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