Coordinated Houseless Response Office Advisory Board seeks two Deschutes county residents to fill vacancies

(Update: Adding comment)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County's Coordinated Houseless Response Office is accepting applications for two at-large seats on its CHRO Advisory Committee. County residents with an interest in or a life experience with houselessness are encouraged to apply.

Matthew Draxton spoke to Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council Executive Director Tammy Baney about the position and what her goals are for the advisory committee and the goals for the Coordinated Houseless Response Office (CHRO) in 2024.

”What we're looking for are community members that have an interest, that have knowledge and then have the time to give it to help the coordinated houseless response office achieve their goals" said Tammy Baney, executive director, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council. The CIOC overseas the CHRO.

Mayor Pro Tem, Megan Perkins said, "I think that has been a really key component in just having those lines of communication be open and also being in an environment where we're learning from others about about the state of homelessness and and seeing that all together and deciding that this is something that we do want to tackle."

The CHROAC meets monthly or as directed by the Board.

The advisory board is looking for“someone that wants to be able to provide input into the coordinated House's response office in helping them to be able to seek solutions to the crisis that we have," said Baney.

There are 15 total seats on the advisory board, two being vacant. 

Roles & Responsibilities  

The role of the CHROAC is to provide current knowledge, critical thinking, and analysis to increase the decision-maker’s – the CHRO Board of Directors (Board) - understanding of the issues. The CHROAC is not a decision-making body.  

The responsibilities of the CHROAC are to assist the Board in achieving the goals of the CHRO’s strategic plan. These include: 

• Provide input and recommendations on funding needs, partnerships, policy changes, and other actions that improve the homelessness service delivery system. 
• Provide the Board with input on houselessness related legislation.  
• Share information and identify emerging issues and trends within the homeless, recently housed, and at-risk of homelessness communities. 
• Ensure that the Board is advancing goals, steering policy, and making informed decisions. 
• Participate in and/or facilitate community engagement activities and events. 
• Foster and promote cooperation between governmental agencies, community based non-governmental non-profit organizations, and business interests to ensure the efficient and timely implementation of the Office’s strategic plan. 
• Provide information regarding the needs and other factors affecting the smooth implementation of the plan. 
• Determine roadblocks affecting program implementation and recommend corrective measures to the Board. 

In regard to the role, Baney said, "review the materials, make sure that you have an understanding of what's going on in the community. Is there a new provider that's coming online? Is there maybe a new crisis? Is that something that might be something it shut down? Are there new legislative legislative ideas that are coming forward?" She also said, the individual to fill the seat would "be able to be a liaison between the community and to the advisory board, which then offers that voice over to the coordinated Houseless Response Office board" creating "a nice synergy between the work that's happening in the governance level and the work that needs to be happening on the ground as well."

Membership Categories 

• (1) representative from organizations with expertise in communications 
• (1) representative from organizations with expertise in real estate 
• (1) representative from Economic Development of Central Oregon (EDCO) and/or City Chamber of Commerce 
• (1) representative from a faith-based organization  
• (2) representatives from organizations that deliver direct services including case management, behavioral or mental health or addiction treatment 
• (2) representatives from organizations that provide emergency housing/shelter services  
• (1) representative from affordable housing developer 
• (1) representative with lived experience 
• (1) representative from federal or state land management agencies 
• (1) representative from the medical system 
• (1) representative from county or city law enforcement 
• (2) at-large 

Membership. Terms of Service, and Appointments 

• Appointed by the voting members of the Board with guidance from the nonvoting members the Office, and the entity holding the Office. Initial members serve staggered one- and two-year terms. Subsequent terms will be two years. There is no term limit. Appointments will be determined based on the CHRO Board availability and upcoming meeting agendas. 

Stipend 

• The CHRO offers a $40 stipend per meeting, not to exceed $500 a year per person. The intent is to lower barriers to participation. This stipend covers assumed costs of volunteering on an advisory group such as travel, parking, stable internet connections and other expenses.  

Deadline 

• Applications are due via email to Jhrabik@coic.org by 12:00 pm on January 31, 2024. 

To Apply 

• Please contact Jean Hrabik via email and provide an explanation of why you believe you should be selected to participate on the Advisory Board. In your submission, please describe your experience working with other advisory boards and your experience working with or serving houseless individuals.  
• This opportunity is intended for Deschutes County residents only. 

Contact 

• Jean Hrabik
• Jhrabik@coic.org 503-481-3384