Since we last visited this, a federal eviction moratorium was passed. It allows renters earning less than $99K to sign a declaration that they would be homeless or have to live with other people to avoid eviction due to non-payment. Available through Dec. 31, 2020.
Locally, evictions are down (since so much of 2020, they haven't been allowed)
Since June: 27 eviction filings per month in Boulder courts (vs. 82 each month in 2019)
Some other things I jotted down. 2020 city spending (Health equity and Human services funds)
Food Security = $1.7 million
Direct Health Services = $1.7 million
Wellness, Health Care Access Services = $1.1 million
Economic Mobility, and Inclusivity = $600,000
Also $590,000 for rental assistance, older adult services, minor home repair
A look at some of the demand: Jan - July 2020
Attention Homes Runaway and Homeless Youth Services: 78 youth served and over 4,000 referrals for other basic needs and services
EFAA Shelter and Basic Needs: 960 Boulder households received financial assistance (65% increase compared to January – June 2019)
SPAN: emergency shelter to 95 Boulder adult survivors and 36 children
Since April 12, 650+ calls to Housing Helpline
Sorry I'm not tweeting more but I'm tired. Started my fellowship this a.m. with 4 hours on Zoom. So that will make 10 hours of Zoom meetings for me today, depending on when council finishes.
Also, the audio sucks. Not sure if it's my internet or the speaker's but damn.
Brockett: Are we running low on rental assistance $$?
No, says Kristin Hyser. But not knowing what's ahead of us, bringing more resources could only serve the community. What we have now "should carry us for awhile."
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We've still got one more item: A nod of 5 (informal vote) on safe outdoor spaces
Council is confused (and so am I) about whether it's directing staff to actually DO one, or just to keep exploring the potential.
Friend clears things up: Let's propose a pilot for a 25-person sanctioned encampment, as bare bones as it can be done (but with 24/7 staff and services). To be paid for with $$ not going to the day center that is not happening this year.
I'm at Boulder City Counicl because it's BUDGET NIGHT!!
Folkerts: More $$ for parks + rec, paid for by repurposing $$ for encampment removals
Friend + Winer: More $$ for potholes /road maintenance. They did not ID a funding source.
Winer also asked for more $$ for underpass lighting. Again, no suggestion where it's coming from.
Speer: More $$ for emergency assistance, shelters and encampment cleaning (not removal) + public bathrooms, paid for by repurposing $$ for encampment removals.
Also more $$ for community connectors, paid for by cutting council's travel budget
"Homelessness is on the rise, particularly unsheltered homelessness," Megan Newton says. Colorado has the 14th highest rate of homelessness in the U.S. 18 homeless people per 1,000 residents.
Hey, all. I'm watching the Boulder City Council study session tonight. We've got updates from the municipal court, Boulder Police Dept and a discussion of homeless services.
I'll tweet what I can; it's a lot of info. All these issues are big topics in the upcoming election, so prob a good meeting to pay attention to.
First up: Our quarterly update from the municipal court. It looks like we're covering staffing and structural changes to the court (ho-hum) and then diversion programs for CU students and unhoused individuals. documents.bouldercolorado.gov/WebLink/DocVie…
Benjamin: On Monday, county commissioners gave $700K to Boulder Shelter for the Homeless to expand services.
(City of Boulder gave $300K; City of Longmont gave $50K)
He's discussing a letter to county commissioners asking that, if the affordable housing tax on this year's ballot passes, the county set aside $$ for housing + services specifically for homelessness.
City council has to give an informal vote (called a Nod of Five) in order to send the letter on its behalf.