Member Newsletter: July 11, 2024

Board Meeting Recap

At last night's meeting CoC Board Members received an update from the Funding Committee regarding the due diligence process for vetting Friendship for Affordable Housing, the affordable housing developer under contract to purchase the Ramada property. The Funding Committee did not provide the Board with a recommendation, but instead extended their due diligence timeline in order to ensure a thorough process. They will offer an updated report and a finalized recommendation at the next Board meeting in August. 

Additionally, the CoC Board received updates from the Shelter Planning Work Group who have been working to create an RFP to be released on Monday for Buncombe County ARPA funds slated for a low-barrier shelter. They also received an update from staff regarding the award of a $95,000 Dogwood Health Trust grant that will be used to support the strategic planning initiatives of the new CoC. Finally, in response to confirmation of receipt of HUD Technical Assistance for Coordinated Entry, the Board moved to appoint a Coordinated Entry Work Group to be confirmed at their August meeting.

Full meeting materials are available using the button below. Additional details and applications can be found later in this newsletter. 

Board Meeting

When: Thursday, August 15th 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Where: Harrah's Cherokee Center - Banquet Hall (87 Haywood Street)

Parking + Transportation: Parking for this event can be validated and transportation assistance is available. Please plan to park at any of the city-owned parking garages - you will need to have a paper ticket from the garage or the ability to pay with a credit card in order to use validation. Please ask for a parking validation form at the registration table when you arrive at the meeting. If you need transportation assistance, please email homelessstrategy@ashevillenc.gov or call 828-271-6161.

*Meeting materials will be made available seven (7) days ahead of the meeting date.

Membership Meeting

When: Thursday, August 15th 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Where: Harrah's Cherokee Center - Banquet Hall (87 Haywood Street)

Parking + Transportation: Parking for this event can be validated and transportation assistance is available. Please plan to park at any of the city-owned parking garages - you will need to have a paper ticket from the garage or the ability to pay with a credit card in order to use validation. Please ask for a parking validation form at the registration table when you arrive at the meeting. If you need transportation assistance, please email homelessstrategy@ashevillenc.gov or call 828-271-6161.

*Meeting materials will be made available seven (7) days ahead of the meeting date.

New Members: Attend Orientation

All new CoC members are required to attend a one-hour orientation in order to be eligible to vote during meetings of the full membership. Orientations will be available on an ongoing basis and new dates will be announced as they become available. Below is the remaining orientation date for June:

Friday, July 26th at 12 p.m. (Virtual)

Nominating and Membership Committee Application

At their June 13, 2024 meeting, the CoC Board appointed Lance Crawford and Tom Kirchgasser to the Nominating and Membership Committee and asked that they meet with Board members to review applications to develop a slate of candidates to present to the Board.  That group will meet July 25, 2024 to review all applications received and interested members are encouraged to submit an application by July 24, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. for consideration.

Coordinated Entry Work Group

At their meeting on July 10, 2024, the CoC Board moved to appoint a Coordinated Entry Work Group. This work group will work with HUD Technical Assistance providers to address existing gaps and redesign the Coordinated Entry system to better meet the needs of the Asheville-Buncombe County community. Those interested in participating in this work group are encouraged to complete the Coordinated Entry Work Group interest form by 5:00 p.m. on July 24, 2024. The interim Nominating and Membership Committee will begin reviewing forms on July 25th and will bring a recommended slate for Board confirmation to the August CoC Board Meeting.

Membership Engagement

In addition to the Member Engagement Form, CoC members can now provide suggestions, share reflections, and ask questions via the Member Engagement Voicemail. Members can call 828-271-6161 to leave a message. The voicemail box will be checked weekly and the information collected will be channeled through the Board to the appropriate committee, unless otherwise indicated. Lead Agency staff may also respond directly if appropriate.

This pathway for sharing information and ideas exists because it was suggested by a member! Your active participation in the CoC is invaluable and facilitates ongoing improvement and increased accessibility - thank you!

Emergency Solutions Grant

Part of the CoC's role is directing resources to have the greatest impact, including two annual funding opportunities from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and Continuum of Care Program Competition.  This year, the Asheville-Buncombe CoC is eligible for $123,887 in ESG funding to be used in calendar year 2025.

CoC Member organizations that are nonprofit organizations or local governments are eligible to apply.  ESG-eligible activities are specifically Emergency Services (Street Outreach and Emergency Shelter) and Housing Stabilization Services (Homelessness Prevention, Rapid Rehousing, and HMIS).   

The CoC Funding Committee will review all applications received and make recommendations to the Board for approval.  Homeless Strategy Division staff will facilitate submission of the Board-approved applications.

Applications are due tomorrow,  July 12, 2024.  Full details and deadlines are available on the Funding page managed by the Homeless Strategy Division.

Save the Date: Low-Barrier Shelter RFP

The Shelter Planning Work Group will distribute an RFP on Monday, July 15th intended to add 100 low-barrier shelter beds for single adults and families. Please be on the lookout for an email with full details. 

Be Bold

The CoC will remain faithful to the aggressive goals, strategies, and actions it commits to, even when there are tough decisions to be made. The CoC will not settle for half measures that disregard the needs of its most vulnerable citizens.

Member Engagement Voicemail: call 828-271-6161