Page 27 - LTHC Publics Catalog, Spring 2018 Update

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

Responses

County Commissioner Tom Murtaugh

1. Do you feel as though the grants and programs currently in place to provide support
and service to individuals experiencing homelessness are sufficient?

No, I do not think current grants and community programs are sufficient. However,
community awareness of the problem is growing so with that hopefully with come
community dollars.

2. Are there any initiatives on the horizon that are going to address the gaps we have in
assisting those experiencing homelessness?

The engagement center along with the single point of entry concept should help
greatly. It is essential that folks are assessed as soon as possible and then engaged
with what every wrap around services might be necessary.

3. What do you think are some of the shortcomings of current programs/policies in place?

Definitely, the availability of mental health services. There simply are not enough providers and
resources to provide the ongoing treatment to those in need of mental health services.

4. Do you believe the criteria a person must meet to qualify as “homeless” affects the number of people who are
able to receive assistance from government programs?
I really don’t know the answer but I would assume there are folks who are turned away due to lack of
resources.

5. How do you ensure that policies and programs are inclusive enough to provide all individuals experiencing
homelessness access to resources to help them throughout their journey?
In my mind, the only way to ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness can make the transi-
tion is by assigning a case manager to monitor the transition and provide resource management along
the way. Of course, that takes significant resources to provide that service.

6. What do you believe is the biggest hurdle to overcome when addressing issues of homelessness in the com-
munity?
The single point of entry and the engagement center will go a long way to help with the problem but
also we need to tackle the mental health and addiction issue because those issues go hand in hand.

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