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).