Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Work Group – February 13, 2013
In attendance: Shannon Barry, Springfield Public Schools, Lisa Goldsmith, DialSELF, Charlie Knight, Network participant, Kim Majewski, Gandara Center, Jordana O’Connell, Holyoke Public Schools, Lizzy Ortiz, City of Springfield, Cindy Rodolakis, Chicopee Public Schools, Pamela Schwartz, Network coordinator, Sarah Slautterback, DESE, Jen Wands, Springfield Public Schools, Leila Wenners, Gandara intern
Intern update:
Interviewed residents of SHINE to pursue places for homeless youth. Learned that they don’t really interact with other homeless youth; more likely to try to stay anonymous.
Collected materials from Sarah Slautterback on youth counts in Worcester and Boston (thank you, Sarah!).
Agreed that Pamela will connect Leila and Kim with Bill Miller, Jay Levy and Dave Havens to get their feedback and guidance on interviewing homeless youth.
Agreed that Leila’s experience in Springfield – tracking both the process of locating/interviewing youth as well as the outcomes – will be a good microcosm of what is possible in ascertaining numbers and needs of unaccompanied homeless youth.
Youth Shelter/Transitional Housing Guide
Agreed to take out adult shelters and refer to Network website link with adult shelter info. Pamela will clean up the link and check adult transitional housing and see where they are listed.
The reality is that this guide is very short because there are very few options for youth!
Legislative Agenda:
Last year’s bill (filed by Rep. O’Day) will be filed again. Pamela will get bill from Lisa and check in with Kelly of MA Coalition for the Homeless.
Another effort is to get $300-$500,000 to fund: money for a count for pilot; demonstration projects – 3 sites – urban/suburban/rural to support expansion of services; staffing for special commission.
Sarah Slautterback update: Aging-out Task Force met yesterday for first time in several months. Steering Committee has refocused them and they’re taking on housing issue, assessing housing options and what resources are available.
Next meeting:
Tuesday, March 19
11 am – 12:15 pm
Picknelly Center, Holyoke
