25 apply to become members of Jefferson City homelessness task force
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Jefferson City received 25 applications from residents hoping to become a part of its homelessness task force, according to a spokesperson for the city.
City spokeswoman Molly Bryan said there are eight positions open, five of which are reserved for members from faith-based or nonprofit organizations and three members "at large." Bryan said the mayor will review and recommend appointments at the city's next administration committee meeting.
If approved, those appointments will likely go to the Jefferson City Council for a vote during the Aug. 19 meeting.
The City Council approved a resolution to create the task force in June, with the goal of finding solutions to the unhoused population in the community. The task force will also look to help promote the resources available for homeless people in the area.
River City Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Susan Cooks said she applied to be a member of the committee because affordable housing is important. Cooks said if she is voted to become a member, her goal is to look past the current moment.
"We have to look at long-term solutions. And long-term solutions means housing," Cooks said. "Because homelessness is a housing problem. It's not a mental-health problem, it's not a addiction problem. It's a housing problem. There's not enough housing for the residents and we need more housing."
Steve Devries, who is a volunteer at Room at the Inn in Jefferson City, also applied to be on the task force.
DeVries said in applying, he hopes to help point people who experiencing homelessness in the right direction and connect with them. DeVries also said he wants to bring awareness to the need, and importance of volunteering at shelters, such as the Room at the Inn.
"We've got a lot of things that we can talk to them about, get them in touch with," DeVries said. "We had a number of... good number of success stories of people that just needed somebody to help them. We were able to find them a place to live, they got jobs you know."
