Fiscal Note
No additional City appropriation is required with adoption of the proposed resolution. City costs associated with any resulting proposals will be included in future operating and capital budgets, subject to Common Council approval.
Title
Establishing Housing People: Alternative Emergency Sheltering
Body
WHEREAS, it is in the entire community’s interests to eliminate homelessness within the City’s borders and that Madison residents should have access to housing as well as services that enable them to obtain long-term stable housing and that no individual should be left to living outdoors; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has identified that some individuals experiencing homelessness are unable to utilize existing emergency sheltering options; and
WHEREAS, overnight camping in City parks is not legal under City ordinance, and State campground regulations would require additional capital and service investments by the City in order for these sites to be licensed by Public Health Madison & Dane County and used for this purpose; and
WHEREAS, the continued use of City parks or other City property by those experiencing unsheltered homelessness is not a viable solution to providing this vulnerable population with safe and humane housing;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council request City staff perform the following actions to establish HOusing PEople: Alternative Emergency Sheltering to be known as HOPE Village, to be used as an additional temporary emergency housing alternative for individuals who are unable to utilize existing shelter options. The purpose is to provide a safe and secure indoor housing option with access to services that will facilitate a path toward long-term housing.
• Determine a location within the city that can adequately house up to 10 tiny houses as well as temporary and/or permanent showering and restroom facilities.
• Determine the cost to acquire up to 10 tiny houses, showering and restroom facilities.
• Determine what ordinances may be impacted and therefore need to be updated.
• Determine service providers and who would be able to manage HOPE Village.
• Determine estimated annual operating cost for HOPE Village.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council request City staff to provide a list of eligible sites and estimated costs based on this criteria and present it to the Common Council Executive Committee by August 31, 2021, and then provide regular monthly updates on the search and progress.