CASA GRANDE MAYOR’S TASK FORCE ON HOMELESSNESS Mayor Craig McFarland

HOW WE STARTED Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness formed November 2017 22 representatives from a variety of local agencies who serve the homeless Chaired by Council members Lisa Fitzgibbons & Donna McBride Estimated 1,000 homeless persons in Casa Grande ( ‘couch surfer’ homeless teens, young adults, and families who are double- and tripled-up in homes to avoid homelessness. Identified special populations (i.e. youth, families, veterans, domestic violence victims)

We prioritized problems faced by homeless persons and inventoried local resources that resulted in a list of 25 resource gaps. Three urgent needs arose: 1. Affordable housing in Casa Grande 2. Centralized case management to connect homeless persons to existing resources 3. Temporary overnight shelter for the homeless Our comprehensive action plan that includes creation of a Homelessness * Resource Center * Overnight shelter network

Goals of the Task Force 1: AFFORDABLE HOUSING: There are seven goals, with each one having a separate working ‘Goal Group’:* 1: AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Develop strategies to expand affordable housing. (We intend to work with the City, developers and future housing projects to expand the availability of truly affordable housing)   2: TEMPORARY SHELTERS AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING: Develop strategies to address shelter and transitional housing needs. (This includes developing a temporary overnight shelter network similar to successful programs in the Tempe/Mesa area) 3: SUPPORT SERVICES AND EDUCATION: Enhance coordination and reduce gaps in support services for individuals, families, and children/youth experiencing homelessness. (This is our most comprehensive and extensive goal. It includes developing a Homelessness Resource Center, operated by a non-profit, that includes case management. It also includes objectives related to employment, education, transportation, supported housing, medical and health, and potentially a day center.) 4: PUBLIC SAFETY: Develop policies, training and strategies for effectively responding to public safety issues for the homelessness ( We are exploring a diversion program for low level crimes committed by homeless persons, and addressing panhandling by posting signs saying “Give Hope, Not Money”. A centralized website will be posted, with donations going to support the Casa Grande Homelessness Project, housed in the aforementioned non-profit.) 5: FINANCIAL: Develop strategies that address community financial commitment, financial literacy, crisis intervention, vacant homes/property, and credit recovery. (The aforementioned donation system is one approach here) 6: TARGETED POPULATIONS: This workgroup is tasked with working with the Task Force to ensure the unique needs and characteristics of identified populations, such as youth, veterans, people with mental illness, seniors, domestic violence victims and chronically homeless populations, are taken into account as this plan is put into action. It is, so to speak, an internal advocacy committee. 7: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Increase leadership, collaboration and civic engagement that prevents and reduces homelessness. Goals of the Task Force 1: AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Develop strategies to expand affordable housing. (We intend to work with the City, developers and future housing projects to expand the availability of truly affordable housing)   2: TEMPORARY SHELTERS AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING: Develop strategies to address shelter and transitional housing needs. (This includes developing a temporary overnight shelter network similar to successful programs).

GOALS 3: SUPPORT SERVICES AND EDUCATION: Enhance coordination and reduce gaps in support services for individuals, families, and children/youth experiencing homelessness. (It includes developing a Homelessness Resource Center.   4: PUBLIC SAFETY: Develop policies, training and strategies for effectively responding to public safety issues for the homelessness

GOALS 5: FINANCIAL: Develop strategies that address community financial commitment. 6: TARGETED POPULATIONS: This workgroup is tasked to ensure the needs and of identified populations (youth, veterans, people with mental illness, etc.) are taken into account.   7: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Increase leadership, collaboration and civic engagement (providing the public with information and facilitate training among professionals and the public.

CONTACT INFORMATION City of Casa Grande 510 E. Florence Blvd. Casa Grande, AZ 85122 Office (520) 421-8600 Craig_mcfarland@casagrandeaz.gov