I am the only original member of the SNRPC's Committee on Homeless and I can't be happier to see that Lynn Kerr is assigned to helping the homeless. Your story states that Kerr and a half dozen or so caseworkers have helped about 146 homeless. This is a step in the correct direction of finding homes for the homeless.

On April 10, 2008, we will once again have Project Homeless Connect at Cashman Center. In November of 2007, we found homes for 200+ folks in one day. The year before in November of 2006, we also found homes for 200+ homeless. In 2006, we served about 1,900 people. In 2007 we served nearly 3,000 people. Project Homeless Connect was put on with sponsorship money and lots and lots of volunteers, but we put people in housing.

I have asked the Homeless Coordinator Shannon West to determine how many of these folks helped by Project Homeless Connect are still in housing. This can be done because of the HMIS computer system all the service providers use.

When we look at the numbers of homeless folks who can be helped in one day through Project Homeless Connect, and the number of people Lynn Kerr and her group have helped since January of 2007, I think we need to commit some funding toward hosting Project Homeless since we can help so many more homeless folks in one day.

Doesn't it make sense to put some resources toward hosting Project Homeless Connect at least four times per year? We put more people in housing in one day with Project Homeless Connect than we do in a year with Lynn's efforts.

I am certainly not saying to stop Lynn's work. Keep it up! But we have to look at operating in a way that puts people in homes and costs considerably less.

Shannon West has all the facts and figures and I have the figures for the success of the 2007 Project Homeless Connect. I hope we can continue to work toward eliminating homelessness in Clark County.

Rose Ann Rabiola Miele
SNRPC Committee on Homelessness
Boulder City Representative
293-9358