can decide on how to proceed with plans on a PC Summit (if deemed necessary).

Monday, November 16, 2009

Coalition for Affordable Housing Meeting Minutes:
09/15/09

1. A community member shared her experiences with being evicted twice through the Porter County Court system and expressed a need for a person or department to take complaints and enforce contracts between landlords and tenants and a Liaison or Advocate to investigate prior to the implementation of a 5-day eviction notice.

2. A Chicago Tenants’ Rights Advocacy Group was discussed as a template for such programming.

3. In Valparaiso, the Mayor’s Group provides housing suggestions.

4. It was discussed that there is a law that states that a security deposit cannot be used for missed rent, only damages, cleaning carpet, or painting walls.

5. Referral sources were discussed. Indiana Legal Services works with housing and eviction issues.

6. The Coalition discussed a web-based resource list to focus on housing referrals.

7. There is a need to collect data to determine what the community needs from legislators.

8. CCA discussed that the Front Door Project will eventually be able to help with applications for Medicaid, Food Stamps, and other community/Government assistance.

9. It was recommended that the Coalition utilize Google Apps for a $10.00 registration fee to create the resource website.

10. The website will include updated referrals to community assistance agencies. Indiana Government offices provide a resource website of helpful numbers that the Coalition can enhance. People in need of housing can access the website through the Front Door program and the Coalition will approach libraries to allow individuals to access this website without a library card.

11. Task Forces were assigned:
a. Website and Resource list development Task Force
b. Advocacy Task Force

12. CCA will have their Front Door Program Open house today from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm

13. The next meeting is scheduled for November 17th, 2009 at Porter County United Way.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

May 22, 2008 minutes

Porter County Coalition for Affordable Housing
May 22, 2008
United Way of Porter County

Present: Jim Henderson (Rays of Hope), Mike Yohe (CCA), Bruce Lindner (PCACS), Samantha Grooms (CCA), Diane Chilian (Alice’s House), Madge Whickar (UWPC), Laura Kats (Housing Opportunities), Debbie Kardos (Housing Opportunties), Erin Miller (CCA), Bob Franko (Porter-Starke).


Discussed group leadership – Bob Franko will remain on as Chair, Diane Chilian will assist as needed and will help with secretarial duties.

Discussed group membership and brainstormed ways to increase membership:
· Involve more civic and legislative stakeholders
· Use the press to educate community
· Involve more clergy, and agencies

Further discussed group’s mission and goals for the year:
· Increase membership
· Narrow in on message and purpose
· Create a venue for educational/communication


Group will meet again July 22, 2008 at the UWPC at 8:30 a.m.




________________________
Bob Franko
Chair

July 22, 2008 minutes

Porter County Coalition for Affordable Housing
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
United Way of Porter County

Present: Bob Franko (Chair), Porter-Starke Services; Linda Stack, Horizon Bank; Brenda Sheetz, Porter County Community Foundation; R.G. Skadberg, Christian Community Action; Erin Miller, Christian Community Action; Samantha Grooms, Christian Community Action; Tom Isakson, New Creation Business Associates; Diane Chilian, Alice’s House; Mike Yohe, Christian Community Action; John Siebert, Housing Opportunities; Caroline Shook, Housing Opportunities; Madge Whickar, United Way of Porter County; Bruce Lindner, Porter County Aging and Community Services; Jim Henderson, First United Methodist Church

The meeting was called to order at 8:35 a.m.

Caroline Shook briefed the group on current HUD and Indiana Coalition on Housing and Homeless Issues (ICHHI) projects. Ms. Shook reminded members about the importance of HUD grant applicant groups attending Coalition for Affordable Housing meetings as HUD will deduct points on applications if CAH minutes do not indicate attendance/participation.

The group had a larger discussion on having more of regional approach instead of a county approach. Ms. Shook agreed to forward information about other community initiatives she is involved with in other communities, including a tour of a housing program in Chicago on September 25.

The group discussed the status of the Porter County 10-Year-Plan to end homelessness. Mr. Franko said that he will contact Dr. Carol Nordstrom to check on the status and to get some feedback. Mr. Franko noted that Dr. Nordstrom is not included on the group’s distribution list for some reason, but that he would rectify that situation.

The group discussed increasing our group size and scope to include domestic violence shelters, jail representatives, local Ministerial Associations, township/municipal officials, township trustees, health clinics and hospital representatives. Mr. Franko and Ms. Chilian agreed to identify some individuals to approach.

Mr. Yohe discussed the local utilization of the HMIS information system. Would like to see if all groups that are eligible to use the system are using it.

Ms. Whickar asked Mr. Lindner about the status of Section-8 Housing in Porter County. Mr. Lindner was not optimistic that the situation would improve anytime soon as there remains little funding to reopen the application process. Mr. Lindner proposed a new approach in partnering with local mobile home parks to purchase modular homes/mobile homes to place on their vacant lots via a Project-Based Section 8 program. He estimated there are probably 200 empty slabs in Porter County alone that could be utilized, and that the Federal Government is still holding hundreds of “Katrina Cottages” that sit unused. The group agreed this is an idea worth pursuing and agreed to bring it back up with at our next meeting with more individuals in attendance.

In the roundtable announcement time. Ms. Shook announced that Housing Opportunities is moving soon to a facility near the United Way of Porter County.

Mr. Lindner discussed the Porter County Aging and Community Services NAP credits, stating that the funds will help purchase fuel for the buses.

Mr. Isakson introduced his new endeavor, New Creation Business Associates at 653 Axe Avenue. It will help support the men’s shelter currently housed in a rotation of local churches October 1 through April 1. NCBA will also provide business services, hygiene products/showers, mail service, and job opportunities for the men.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be Tuesday, September 16 at 8:30 a.m.


Respectfully submitted,

Bob Franko
Coalition Chair

September 16, 2008 minutes

Porter County Coalition for Affordable Housing
United Way of Porter County
Tuesday, September 16, 2008

PRESENT: Glenda Owens, Gabriel’s Horn; Madge Whickar, United Way of Porter County; Marybeth Schultz, The Caring Place; Brenda Sheetz, Porter County Community Foundation; Bruce Lindner, Porter County Council on Aging and Community Services; Wolfgang Rose, Moraine House; Caroline Shook, Housing Opportunities; RG Skadberg, Christian Community Action; Bob Franko, Porter-Starke Services; Erin Woike, The Caring Place.

Much discussion was held on weekend flooding; many organizations represented at the meeting experienced damage including CCA and Housing Opportunties.

Bob Franko discussed status of group expansion; invitations sent to the City of Portage (Mayor Olga Velazquez), Senator Lugar’s office (Celina Weatherwax), Porter County Jail (Warden Joe Widup – Ron Gaydos); Valparaiso Ministerial Association (Rev. Richard Schmidt); Various Trustees (Edward Morales, Porter Twp Trustee) and HealthLinc (Beth Wrobel) were contacted. Most were favorable and were inclined to attend, but scheduling and weekend floods were issues for most.

RG Skadberg asked about the 10-Year-Plan to End Homelessness. Caroline Shook said that she understood that ours will be simply merged with LaPorte County’s. RG also asked about forming a “super coalition” that entails the three counties in Region 1. RG volunteered to work with Sharon Kish on identifying the contacts in the other counties and setting up a twice-yearly meeting.

Caroline provided more information about the bus trip to the Heartland Alliance in Chicago on Sept. 25.

Group discussed Bruce Lindner’s idea from July meeting that was based on utilizing the large number of empty pads in mobile home parks as potential sites for new/used FEMA trailers or mobile homes. Caroline asked if the homes would be Section 8 eligible. Bruce was unsure but would check into it.
NOTE: Later in the day on 9/16/08, Bruce sent the following email message to Bob Franko:
“Mobile homes that pass inspection qualify for the section 8 housing assistance program. It is a rent assistance program not a rent to own program.”

Agency updates:
CCA: Basement at Spring Valley completely flooded; everything down there a total loss.
Housing Opportunities: Four units on McCord were damaged by flood; new headquarters still at least 3-4 months away from being able to be occupied after July tornado.
Moraine House: Minor flooding; struggling to find ways to help residents pay rent.
Council on Aging/Community Services: Winter heat assistance program is starting. One section 8 apartment was lost to flooding.
United Way: Annual campaign has started; provided information on AmeriCorp volunteers.

Supporting Documents:
Diane Chilian sent Bob Franko a document “Housing Needs Assessment for Porter County” from June, 2005, prepared by ICHHI and delivered to the Porter County Commissioners. Bob will have copies on hand at our next meeting.

Next meeting: November 18, 2008, 8:30 a.m.; United Way of Porter County

Respectfully,

Bob Franko, Chairman

November 18, 2008 minutes

Porter County Coalition for Affordable Housing
United Way of Porter County
Tuesday, November 18, 2008

PRESENT: Madge Whickar, United Way of Porter County; Marybeth Schultz, The Caring Place;;; Caroline Shook, Housing Opportunities; RG Skadberg, Christian Community Action; Bob Franko, Porter-Starke Services; Erin Woike, The Caring Place; Celina Weatherwax, Senator Lugar’s Office.

Updates were given on the status of the September flood disaster and July storms. Housing Opportunities remains out of its office, anticipating a return around the first of the new year.

Continued to discuss widening our membership while honing our mission and purpose. Discussed the development of a website. Further discussion to be held in future meetings as we include more technology partners. Will also look for a web-home and a webmaster to man the site once we decide on its format and purpose.

Due to the weather conditions, the meeting was ended early.



Next meeting: January 20, 2009, 8:30 a.m.; United Way of Porter County

Respectfully,

Bob Franko, Chairman