At the January 28, 2010 meeting of the Asheville Homeless Network at Firestorm Café, 18 were in attendance with President Moss Bliss presiding. Minutes were recorded by David Mayeux.
After setting up new members and making introductions of who and what Asheville Homeless Network is, Moss, taking note of the larger group of friendly faces, mentioned that in times past, AHN has used every other meeting as more of a support group than a business meeting. He pointed out that he is qualified to run such a group, or knows people likewise certified that might be able to run such a meeting and added, “Sometimes it is good just to share stories.”
Business and News
Comfort Socks, from whom we regularly buy socks for distribution (of which Moss had four pairs to give out at this meeting), has said that they’re strong on donations of socks, but could use donations to cover operation expenses. Since our funds, are for the moment, decently padded, we’re not only going to order more socks in support, but also send a one hundred dollar donation.
The other larger item of business was a discussion and vote on how Asheville Homeless Network is going to proceed in applying for the Asheville Downtown Association Spare Change for Real Change Grant. The grant, which is given to organizations associated with Downtown Asheville who are seeking to serve the homeless population, will come from a total amount raised of five thousand dollars ($5,000). It has not been released how many organizations the monies will be awarded to (though last year 3 organizations received the funds). Moss asked David to write up the grant proposal, and David requested feedback and a vote from the group on a program for which we’d apply for the money.
He reiterated the programs that had been previously mentioned as possibilities: continuing/expanding our Bus Pas program (monthly or annual passes to members), continuing/expanding our Networking the Network program (getting netbooks to loan to members), or using the grant as seed money to start the Adopt-A-Homeless program. Beverly added that the money could be used to start a program to aid with medical expenses.
Ron made an argument for the Bus Passes by saying “It’s a good program; stick with it.” Moss cautioned that businessmen may not be interested in seeing the homeless on the transit system and that we were currently able to support the program with the money we have.
For the Networking the Network program, Tom’s support was based on immediate need, there are members looking to be loaned netbooks for use. Moss pointed out the computers can be gotten cheaply (at the expense of cheaply made computers) and they come pre-set with software, the downside being that “businessmen may not understand why the homeless need computers.”
Arguments for the Adopt-A-Homeless program came from Jerry. “It’s sexier,” he pointed out, believing that a program that matched organizations to individuals in need could be easily sold to raise more money, once it was concretely started with the money from the grant. Moss pointed out that it was unlikely that the money granted by the Downtown Association would be enough to hire someone to run the program, which at this time we believe would be necessary.
For the medical aid Moss pointed out that while ABCCM offers a similar assistance program, the program has flaws and doesn’t always get what the person is looking for, but a substitute, while we might be able to offer more specific aid.
A single vote was taken Medical aid received 1 vote; Adopt-A-Homeless 3 votes; Networking the Network 6 votes; and Bus Passes carried with 8 votes. David will write the grant proposing continuation and expansion of our bus pass program.
Realizing that the Homeless Persons’ Memorial might be canceled, the Network was reminded that the memorial was to take place at the Unitarian Universalist Church in North Asheville (1 Edwin Pl. immediately off of N. Charlotte St.) Starting at 2pm. Unsure as to whether transportation would be provided from A-Hope or whether the concert planned for the previous date was still to happen, David said he would email the Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Initiative intern, who is in charge of coordinating for the memorial, and find out (update: transportation will be provided starting at 1:30pm at A-Hope at 19 N. Ann St. in downtown Asheville; the concert is still on).
Other items:
- The inclement weather was discussed; no one was sure of any reports of emergency shelters, such as the previously opened Coxe Ave. Shetler, being opened. David said he would contact people to see what he could find out (update: the Coxe Ave. Shelter will not be re-opened; ABCCM and WCRM believe they’ll be able to handle the situation; Red Cross has a shelter open at Trinity Baptist Church in West Asheville)
- The Point-In-Time Count of the homeless population occurred on the night of January 27th and during the day at A-Hope on the 28th. Most present participated, though felt it had been inadequately explained to them. Moss pointed out that the information received from the Point In Time count determines how much money organizations in the Asheville Homeless Coalition receive, as well as gives all an idea of how many and how the population is being served.
- David will be attending a Faith Summit to Address Homelessness in Asheville, hosted by the Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Initiative on February 18th at the YMI Center to represent Asheville Homeless Network. The time he’ll be there will be from 12:00-1:30, so he’ll probably be a little late to our meeting that day.
- Beverly has been trying to find out what it would take for AHN to get a booth at Bele Chere this year. She’s been in contact with a Ms. Travis, and will get back to the Network on what she finds out.
- We’re already starting to think about participating in the Belk Charity Sale, looking ahead to late April/early May. We’ve successfully participated in the past, and it has been one of our largest fund-raisers.
Open Discussion
“Ghost” ie Paul announced that Rev. Micheal Woods of Western Carolina Rescue Ministries has mentioned an “Overcomers Program” that will be started at WCRM. It will be a 90 day program, available to men and women, to get individuals focused aid and training toward getting a job and getting off the streets. It will be faith oriented from an evangelical Christian point of view.
In a wonderful bit of news, Paul also announced that he and fellow Network member Brittany are engaged and to be married in April! Congratulations Paul and Brittany!
And with that joyful note, the meeting was called to a close.
Available print resources:
- AHN’s community resource guide
- Shelter Force newsletter (publication of the National Housing Institute)
- Police Commendation/Complaint Forms
- Survival Gear Catalogue.
