Family Homelessness Prevention

Purpose

The Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP) Advisory Committee is established pursuant to Minnesota Statute 462A.204, Subdivision 6. 

Vision statement 

Washington County is a place where homelessness is prevented, days of homelessness are minimized, and repeat homelessness is eliminated through the innovative efforts of our local governments, nonprofits, faith-based organizations and citizens.

The FHPAP operates in accordance with the operating procedures established by the county. The FHPAP ceases to operate if FHPAP funds are not granted to Washington County.

Responsibilities

The FHPAP Advisory Committee assists the Community Services Department with the following tasks:

  • Design or refocus the grantee's emergency response system.
  • Develop project outcome measurements.
  • Assess the short-term and long-term effectiveness of the project in meeting the needs of families who are homeless.
    • Prevent homelessness.
    • Identify and develop innovative solutions to the problem of homeless families.
    • Identify problems and barriers to provide services to homeless families.
  • Review FHPAP sub-grantee applications and make funding recommendations to the County Board.

The Washington County Community Services Department (also known as the FHPAP Grantee) is responsible for the coordination and administration of FHPAP grant funds through contractual agreements with the sub-grantees. Community Services ensures that statistical and financial reports are submitted to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA). They also ensures the entry of client data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) by the sub-grantees. Community Services is also responsible for submitting an annual written report on the project per MHFA specifications.

Composition

The FHPAP Advisory Committee consists of nine members who are appointed by the County Board as follows:

  • One homeless or formerly homeless person.
  • One homeless advocate.
  • One provider of emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing.
  • Five members (one from each commissioner district).
  • One representative assigned from the State Interagency Task Force on Homelessness by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency who is a non-voting member.

Qualifications

Commissioner district members could be landlords, persons affiliated with faith organizations, legal aid staff, youth-service providers, or school homeless liaisons. Preference is given to persons with familiarity with the needs of and issues facing persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Procedures for appointment

Applicants must complete the required application for appointment to this committee. Submit any background information requested.

The County Board, at its discretion, may interview any applicant seeking appointment to the FHPAP Advisory Committee.

Member terms

The FHPAP program term is three years beginning July 1 and ending June 30. The County Board, at its discretion, may replace the member at any time, when, in the opinion of the County Board or County Commissioner appointing the member, it is in the best interests of the county to do so.

Meeting requirements

Meetings of the FHPAP Advisory Committee are held at least monthly. Meeting time and location is designated by the Community Services Department.

Election of officers

A chair, vice chair, and secretary are elected every two years with elections to occur at a regularly scheduled meeting during the first quarter of the biennium.

Task forces and committees

The FHPAP Advisory Committee may, from time to time, establish additional task forces or subcommittees to study a special issue or conduct special projects. The membership provides service only for the time necessary to study and report on such issues or to complete the assigned project. Additional community representation may be sought for participation in the task force or subcommittee to provide expertise or resources needed for successful completion. These additional representatives do not have voting privileges.

Conflict of interest

Members representing organizations that are receiving funding or applying for funding are excluded from any vote or other decision-making process involving funding, procedures, or any other matter before the committee that directly affects that organization.

Remuneration

Resident members of the FHPAP Advisory Committee are eligible to receive meeting per diem and mileage reimbursement at the rate established by the County Board.

Operating procedures

This advisory committee operates in accordance with the operating procedures established by the county.