Huron County's Housing Services Manager says county council has endorsed a recommendation from the county's Homelessness Task Force and will move forward with a dispersed site model of supportive housing as a first step in addressing the needs of those experiencing homelessness.
Christine Hoffman says the dispersed model will allow the county to acquire housing units in smaller venues and for smaller numbers of units. She says “Social and Property Services will work strategically to place supportive housing units in different settings and in different municipalities, based on an identified need, choice and amenities available. It may be a renovation of six units or it may be a smaller build of four units.”.
Hoffman also says, they do realize this won't meet the needs in the community, but it is a start as they explore other options, noting “This is just a first step that we're taking as far as the dispersed model, but those conversations about a larger build, which would have the ability of providing 24-hour support, it's still definitely being talked at at the table and the task force would make recommendations to county council when we've finished the conversation.”
Hoffman explains “So it provides those that are experiencing not only temporary, but chronic homelessness, access to permanent housing and in addition to the housing, that supportive housing would have the wrap-around support, which might include meals, mental health, addiction support, medical services, financial assistance.”, but she also points out, none of that can happen if they don't have a roof over their head, so having a permanent home is critical. Hoffman says anyone who wants to find out more about what the county is doing to address homelessness can get more information on the Huron County web site.
