HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2021-018Whatcom County COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
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Agenda Bill Master Report
File Number: AB2021-281
File ID: AB2021-281 Version: 1 Status: Approved
File Created: 05/04/2021 Entered by: CHalka@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Council Office File Type: Resolution
Assigned to: Council Final Action: 05/04/2021
Agenda Date: 05/04/2021 Enactment #: RES 2021-018
Primary Contact Ismail: chalka@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Resolution concluding the work of the Homeless Strategies Workgroup and transferring responsibilities
to the Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Resolution concluding the work of the Homeless Strategies Workgroup and transferring responsibilities
to the Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
05/04/2021 Council APPROVED
Aye: 5 Browne, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Frazey, and Kershner
Nay: 1 Donovan
Absent: 1 Byrd
Attachments: Resolution, Second Agenda Revision Notice for 5A.2021
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 51712021
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PROPOSED BY: BROWNE
INTRODUCTION DATE: MAY 4, 2021
RESOLUTION NO.2021-018
RESOLUTION CONCLUDING THE WORK OF THE HOMELESS STRATEGIES
WORKGROUP AND TRANSFERRING RESPONSIBILITES TO THE WHATCOM COUNTY
HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, Whatcom County partners with a number of agencies to provide access to
safe and secure housing and shelter facilities as well as associated programming and services;
and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council adopted Resolution 2017-055 on October
24, 2017, establishing an 'ad hoc' Homeless Strategies Workgroup; and
WHEREAS, the Homeless Strategies Workgroup identified strategies to address public
health and safety, and strategies to end homelessness; and
WHEREAS, on July 23, 2019, Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2019-
034 to extend the work of the Homeless Strategies Workgroup and expand its membership;
and
WHEREAS, Resolution 2019-034 identified the workgroup's purpose to identify
additional temporary winter shelters, added capacity for year-round shelters, additional
opportunities to address the needs of the county's homeless populations, and strategies to
prevent people from having no other option than to sleep outside; and
WHEREAS, on February 25, 2020, Whatcom County Council approved Resolution
2020-010, amending the membership of the Homeless Strategies workgroup to include
additional community representatives appointed by Council; and
WHEREAS, on July 7, 2020, Whatcom County Council approved Resolution 2020-028
establishing two-year terms for Council -appointed members; and
WHEREAS, Resolutions 2017-055 and 2019-034 identified that the workgroup shall
attempt to complete its work as expeditiously as possible; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Health Department Staff presented and received
feedback at the Homeless Strategies Workgroup, during their February, March, and April 2021
meetings, on an inventory of current shelter options and a needs assessment; and
WHEREAS, at the April 16, 2021, the Homeless Strategies Workgroup approved short -
and long-term recommendations to the Whatcom County Council; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee (WCHAC) is authorized
by Whatcom County Code Chapter 3.46.060 to serve in an advisory capacity to the County;
and
WHEREAS, the role of the WCHAC is to advise the County on topics of funding
affordable and supportive housing, provide guidance on the Plan to End Homelessness, and
collaborate with partners for the benefit of the community; and
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WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Housing Advisory Committee (WCHAC) can assume
accountability for progress of the Homeless Strategies Workgroup recommendations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council appreciates the commitment
and guidance provided by the Homeless Strategies Workgroup and its members; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council received the final
recommendations of the Homeless Strategies Workgroup; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council asks that the Whatcom
County Housing Advisory Committee take responsibility for moving forward the
recommendations of the Homeless Strategies Workgroup; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council hereby concludes the
work of the Homeless Strategies Workgroup.
APPROVED this 4th day of May , 2021.
ell
Uiie
D
�•o a
Dana Brora �v,1s,l rk of the Council
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Karen Frakes — by email 05/04/2021
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Barry Buchanan, Council Chair