Pocono RHAB Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2014 Penn State Co-Operative Extension Office
Introductions
In Attendance: Leslie Perryman Co-Chair (RHD Crossroads), Andy Whyte Co-Chair (Wayne County Human Services), Beth Booterbaugh (Fitzmaurice),Christine Bumford (Fitzmaurice),Colleen Cawley (CMPMHDS), Lisa Day(Family Promise),Edward J. Smith (Salvation Army), Jennifer Yaworski (HDC), Karen Ezzo (MC Grants Office), Adrienne Hoeker (Women’s Resources), Athena Ardweg (Regional Housing Coordinator), Linda Gerkensmeyer (Integra Home Counseling), Christine Chase-Lamont, (Proven Wellness Neighborhood), Jessica Dobinson (Catholic Social Services /Shepherd’s Maternity House), Madra Clay (DCED)
Approval of October 7, 2014 minutes –Beth and Lisa
Christine Chase-Lamont: Geisinger/Proven Wellness Neighborhood Program
This pilot program receives funding from The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation with the goal of improving health and healthcare in Northeast PA. This program serves uninsured, underinsured and disadvantaged people of all ages. This means that you do not have to pay for this service. Services offered: Help with medications, including when and how you find resources to pay for them. Creation of a healthcare plan that meets your needs with nearly real time updates. The case manager can help get answers to your healthcare questions and assist you with insurance questions. Bring your insurance/Medicare/Medicaid card to your doctor’s visit. We will work with you to be sure you have the best care for the best price. Also, the case manager willconnect you to existing community services in your area that you may already qualify for such as transportation, paper work assistance for LIHEAP, MA, and local clinics. To sign up speak with your doctor or call 844-813-5897
Programs and openings
Leslie– 2 spots open for new families but need to have the referrals to know the need for apartments (the adult needs to have the disability), transitional housing - must have sustainable income (two on the waiting list). Andy- discussion regarding senior apartments and a pilot program for home sharing, Lisa- FP shelter has two openings, Beth and Chris Fitzmaurice – full, Colleen MHDS - very few openings with contractors 45 on the waiting list, HDC - full 21 households ,Edward Smith- Salvation Army7 openings for single male, 22 families on the waiting list. Adrienne Hoeker -Women’s Resources full 22 beds, Jessica - Shepherd’s Maternity House eight beds full and 6-8 women on the waiting list.
Linda Gerkensmeyer- Integra Home Counseling, Inc. explained the Shared Housing Program that prevents homelessness. There is a clearing process to be assured that the “sharer” is safe. No age criteria, background checks and must have a stable income. The case manager asks for full disclosure. The next “Meet and Greet” sessions are November 17 and December 16, 2-4pm at the St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fish Town Rd, Tannersville, PA. For more information call Linda at 570-620-2438.She has more “sharers” than sharees.
Andy reported that in Wayne County she is working with DMA to create 8 small apartments with one common area at the “Poor Farm” or 5-6 larger apartments in a historic brick building. She is also interested in the Shared Housing Program.
The board wants to thank Mike Cipilewski formerly from CSS for all his hard work
Leslie reported – in the Street2Feet day center they see at least 40 people daily. Starting November 1- March 31 the Cold Weather Shelter will open at the Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church 10pm -6am. Referrals made through the day center. Also, at the day center they have a medical clinic opened one day a month where the clients can be seen by a doctor, if they need a referral they will be referred to a specialist, and if they cannot pay for prescribed medicine the medicine will be provided by Pocono Health Center. Also, showers, laundry, a computer lab and GED tutoring is available at the center 10am-2pm.
Leslie also shared that she is seeing a disconnectin relationship between the clients when someone gets housed and moves on. The staff at the center are developing a support group, skill based and a possible mentor program.
Athena Aardweg- Regional Housing Coordinator
She works with staff and agencies- housing choice, disability and senior adults, income based housing. She also provides PREP training for supportive services and she participates in the Wayne County LHOT.
PA Eastern CoC Board update- the group is still looking for a homeless or formerly homeless representative. Chair positions are determined: Lori Sywenski (LHV RHAB)- President, Jeff Rich (Northern Tier RHAB)- Vice President, Leslie Perryman (Pocono RHAB)- Secretary, and Ben Laudermilch (Central Valley RHAB- Treasurer.
Establish members to join sub committees-
Ranking/ Review- Karen Ezzo, and she is asking Chris Bumford if she will continue with this committee
Coordinated Assessment-Andy Whyte, Leslie Perryman, possibly Cyndi Matthews
Madra Clay – DCEDUPDATE reviewed roles and offered support. Next meeting for the Eastern PA CoC is 11/17/14in Harrisburg at the DCED Office. There are TA funds available thru 12/31/14. The groups started to gel and people from the RHABs volunteered for sub committees.
HMIS UPDATES- there is a process to the transition to the new system Client Trak and will be live on 11/24. Brian Miller is organizing the trainings the emails went out and you will need to sign up for the “Core” training and then the specific program that you report for. The trainings are mandatory and you will not be able to access the system until you have taken the trainings.
DCEDreceived only 2 applications for Dan’s job so they are looking to re-advertise.
ERR – CDBG and HOME programs training is taking place now. The CoC ESG TA conference call will be in late November or early December. CoC leasing tenant - based TA will be mid-December.
WIGGIO- Jon Cherry is researching now and will present at the 11/17 board meeting
Ranking and Renewals according to DMA- one issue they had was one agency didn’t use the same name as the original application.
PIT 2015- will be January 28 for sheltered and unsheltered coordinated count. Agencies will receive the forms from DMA.
ESG 14-16 UPDATE
Madra stated that they received 31 applications for $10m and they have $4.7m to work with. She explained that the department has recaptured funds from 2011, 2011 second round and 2012 program year to offset the shortfall and they have received HUD’s approval to use it that way. Again the wait is because DCED has not received the funding award letter from HUD therefore even though all of the application have been ranked and the recommendation are made. DCED is waiting for the Executive Office to give them the go ahead to send the letter out, 26 of the 31 applicants will be funded with less than requested. There is also talk of making the ESG one year projects.
**The alternative meeting site is tabled for now, we are equipped with the call in capability here at the Penn State Extension office.
Next Meeting- December 3 from 10-1pm. We will have an abbreviated meeting from 10-11, and then DMA will be joining us for a CoCtraining. Please be prepared as this will be a 3 hour meeting. We will be ordering lunch so an RSVP will be required to determine cost per person and amount of food to be ordered.
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