RESOLUTION NO. 210730
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Directing the City Manager to initiate a community needs assessment for the purpose of addressing the needs of the houseless population and those at risk of houselessness and report back to the City Council in 120 days.
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WHEREAS, Committee Substitute for Resolution 210060 established the Mayor's Homeless Services Task Force to convene relevant stakeholders for the purpose coordinating and improving the services provided to persons experiencing homelessness; and
WHEREAS, over the past few decades, housing costs have risen faster than incomes, driving more and more families and individuals into houselessness; and
WHEREAS; over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the impact of job and income loss driving additional families and individuals into homelessness at an ever- increasing rate; and
WHEREAS, current efforts to respond to this increased demand for shelter, food, medical and other services in support of the houseless population, although well-intended and helpful in the moment, have not provided an ongoing or long-term solution; and
WHEREAS, there is a lack of a community-wide comprehensive list of the many houseless providers and the essential programs and services they offer to the unhoused in Kansas City; and
WHEREAS, the Council has been tasked with making critical decisions with incomplete or wholly anecdotal information; and
WHEREAS, extensive stakeholder input regarding the need for improved collaboration and coordination has been collected through the Regional Houseless Forum held April 24,2021 and in other contacts with stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, the community must assess and understand current resources, capacity and the current and future needs in order to develop effective long-term solutions; and
WHEREAS, improved collaboration and coordination in addressing houselessness is not possible wi...
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