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2024-04-22 Special Meeting NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 SPECIAL MEETING, APRIL 22, 2024 PAGE 199 ASSEMBLY The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners met for a Joint Special Meeting with the Wilmington City Council on Wednesday, April 22, 2024, at 9:01 a.m. at the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members present: Chair Bill Rivenbark; Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.; Commissioner Dane Scalise; and Commissioner Rob Zapple. Members absent: Vice-Chair LeAnn Pierce. Staff present: County Manager Chris Coudriet; Clerk to the Board Kymberleigh G. Crowell; and County Attorney K. Jordan Smith. City of Wilmington Council present: Mayor Bill Saffo; Mayor Pro-Tem Clifford Barnett; Sr.; Councilmembers Salette Andrews; David Joyner; Charlie Rivenbark; and Luke Waddell. Not present: Councilmember Kevin Spears. City of Wilmington staff present: City Manager Tony Caudle; City Attorney Meredith Everhart; and City Clerk Penny Spicer-Sidbury. Chair Rivenbark and Mayor Saffo called their respective Boards to order reporting that the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the unhoused population. Chair Rivenbark asked for a motion to excuse Vice-Chair Pierce. Motion: Commissioner Scalise MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to excuse Vice-Chair Pierce. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4-0. Mayor Saffo stated that although Councilmember Spears is not present, he is listening and will send any questions or comments to the city clerk. City Manager Caudle stated that the last time the two elected bodies met on this subject, there was a desire to hear from the providers of the programs working directly with the unhoused. Staff have been working over the past several weeks to gather information and bring everyone back together to hear from the providers and discuss ideas for moving forward. County Manager Coudriet thanked the elected officials for allowing staff to present this new information. He believes it is consistent with the direction given at the February 2024 joint meeting. While not identical, it follows the same model that was used to develop the mental health and substance use disorder strategy. This strategy is informing investments, not only with the County's mental health escrow but also its shared opioid settlement revenues and addresses the top priorities. He invited the New Hanover County Strategy Manager Eliza Baldwin and City of Wilmington Housing and Neighborhood Services Director Rachel LaCoe to provide the presentation. PRESENTATION Ms. Baldwin and Ms. LaCoe presented the following information:  Building a strategy to address unsheltered homelessness:  Homelessness service provider inventory:  Online form is open from March 18 – April 10  Received 25 responses  Grouped into three categories:  Emergency/temporary shelters (7)  Case management/service providers (15)  Transitional housing/permanent supportive housing (3)  Provider inventory summary challenges:  Emergency/temporary shelters: Lack of housing options along the continuum, NIMBY-ism, funding to be open more days/times, staff/volunteer turnover, crisis stabilization, funding cuts  Case Management/service providers: Lack of housing options and availability for immediate needs, lack of coordination among partners, improving information flow, referral networks, rising costs of housing/maintaining housing, completing case management needs, stigma/discrimination of marginalized population  Transitional Housing/permanent supportive housing (PSH): Limited capacity for low-barrier, overnight shelter, lack of workforce and affordable housing units, capital funding/zoning restrictions for new facilities  Provider inventory summary opportunities:  Emergency/temporary shelters: Keep working together for greater good of the community – coordination and collaboration, build on trust and respect from unhoused individuals to make connections, more transportation to services from street outreach teams, alternative models/creative solutions, build support for more transitional housing  Case management/service providers: Improve collaboration/coordination among partners, leverage church properties for housing options, increase opportunities for unhoused to earn incomes to promote self-sufficiency, increase access to medical services/insurance, be open daily to serve NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 SPECIAL MEETING, APRIL 22, 2024 PAGE 200  Transitional housing/permanent supportive housing (PSH): Build support for more housing opportunities, improve connections to physical and mental health services, increasing capacity for supportive housing  Strategy process:  Outcomes:  Identify existing gaps in provider capacity  Improve coordination between all our community resources to meet the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness  Measure progress and define success  Create targets and goals with local data resources OPEN DISCUSSION WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS Each service provider in attendance provided an overview of their respective organizations services and answered questions from the elected bodies as follows: Katrina Knight with the Good Shepherd Center provided an overview of the services provided by the organization to the unsheltered population. The center provides necessities and case management to help people get back on their feet. There are 118 beds for single adults and families. Approximately 40 people use the day shelter and approximately 100 adults and children use the night shelter, including up to 16 homeless veterans at a time at the Sgt. Eugene Ashley Center, and 48 chronically homeless individuals across two sites with permanent supportive housing. The center also aims to engage people unwilling to come in for the night and offers a haven during the day to access food and necessities. Ms. Knight responded to questions stating that about 92% of the people the organization helps with can obtain and stay in housing. She also noted that the shelter is a wet shelter and will allow people to stay during active addiction. She stated that the center has a policy for admitting individuals intoxicated or suffering from mental health episodes but manages these situations with care and attention to individual needs. Ms. Knight highlighted the need for more shelters with lower barriers. Andrea Stough with the Cape Fear Council of Governments (CFCOG) Homeless Services Department provided an overview of the services the organization offers to the unsheltered population. The office serves as the collaborative applicant for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds for the Cape Fear Region. The emergency solutions grant provides about $163,000 and goes towards shelter and street outreach, as well as the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). The department is also part of the continuum of care (COC), which administers the COC funding for more permanent housing solutions. Examples of the solutions are permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and transitional housing. Ms. Stone responded to questions stating that of the 922 households in the district waiting for assistance, over 800 are within New Hanover County. Of the 922, 763 are individuals, 158 are families, and one is unknown. The district includes New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, and Pender counties. The HMIS system includes information from all the shelters regarding the housing inventory and bed count. The only shelters that may not be included are the domestic violence shelters and human th trafficking organizations, but the numbers are reported daily. As of January 24, there were 316 unsheltered individuals within the district, most of whom are in New Hanover County. Ms. Stone explained that when determining a person's county of residence, the last known address is what is used. She expressed her preference to see the county and city make permanent housing the priority. During her tenure as a former domestic violence shelter director, one difficult aspect was the ability to place individuals in permanent housing resulting in times where people had to decide between going back to an abuser or not finding housing at all. Leslie Smiley with Cape Fear HealthNet, Inc., stated that the organization connects low-income and uninsured people to primary care, medical homes, specialty care, and care management. Those individuals can enroll in the program if their income is below 300% of the federal poverty level and live in the service area of New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, and Columbus counties. Once enrolled, they are connected to a primary care provider in New Hanover County. The primary care providers are Coastal Horizons Center, Cape Fear Clinic, and MedNorth. If an individual needs specialty care, the program has a network of private providers that will see them pro bono. Emily Whitney with Coastal Disability Advocates stated that the program has been in operation since 2010 and serves individuals who are homeless with a disabling condition. The program helps individuals navigate the process of getting awarded Social Security Income (SSI) they are entitled to as well as assisting with obtaining Medicaid benefits approval. The program is currently funded by Novant. Ms. Whitney confirmed that her team meets people where they are and will complete applications in the field, so individuals do not have to come to them. NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 SPECIAL MEETING, APRIL 22, 2024 PAGE 201 Jason Black with Coastal Horizons Center highlighted the permanent supportive housing program, "Horizon Paddling," which currently accommodates three beds. The program has been approved for a HUD-funded expansion to accommodate 25 residents transitioning from another facility. He then provided a brief overview of the street outreach team, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMSA) through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), which is dedicated to assisting those who are homeless with mental health diagnoses. The team also receives emergency solutions grant (ESG) funding to address substance use disorders among its target population. There are also two substance-use specific programs. The first, "Hearts," is part of Coastal Horizon Center's Adult Regional Residential Treatment Services. The second is a new initiative focused on opioid recovery that aims to place individuals with opioid use disorders in recovery house beds, enabling them to concentrate on their person-centered goals and journey toward recovery. Lauren Bryant with Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. provided an overview of the organization’s operations, primarily serving New Hanover County, with over 90% of the clients being County residents. A range of resources are offered including transportation, financial aid for rent, childcare, car expenses, and utilities. The services include a 24-hour crisis hotline accessible every day of the year. She noted an increase in overnight stays for individuals who are not domestic violence victims and expressed the need for additional resources. The shelter operates on a no-barrier intake system, accepting individuals regardless of circumstances, such as being under the influence or experiencing mental health issues. The emergency shelter has a capacity of 26 beds. However, there are typically 33 to 36 individuals accommodated with many staying for extended periods, sometimes exceeding 45 days, due to the lack of available space elsewhere. She highlighted the importance of having empty beds readily available to accommodate victims needing immediate safety, noting the current backlog and the necessity to explore alternative resources to assist those seeking refuge. Dr. Tom Dalton with Eden Village of Wilmington provided an update on the progress of the project. He highlighted the construction of 31 homes, each 400-square-feet, which incorporates individualized pod shelter units to address immediate shelter needs. The project is modeled after a successful community in Springfield, Missouri, also named Eden Village. He noted the importance of increasing shelter beds and safe parking spaces for those living in their cars. He proposed a variety of housing solutions, including transitional housing for individuals exiting jail and permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals with disabilities. There is a necessity for smaller- scale developments to foster a sense of community. He advocated for affordable housing initiatives, requesting community support regarding land allocation and zoning. He also emphasized the need for an inpatient psychiatric care facility to address the medical needs of the homeless population. Dr. Dalton stated in response to questions that the rent for one of the homes at Eden Village is $300 per month. A brief discussion ensued regarding the qualifications for renting at Even Village. Dr. Dalton stated that the homes are for single adults without children. Regarding substance use among residents, Dr. Dalton noted that residents are asked to follow the law and not let any substance use spill out into the community. The God-Pod solution was also discussed as a shelter option. Dr. Dalton stated that the location for the pods will need to be in an area along a bus route close to services and will be available on night-by-night use to provide a safe space for the unhoused to sleep. Anne Best with Family Promise of the Lower Cape Fear, formerly known as Wilmington Interfaith Hospitality Network, provided an overview of the organization's programs. Established in 1996, Family Promise focuses exclusively on assisting families, not individuals. Services include an emergency shelter program, transitional housing for families affected by domestic violence in collaboration with a local shelter, and an aftercare program. Additionally, the organization offers rapid rehousing with security deposits and rental assistance, along with prevention services aimed at averting homelessness by addressing car repairs, utility bills, and rental assistance. Case management is provided to all program participants, with ongoing support for up to two to five years post-program completion. Family Promise can accommodate up to approximately 16 families and has initiated master leases to mitigate barriers posed by high rents. The organization has built a rapport with several landlords and Ms. Best believes educating area landlords on the services provided will help encourage them to assist in solving the issue. Lee Anna Stoker with First Fruit Ministries stated that the organization began its work in 1998. First Fruit Ministries primarily focuses on serving the unsheltered population, particularly at the intersection of homelessness and human trafficking. The organization is the County's largest and oldest street outreach provider, conducting street outreach four days a week to provide hot meals and professional services to unsheltered individuals in various locations such as wooded areas, train tracks, and drug houses. The organization also operates a 24-hour emergency program for human trafficking victims, collaborating closely with the FBI Task Force. Its transitional programs cater to trafficking victims, while a few permanent housing units are available for individuals through coordinated entry, mainly HUD beds. First Fruit Ministries also runs a no-barrier day shelter, intended to accommodate about 50 people on Tuesdays or Thursdays, but currently serves 70 to 90 individuals. Last year alone, the organization served 868 different unsheltered individuals in the County through its day shelter program. Reverend Meg McBride, Reverend Jamie Thompson, and Senior Pastor Benny Oakes presented an overview of the initiative partnerships between Grace United Methodist Church, Hope Recovery United Methodist Church, Anchor United Methodist Church, and Living Hope Day Center. Reverend Thompson stated that she serves as pastor of Anchor United Methodist Church and as associate pastor of community engagement at Grace United Methodist Church, with all her work being in the downtown area. Anchor United Methodist Church does not exist to serve folks experiencing homelessness; instead, it is a church of people experiencing homelessness with the sole purpose being to build community, relationships, trust, and connection. Anchor United Methodist Church and Grace United Methodist Church are partners in the warming shelter and the day shelter effort of Living Hope. Reverend McBride reiterated that the organizations operate as ministries rather than service providers, highlighting their involvement NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 SPECIAL MEETING, APRIL 22, 2024 PAGE 202 in various outreach efforts. They manage the warming shelter, an emergency overnight facility hosted at Grace United Methodist Church, activated on consecutive nights when temperatures fall below 30 degrees. There was a significant increase in guests this season, with the busiest night accommodating 140 individuals. She stated that the warming shelter offers a no-barrier approach. They also partner with the Living Hope Day Center at First Baptist Church, offering meals, coffee, computer access, and connections to services on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with an average of 60 visitors daily. She expressed a desire for expanded hours if funding is allowed. Additionally, there is collaboration with St. Jude's Metropolitan Community Church to operate a mobile shower trailer in partnership with Vigilant Hope that is set to launch weekly at various locations. Reverend McBride briefly discussed plans to involve Wesley United Methodist Church in the summer, highlighting the ongoing initiatives of their organization. Commissioner Barfield thanked them for their efforts with the warming shelters. Sonja McFarland with Help Hub at the Harrelson Center stated that the organization serves as a collaborative space for various nonprofits, fostering relationships with both in-house and community-based organizations. While it does not offer case management, it focuses on addressing housing issues, utilities, transportation, and medical needs. With a nurse available three mornings a week, they operate on a walk-in basis from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., assisting individuals presenting any case, including homeless populations who often seek assistance. The mission is to provide emergency assistance to bridge funding gaps and connect individuals with resources within the building or community. Funded initially by downtown churches and subsequently by additional community churches, Help Hub also applies for grants, some earmarked for the elderly and others for services like WAVE transit tickets. The Help Hub collaborates with other agencies to complement its services, emphasizing its role in closing gaps. Ms. McFarland highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships with organizations like Family Promise, noting the positives of a collaborative approach to addressing community needs. Frankie Roberts with Leading Into New Communities (LINC) provided an overview of the organization’s services. LINC supports justice-involved individuals with reintegrating into the community, offering services from health and medical support to education and housing assistance. It operates a transitional campus for men and women, with permanent supportive housing units and affordable housing options. He highlighted upcoming housing initiatives, including constructing a new apartment complex and adding transitional houses for individuals on medication assistance treatment (MAT) funded by the County. Additionally, LINC has secured transitional housing beds for 15 to 18-year-olds, with support from the City of Wilmington (City). Mr. Roberts noted the ongoing challenge of securing housing for individuals with justice-involved histories due to reluctance from landlords and shelter providers. He emphasized the need for community influence to effectively address this barrier. He concluded his comments by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share LINC's work and underscored the importance of collaboration in overcoming housing challenges for this population. Mr. Roberts responded to questions regarding housing for those on the sex offender registry, stating that when he has an individual looking for housing who is on the registry, he collaborates with landlords and the Sheriff’s Office to make sure the address is a good location. He added that the recidivism rate for those on the registry is the lowest of those who commit other crimes at only three percent. If these individuals cannot find housing, they return to prison and become part of the three percent. Mr. Roberts stated that LINC served over 800 individuals last year. Katelyn Mattox with the New Hanover County Getting Home Street Outreach Team and Corporal Melody Medlock with the Wilmington Police Department (WPD) stated that the mission of the Getting Home Street Outreach Program is to prepare unsheltered residents for rehoming through connection to services. The program provides transportation while maintaining clean and safe areas where the homeless gather. One of the initiatives is the Bin Den, a storage unit program that offers people who are experiencing homelessness a safe place to store their possessions. The program runs seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. A brief discussion ensued regarding encampments on properties and the County ordinance that prohibits camping on county property. Commissioner Barfield commended the team for their work in connecting unhoused individuals to resources. Ms. Mattox responded to questions stating that the team follows the unhoused population where they go. The initial focus started downtown but moves based on where the population location. A brief discussion ensued regarding homelessness and potential solutions. Councilmember Rivenbark stressed the need for a drastic change to address the issue and called for decisive action to make a substantial difference. He commended the dedication of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to support those in need and underscored the urgency to quickly address homelessness. Commissioner Scalise stated that he does not believe spending more money on the issue is the solution, referencing the efforts in California to address homelessness, which have not curbed the issue despite a significant financial investment. Voni Goodson-Simpson with the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition shared information about the organization's low barrier, low-cost resources available to the community. The organization is committed to building integrated health services, including the distribution of Naloxone and harm reduction supplies, as well as providing daily necessities and wound care materials. The on-site nursing staff offers testing, counseling, treatment, and referrals, while case management services facilitate warm handoffs to additional community resources. Major Connie Morris with Salvation Army of Cape Fear stated that the new Salvation Army shelter is due to open in the spring of 2025. It will have 76 beds and will be able to house 100 during an emergency. Although the shelter will be coming online next year, she stressed that the immediate focus should be preventing homelessness. She noted the financial challenges low-income families face, with 70% spending half their income on rent and a 12% increase in Duke Power rates. Despite efforts to collaborate with landlords and provide ongoing case management, stigma towards homeless individuals remains a barrier to securing housing. She further stressed the need for NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 SPECIAL MEETING, APRIL 22, 2024 PAGE 203 education and support for clients and community members, expressing a commitment to partnering with others to address homelessness in New Hanover County. Major Morris responded to questions stating that the Salvation Army has applied for a grant from the New Hanover Community Endowment (NHCE) as well as other grants. The Salvation Army does not rely on government funding and receives a lot of community support. Although there is no current shelter, the Salvation Army can provide shelter in an emergency in a hotel, but not long term. The organization currently houses nine individuals and can house up to ten families. Brian Minga and Megan Weber-Youssefi with The Healing Place of New Hanover County (THPNHC) provided a brief update on their organization, which has been in operation for over a year. Mr. Minga mentioned that the annual report is available on the website for those interested. The facility comprises 200 beds, 28 dedicated to social detox, 14 for emergency day-by-day shelter, and 158 for long-term recovery. There is currently a 93% occupancy rate, with approximately three individuals turned away daily due to capacity limitations. The facility offers services such as detox around the clock and allows individuals access to the shelter regardless of their state. However, there is a restriction on admitting sex offenders due to the special use permit for the facility. Last year, THPNHC served over 2000 individuals, with 60% self-reporting as unsheltered. Ms. Youssefi stated that the shelter is a wet shelter. There is no maximum length of stay, but the average stay is five months in the long-term recovery program. The average detox stay is five to seven days, and the shelter is on a day-to-day basis. Regarding the home county of those served, Mr. Minga stated that THPNHC has served individuals from 33 counties, although 75% of those served are from New Hanover County. Mr. Minga confirmed that New Hanover County pays for a specific number of beds, and their organization ensures that individuals get the services they need when they need them. Laura Bullock with Vigilant Hope spoke on the organization’s strategic presence in local churches and neglected neighborhoods, aiming to educate and train individuals on helping their neighbors effectively. She shared an encounter at a recent community breakfast where a homeless friend shared her struggles, including moving her camp multiple times, stress over her boyfriend's incarceration, and experiencing sexual assault. Ms. Bullock emphasized the importance of bearing witness to the humanity of those experiencing homelessness and trauma. She further underscored Vigilant Hope's role in bridging connections between job opportunities and individuals with criminal records or lacking permanent addresses. Ms. Bullock responded to questions stating that Vigilant Hope partners with Recovery Church to provide showers and host a place where people can meet weekly for coffee, doughnuts, showers, and connect with resources. Christina Haley, Vice President of Wilmington Downtown Inc. (WDI), provided an update on their street outreach program. The program, funded through a contract with the City, comprises approximately 14% of their budget. They employ one social worker, Jack Morris, who operates on downtown area streets Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mr. Morris currently manages a caseload of around 98 individuals and has interacted with a total of 323 individuals since the program's inception in December 2021. The program's primary objectives include bridging connections, providing first response in crisis situations, and facilitating access to various services available in the community. GENERAL DISCUSSION Commissioner Barfield stated that he is leaving the meeting optimistic and hopeful and reflected on the importance of service and resource allocation while emphasizing the need for innovative approaches. He believes that although money might not be the answer, it is part of it. He highlighted initiatives like mobile clinics and housing projects as examples of innovative solutions and expressed support for ongoing efforts to address homelessness. He thanked the organizations for their contributions and expressed hope for continued progress in addressing community needs. He appreciated the opportunity to learn more about each organization’s operations. Councilmember Waddell acknowledged the complexity of homelessness and emphasized the need for proactive and multifaceted approaches to address it. He cited data from California highlighting the prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse among the homeless population and challenged the notion that homelessness is solely a housing issue. Drawing on examples from other cities, particularly Houston, he advocated for strategies that combine compassion with common-sense enforcement, including investment in shelter and permanent supportive housing, collaboration with nonprofit partners, and lobbying for state-level support for mental health and addiction services. He also proposed measures such as strict bans on public camping and public education campaigns to discourage panhandling. Citing Houston's success in reducing homelessness, he argued for adopting similar strategies in the region. City Clerk Spicer-Sidbury read a statement from Councilmember Spears noting that he disagrees with the association of crime with homelessness. Mayor Pro-Tem Barnett emphasized the importance of housing as a fundamental step in addressing homelessness, highlighting the need for ongoing support services once individuals have housing. He stressed the importance of addressing homelessness across the entire County and City, not just the downtown areas, and emphasized the value of collaboration among organizations. While expressing a desire for more detailed plans, he expressed support for the resolution and appreciation for current efforts. Mayor Saffo thanked the service providers for their dedication with limited resources. He highlighted the impact of homelessness on public health and stressed the need for ongoing services, even with housing initiatives. He raised concerns about the scale of the issue, suggesting it exceeds current estimates. He also called for transparency regarding funding allocations from federal and state partners. Acknowledging the complexity of the NEW HANOVER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BOOK 36 SPECIAL MEETING, APRIL 22, 2024 PAGE 204 issue, he appreciates the collaborative effort among elected bodies to develop a comprehensive plan for addressing homelessness. Furthermore, he believes both Novant and the NHCE should be part of these discussions. Commissioner Scalise emphasized the need for meaningful action to address homelessness, stating that the status quo is unacceptable. He highlighted the complexity of the homeless population, including individuals facing job loss, substance abuse, mental health issues, and criminal behavior. He urged against commingling these groups and stressed the importance of holding criminals accountable. He advocated for a purpose-driven approach to assisting those who genuinely need help while acknowledging that some may not want assistance. He expressed his desire for deliberate planning and focusing on solving the issue rather than perpetuating the current situation. He urged for hard discussions and a reevaluation of strategies to achieve meaningful change. Commissioner Zapple expressed gratitude to each organization for their efforts to address homelessness. He highlighted the cooperation and collaboration among different groups, noting that the County and City fund many of them. He emphasized the importance of learning from other communities and thinking outside the box to effectively address homelessness. He disagrees with the idea of arresting people as a solution and stressed the need to address root causes like mental health issues and lack of affordable housing. He expressed optimism with the collaborative effort of the elected officials and community to address the issue and agreed that Novant should be involved in finding solutions. Councilmember Rivenbark clarified his earlier comments and spoke about the challenges of balancing the responsibility to provide a safe environment for constituents with the complex issue of homelessness. He acknowledged the limitations of providing housing as a solution but highlighted the importance of housing as a foundation for addressing other issues like mental health. While housing alone may not solve all problems, it significantly improves the chances of individuals accessing other necessary services for their well-being. Councilmember Joyner commented that he believes community members want to help but do not know how. He acknowledged the significant contribution of faith-based groups to address homelessness and encouraged further collaboration with them. He also highlighted the crucial role of enforcement and community safety, citing a recent example where cooperation with the district attorney's office helped locate and assist a homeless victim. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A STRATEGY TO ADDRESS UNSHELTERED HOMELESS After a brief discussion about the proposed resolution, Commissioner Barfield read the document into the record. Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark and Mayor Saffo asked for direction from their respective boards. Motion: Commissioner Barfield MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner Zapple to adopt the joint resolution establishing a strategy to address unsheltered homelessness. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 4-0. Motion: Councilmember Andrews MOVED, SECONDED by Councilmember Rivenbark to adopt the joint resolution establishing a strategy to address unsheltered homelessness. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED 6-0. A copy of the resolution is hereby incorporated as part of the minutes and contained in Exhibit Book XLV, Page 8.1. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further discussion, Chair Rivenbark and Mayor Saffo adjourned the meeting at 11:26 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Kymberleigh G. Crowell Clerk to the Board Please note that the above minutes are not a verbatim record of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners meeting. The entire proceedings are available online at www.nhcgov.com.