Jefferson City Taskforce on Homelessness raises concerns on lack of resources
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
During the second Jefferson City Taskforce on Homelessness meeting Thursday, members discussed critical gaps in available resources for those experiencing homelessness.
The taskforce -- whose creation was approved by the Jefferson City Council in June -- brings together various groups such as law enforcement, community recreation, legal professionals and resources like Room at the Inn or Habitat for Humanity.
"We wanted to make sure that we had the good mix of people that are boots on the ground, the people  that are doing it every day versus people that just have a perception of what they think is going on," Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater said.
While individual agencies often work together in other capacities, this gives Jefferson City officials an opportunity to brainstorm and discuss ways to address the issue. The goal is to have a final report of their findings by April.
During Thursday's meeting, members conducted an analysis that reviewed each organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats when working with those who are experiencing homelessness.
After the exercise, members had time to discuss the results of the analysis. Common strengths included organizations providing rehibilitation services, like financial classes or employment training. Weaknesses were focused on a general lack of resources like money or adequate training on mental health for agencies not directly working with individuals facing mental health challenges, such as public library employees.
During the taskforce's last meeting on Oct. 10, Jefferson City Police Officer Martika Hitt said from Oct. 1, 2023-Oct. 1 2024, there were 481 cases of unhoused individuals being assisted with mental health resources.
One topic that stood out was a gap in transportation. Though there are more than15 homeless resources throughout Jefferson City. People will travel from place to place, which can become a hurdle itself when buses stop running in the evenings.
"We're a 31 bed shelter, we have 14 extra cots in inclement weather but then where do they go for a shower after that or where do they go?" Salvation Army Major and Taskforce Chairman Justin Windell said. "We have our meal program, but what happens in between those times during the day?"
Another concern brought up in the meeting: How to notify more people about resources and how to get people who may not want help to seek it.
"We're not building something where we're attracting the folks that just don't want to be helped, but they would like to do it in our community, that is not our intent." Fitzwater said. "We want to take care of our folks here that need help and get them to the resources."
Windell hopes to bring in a guest speaker -- at the next meeting on Dec. 12 --who has either worked in homeless advocacy or someone who has been affected by homelessness to gain more insights
Meetings have also been scheduled for Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13 and April 10.
