Based on group discussion (5 groups), the following was identified as current functioning of the coalition: Strengths Collaboration and Communication among partners (3 groups) Passion/ Compassion of members (2 groups) Core partners are at the table Desire to find a solution Expertise in the group Cooperation/Share knowledge/moderate collaboration occurring History/projects already undertaken Convener Data compiler Visibility Critical issues identified Supportive public officials Challenges Lack of Funding (5) Lack of resources (detox, mental health, substance use, emergency shelter, affordable permanent housing) (4) Need to increase member participation (2) Lack of HMIS participation (2) Public safety Stereotypes Need to Adapt to change/new things Need to be inviting to new members No centralized facility for homeless resources Need resources to fund studies Data issues Need to add IT systems Lack of accountability HUD/state and federal limitations and definition of homelessness High cost of living Navigating different eligibility criteria Resources Commitment of members (2) Homeless coalition website (2) Sharing in place (2) In-kind support Limited funding is available Access to physical spaces is available Maximizing City resources and public support Knowledge and expertise of coalition members Funding from entitlement/non entitlement is available Opportunities Secure new resources (2) Take advantage of parity for vulnerable populations in ACA Create a one stop village Embrace change and new ideas Establish new leadership Recommitment of members Adopt a local homeless preference Move toward integration between community organizations Implement the CoC plan Identify clear roles Take advantage of
DECISION: It was agreed by consensus (all five groups agreed) that the Laredo Housing Coalition should apply to restore its 501(c)(3) status. Below are the items that were discussed for this decision to be made. Pro’s for becoming a 501(c)(3) organization Potential access to other funding sources/grants (5) Would provide structure including board, bylaws, procedures, accountability for reaching goals (4) Tax exempt status (3) Validity/legitimacy of organizational infrastructure (3) Include organization, community, consumer representation (2) Transparency Single point of contact Road to sustainability Qualify for insurance and other protections Availability to do more Increase stakeholder commitment Hire staff Brings coalition to the next level Cons of becoming a 501(c)(3) organization Administrative costs (3) Increased liability (3) Management of accountability and a new organization, including policies and procedures, staffing, tax referrals, monitoring and reporting) (3) Less flexibility Franchise tax Reporting to IRS Potential for competition for grants and funds Need to ID if the organization would be its own fiscal agent Requires dedicated funding Board/stakeholder commitment and manpower Potential lack of interest Busy work of being a convener Committees: Participants discussed the desire to not overcommit and keep the structure moving forward as simple as possible. Committees that could be considered moving forward include: Organizational Structure Committee: charged with forming the 501(c)(3), reviewing bylaws, identifying the role and funding for a coordinator, and identifying leadership System Integration: Committee could build on the work of the Veterans Committee and outreach committees and create flow charts for services, identify opportunities to integrate services, and identify how to better incorporate coordinated entry and HMIS. Policy and Communication: charged with both identifying and advocating for humane policies that impact homeless individuals and those at risk for homelessness and identifying messaging for the community regarding homeless issues and the coalition. Immediate Next Steps Jose Ceballos agreed to send out a meeting invite to the individuals who identified that