Diversion Team Meeting, 2/14/11
In attendance: Jane Banks, Center for Human Development, Alvina Brevard, DHCD, Marcia Crutchfield, HAPHousing, Ken DeMers, New England Farm Workers Council, Juanita Diaz, NEFWC, Steve Huntley, Valley Opportunity Council, Jane Lindfors, DTA domestic violence, Betty Miller, NEFWC, Steve Plummer, Springfield Partners for Community Action, Jim Reis, HAPHousing, Pamela Schwartz, network coordinator, Luz Vega, WomanShelter
Update on staffing DHCD office:
NEFWC will add another staff person, Juanita Diaz Monday through Friday, 9 am – 2 pm.
An additional staff person will also staff the office as follows:
CHD: Monday
VOC: Wednesday
HAP: Friday
In addition, HAP will offer 6 referral appointments (per ongoing system).
Data question: must use UAT or ETO? Ask ICHH not to use that form?
ICHH grant max: Alvina proposed $1,500 – target funds to families with other income sources who need just enough to get them back on their feet in sustainable housing. Discussion about whether $2,500 would be more appropriate amount.
Will continue this conversation at 9 am on 9/17, CHD, 51 Capital Drive, West Springfield.
Diversion meeting, Part II, 2/17/11
In attendance: Jane Banks, Center for Human Development, Alvinia Brevard, DHCD, Marcia Crutchfield, HAPHousing, Juanita Diaz, New England Farm Workers Council, Stephen Huntley, Valley Opportunity Council, Jim Reis, HAPHousing, Pamela Schwartz, network coordinator
Agreed:
Maximum award of ICHH dollars: $2,500
Eligibility criteria:
1. Must be EA eligible.
2. Housing must be sustainable: families must demonstrate enough income and/or have a high likelihood of obtaining enough income to pay rent and utilities after ICHH assistance, paying no more than approximately 50% of their income for rent and utilities. Food stamps is included in the income total, however they must have sufficient cash income to pay for rent, utilities, etc. The income must be documented.
Assessment/Release Forms
Discussion about merger of NEFWC’s diversion form with DHCD assessment form. Alvina will do cross-check of forms. Alvina will email back by 2/24.
Share release forms electronically by 2/24.
Next meeting; 2/28, 8:45, Friends of the Homeless, Springfield
