Homeless Youth Task Force

Minutes: October 28th, 2008 3:00 pm

In Attendance:

-Anna Bernstein, L.I.F.T.

-Brandi King, UCAN

-Alicia Hansen, UCAN

-Martina Sunshine, UCAN

-Mark Gatlin, Calvary Chapel

-Dawn Sells, Commission on Children and Families

1. One-Night Homeless Count-January 28th

-This year’s homeless count, which is organized by UCAN, will take place on Wednesday, January 28^th. We are in need of volunteers to help with the actual counting as well as the food service and other tasks. We are also in need of donations of winter gear, such as hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, tarps, sock, etc. Donations can be dropped off at UCAN. For more info, contact Dancer Davis @ UCAN at 492-3528.

-The next planning meeting will be this Wenesday, Dec. 3, at 9am at Bethany Presbyterian. Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to attend.

-We discussed some possible sources of donations, including the SVDP and Gospel Rescue Mission Thrift Stores, and the Army Surplus Store. Mark will bring up the project with the “Church of the Valley,” a group of 8-12 local churches that meet monthly.

2. Building Update

We are negotiating with Avista at this time.  The building has been appraised at $420000.  We have an approval on a bank loan from Evergeen Federal of $250,000+ but we don’t want to borrow more than that amount.  With a $250,000 loan our payments will be very close to our current lease. The gap we need to fill is $100000 and Avista is considering a bargain sale plus carrying a secondary note but have not committed to specific amounts to date.  If they agree to a reduction in the sale price of $50,000 and carry a short-term secondary note for $50,000 we will need to raise that $50,000 over the next 12 to 24 months.

2. AAUW Christmas Backpacks/Dinner

-For the 3^rd year, the AAUW will be putting together backpacks for the homeless teens, to be handed out at the Christmas Dinner at JJ North’s.

-This year, there are 21 backpacks. They will be filled with necessities, such as socks, deodorant, etc. We discussed also having some sort of special “gift” included.

-I have reserved the room at JJ North’s for 4pm, Thursday, December 18^th, one week before Christmas.

-JJ North’s raised the prices this year, so we need about $350 to cover the meals. So far, the Eastern Star has agreed to contribute $60, and a few other groups will discuss helping as well. At this point, though, we still need about $290. If anyone is able to help sponsor a few plates, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Anna.

3. Bethany Christmas/ Calvary Thanksgiving

-Calvary Chapel delivered a total of 55 Thanksgiving Baskets to families around the county. LIFT youth received 6 of those baskets. Thank you Calvary!

-Bethany Presbyterian’s congregation will “sponsor” 6 families; 3 InnSight students, and 3 teen mothers, for whom they have provided a baby shower, a 1^st Christmas Party, and a 1^st Birthday Party. Thanks Bethany!

-Extra thanks to Bethany for providing an amazing Thanksgiving meal to the InnSight students.

3. SNAP Youth Activity- 1^st Friday, November 7 (Shannon)

-The SNAP Youth Activity on Nov. 7^th was a success. About 50 youth attended, and all seemed to have a good time. The Boys and Girls Club proved to be an excellent venue.

-There will be another activity this Friday, Dec. 5^th, also at the Boys and Girls Club, from 7-10 pm.

-Admission is free and snacks will be sold for a low price.

-If anyone is interested in chaperoning, contact Anna and I will forward your info to the appropriate people.

4. ACSO Update (Lonnie)

-The ACSO has been meeting regularly since the conference on 9/13

-The ACSO includes 2 Lions Clubs, 2 Rotary, 2 Kiwanis, AAUW, Zonta, and Soroptimists, as well as a number of service providers (including several HYTF members)

-The group is planning a work ethics training program, based on a program in the Illinois Valley.

-The “pilot” program will serve Inn Sight students.

-The group is waiting to meet with individuals from both school districts, etc., to conduct further planning.

6. LIFT needs/Donations

We have received an amazing number of donations recently. Thank you to everyone for your support. The full list of our current needs is attached.

If anyone has an hour or two to volunteer, I could use some help sorting through all of the donations!

7. Next meeting

The next meeting should be Tuesday, December 23^rd, at 3pm at Inn Sight. However, this happens to be 2 days before Christmas. Does this date work for everyone, or would you prefer to hold the meeting on a different day? Let me know!