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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Actions 02-21-23 WHITE-BDYU 42569-022123 City of Roanoke, Virginia CITY COUNCIL February 21 , 2023 2:00 PM ROAN O KE City Council Chamber 215 Church Avenue, S.W. AGENDA The City of Roanoke is a safe, caring and economically vibrant community in which to live, learn, work, play and prosper. A vibrant urban center with strong neighborhoods set amongst the spectacular beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge. NOTICE: Council meetings will be televised live and replayed on RVTV Channel 3 on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and video streamed through Facebook Live at facebook.com/RoanokeVa. Council meetings are offered with closed captioning for the deaf or hard of hearing. 1. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL. All Present. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Jeff Wilson, Pastor, Huntington Court United Methodist Church. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. Welcome. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 2. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Recognition of City Employees with 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years of service. Mayor Lea and Council Member Volosin presented gifts to City employees with tenure. Recognition of Fire-EMS staff. Mayor Lea and Chief Hoback recognized staff involved in recent fire emergencies. 3. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters will be referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to Council, as he may deem appropriate. David Tucker, 2432 Stanley Avenue, S. E., appeared before the Council and commented on the Fairview, Cedar Lawn and Big Lick cemeteries. (See written remarks on file in the City Clerk's Office.) Freeda Cathcart, 2516 Sweetbrier Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council to express concerns with neighborhood and City communication. Gene Elliott, 2720 Rosalind Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to sidewalk repair on Rosalind Avenue. 4. CONSENT AGENDA: APPROVED, AS AMENDED. (7-0) All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Members of City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of the items. If discussion is desired, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately. C-1. Minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Dispensed with the reading of the minutes and approved as recorded. C-2. A communication from Council Member Patricia White-Boyd, Chair, City Council Personnel Committee, requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting to discuss a personnel matter, being the mid-year performances of Council-Appointed Officers, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concurred in the request. C-3. A communication from the City Manager requesting a Closed Meeting to discuss the possible acquisition of real estate in the Northern area of the City of Roanoke, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711.(A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concurred in the request. C-4. A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Charles Waters as a member of Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals, effectively immediately. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Accepted the resignation and received and filed the communication. C-5. A communication from the City Clerk advising of the resignation of Cheryl Mosley as a member of the Roanoke Cultural Endowment, Board of Directors, effective immediately. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Accepted the resignation and received and filed the communication. C-6. Reports of qualification of the following individuals: Rachel Hale as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates for a three-year term of office commencing October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2025; Barbara Duerk as a member of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission to fill the unexpired term of office of Peter Volosin ending June 30, 2024; Anita J. Price as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Anita J. Price ending June 30, 2024; and William D. Bestpitch as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Erika Bergen ending November 30, 2025. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Received and filed. C-7. A communication from the City Attorney requesting that Council convene in a Closed Meeting with legal counsel pertaining to current litigation where such consultation and briefing in an open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(7), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concurred in the request. REGULAR AGENDA: 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. 6. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: NONE. 7. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER: 1. CITY MANAGER: BRIEFINGS: • FY23 Budget— January Monthly Budget Report - 15 minutes. Received and filed. • FY24 Budget— Capital Improvements Program - 20 minutes. Received and filed. ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION: A. De-appropriation of Western Virginia Water Authority Funds for the Melrose Avenue Streetscape. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 42569-022123. (6-0, Council Member Sanchez-Jones was not present when vote was recorded) B. Acceptance and appropriation of the Virginia ARPA Tourism Recovery Program Grant. Adopted Resolution No. 42570-022123 and Budget Ordinance No. 42571-022123. (6-0, Council Member Sanchez-Jones was not present when vote was recorded) C. Acceptance of the FY2023 VDOT State of Good Repair Grant Award - UPCs 121971, 121977. Adopted Resolution No. 42572-022123 and Budget Ordinance No. 42573-022123. (7-0) D. Adoption of"Roanoke Virginia Strategic Plan 2023 - 2024." Adopted Resolution No. 42574-022123. (7-0) COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANAGER. The City Manager shared information with regard to "My Healthy Hometown" prescription discount program offered by the National League of Cities and provided a brief overview of the Star City Strong Recovery Fund. 2. City Attorney: A. Amendment of the City Code to update Section 2-307 (c) Youth Athletics Review Board. Adopted Ordinance No. 42575-022123. (7-0) B. Approval of the proposed settlement of opioid related claims against multiple distributors and their related corporate entities. Adopted Resolution No. 42576-022123. (7-0) C. Approval of proposed amendments to Chapter 2,Administration, Article XIV Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees Generally, Section 2-305, Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board. Adopted Ordinance No. 42577-022123 and Resolution No. 42578- 022123. (7-0) 8. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES: 1. A report of the Roanoke City School Board requesting appropriation of funds for various educational programs; and a report of the City Manager recommending that Council concur in the request. Donna Caldwell, Director of Accounting, Spokesperson. Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 42579-022123. (7-0) 2. A report of certain Authorities, Boards, Committees and Commissions in which City Council serve as liaisons or appointees. Council Member Moon Reynolds announced a program sponsored by Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority "Roanoke Saves Week." Council Member Priddy provided an update on legislation. 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE. 10. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: NONE. 11. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS: 1. Inquiries and/or comments by the Mayor and Members of City Council. • Discussion of comments received by Mayor relating to Section 21-5, City Code, (Curfew for persons sixteen years of age or younger.) • Sister Cities Letter. The Council moved to affirm the Pskov, Russia Sister Cities letter. (7-0) 2. Vacancies on certain authorities, boards, commissions and committees appointed by Council. None. 12. RECESSED - 5:19 P.M. THE COUNCIL MEETING WILL STAND IN RECESS; AND THEREAFTER RECONVENE AT 7:00 PM, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, ROOM 450, NOELC. TAYLOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING. City of Roanoke, Virginia CITY COUNCIL OSA '_. 7:00 PM ROANO KE City Council Chamber 215 Church Avenue, S.W. 13. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL. Council Member Priddy was absent. The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Adam Ayers, Middle School Pastor, Valley Church of God. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by Mayor Sherman P. Lea, Sr. Welcome. CERTIFICATION OF CLOSED MEETING. (5-0, Vice-Mayor Cobb was not present when vote was recorded) 14. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: NONE. 15. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Proposal of the City of Roanoke to consider approval of the City of Roanoke HOME ARP Allocation Plan. Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager. No action taken. 2. Proposal of the City of Roanoke to lease an approximate 60' X 60' plot of land located at Morningside Park along Morgan Avenue, S. E., and designated as Tax Map Number 4240102 to Carilion Clinic for use as an Urban Garden. Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager. Adopted Ordinance No. 42580-022123. (6-0) 3. Proposal of the City of Roanoke to lease an approximate 129' X 100' plot of land located at Morningside Park along Morgan Avenue, S. E., and designated as Tax Map Number 4240102 to Local Environmental Agricultural Project, Inc. ('L.E.A.P.") for use as a Community Garden. Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager. Adopted Ordinance No. 42581-022123 (6-0) 4. Proposal of the City of Roanoke to renew the lease for approximately 0.3664 acres of land located at the northeast corner of 13th Street and Cleveland Avenue, S. W., and designated as Tax Map Number 1220803 to Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Inc. (L.E.A.P.) for use as a Community Garden. Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager. Adopted Ordinance No. 42582-022123 (6-0) 16. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS: appropriate, City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. If deemed appro p matters will be referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to the Council. 1. Suzanne Osborne, 1702 Blair Road, S.W., appeared before the Council in opposition of the expenditures of the Gun Violence Commission funds. Shawn Hunter, 514 24th Street, N. W., appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the uptick of crime in the community and expressed disapproval in the distribution of funds by the Gun Violence Prevention Commission. Fred Donaher, 360 Albemarle Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council and expressed concern for public transit and its importance to the community. Katie Wooley, 3012 Ordway Drive, N. W., appeared before the Council to advocate for public transit. Laura Hartman, 1209 Campbell Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council to share comments with regard to the City bus service. Thomas Robinson, 2104 Salem Avenue, S. W., appeared before the Council to express concern about the prevention of gun violence in the City. ADJOURNED - 8:52 P.M. Mayor Lea Vice Mayor Cobb City Manager Cowell Members of Council My name is David Tucker. I live at 2432 Stanley Ave SE. My parents are buried in Cedar Lawn Cemetery. As a consequence, I received the February 3rd letter announcing the intent to dissolve FV Cemetery Company, INC. effective July 1, 2023. In addition to the Fair View properties, and the City owned and maintained historic cemetery on Tazewell Ave,there are numerous private cemeteries within the City,some well maintained and self- sustaining, others are not. In particular, allow me to discuss Old Lick Cemetery located on Melrose Ave. at the interchange with 1- 581. This Cemetery is owned by First Baptist Church. This congregation provides mowing and maintenance for the cleared grassy areas. However, a large portion is overgrown with brush and trees. I am active with the Friends of Old Lick Cemetery, a group of 20 or so individuals, led by Ellen Stick. We meet monthly to clear brush,grind stumps,and plant Daffodils. At Old Lick,we are moving from an area of small brush to an area with larger trees. Deciding which trees to keep, felling larger trees, and large stump grinding are anticipated future needs,which are beyond our current capabilities. I don't have any specific knowledge regarding the nearby Springwood Cemetery located at the intersection of Liberty Rd and Hunt Ave. It appears that this cemetery faces many of the same challenges as Old Lick. My request today is that the City Manager and staff include conversations with the owners and stakeholders of these and other city cemeteries as a part of the effort to address the FV Cemetery Company, INC. February 3rd letter. The goal of this effort is to determine specific needs and hopefully to establish a means for the City to assist with these needs. My hope is that we can all agree that everyone buried in the various city cemeteries deserves to rest in peace and dignity. A broad approach at this time to look at the needs of all City cemeteries will help to achieve this end. Thank you, I appreciate this opportunity to speak. CITY OF ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL 215 Church Avenue,S.W.,Suite 456 Roanoke,Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540)853-2541 Fax: (540)853-1145 SHERMAN P.LEA,SR. E-mail: clerk@roanokeva.gov Council Members Mayor Joseph L.Cobb Luke W.Priddy Stephanie Moon Reynolds Vivian Sanchez-Jones Peter J.Volosin Patricia White-Boyd February 21, 2023 The Honorable Mayor Sherman P. Lea and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Lea and Members of Council: I wish to request a Closed Meeting to discuss the mid-year performance of the Council- Appointed Officers, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(1), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Si cerely, � -� Patricia White-Boyd, Chair City Council Personnel Committee PWB:ctw ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 21, 2023 Subject: A communication from the City Manager requesting a Closed Meeting to discuss the possible acquisition of real estate in the Northern area of the City of Roanoke, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711.(A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Background: The City Manager requests a Closed Meeting to discuss the possible acquisition of real estate in the Northern area of the City of Roanoke, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711.(A)(3), Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. Recommended Action: Concur in the request. 1--0 Bob Cowell, City Manager Distribution: CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue,S.W.,Suite 456 Roanoke,Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540)853-2541 Fax: (540)853-1145 CECELIA T.WEBB,CMC CECELIA F.MCCOY,CMC E-mail: clerk@roanokeva.gov Deputy City Clerk City Clerk RUTH VISUETE-PEREZ Assistant Deputy City Clerk February 21, 2023 The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Lea and Members of Council: This is to advise that Charles Waters has tendered his resignation as a member of the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals, effective immediately. Sincerely, c A-, Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk To:Tina Carr<tina.carr roanokeva.gov> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Building& Fire Code Board of Appeals--Appeal Anticipated--Your Availability? CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or on clicking links from unknown senders. Hi Tina, I hope this finds you well. I am writing to inform you that I have moved from Roanoke and now reside in Spotsylvania. I suspect I need to resign from the Appeals Board. How should I go about that? Thank you. Thank you, Charles Charles E. Waters watersce a icloud.com 540-759-6875 On Feb 13, 2023, at 12:44 PM, Tina Carr<tina.carrkroanokeva.gov>wrote: Board members, I hope this email finds you well in 2023. Although we have not had an appeal in quite some time and the Board has not needed to meet, we are anticipating an Application for Appeal to be filed. Once the application has been filed and received, we will forward that along with any relevant documents. In the meantime, however, we need you to respond via return email as to your availability: Thursday, February 23-1:00– 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 24-1:00– 5:00 p.m. (Of course exact time depends on length of meeting. The meeting is expected to take place at the Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue SW; exact location TBD.) 2 CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue,S.W.,Suite 456 Roanoke,Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540)853-2541 Fax: (540)853-1145 CECELIA T.WEBB,CMC E-mail: clerk@roanokeva.gov Deputy City Clerk CECELIA F.MCCOY,CMC City Clerk RUTH VISUETE-PEREZ Assistant Deputy City Clerk February 21, 2023 The Honorable Mayor and Members of the Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mayor Lea and Members of Council: This is to advise that Cheryl Mosley has tendered her resignation as a member of the Roanoke Cultural Endowment, Board of Directors, effective immediately. Sincerely, (�-e"x' J. Lfyz0"&4t Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk February 2, 2023 Roanoke Cultural Endowment ATfN:Shaleen Powell, Executive Director 21 Kirk Ave.SW Roanoke,VA 24011 Re: Resignation Dear Shaleen: Per our conversation on Tuesday,January 241", I am writing to advise you and the Roanoke Cultural Endowment Board,that I regretfully must submit my resignation from the board. I absolutely remain an advocate for the mission and vision of the endowment,but due to professional and personal obligations,I am unable to remain on the board at this time. As we discussed I am willing to volunteer as I am able in various aspects and definitely want to remain connected as a community member. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a member of the book and engaging with our community as we raise awareness around the manner in which the arts connect all of us. Please pass along my sincere regrets to the board. Best regards, i Cheryl sley CMM CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 4, `4 215 Church Avenue,S.W.,Suite 456 Roanoke,Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540)853-2541 Far: (540)853-1145 CECELIA F.NICCOY,CHIC E-mail: clerk Ca roanokeva.gov CECELIA T.WEBB,CHIC City Clerk Deputy City Clerk RUTH VISUETE PEREZ Assistant Deputy City Clerk February 22, 2023 Antwyne Calloway Neighborhood Services Coordinator Roanoke, Virginia Dear Mr. Calloway: This is to advise you that Rachel Hale has qualified as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates for a three-year term of office commencing October 1, 2022 and ending September 30, 2025. Sincerely, j- � Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk Oath or Affirmation of Office Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Roanoke, to-wit: I, Rachel Hale, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that 1 will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as a member of the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates for a three-year term of office, commencing October 1, 2022 and ending September 30, 2025, according to the best of my ability. (So help me God.) i 8 V RACHEL HALE The foregoing oath of office was taken, sworn to, and subscribed before me by Rachel Hale this Q day ofl"aX4 2022. Brenda S. Hamilton, Clerk of the Circuit Court 1 By__(- C✓ , , Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue,S.W.,Suite 456 Roanoke,Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540)853-2541 Fax: (540)853-1145 E-mail: clerkCroanokeva.gov CECELIA T.WEBB,CMC CECELIA F.MCCOY,CMC Deputy City Clerk City Clerk RUTH VISUETE PEREZ Assistant Deputy City Clerk February 22, 2023 Virginia Mullen Board Secretary Roanoke, Virginia Dear Ms. Mullen: This is to advise you that Barbara Duerk has qualified as a member of the Roanoke Valley- Alleghany Regional Commission to fill the unexpired term of office of Peter Volosin ending June 30, 2024. Sincerely, 6�e� Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk Oath or Affirmation of Office Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Roanoke, to-wit: I, Barbara Duerk, do solemnly swear(or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as a member of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission to fill the unexpired term of office of Peter Volosin ending June 30, 2024, according to the best of my ability. (So help me God.) BARBARA DUERK The foregoing oath of office was taken, sworn to, and subscribed before me by Barbara Duerk this 1_�_day of 2023. Brenda S. Hamilton, Clerk of the Circuit Court By i (D Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK t: 215 Church Avenue,s.W.,Suite 456 Roanoke,Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540)853-2541 Fax: (540)853-1145 E-mail: clerk Ca roanokeva.gov CECELIA T.NVEBB,CMC CECELIA F.MCCOY,CHIC Deputy City Clerk City Clerk RUTH VISUETE PEREZ Assistant Deputy City Clerk February 22, 2023 Teresa McDaniel Board Secretary Roanoke, Virginia Dear Ms. McDaniel: This is to advise you that William D. Bestpitch has qualified as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Erika Bergen ending November 30, 2025. Sincerely, Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk Oath or Affirmation of Office Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Roanoke, to-wit: I, William D. Bestpitch, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as a member of the Human Services Advisory Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Erika Bergen ending November 30, 2025, according to the best of my ability. (So help me God.) WILLIAM D. BESTPTICH The foregoing oath of office was taken, sworn to, and subscribed before me by William D. Bestpitch this /S-A day of ,FeSrut! 2023. Brenda S. Hamilton, Clerk of the Circuit Court ��4 B lerk Y �4 CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK u 215 Church Avenue,S.W.,Suite 456 Roanoke,Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540)853-2541 Fax: (540)853-1145 E-mail: clerkCaroanokeva.gov CECELIA T.WEBB,CHIC CECELIA F.NICCOV,CHIC Depute City Clerk City Clerk RUTH VISUETE PEREZ Assistant Deputy City Clerk February 22, 2023 Angie O'Brien Chief Strategy Office/ Assistant City Manager Apprentice Roanoke, Virginia Dear Ms. O'Brien: This is to advise you that Anita J. Price has qualified as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Anita J. Price ending June 30, 2024. Sincerely, Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk Oath or Affirmation of Office Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Roanoke, to-wit: I, Anita J. Price, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as a member of the Youth Services Citizen Board to fill the unexpired term of office of Anita J. Price ending June 30, 2024, according to the best of my ability. (So help me God.) ANIT RICE The foregoing oath of office was taken, sworn to, and subscribed before me by Anita J. Price this (day of 2023. Brenda S. Hamilton, Clerk of the Circuit Court By !Ytr 1 r Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE o� OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY David L. Collins 464 MUNICIPAL BUILDING Laura M. Carini 215 CHURCH AVENUE, SW Douglas P.Barber,Jr. ROANOKE,VIRGINIA 24011-1595 Kelsey M. Durkin Timothy R. Spencer TELEPHONE 540-853-2431 Jennifer L. Crook City Attorney FAX 540-853-1221 Assistant City Attorneys EMAIL: cityatty@roanokeva.gov February 21, 2023 The Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Roanoke, Virginia Re: Request for closed meeting Dear Mayor Lea and Council Members: This is to request that City Council convene a closed meeting pursuant to Sec. 2.2-3711.A.7, Code of Virginia, to consult with legal counsel regarding current litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the public body. With kindest personal regards, I am Sincerely yours, im y R. Spencer City Attorney LSC/l c: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE EQUITY. COMMUNITY. EMPOWERMENT. 1 I"uw' Ilk- .w c� i �,as � » w ✓'�: ate. � �sv .,�` FY 2023 January Monthly Budget Report N� � February 21, 2023 Agenda • Overview • FY 2023 Revenue Year-to-date Status • FY 2023 Expenditure Year-to-date Status z MIT City of Roanoke 0110 Department of Finance Revenue Summary ROANOKE January 2023(Not final) FY22 FY23 FY23 %of Target Actual YTD Current Budget Actual YTD Budget 8.3%/mo General Property Taxes $ 52,393,497 $ 142,449,400 $ 57,296,244 40% 58% Real Estate Tax 49,963,656 104,182,000 53,952,309 52% 58% Real Estate Tax District 513,280 976,400 525,047 54% 58% Personal Property Tax (575,771) 28,909,000 (314,260) -1% 58% Public Service Tax 1,377,373 6,327,000 1,582,187 25% 58% Penalties and Interest 1,114,960 2,055,000 1,550,961 75% 58% Other Local Taxes $ 34,220,399 $ 85,050,200 $ 36,107,665 Sales Tax 1% 10,724,467 25,000,000 11,827,911 47% 58% Consumer Utility Tax 4,776,660 9,450,000 4,664,956 49% 58% Cigarette Tax 1,059,006 1,795,000 923,320 51% 58% Recordation and Probate Taxes 933,274 1,592,700 817,200 51% 58% Business&Occupational Lic 1,386,350 15,340,000 1,677,898 11% 58% Franchise Fees 164,041 375,500 97,880 26% 58% Transient Occupancy 2,373,687 4,220,000 2,673,644 63% 58% Motor Vehicle License 513,449 2,700,000 777,221 29% 58% Admissions 536,140 850,000 523,487 62% 58% Prepared Foods and Bevg 9,643,779 17,372,000 10,090,966 58% 58% Bank Stock Taxes 1,675,000 - 0% 58% _ - 0% 58% Game Distributors Communications Tax 2,109,546 4,680,000 2,033,183 43% 58% Permits,Fees,and Licences $ 1,087,000 $ 714,542 $ 604,156 66% 58% Fines and Forfeitures $ 357,243 $ 752,000 1 $ 358,244 Revenue From Use of Money&Property $ 189,035 $ 232,500 $ 1,434,965 617% 58% Grants-in-Aid Commonwealth 573 2,565,637 $7 7 76,526,700 F$7=33,223612 43/0 58% Grants-In-Aid Federal Government $ - $ 53,000 L� Charges for Services $ 8,229,24 $5 17,629,200 $ 8,298,532 Miscellaneous Revenue $ 681,336 $ 971,000 $ 335,679 Operating $ 20,934 $ 38,000 $ 35,035 92% 58% Total General Fund Revenues $ 129,261,491 $ 324,789,000 $137,804,518 City of Roanoke Department of Finance ROANOKE Expenditure Summary January 2023 FY22 FY23 FY23 FY23 %of Target Actual YTD Adopted Budget Current Budget Actual YTD Budget 8.3%/mo Non-Departmental $ 611118,982,404 Fs-1..18,691,535 �� �— $ 63,782,555 54/ 58/ Public Safety 5:14 0,731,610 $ 71,902,824 $ 73,355,213 $ 41,741,773 Health and Welfare $ 22,059,357 $ 43,453,758 $ 43,941,539 5:2:3:,0:50:,5748] Public Works $ 15,011,098 5:32,585,922 $ 36,979,101 $ 18,163,693 General Government $ 13,451,530 $ 25,995,652 $ 26,149,153 $ 13,880,454 53% 58% Parks,Recreation and Cultural $ 6,020,171 $ 10,778,791 $ 10,950,680 $ 6,113,103 Community Development $ 5,050,674 $ 11,751,670 $ 12,280,568 $ 6,838,180 56% 5g% Judicial Administration $ 5,562,714 $ 9,337,979 $ 9,413,9800 $ 5,679,269 60% 58% Total General Fund Revenues $169,063,910 $ 324,789,000 $331,761,769 $179,249,575 54% 58% CITY OF ROANOKE EQUITY. COMMUNITY. EMPOWERMENT. v� o� b City Council Briefing mmm�� February 21, 2023 Capital Improvement Program • FY23-27 CIP as previously approved • FY24 Initial CIP Development Considerations z FY 2023-2027 Improvement ProgramCapital *Projects currently funded through cash/grants Annual Bridge Maintenance $420K — Annual Street Paving $4.2 M — Fleet Capital Replacements $1 .5 M — Technology Capital Improvements $1 .0 M — Capital Building Maintenance $250K — Eureka Recreation Center $8 M (ARPA); $4.525 M (Cash) 3 FY 2023-2027 CIP (as previously approved) Project 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Total Morningside Elementary(expand instructional space and replace aging modulars), new school construction to replace Preston Park elementary(year 1) $12,750,000 $12,750,000 New school construction to replace Preston Park Elementary(year 2),Lincoln Terrace Elementary(HVAC,roof replacement),Patrick Henry(regrade practice field),Hurt Park $12,855,000 12,855,000 Elementary(new playground) New school construction to replace Preston Park Elementary(year 3) $5,000,000 5,000,000 Westside Elementary renovation or new construction(year 1),Roanoke Academy for Mathematics and Science Elementary(roof replacement),Highland Park Elementary $5,000,000 5,000,000 (roof replacement),James Madison Middle School(roof replacement) Westside Elementary renovation or new construction(year 2) $5,000,000 5,000,000 Wasena Bridge -Phase 2 Construction 13,750,000 13,750,000 000 2,000,000 13th Street SW over NSRW-Construction 2,000, 1,250,000 1,250,000 Melrose over Peters Creek-A&E and Right of Way Belmont Branch-Phase 2 Construction 300,000 1,700,000 2,000,000 Washington Park Pool 750,000 2,400,000 3,150,000 Richardson Wayland 500,000 500,000 River's Edge Phase II 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 Skate Park 1,200,000 1,200,000 Parks&Recreation -Capital Maintenance Civic Center-Berglund Center Improvements(BPAT restroom remodel,conversion of 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 7,500,000 parking lot lights to LED,and replacement of BPAT roof) Stormwater Improvements-A wide range of work including initial projects to reduce flooding in downtown(1st Street and Salem Ave.,Jefferson/Shenandoah Tunnels), neighborhood drainage projects(Melrose Ave.crossing project,West End drainage projects),continued acquisition of flood prone properties and conversion back to flood plain(Peters Creek wetland),water quality/stream restorations(Garnand Branch, Peters Creek),and various flood mitigation and small construction projects. 4,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,000,000 16,000,000 4 FY 2023-2027 CIP (as previously approved) (continued) Project 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Total Curb,Gutter and Sidewalk(CGS)-New and Maintenance 2,335,000 2,335,000 2,335,000 2,335,000 2,335,000 11,675,000 Streetscapes Improvements-Street Paving and ADA Ramps 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000 7,500,000 Passenger Rail 1,865,000 1,865,000 Fleet Capital Replacements 1,600,000 600,000 1,325,000 1,700,000 600,000 5,825,000 Advantage System 600,000 1,900,000 500,000 3,000,000 Records Management System(RMS)/Jail Management System(JMS) 2,030,000 2,030,000 Network Cabling 700,000 700,000 Global HR Mgration,Global Payroll,Talent Management 1,000,000 1,100,000 200,000 2,300,000 400,000 350,000 750,000 Internet Ring Expansion 500,000 850,000 1,000,000 8,300,000 10,650,000 Fire Station#2-A&E,Land Acquisition,Construction PWSC-Women's Locker Room Renovation-A&E and Construction 430,000 430,000 PWSC-Wash House/Refueling Station-A&E and Construction 345,000 3,555,000 3,900,000 Capital Building Maintenance-HVAC and Structural projects 1,405,000 1,220,000 950,000 600,000 1,000,000 5,175,000 Magistrate Office Renovation-A&E and Construction 100,000 655,000 755,000 Commonwealth Attorney's Law Library-A&E and Construction 200,000 1,250,000 1,450,000 TOTAL $46,250,000 $35,925,000 $23,315,000 $25,035,000 $17,935,000 $148,460,000 Excess debt service may be available in some years for one-time capital needs,the Undesignated Fund Balance and the Stabilization Reserve. 5 FY 2024 CI P Debt and Cash Requests 2024 new/adjusted 2024 new request Project 2024 request(bonds) (cash) 2024 Total New school construction to replace Preston Park Elementary(year 2), Lincoln Terrace Elementary (HVAC,roof replacement),Patrick Henry(regrade practice field), Hurt Park Elementary(new $12,855,000 $12,855,000 playground) 2,000,000 2,000,000 - 13th Street SW over NSRW-Construction 1,500,000 1,500,000 Wiley Drive Low Water Bridge 1,700,000 (1,700,000 - Belmont Branch-Phase 2 Expansion Construction 2,400,000 Washington Park Pool 2,400,000 500,000 500,000 Richardson Wayland-New Operations Hub/Parks&Rec HQ 1,000,000 Wasena Skate Park 1,000,000 475,000 475,000 Eureka Recreation Center CI,Ac Center-Berglund Center Improvements(BPAT restroom remodel,conversion of parking lot 1,500,000 1,500,000 lights to LED,and replacement of BPAT roof) Stormwater Improvements-A wide range of work including initial projects to reduce flooding in downtown(1st Street and Salem Ave.,Jefferson/Shenandoah Tunnels), neighborhood drainage projects(Melrose Ave.crossing project,West End drainage projects),continued acquisition of flood prone properties and conversion back to flood plain(Peters Creek wetland),water quality/stream restorations(Garnand Branch, Peters Creek), and%orious flood mitigation and small construction 3,000,000 500,000 3,500,000 projects. 2,000,000 Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk(CGS)-New 2,000,000 335,000 165,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 Curb,Gutter and Sidewalk(CGS)- Maintenance 500,000 500,000 Streetscapes Improvements 1,000,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 Street Paving and ADA Ramps 300,000 300,000 Traffic Signal Modernization(upgrades to City's 158 traffic signals) 1,865,000 1,865,000 - Passenger Rail Amtrak Station Fleet Capital Replacements(Fire Ladder truck, Hazmat trucks/trailer,Ambulances, Police and 600,000 1,436,042 1,205,121 3,241,163 Sheriff vehicles) 1,900,000 1,900,000 Advantage System 700,000 700,000 Global HR Migration, Global Payroll,Talent Management $50,000 1,000,000 1,850,000 Fire Station#2-A&E, Land Acquisition,Construction 345,000 345,000 PWSC-Wash House/Refueling Station-A&E and Construction 220,000 1,000,000 Capital Building Maintenance-HVAC and Structural projects 1,220,000 655,000 196,000 851,000 Magistrate Office Renovation-A&E and Construction 200,000 000 Commonwealth Attorney's Law Library-A&E and Construction 200, 150,000 150,000 Hotel Roanoke Loggia(Concrete Walkway) 170,000 170,000 Underground Storage Tank(UST)Replacement 325,000 325,000 Solid Waste-West End Downtown Sealed Compactor(new sealed compactor and site to lease) TOTAL $ 35,925,000 $ (117,958) $ 4,955,121 $ 40,762,163 New, adjusted, and increased requests • Excess debt service may be available in some years for one-time capital needs,the Undesignated Fund Balance and the Stabilization Reserve. FY 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program • Next Steps / Funding Strategies — Prioritization of unfunded requests and determine affordability — Discussions with Municipal Advisors — Seek to cash fund using one-time allocation from year-end surplus or excess debt service budget 7 Council Discussion FY 2024 Priority Projects ft Questions ? y IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 21 St day of February 2023. No. 42569-022123. AN ORDINANCE deappropriating funding from the Western Virginia Water Authority, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2022-2023 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that the following sections of the 2022-2023 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read and provide as follows: Appropriations Expenditures Approp. From Third Party Funds 08-530-9002-9004 $ (40,812) Revenues WVWA— Melrose Ave StreetScape 08-530-9002-9002 $ (40,812) Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: U City Clerk. _ _ =�f7 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 21, 2023 Subject: De-appropriation of Western Virginia Water Authority Funds for the Melrose Avenue Streetscape. Background: In June 2021, the City accepted a 3rd Party Appropriation from the Western Virginia Water Authority (WVWA) of$795,643. The WVWA funds were used to upgrade WVWA water and sanitary sewer utilities as part of the City's construction contract for the Melrose Avenue Streetscape. The City Engineering Division completed the project in July 2022. Considerations: WVWA expenses for the project included $754,831 of construction related expenses. As such there is a surplus of$40,812 of WVWA funds that were not used and require de-appropriation as part of the project close out process. Recommended Action: Authorize the Director of Finance to de-appropriate $40,812 of 3rd Party Appropriations WVWA funds in expenditure account, 08-530-9002-9004, Melrose Avenue Streetscape, and reduce the revenue estimate by the same amount. 1---0 Bob Cowell, City Manager Distribution: Council Appointed Officers Amelia C. Merchant, Deputy Director of Finance Ian Shaw, P.E., Acting Director of Public Works Luke Pugh, P.E., City Engineer IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 21"day of February 2023. No. 42570-022123. A RESOLUTION accepting the Virginia ARPA Tourism Recovery Program Grant Funding to the City from the Commonwealth of Virginia through the Virginia Tourism Corporation; and authorizing execution of any required documents on behalf of the City. BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: 1. The City of Roanoke does hereby accept the Virginia ARPA Tourism Recovery Program Grant Funding in the amount of$440,000 with no local match, such grant being more particularly described in the City Council Agenda Report dated February 21, 2023. 2. The City Manager or his designee is hereby authorized to execute and file, on behalf of the city, any documents setting forth the conditions of this grant in a form approved by the City Attorney. 3. The City Manager or his designee is further directed to furnish such additional information as may be required to implement and administer the foregoing Grant. ATTEST: City Clerk. 42570-022123-Resolution.doc IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 21St day of February 2023. No. 42571-022123. AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Virginia's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Tourism Recovery Program, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2022-2023 Grant Funds Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that the following sections of the 2022-2023 Grant Funds Appropriations be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read and provide as follows: Grant Fund Appropriations Program Activities 35-300-9160-2066 440,000 Revenues Tourism Recovery Program (ARPA) 35-300-9160-9160 440,000 Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: City Clerk. - - e; ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 21, 2023 Subject: Acceptance and appropriation of the Virginia ARPA Tourism Recovery Program Grant. Background: Virginia's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Tourism Recovery program was established in 2021 by the Virginia General Assembly to provide recovery funds to the Virginia Tourism Corporation to recover from the devastating effects of COVID-19 on the tourism and hospitality industry in Virginia. The ARPA Tourism Recovery funds are allocated to the Destination Marketing Organizations (OMO) of the region. Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge (VBR) is the official destination marketing/management organization for the region that includes the cities of Roanoke and Salem, and the counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, and Franklin. The City of Roanoke (City) received an allocation of $440,000 that will be used by VBR to support marketing, promotion and funding of conventions and events in the City with an emphasis on the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center. Considerations: The City previously approved and submitted the operating budget and the expenditure plan as proposed by Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge (VBR). The Virginia ARPA Tourism Recovery Program approved the spending plan as submitted for the $440,000 allocation. The City will be advanced 50% ($220,000) of the allocation and must provide supporting documentation to substantiate expenditures, while the remaining 50% ($220,000) can be requested on a reimbursement basis until all funds are exhausted. The grant covers eligible expenses obligated during the period that began on March 3, 2021 and ends on December 31, 2024. Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager or his designee to accept the Virginia ARPA Tourism Recovery Program Grant, sign any documents required to accept, implement, or administer the funds, and adopt the accompanying budget ordinance to authorize the Director of Finance to appropriate funding. Bob Cowell, City Manager Distribution: Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager W. Brent Robertson, Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance Amelia Merchant, Deputy Director of Finance Landon Howard, President -Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge Debora Wright, VP of Marketing and Communications -Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge VIRGINIAS BLUE RLDGE@ Roanoke City ARPA Document Narrative Document Narrative: Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge (VBR) is the official destination marketing/management organization for the region including the cities of Roanoke and Salem and counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, and Franklin. Visit VBR is a 501 (c) 6, quasi-government, trade organization that exists to promote Virginia's Blue Ridge as a unique regional destination with outstanding quality of life, for leisure tourism, meetings, sports events, recreation and business, and to facilitate the financial and cultural growth of the community as an exceptional place to live, work and recreate. In short, Visit VBR is responsible for development and marketing of the VBR regional consumer brand. For this reason, each of the five jurisdictions within Virginia's Blue Ridge (the cities of Roanoke and Salem and the counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, and Franklin) will be submitting a similar marketing plan, showcasing the region, yet highlighting their specific assets through similar marketing programs. This has been a difficult time for all of us but the future holds an immediate opportunity to attract thousands of new customers from our feeder markets (i.e., Richmond, Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach, Greensboro, Charlotte, & Raleigh). We know that there is incredible pent-up demand with a large portion of the population eager to get out of the house and experience the great outdoors. We know that people will still travel, but they will go where it is perceived to be safe. Consumers are comfortable taking mini-vacations in the form of day-trips or one, two, or three-night getaways to the mountains. They will travel to close-by drivable markets with large open spaces and avoid crowds. Roanoke City in Virginia's Blue Ridge is the ideal destination visitors will be looking to experience. Roanoke City will use the allocated the American Rescue Plan Act ($440,000) to develop a marketing plan touting the City's tourism assets. Downtown Roanoke is considered the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge creating the metro aspect of our Metro Mountain destination. The City of Roanoke has many vibrant downtown communities that are full of shopping, breweries, restaurants, events and cultural experiences. These assets along with Roanoke Star/Overlook, Carvin's Cove, the Greenway/Blueways, the farmers" markets, museums/attractions and Amtrak will all be highlighted throughout these marketing efforts. The key objective for all of Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge (Visit VBR) programs is to stimulate the economy by increasing visitation, increasing length of stay and, most importantly, generating revenues in Virginia's Blue Ridge for our government and 1,500+ business partners. Our success is banked on an increase in ALL consumption tax collections (including lodging, admissions and meals taxes) being restored and generating jobs,thus, reducing demands on government services. Jobs are essential for bringing hope to our citizens so that they may provide for their families and bring a full recovery to the Virginia's Blue Ridge region! Roanoke City in Virginia's Blue Ridge is submitting a plan to focus on promoting the region as a Metro- Mountain destination. The fact that Virginia's Blue Ridge has all the amenities of a large city, on a smaller scale, and is all surrounded by of 1,000 trails of outdoor recreation, sets it apart from other mountain destinations. In addition, all of this is in close proximity to one another making it easy to access making it an enjoyable experience. The Plan is focused in three areas— Paid Media, Public Relations and Tourism Product Development. The overall plan for Virginia's Blue Ridge is below. You will note, we are showing how the costs are broken down below as well as in the planning budget worksheet. Paid Media - Marketing/Advertising Programs: 1) Search Engine Optimization (SEO) -SEO is the process of improving your site to increase its visibility when people search for products or services related to your VBR in Google and Bing. Schedule: Monthly- November 2021—June 2022 Monthly—July 2022 -June 2023 Total Spend of$40,000.00 (FY21-22 $16,000.00+ FY22-23 $24,000.00) 2) Google Ad Words - Pay-per-click (PPC)This is where we advertise and pay a fee each time one of the ads is clicked. Schedule: Monthly- November 2021—June 2022 Monthly—July 2022 -June 2023 Total Spend of$102,403.66 (FY21-22 $52,403.66+ FY22-23 $50,000.00) 3) Social Media - Facebook Advertising -Social Media Advertising generating more traffic to the website - Facebook Lead Generation —Social Media Advertising that generates leads - Instagram Advertising—Social Media Advertising that visually promotes the region - Pinterest Advertising—Social Media Advertising that visually promotes the region Schedule: Monthly- November 2021—June 2022 Monthly—July 2022 -June 2023 Total Spend of$108,523.00 (FY2021-22 $58,523.00 + FY22-23 $50,000.00) 4) You-Tube Advertising—The second biggest platform after Google that promotes the region through video Schedule: Monthly- November 2021—June 2022 Monthly—July 2022 -June 2023 Total Spend of$68,082.34 (FY21-22 $29,582.34+ FY22-23 $38,500.00) 5) Bandwango—System that allows Visit VBR to develop packages with our partners and market them through an app that provides monitoring and a reporting system. Schedule: Monthly- November 2021 —June 2022 Monthly—July 2022 -June 2023 Total Spend of$10,000.00 (FY21-22 $4,000.00 + FY22-23 $6,000.00) 6) E-Newsletters (Act-On)— Monthly e-newsletters are sent out to potential visitors that have opted- in to receive information from Visit VBR. This is sent to 40,000 people monthly and we receive over 250,000 engagements (e-mails opened, clicked through or shared) Schedule: Monthly- November 2021 —June 2022 Monthly—July 2022 -June 2023 Total Spend of$24,822.00 (FY21-22 $10,638.00+ FY22-23 $14,184.00) Total Spend for Paid Media$353,831.00. Public Relations Programs: The Public Relations Program works to complement the marketing efforts through earned, positive media coverage in key markets. By attending shows and hosting writers and influences in VBR, we establish connections that produce "third-party" authentic recommendations to encourage travel to VBR. Schedule: Monthly- December 2021 —April 2022 Monthly—July 2022 -June 2023 1) Public Relations Shows (i.e., Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) and Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)) 2) Familiarization Tours and Events for Travel Writers and Influencers (including expenses for hosting, transportation, lodging, meals and activities) 3) Event in a new feeder market (Atlanta) for Travel Writers and Influencers—All new contacts 4) Public Relation Agency Services - Media Relations and Outreach Total Spend for Public Relations$51,353.00(FY21-22$31,353.00+FY22-23$20,000.00). Tourism Product Development: Zartico—This is a system that will allow Visit VBR to measure the use of the ARRA recovery funds to support tourism recovery. The system pulls from STR Reports (lodging reports), Key Data (short term rental reports), and Google Analytics to provide a big picture on the effectiveness of marketing. In addition, it will provide heat maps of where visitors are going in VBR and credit card spending information to see where they are spending money. Not only will it allow VBR to see the effectiveness of our marketing but it will allow us to directly target our customer both geographically and demographically for a more strategic marketing plan. Schedule: Monthly- November 2021—June 2022 Monthly—July 2022 -June 2023 Total Spend for Tourism Product Development$34,816.00. (FY21-22$17,500.00+FY22-23 $17,316.00). IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 21" day of February 2023. No. 42572-022123. A RESOLUTION accepting State of Good Repair Funds from the Virginia Department of Transportation, and authorizing such additional action and execution of any required documents on behalf of the City in connection with such funds. BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: 1. The City Manager or his designee is hereby authorized on behalf of the City of Roanoke to accept Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) State of Good Repair (SGR) Funds in the amount of $831,882, which funds are to be used for mill and overlay pavement work along Campbell Avenue from Williamson Road, S.E. to 5th Street S.W., all of which is more particularly described in the City Council Agenda Report dated February 21, 2023. 2. The City Manager or his designee is hereby authorized to execute for and on behalf of the City, any and all requisite documents pertaining to the City's acceptance of the funds, such documents to be approved as to form by the City Attorney. 3. The City Manager or his designee is hereby authorized to take such further actions and execute all documents as may be necessary to implement and administer such funds, including establishing guidelines for the use of such funds, consistent with the terms of this resolution, with any such documents being approved as to form by the City Attorney. ATTEST: orttb"�1-41 City Clerk. IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 21St day of February 2023. No. 42573-022123. AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Transportation, amending and reordaining certain sections of the 2022- 2023 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that the following sections of the 2022-2023 Capital Projects Fund Appropriations be, and the same are hereby, amended and reordained to read and provide as follows: Appropriations Expenditures Approp. From State Grant Funds 08-530-9162-9007 $ 831,882 Revenues FY23 VDOT State of Good Repair 08-530-9162-9162 $ 831,882 Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: City Clerk. i ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 21, 2023 Subject: Acceptance of the FY2023 VDOT State of Good Repair Grant Award - UPCs 121971, 121977. Background: In 2014, the General Assembly passed legislation providing that State primary routes maintained by municipalities can receive a portion of the reconstruction and paving allocations previously only distributed to Interstates and state-maintained primary roads. This annual State of Good Repair (SGR) grant program requires application by localities based upon eligibility via VDOT pavement condition assessment. Segments within the City of Roanoke that may be eligible depending upon VDOT's assessment may include Route 11, Route 117, Route 460, etc. If the City's application is awarded, VDOT administers the repaving project entirely and there is no local match required for SGR grant awards. Considerations: For FY2023, the City of Roanoke applied for funds through this program and has been awarded the two eligible street segments of Route 11 along Campbell Ave from Williamson Rd SE to 5th St SW. Total cost of the VDOT administered SGR mill and overlay pavement work for both segments will be $831,882.00. Recommended Action: Accept the SGR grant award for VDOT administered mill and overlay pavement work along Campbell Ave from Williamson Rd SE to 5th St SW which is valued at $831,822.00. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute a VDOT Standard Project Administration Agreement in the form attached to this City Manager's Report. All documents are subject to approval by the City Attorney. "I If Bob Cowell, City Manager Distribution: Council Appointed Officers Clarence Grier, Deputy City Manager Brent Robertson, Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance Ian Shaw, Acting Director of Public Works Dwayne D'Ardenne, Transportation Division Manager VDOT ADMINISTERED—LOCALLY FUNDED PROJECT ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT r001 t Number UPC Local Government 128-498 121971CITY OF ROANOKE -128-499 121977 THIS AGREEMENT, is hereby made and effective the date of the last (latest) signature set forth below, by and between the CITY OF ROANOKE.VIRGINIA, hereinafter referred to as the LOCALITY and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Transportation, hereinafter referred to as the DEPARTMENT. The DEPARTMENT and the LOCALITY are collectively referred to as the "Parties." WITNESSETH WHEREAS, the LOCALITY has expressed its desire to have the DEPARTMENT administer the work required to construct certain improvements within the Locality as described in Appendix C (the "Project") and has agreed to fully or partially fund the Project as set forth in this Agreement; and WHEREAS, the funds as shown in Appendix A have all been allocated to pay the costs of the Project; and WHEREAS, the Parties have concurred with administering the Project in accordance with the program specific requirements shown in Appendix B. based on the allocated funding for the Project as shown in the Appendix A; and WHEREAS, the LOCALITY has requested that the DEPARTMENT design and construct the Project in accordance with the scope of work described in Appendix C. and the DEPARTMENT has agreed to perforin such work; and WHEREAS.the Parties have concurred in the DEPARTMENT's administration of the Project identified in this Agreement, including Appendices A, B, and C, and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law and regulations; and WHEREAS. the LOCALITY's governing body has, by resolution,which is attached hereto, authorized its designee to execute this Agreement and has demonstrated the LOCALITY'S commitment to providing local funding for the Project. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows: A. The representations, covenants, and recitations set forth in the foregoing recitals are material to this Agreement and are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement as though they were fully set forth in this Section A. B. The DEPARTMENT shall: �DOT Administered-Locally Funded Project Administration Agreement Locality:City of Roanoke Project\umber:0011-128-498,UPC 121971 Project'-Number:0011-128-499.UPC 12197- 1. 9 -,1. Complete the work of the Project as identified in Appendix C. advancing such diligently as all weather, local, and other conditions reasonably permit. and in conformance to the schedule established by the Parties,which schedule shall be adjusted as needed to address impacts to the performance of the work beyond the control of the DEPARTMENT. 2. Perform or have performed, and remit all payments for, all preliminary engineering(PE), right-of-way acquisition(Right of`'dray), construction, contract administration, and inspection services activities for the Project as required. 3. Provide the LOCALITY a payment schedule for the LOCALITY's share of estimated Project costs for PE. Right of Way, and construction, in accordance with the tabulation provided in Appendix A. 4. Remit invoices to the LOCALITY for sums owed by LOCALITY to the DEPARTMENT in accordance with the amounts and schedule set forth in Appendix A. 5. Provide the LOCALITY with a summary of Project expenditures. 6. Notify the LOCALITY of additional Project expenses resulting from unanticipated circumstances and provide detailed estimates of additional costs associated with those circumstances. The DEPARTMENT will make all efforts to contact the LOCALITY prior to performing activities associated with those unanticipated circumstances. 7. Upon completion of the Project, reconcile LOCALITY payments (based on LOCALITY's estimated share of costs) against actual Project costs allocable to the LOCALITY, and reimburse the LOCALITY for any overpayments by the LOCALITY or remit an invoice to LOCALITY for any underpayment or amounts still owed by the LOCALITY. C. The LOCALITY shall: 1. Remit payments to the DEPARTMENT in accordance with the amounts and schedule provided in Appendix A. or within 30 days of receipt of an invoice issued by the DEPARTMENT, as applicable. 2. Provide, or have others provide, maintenance of the Project upon completion, unless otherwise agreed to by the DEPARTMENT. Where the Project results in physical construction, the LOCALITY will continue to operate and maintain the Project in accordance with the final constructed design as approved by the DEPARTMENT. The LOCALITY agrees that any modification of the approved design features, without the approval of the OAG reviewed 7:128,20221 vDOT Administered—Locally Funded Project Administration Agreement Locality:City of Roanoke Project Number:001 1-128-498,1UPC 121971 Project Number_0011-128-499,UPC 121977 DEPARTMENT, may, at the discretion of the DEPARTMENT, result in restitution either physically or monetarily as determined by the DEPARTMENT. D. Nothing in this Agreement shall obligate the Parties hereto to expend or provide any funds in excess of funds agreed upon in this Agreement or as shall have been included in an annual or other lawful appropriation. State and federal Project funding is limited to those identified in the Appendix A of this Agreement and is allocable only upon LOCALITY'S compliance with all requirements of this Agreement. In the event the cost of all or part of the Project is anticipated to exceed the allocation shown on Appendix A. the Parties agree to cooperate in seeking additional funding for the Project or to terminate the Project before Project costs exceed the allocated amount. Any requested increase in federal or state funding is subject to DEPARTMENT policy and procedures applicable to the funding source and is not guaranteed. E. The Parties mutually agree and acknowledge, in entering this Agreement, that the individuals acting on behalf of the Parties are acting within the scope of their official authority and capacity and the Parties agree that neither Party will bring a suit or assert a claim against any official, officer, or employee of either party, in their individual or personal capacity for a breach or violation of the terms of this Agreement or to otherwise enforce the terms and conditions of this Agreement The foregoing notwithstanding, nothing in this subparagraph shall prevent the enforcement of the terms and conditions of this Agreement by or against either Party in a competent court of law. F. The Parties mutually agree that no provision of this Agreement shall create in the public, or in any person or entity other than the Parties, rights as a third party beneficiary hereunder, or authorize any person or entity, not a party hereto, to maintain any action for, without limitation, personal injury, property damage, breach of contract, or return of money, or property, deposit(s), cancellation or forfeiture of bonds, financial instruments, pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, unless otherwise provided, the Parties agree that the LOCALITY or the DEPARTMENT shall not be bound by any agreements between either party and other persons or entities concerning any matter which is the subject of this Agreement,unless and until the LOCALITY or the DEPARTMENT has, in writing, received a true copy of such agreement(s) and has affirmatively agreed, in writing, to be bound by such Agreement. G. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of the LOCALITY's or the Commonwealth of Virginia's sovereign immunity. H. Should the project be cancelled due to action or inaction by the LOCALITY, the LOCALITY shall be responsible for reimbursement of all funds in accordance with § 33.2-214 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. The LOCALITY will also be OAG reviewed 7128'2022 3 VDOT Administered—Locally-Funded Project Administration Agreement Locahtv°:Citv of Roanoke Project'Number:0011-128-498;L'PC 121971 Project\umber:0011-128-499,LPC 121977 responsible for any costs associated with claims and liabilities associated with the early termination of any construction contract(s) or improvement(s) issued pursuant to this Agreement and shall promptly reimburse the DEPARTMENT for all costs incurred or expended by it in connection with the Project. I. This Agreement may be terminated by either Party upon 60 days advance written notice to the other Parry. Eligible expenses incurred through the date of termination shall be reimbursed to the DEPARTMENT within 60 days subject to the limitations established in this Agreement. J. THE LOCALITY and DEPARTMENT acknowledge and agree that this Agreement has been prepared jointly by the Parties and shall be construed simply and in accordance with its fair meaning and not strictly for or against any Party. K. THIS AGREEMENT, when properly executed, shall be binding upon both Parties, their successors and assigns. L. THIS AGREEMENT may be modified in writing only upon mutual agreement of the Parties. The remainder of this page is BLANK OAG reviewed 7 c2l3'2022 4 vDOT Administered—Locally,Funded Project Administration Agreement Locality_City of Roanoke Project',Number:0011-128-498,UPC 121971 Project Number:0011-128-499;LPC 121917 IN WITNESS WHEREOF. each Party hereto has caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives, acknowledging and agreeing that any digital signature affixed hereto shall be considered as an original signature for all purposes and shall have the same force and effect as an original signature. CITY OF RO ANOKE,VIRGINIA: Signature Date Title NOTE: The official signing for the LOCALITY must attach a certified copy of his or her authority to execute this Agreement. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION: Signature Date Chief of Policy.. Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Transportation Attachments Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C OAG reviewed 7:28'2022 5 Appendix A-VDOT Administered Revision OriginalPrepared Date 9/27/2022 its UPC 921971 State Project#. 0011-128-498 , CFDA#: 20.205 Locality UEI# NBFNAEXRHD76 Locality IRoanoke Address.1215 Church Avenue,SW,Roanoke,VA 24011 Work Description: Roanoke-FKEY 1556 Campbell Ave SW - from MP 151 576 Williamson Rd SE to MP Project Location 24011-1400 151.88 Mid-100 Block SW. (Zip+4) PmjeCt Points of Corded Localitv Protect Manager VDOT Project Manager Name: Dwayne D'Ardenne Name: Ibrahim Abuawad Phone: 540-853-1756 Phone. 217-418-8827 Email dwayne.dardenne@roanokeva gov Email: lbrahim Abuawad@vdot virginia gov � � lEl$time Allocated Funds Type Allocated Funds Local 4b Local Share Total Phase Cost Amount Participation SGR $380;647 040 $0 Preliminary Engineering $ 10;000 $0 Right of Way and Utilities $ - p Construction 647 $0 Total Estimate $ 380,647 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Funding Totals 1 $380647 $0 Note-The funds or der is not indicative of the actual spend order of funds on the protect Payment Schedule Fy FY FY Fy Total Pa ment Tefrms No LOCALITY payment anticipated based on current estimate and funding This Appendix A supersedes all previous versions signed by VDOT and the LOCALITY for the Project Authorized Locality Official Date Authorized VDOT Official Date Printed Name of Locality Official Printed Name of VDOT Official Title of Locality Official Title of VDOT Official This attachment is certified and made an official attachment to this document by the Parties to this Agreement Appendix A-VDOT Administered Revision: Original Prepared Date 9127/2022 Oe UPC 121977 State Project#: 0011-128-499 CFDA 20.205 Locality UEl# NBFNAEXRHD76 Locality: Roanoke Address:1215 Church Avenue,SW,Roanoke,VA 24011 Project Location 24011-1105 Work Description: Roanoke-Campbell Ave SW.-Primary Extension from MP 151 156 to MP 151.576. (Zip+4) Project Points of Contact Locality Proiect Manager VDOT Project A9anaper Name Dwayne D'Ardenne Name: Ibrahim Abuawad Phone 540-853-1756 Phone 217-418-8827 Email dwayne.dardenne@roanokeva gov Email Ibrahim.Abuawad@vdot virginla gov Proled F1 No'Eatinu to Allocated Funds Type Allocated Funds Local% Local Share Total Amount Participation Phase Cost SGR $451,235 0% s0 Preliminary Engineering $ 107000 s0 Right of Way and Utilities $ 0 Construction 41,T3-5 $p ITotal Estimate $ 451;235 $0 s0 $0 s0 $0 s0 s0 Funding Totals $451,235 $0 :Note-Tre funds order is not irid+cative of the actuai spend order of funds or,the project. Payment Schedule Total Payment FY FY FY FY EWE tt arms No LOCALITY payment anticipated based on current estimate and funding This Appendix A supersedes all previous versions signed by VDOT and the LOCALITY for the Project Authorized Locality Official Date Authorized VDOT Official Date Printed Name of Locality Official Printed Name of VDOT Official Title of Locality Official Title of VDOT Official This attachment is certified and made an official attachment to this document by the Parties to this Agreement VDOT Administered Agreement Appendix B—Special Funding Program Conditions and Requirements Project Number UPC Local Government 0011-128-498 121971 CITY OF ROANOKE 0011-128-499 121977 SMART SCALE Administration of this Project, including but not limited to the Project estimate, schedule and commitment to funding, is subject to the requirements established in the Commonwealth Transportation Board's (CTB's) most current Polic 1,fol'Inlplenlerltatiotl of the SL4RT SCALE Project Prioritisation Process, the applicable requirements of the Code of Virginia, and VDOT's applicable Itlstructimial atld Ir forrnlatiotlal AIemormida. Without limiting the foregoing, this Project has been selected through the Smart Scale (HB2) application and selection process and will remain in the Six-Year Improvement Plan(SYIP) as a funding priority unless certain conditions set forth in the CTB's most current Policia for Iniple.111entatimi of a Project Prioritisation Process arise. Pursuant to the CTB's Polio,for I111ple111entatimi of a Project Prioriti:atiotl Process, this Project will be re-scored andt'or the funding decision re-evaluated if any of the following conditions apply: a change in the scope, an estimate increase, or a reduction in the locally/regionally leveraged fiinds. Applications may not be submitted in a subsequent SMART SCALE prioritization cycle to account for a cost increase on a previously selected Project. This Project shall be initiated and at least a portion of the Project's programmed funds expended within one year of the budgeted year of allocation or funding may be subject to reprogramming to other projects selected through the prioritization process. In the event the Project is not advanced to the next phase of construction when requested by the CTB. the LOCALITY or the localities within the metropolitan planning organization may be required, pursuant to § 33.2-214 of the Code of Virginia. to reimburse the DEPARTMENT for all state and federal funds expended on the Project. Transportation Alternatives Program This Project shall be administered in accordance with VDOT's most current Tratlsportation Altertlatives Program Gttide. Without limiting the foregoing, CTB policy for allocations from the Transportation Alternatives Programs requires that the Project must be advertised or otherwise under construction within four years of the initial Project allocation or otherwise be subject to deallocation,unless prior Department approval has been provided. The DEPARTMENT shall conduct all environmental studies necessary to complete an environmental document in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act,unless otherwise agreed to in writing and attached to this Agreement. The LOCALITY is responsible OAG Reviewed T28'2022 1 for implementing any environmental conunitments resulting from the environmental studies. In addition, the LOCALITY is responsible for obtaining any water quality permits and conducting any required hazardous materials due diligence efforts. VDOT's estimated cost for the environmental studies and submissions will be provided to the LOCALITY and deducted from the Project funds. Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) Allocated Regional Surface Transportation Program fiends must be obligated within 12 months of allocation and expended within 36 months of the obligation. Congestion 111itigation Air Qualitt, (CAIAQ) Allocated Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Program funds must be obligated within 12 months of allocation and expended within 36 months of the obligation. Revenue Sharing This Project shall be administered in accordance with VDOT's most current Revenue Sharing Program Guidelines. Without limiting the foregoing, the Project shall be initiated such that at least a portion of the Revenue Sharing Funds are expended within one year of allocation. For any project that has not been initiated within one year, the CTB has the discretion to defer consideration of future allocations until the Project moves forward. Further, if the Project has not been initiated within two fiscal years subsequent to the allocation of Revenue Sharing Funds, the Revenue Sharing Funds for the Project may be subject to deallocation from the Project at the discretion of the CTB. State of Good Repair(SGR) Bridge Project estimate, schedule, and cointnitment to funding are subject to the requirements established in the CTB's State of Good Repair Program Prioriti_ation Process ?Methodology, the Code of Virginia, and VDOT's Instructional and k formational A1emoranda. Projects receiving funding under this program must initiate the Preliminary Engineering or the Construction Phase within 24 months of award of funding or become subject to deallocation. In the event the Project is not advanced to the next phase of construction, the LOCALITY may be required, pursuant to § 33.2-214 of the Code of Virginia, to reimburse the Department for all state and federal fiends expended on the Project. This Project has been selected through the State of Good Repair application and selection process and will remain in the SYIP as a funding priority. Pursuant to the CTB's State of Good Repair Program Prioritisation Process Jklethodologv, this Project will be re-scored and/or the funding decision re-evaluated if any of the following conditions apply: a change in the scope, an estimate increase, or a reduction in the locally/regionally leveraged funds. Applications may not be submitted in a subsequent annual State of Good Repair prioritization cycle for the same bridge structure to account for a cost increase on a previously selected Project. OAG Reviewed 71281;2022 2 State of Good Repair (SGR) Paving Project estimate, schedule, and cormnitment to funding are subject to the requirements established in the CTB's State of Good Repair Program Prioritisation Process Methodologv. the Code of Virginia, and VDOT's Instructional acrd Ir formational Memoranda. Projects receiving funding under this program must be advertised within twelve months of award funding or be subject to deallocation. In the event the Project is not advanced to the next phase of construction, the LOCALITY may be required, pursuant to § 33.2-214 of the Code of Virginia, to reimburse the Department for all state and federal fiends expended on the Project. This Project has been selected through the State of Good Repair application and selection process and will remain in the SYIP as a funding priority. Pursuant to the CTB's State of Good Repair Program Prioritization Process Methodology, this Project will be re-scored and/or the funding decision re-evaluated if any of the following conditions apply: a change in the scope, an estimate increase, or a reduction in the locally/regionally leveraged funds. Applications may not be submitted in a subsequent annual State of Good Repair prioritization cycle for the same roadway segment to account for a cost increase on a previously selected Project. Economic Access This Project shall be administered in accordance with VDOT's most current Economic Development:4ccess Program Guide. Airport Access This Project shall be administered in accordance with VDOT's most current Airport Access Program Guide. Recreational Access This Project shall be administered in accordance with VDOT's most current Recreational Access Program Guide. Authorized Locality Official Signature and Date Printed Name of Locality Official OAG Reviewed 7f2E2022 3 VDOT Administered Projects Appendix C—Detailed Scope of Services Project Number UPC Local Government 0011-128-498 121971 City of Roanoke 0011-128-499 121977 u Scope of Services for the SGR Paving Project herein agreed upon include: - Development and Compilation of final plans. specifications and estimate into a bid proposal package, as necessary - Complete necessary work to ensure ADA compliance - Bid proposal biddability review - Administration and advertisement of proposal - Administration of bidder questions - Receipt of bids - Administration of Contract award - Administration and oversight of construction - Construction engineering services - Construction project close-out Authorized Locality Official Signature and Date Authorized VDOT Official signature and Date Printed Name of Locality Official Printed Name of VDOT Official Title of Locality Official Title of VDOT Official Updated June 2022 WELLS 40 �O P V NORFOLK z 0 a SALEM Q J CAMPBELL RORER 11 Y KIRK Ln z N � Z p � w w w w LUCK ��PNK�1N D z M VDOT Campbell Ave Paving From Williamson Rd SE to 5th St SW BULLITT FY2023 Total value of State of Good Repair (SGR) grant: DAY $831 ,882.00 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 21"day of February 2023. No. 42574-022123. A RESOLUTION adopting the Roanoke Virginia Strategic Plan 2023-2024. WHEREAS,Roanoke has a history of engagement in strategic thinking and taking strategic action as evidenced by the Council's development, adoption, and review of the City's Comprehensive Plan; WHEREAS, the City developed the Roanoke Virginia Strategic Plan focused on strategies and actions that will be needed to progress and promote the community vision in the seven strategic areas of Education, Community Safety, Human Services, Infrastructure, Good Government, Livability, and Economy; WHEREAS, City Council adopted a Resolution on February 18, 2020 that approved the Strategic Plan and established a process to review the Strategic Plan on an annual basis, as determined by the City Manager and directed the City Manager to provide City Council with semi- annual progress reports and an annual performance measure report with respect to implementation of the Strategic Plan; and WHEREAS, the City Manager provided City Council with progress reports and recommends adoption of the 2022 Strategic Plan to further define and implement the community vision, identify several strategic areas central to achieve this vision, and defines the roles and responsibilities of the City administration in responding to each of the strategic areas as described in the City Council Agenda Report dated February 22, 2022. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that 1. City Council approves the Roanoke Virginia Strategic Plan 2023-2024 that is attached to the City Council Agenda Report dated February 21, 2023. 2. City Council reaffirms the directives set forth in Resolution No. 41672-021820 that City Council will review the Strategic Plan on an annual basis, as determined by the City Manager, and that the City Manager will provide City Council with semi-annual progress reports and an annual performance measure report with respect to implementation of the Strategic Plan. ATTEST: City Clerk. - __ ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 21, 2023 Subject: Adoption of "Roanoke Virginia Strategic Plan 2023 - 2024." Background: In these unprecedented times, strategic thinking focused on community vision, strategies, and actions is more necessary than ever to progress toward that community vision. Beginning in 2019, the Council built upon its legacy of strategic thinking through the adoption of the "Roanoke Virginia Strategic Plan 2019" (Plan), the first formal strategic plan formulated for the City. This Plan, along with the City's Comprehensive Plan, which represents how the City will physically change over time, provides a foundation upon which to build more detailed plans, strategies and actions. A year of continued and unprecedented change has occurred since the last revision of the plan in 2022. The process used in the development of this Plan started with a Council strategic planning retreat held in the summer of 2022 which included a review of current strategic items, overviews of governance in Virginia, the Council Manager form of government, economic and social characteristics of Roanoke, and public service delivery in Roanoke. This retreat included a robust discussion of current conditions, projected trends and the goals for the future of the City. An affirmation of the community vision and an outline of the strategies were the principal products resulting from the retreat. i A draft of the plan was discussed with the Council at their annual budget planning retreat held in the autumn. A final draft version was presented to the Council at the February 6 meeting. The Council will review the Plan on an annual basis, making adjustments annually or as necessary, following a process similar to that used in the creation of this plan. Additionally, City Management will provide the Council with regular progress reports on the Plan and a performance measure report annually. Considerations: The Plan clearly states the community vision and identifies seven strategic areas of importance which are central to the accomplishment of that vision: Education, Community Safety, Human Services, Infrastructure, Good Government, Livability, and Economy. For each strategic area, the plan identifies actions and initiatives to be taken to achieve the desired results, and identifies various statistical and data-driven indicators which will help measure the extent of those results. Finally, the Plan also outlines the roles and responsibilities of the City administration to respond to each of the strategic areas to develop and administer programs and deliver services aligned with certain core values, organizational framework, and specific strategies. Recommended Action: Approve a Resolution adopting the "Roanoke Virginia Strategic Plan 2023-2024." '1_0 Bob Cowell, City Manager Distribution: Council Appointed Officers W. Brent Robertson, Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance a s �n 44 fit m, �i '00" i'1RGI1314� ROANS?KE Roanoke, Virginia Strategic Plan — Star City Strong 2023-2024 Adopted February 21, 2023 (PENDING ACTION) Roanoke City Council 2023 INSERT PHOTOS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL Roanoke City Council Mayor Sherman Lea, Vice-Mayor Joe Cobb, Trish White-Boyd, Stephanie Moon-Reynolds, Vivian Sanchez-Jones, Peter Volosin, Luke Priddy Seven-time All-America City Winner! 1952 1 1979 1, 1982 1 1988 1 1996 2012 2017 - gain film- oil . , win Mayor Sherman P.Lea,Sr. As Mayor of the first city inducted into the All-America City Hall of Fame and a seven time All-America City it is my pleasure to serve alongside a Council and City Administration that recognizes the importance of thinking strategically and acting on priorities. This plan captures the Council's strategic priorities and defines the outcomes we seek to achieve on behalf of the citizens. The Strategic Plan, our City's comprehensive plan, related specific purpose or place-based plans,and our annual budget represent what it is we as a City do and why we do it. it is through these efforts we work to ensure we continue to have a City offering the best opportunity for the most people—in short,that it remains a great day in Roanoke! I encourage you to read this document to better understand our Vision for the community,how we plan on getting there,and how you can measure our progress. City Manager Bob Cowell,Jr. it is my honor to serve the Mayor and Council and on their behalf, the community,to lead an organization that works every day to deliver the services demanded and to offer opportunity to each and every resident and business of Roanoke. This plan provides the Vision established by Council and the steps necessary to realize that Vision. This plan also provides how we as an organization will conduct our business and sets the stage for the annual budget and capital improvements program. With the leadership of the Mayor and Council, we continue to make progress as a City - routinely recognized as one of the best places in America to live, operate a business, secure an education, or visit. I encourage you to review what follows and join us in keeping Roanoke a wonderful place for all that call it home. 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Purposeof Strategic Planning..................................................................................................................5 StrategicPlanning Process........................................................................................................................5 CommunityProfile.....................................................................................................................................7 Vision and Strategic Areas of Importance..............................................................................................8 Education....................................................................................................................................................10 Overview Path to Results Targeted Actions Performance Measures CommunitySafety.....................................................................................................................................12 Overview Path to Results Targeted Actions Performance Measures HumanServices.........................................................................................................................................14 Overview Path to Results Targeted Actions Performance Measures Infrastructure.............................................................................................................................................16 Overview Path to Results Targeted Actions Performance Measures GoodGovernment.....................................................................................................................................18 Overview 3 Path to Results Targeted Actions Performance Measures Livability.....................................................................................................................................................20 Overview Path to Results Targeted Actions Performance Measures Economy.....................................................................................................................................................22 Overview Path to Results Targeted Actions Performance Measures OrganizationalResponse..........................................................................................................................24 Hai i Am e(i c a my n r ■ i iiw r r off I US 4 Purpose of Strategic Planning A strategic plan should serve as the physical product of strategic thinking — that is, delineation of a community vision and the strategies and actions that will be necessary to progress toward that vision. The Council,City Government and community should ideally evaluate every opportunity or challenge that presents itself against this vision and its associated strategies to best determine how to allocate their time, money, and other resources—all of which are limited. The Strategic Plan is a companion to the City's Comprehensive Plan .ideally evaluate every which represents how the City will physically change over time. opportunity or challenge Together,the Strategic Plan and the Comprehensive Plan provide a firm that presents itself against foundation upon which to build more detailed neighborhood and special this vision and its associated purpose plans, the annual budget, the multi-year capital improvements strategies to best program, regulations and ordinances, and other associated public policy determine how to allocate and implementation documents and initiatives. their time,money and other Ideally one should be able to review this document and gain a firm resources... understanding of where the City intends to go, and generally how it proposes to get there,as well as gain insight into how progress along the way is intended to be measured. Strategic Planning Process This document represents an update to the previously adopted Strategic Plan adopted in February of 2022 — prompted by the continued need to address recovery from COVID-19, adapting to a number of additional emerging challenges — inflation, recession, gun violence, homelessness, workforce, and opportunities — Riverdale redevelopment, continued growth and expansion of the Innovation Corridor and completing expenditure of ARPA funds. Additionally, this revision furthers the intentional advancement of equity and well-being within the communitiy. The City has engaged in strategic thinking for many years. Much of what is included in this plan has for a number of years, been included in the annual budget and other policy documents. The process used in the development of this plan was an enhancement to that used in crafting previous versions. This update was built upon the framework of: • Listen • Learn • Discuss • Present • Act The first step in this process was listening to the community regarding the City's seven priorities, the strategies used to progress on those priorities and the outcomes that are sought. This was achieved through virtual conversations involving focus groups led by Council. These focus groups complemented the earlier virtual conversations led by Council. The virtual conversations were accompanied by key stakeholder interviews. Interviews were conducted with key stakeholders regarding the priorities and the strategies currently used to advance on the priorities. Finally, this was all further complemented by a broad discussion of the community's response to and recovery from COVID via the Star City Strong Recovery and Resiliency Advisory Panel. S The second step was learning from the community and the staff about each of the seven priorities,the strategies used to progress on those priorities and the outcomes that have been achieved. This occurred during the most recent Council Strategic Plan retreat. This step included presentation of information, studies, briefings, etc. by senior City staff and other content experts. The third step in this process was the Council discussing what they heard and learned regarding each of the seven priorities,the strategies used to progress on the priorities and the outcomes that have been achieved and/or are sought. This was done at the most recent Council Strategic Plan retreat and Budget Planning Retreat. The fourth step proposed in this process was presenting the draft strategic plan and items that warrant further development. For example, neighborhood plan updates. As work on this progresses it will be incorporated into further discussions with Council and where appropriate into the development of annual budgets or policy documents. The final step proposed in this process is qqtag upon any revisions in priorities and strategies. Some of this action may come about as a result of a working group's efforts along the way, while the majority will come about via formal adoption of a revised Strategic Plan and the proposal and adoption of the FY24 budget. Much of the groundwork for this step was set at the most recent Council Budget Planning Retreat held prior to the kick-off of the annual budget process and will be concluded upon adoption of the FY24 and FY25 budgets. This process has been designed to be responsive to the discussion held by Council in the adoption of the FY23 budget;timely and meaningful -bridging the political call for action and the necessary bureaucratic work of devising legislation and formulating budgets. This intentional process is necessary both to better the chances that quality and sustainable strategies are the result and also in response to the continued uncertainty associated with the many present and emerging challenges. The Council will review the Strategic Plan on an annual basis, making adjustments as appropriate,following a process similar to that used in the creation of previous plans. Additionally,City Management will provide the Council with regular progress reports on the Plan and a performance measure report annually. 6 Community Profile The City of Roanoke is a mid-size independent city with a population of approximately 100,000 located within a region with a population of approximately 350,000. The Roanoke region is located within the south-western portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia with the City of Roanoke as the largest city west of the State Capitol of Richmond. Roanoke serves as the region's education, medical, shopping, and cultural hub anchoring Virginia's Blue Ridge. Built upon success of the growth in the rail industry, Roanoke grew very rapidly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After a period of economic challenges Roanoke is experiencing a rennaisance built upon the strengths of bio-medical research and wellness, technology, and advanced manufacturing. Recent economic growth, a vibrant downtown, unparalleled outdoor amenities and numeorus arts and cultural offerings have led Roanoke to national recognition. Population Estimate(2021)—98,865 Median Age—38.5 with 7%under 5 years of age and 16%age 65 and older Race—62°% of the current population is White alone, 29% Black or African descent alone, and 6.3% Hispanic or Latino Households and Income—There are 41,740 households in Roanoke with 47,011 housing units with a median value of$140,600. 52%of the homes in Roanoke are owner-occupied. 2021 Median income is $48,476 with 18.4% of the population living in poverty. 88% of the adults in Roanoke are high school graduates or higher Industry & Business - there are 3,132 business establsihments in Roanoke employing 68,842 with a total annual payroll of $3 billion. Health care and social assistance is the lagest employment sector in Roanoke accounting for more than 12,000 jobs. There are currently more than 100,000 students pursuing degrees at 25 colleges and universities located wihtin the Roanoke region 7 Roanoke Community Vision The City of Roanoke is a safe, caring and economically vibrant community in which all have equitable opportunities to live, learn,work, play and prosper A vibrant urban center with strong neighborhoods set amongst the spectacular beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge Strategic Areas of Importance This vision is pursued by focusing on seven areas of strategic importance Education Community Safety Human Services Infrastructure Good Government Livability Economy l 4 .7 . 1 1 i 8 The City Council expects that as a City we will act on each of the strategic priorities grounded in the following: Equity—All, regardless of location, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability will have access to equal opportunity for successful outcomes Community Engagement& Inclusion—Intentional involvement of citizenry in the direction and actions of their government Well-Being—Physical and social environment that promotes healthy outcomes for all residents regardless of their location Creativity—innovation in programming and responding to opportunities and confronting challenges flpi�_4� . , 9 Education ISSUE vzAvg mucA�lm� c� ACIERS CULTURALSCHOOL� ' . c FA ASSISTANT �� � IMPORTANTPRacRA MSC co =INF M ! ACCESS T V&. " I ')C�°° READING � � ISSUE � ag����� UTERACY PROGRAMS SCHOOL � t BOOKS f CI CULTURAL" -� L.J zM V W Foster an environment for lifelong learning which encompasses cradle to career and beyond through shared services and community involvement Path to Results We will join our community in ensuring access to educational opportunities through the course of each individual's life. We seek to help develop successful students and productive and educated adults, prepared to succeed to full extent of their abilities. Early Learning and School Readiness — we will invest time, money and resources in preparing children to read proficiently by the end of the third grade. Preparation for Post High-School Success — we will work with the community to identify and support programs and initiatives that equip students to succeed beyond high school, whether their path leads them to college, a trade or vocation, or community service. Support of K-12 Educational Program — we will invest time, money, and resources in ensuring Roanoke City Public Schools are able to provide the facilities,curriculum, and teachers, necessary to deliver quality educational programs. 10 Adult Learning—we will invest time, money,and resources in opportunities for adults to continue to learn to enhance skills, broaden their general knowledge or further their creativity. Targeted Actions Continue to support RCPS"Equity in Action" efforts and investments Enhanced youth career exploration and skills development Enhanced youth employment and apprenticeship opportunities Continued expansion and enhancement of library facilities and programs Implementation of Star City Works initiative in partnership with Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board Refine and enhance current partnerships with RCPS—funding, capital planning, use of facilities, etc. Indicators We will determine success by: Improving PALS Scores; Securing and Maintaining Accreditation for all public schools; Improving Graduation Rates; Improving Student Learning outcomes; Increased Adult Learning opportunities; Workforce Participation Rate, Percentage of residents with post-High-School Education/Certification. J f° t a 11 Community Safety Foster a community where citizens feel safe and they and their property are safe in their homes, businesses and neighborhoods Path to Results We will ensure that our community comes together to plan for and to the extent practical, prevent harm from man-made and natural risks. We will take steps to ensure our homes, businesses, public places, streets, and neighborhoods are safe and desirable places to live, work and play. Together we will ensure that when a response is necessary it is done in as efficient,fair, and appropriate manner as practical. Prevention—We will invest the time,money and resources necessary to ensure that to the extent practical harm to property or persons is prevented through the use of programs, education, and code and law enforcement and addressing underlying causes including poverty, trauma, and inequity. Responsiveness — We will maintain the equipment and personnel necessary to meet or exceed established national standards related to response time for public safety and that our resources and services will be delivered in an equitable and just manner. Communication & Engagement — We will invest the time, money and resources necessary to ensure the ability to reliably communicate to and engage with the general public, between staff locally and throughout the region during routine business operations and times of emergency response. Quality of Standards and Laws — We will ensure that our codes, practices and policies are consistent with recognized best practices and are legally sound Targeted Actions Continue Public Safety Reforms — MARCUS Alert, Use of Force Policies, etc. — to include completion of RPD Organizational Assessment 12 Continued response to gun violence through Gun Violence Prevention Framework— Prevention, Intervention, Enforcement/Justice Use of Opioid settlement funds to respond to regional Blueprint to Address Substance Use Continued Enhancement of Fire-EMS facilities and services—Complete acquisition of property for FS#2 and begin design Explore piloting"alternative service delivery model" for non-acute EMS services Complete Phase 3 of Public Safety Compensation Plan Broaden Definition of Community Safety—to acknowledge role of other governmental services— DSS, Building Safety, E-911, etc. Indicators We will determine success by: Accreditation by recognized national or regional organizations will be secured and maintained by departments/divisions engaged in delivery of public safety services; ISO ratings of the highest level will be secured and maintained by the departments/divisions engaged in delivery of public safety services; Public Safety services will consistently be evaluated as "good" or better by customer surveys conducted by the City on a periodic basis, Crime statistics will be actively monitored and reported and demonstrable improvements in all areas over time will be secured. F rr�ri 1 i r II* Human Services .E y tt i 3 t. a, . :.. .. 464 Foster a caring community that uses an equitable, regional and collaborative approach to encourage preventative measures, intervention services,and self-sufficiency while providing a social safety net for citizens Path to Results We will unite public and private institutions as a caring and compassionate community assisting individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency and live healthy lives. We maintain a commitment of focusing on prevention and the provision of information and where necessary and when appropriate in the delivery of compassionate services grounded in fairness, equity, and accountability Prevention — We will invest the time, money and resources necessary to prevent poverty, promote self-sufficiency, promote positive youth development, and promote healthy and safe neighborhoods. Intervention — When appropriate and necessary we will intervene in situations through early identification of need, using a holistic approach that involves the family, support the deinstitutionalization of individuals—integrating citizens back into society. 14 Caring Community — Through direct involvement with those impacted we will foster positive relationships and empower them to succeed to the best of their abilities and circumstances. Accessibility to Services — We will ensure those who live in our community are aware of the resources available to them and will ensure our services are delivered in an efficient and effective manner. Targeted Actions Continued Support of COVID recovery for individuals, households, and non-profit social service providers Enhanced focus on addressing social determinants associated with disparities in health outcomes Expanded mental health services Implementation of eviction avoidance initiatives and programs Continued enhancement of homeless services and supportive housing initiatives and programs Continued actions in the Belmont-Fallon Target Area Enhance Affordable Housing Preservation/Restoration and Production Efforts Indicators We will determine success by: Demonstrated compliance with all applicable laws and regulations that govern the delivery of health and human services; Human services will consistently be evaluated as "good" or better by customer surveys conducted by the City on a periodic basis, Improved demographic and socio-economic trends such as rates of poverty, number of homeless, service recipients, deaths due to overdose, etc. Increase in the number of affordable homes preserved, restored or produced .,.. .ate.. ; t 15 Infrastructure a Maintain and build quality infrastructure that supports healthy residential neighborhoods,successful commercial areas, and accessible public facilities and amenities Path to Results We will work to ensure the facilities, equipment, materials, and services that are necessary to meet the communication, mobility, life-safety, recreation, and basic needs of our individuals, families, businesses, and visitors are provided and maintained in a manner that contributes positively to safety, livability, and economic advancement Environment—We will work locally and regionally to ensure the quality and sustainability of our natural resources and features with a particular emphasis on clean air and clean water. Buildings, Parks and Greenways—We will work locally and regionally to deliver buildings, parks and greenways that are functional, accessible, and sustainable, and that can be operated in an efficient manner. Transportation — We will ensure our transportation network enables a full-range of mobility options that are delivered, maintained and operated in an efficient manner. Equipment and Vehicles—We will ensure that the equipment and vehicles we use to deliver our services are safe and well-maintained and procured and operated in an efficient manner. Technology—We will ensure that the technology we use to deliver services and to communicate to and engage with our community is functional and reliable, and is procured and operated in an efficient manner supporting businesses processes and community needs. 16 Targeted Actions Continued implementation of community engagement associated with the Wasena/Main Street Bridge replacement Increased investment in street and sidewalk maintenance Completion of final gap in the Roanoke River Greenway Update of City Sustainability Plan/Climate Action Plan Continue to address deferred maintenance of parks and recreation facilities Continued expansion and enhancement of transit services and facilities Further develop and initiate implementation of City's Vision Zero initiative Complete remodeling/construction work on Municipal Building and relocation of certain City Offices—Budget and Finance, Community Engagement, etc. Initiate rehabilitation of former Richardson-Wayland property and prepare for relocation of Parks and Recreation offices and services Indicators We will determine success by: Demonstrated compliance with all applicable laws and regulations that govern infrastructure assets and natural features; Infrastructure-related items/services will consistently be evaluated as "good" or better by customer surveys conducted by the City on a periodic basis, Accreditation by recognized national or regional organizations will be secured and maintained by departments/divisions engaged in delivery of infrastructure services, ; 17. N E F ETT- 17 Good Government { Provide exceptional and competitive government services that are collaborative, transparent, responsive, and innovative Path to Results We will,on behalf of our citizens,provide top-quality services and programs that are cost-competitive and responsive, efficient, collaborative, and transparent. We will build a culture around honesty, respect, responsibility,teamwork,diversity and inclusion that address the challenges and opportunities of the 21" Century Effective Leadership—Through collaborative and visionary leadership we will set clear direction and high expectations for Roanoke based upon Council priorities. We will emphasize strategic vision,responsiveness, results, accountability,and adherence to clear values in the delivery of our services. High-Performing Employees — Our employees understand how their actions contribute to the City's vision and strategies and are committed emotionally and intellectually, and motivated to provide the best service they are able. Our organization provides the clear direction, resources, and opportunities for our employees to excel in what they do. 18 Efficient and Effective Operations— We acknowledge we are stewards of the public's resources and therefore seek to deliver community services in a cost-competitive manner requiring the least amount of time and effort necessary. We will seek partnerships, relentlessly and continuously pursue service improvements and efficiencies, and strive to implement best practices on behalf of our community. Responsible Financial Management — We will ensure sound management of revenues, expenditures, assets, in a strategic, coordinated and deliberate manner aligned with generally accepted and best practices, Council priorities, and the needs of the community. Valued, Engaged & Informed Community — We believe a successful City values an active and engaged citizenry in the conduct of its government. We will ensure community members are informed and offered opportunities for engagement as policies and actions are formulated and services are delivered. Targeted Actions Complete implementation of public safety compensation and initiate implementation of general employee compensation increases Complete adaptation of Budgeting for Outcomes to Budgeting for Equitable and Empowering Outcomes Continue to advance efforts of Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board Continue enhanced Capital Improvements Programming and Reporting Continue Implementation of ARPA initiatives and programs Develop and adopt formal Council "Code of Conduct" and "Rules of Procedure" Develop and initiate twice-annual"enhanced"Council workshops on topics of immediate concern Establish and maintain regular joint meetings with key Boards and Commissions Elevate awareness of City services through additional outreach and media Enhanced mechanism for receiving, managing and responding to resident inquiries and concerns We will determine success by: Demonstrated compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies that govern financial management; Overall City governance will consistently be evaluated as"good"or better by customer surveys conducted by the City on a periodic basis; Recognition by national or regional organizations secured and maintained for application of innovative approaches and best practices; Improved employee satisfaction and retention/advancement, Increased utilization of engagement opportunities by residents and businesses. 19 Livability [MANQKE at way v. Enhance Roanoke's exceptional vitality as an attractive, diverse, culturally inclusive, vibrant and active city in which to live, learn, work and play Path to Results We will collaborate with others in our region to ensure Roanoke retains a quality social, built and natural environment making it a vibrant place to live, learn,work,play and visit. We will ensure Roanoke remains a desirable place to invest in, whether as a homeowner, business owner, client, or tourist Attractive Community—Together with the community, we will work to foster pride in home and business ownership working to ensure our neighborhoods, business corridors, and districts remain safe, clean, diverse,and attractive, and encourage continued pride and investment. Accessible and Inclusive Community-We will ensure that public transportation, bicycle facilities, and pedestrian ways are convenient and safe, and provide mobility options and ease of connection between our neighborhoods, with our public spaces and throughout the region. Quality Amenities —We will collaborate with others to provide activities, facilities, and exhibits that encourage active living and foster cultural awareness. We will ensure the protection of unique community assets and natural resources found within our City. Targeted Actions Implementation of Comprehensive Plan Implementation of Parks and Recreation Master Plan Advancement on various initiatives—Compassionate City, Human Rights Diversity Index,Age- Friendly Community,Youth Services,etc. 20 Implement pro-active code enforcement—especially around quality of life concerns Complete Belmont Branch Library enhancements Conclude design of Eureka Recreation Center and initiate construction Conclude design of Washington Park Pool and initiate construction Strengthen and enhance Neighborhood Organization capacity and Neighborhood Services Prepare to initiate Neighborhood Plan updates Complete and initiate implementation of Climate Action and Resiliency Plan Continued expansion and enhancement of transit services and facilities Indicators We will determine success by: City's desirability as a place to live,operate a business, or visit will consistently be evaluated as"good" or better by customer surveys conducted by the City on a periodic basis; Recognition by national or regional organizations, secured and maintained for application of innovative approaches and best practices, Increases in population, number of visitors, home ownership, home value, and participation in events. r YOU ARS WOO *WELCOME EE 21 Economy Roanoket Innovates I ■ Cultivate a thriving business environment and innovative workforce opportunities to ensure the prosperity of our community, recognizing our role in both the regional and global economies Path to Results We will collaborate with others in the region and State to ensure the continued economic vitality of Roanoke and its place as the region's center of economic activity. We will emphasize the development of individual's skills and abilities,development of unique economic assets,the promotion of economic assets that afford us a competitive advantage and the development of business opportunities Workforce Development—Together with others in the community, we will ensure our workforce is prepared to productively contribute to the local economy and better the lives of themselves and their families. We will seek to attract and retain talent, expand employment opportunities, raise awareness of job and business opportunities, and attract higher-wage opportunities to Roanoke. Asset Development—Together with others in the community,we will build upon existing natural, cultural, structural, and leadership strengths creating an economic environment that capitalizes upon our uniqueness and creates opportunity for the generation of wealth —personal, business, and community. Business Development—We will collaborate with others throughout the region to make Roanoke as attractive as possible for investment by individuals and business by ensuring regulatory and business processes are responsive, regional partnerships are fully embraced, strategic use of business incentives, and maintenance of a responsible tax structure. We will continue to ensure Roanoke remains a vibrant and attractive portion of Virginia's Blue Ridge for visitors and guests. Asset Promotion —We will collaborate with others throughout the region to curate and nurture an authentic and representative brand for Roanoke and the region, and will ensure access to 22 trusted and reliable information about the benefits of living, visiting, and doing business in Roanoke. Economic Inclusion & Mobility — We will remove barriers and pursue opportunities to ensure every individual,family and business in our community have equitable opportunities for economic success. Targeted Actions Advance on Target Neighborhood initiatives Advance on Gainsboro: A New Way Forward initiatives Advance on economic inclusion and economic mobility initiatives Enhance regional outdoor assets Implement Economic Development Strategic Plan Implement Neighborhood Centers Plan Conclude Evans Spring Planning process Advance on Riverdale Redevelopment project Enhanced services in the Innovation Corridor Enhanced Building Plan Review and Inspection Process Indicators We will determine success by: Increases in tax revenue, number of jobs, occupancy rates, number of visitors, and decreases in poverty and unemployment rates. REGIONALCALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS THE . w o I .f fm _.t . BEAFORt. VW ,a G - � the Nth Annual GAUNT l.k C �` � 4kgiab".l n.eaf Mann+Fl egr+m aM Cem�etflAa w 23 Organizational Response The City Government will respond to each of the priorities,take action and deliver services aligned with the following core values: Integrity and Honesty Diversity and Inclusion Respect for Others Listening and Communication Continuous Improvement Accountability Organizational Framework Pursue long-term high-impact regional change—make the Roanoke region the premier place to locate, stay and visit Build strength from within—enable the success of residents, families, and businesses regardless of their physical location within the City Strategies Prioritize—time, money, and attention Take Strategic Action—everything should progress toward objectives Seek and Enhance Collaborative Partnerships—we cannot and should not do this alone Innovate—new ideas, new approaches, new partners Empower Organization—free up talent,time, money,and resources As an organization, we will do this within a culture where all employees are leaders oriented toward results and positive outcomes,where organization and community assets meet or exceed recognized standards and where the services provided are recognized as"best in class". As departments,we take action and deliver our services guided by our Departmental Service Plans and secure the necessary resources by budgeting for the intended outcomes. As individuals, we perform in accordance with our personal development and operational goals established annually. 24 I J Targeted Actions: Homeless Actions—Compassion & Rule of Law—Whole of Government Approach as Part of Org Response—land bank steps—continue to share information about services/community response Complete temporary relocation of HAT Offices Continue implementation of Equity Action Plans, BFOEE, Succession Planning, CIP Enhancements, etc. Enhanced and Increased Community Engagement in development and implementation of CIP Continue implementation of language access services CMO Portfolio Reassignments, CMO restructure, Enhanced Liaison relationships Refresh Leadership and Professional Development to be more responsive to contemporary issues of innovation, servant leadership, workforce challenges, etc. Department Service Plans/Individual Leadership&Action Plans Risk/Safety Program enhancements Enhanced customer service program for internal services Assessment of current fee-based services—break-even analyses, etc. Assessment of privatization pros/cons Refresh internal advisory and affinity groups Revised Performance Measures and Indicators Report i 25 e I a aaw•r s r ■Foes r �t , .� 1� •Ear■ ! :ifA 1F�I "� ■ .. - err 'i'tt� r•r yy �• xt. mw€ 1 OF RO�r. ROANOKEI �� 26 My Healthy Hometown ROANOKE FREE FOR ALL RESIDENTS . SAVE WITH YOUR HOMETOWN'S PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT PROGRAM. My Healthy-7 RxBIN:004336 Hometovvn RxGRP:RXNLCROAVA R O A N O K E RxPCN:ADV ISSUER:(80804) ID:ZAA17075701 This is NOT insurance. #MyHealthyHometown ej ROANOKENATIONAL EAGUE ROANOKE PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT CARD NLC OF CITIES CARRYTHIS FREE CARD IN YOUR WALLET Simply show this card at a participating pharmacy to save on the cost of prescriptions not covered by an insurance plan. • Save up to 75%*off the retail price of prescription medicine • Good at over 65,000 retail pharmacies nationwide • Discounts are for city residents and their pets • No forms to fill out or registration required For more information and to find a pharmacy go to www.caremark.com/nlc or call toll-free at 1-888-620-1749. your discount RZ ANOK #MYHEALTHYHOMETOWN IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 21"day of February 2023. No. 42575-022123. AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Chapter 2, Administration, Article XIV, Authorities Boards Commissions and Committees Generally,Division 2,Permanent Committees and Boards, Section 2-307 (c)Youth Athletics Review Board,Code of the City of Roanoke(1979) as amended; and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: 1. Chapter 2, Administration, Article XIV, Authorities Boards Commissions and Committees Generally, Division 2, Permanent Committees and Boards, Section 2-307 (c) Youth Athletics Review Board, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979) as amended, are hereby amended and reordained to read and provide as follows: Section 2-307.Youth Athletics Review Board (c) Appointment and terms of members. Members of the youth athletics review board shall be comprised of five(5) voting members. The five (5) members shall be appointed by city council with two (2) members appointed based upon the recommendation of the city manager. After the initial term of appointment if reappointed the term shall be a three-year term. 2. Pursuant to Section 12 of the Roanoke City Charter,the second reading by title of this ordinance is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: City Clerk. I ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 29, 2023 Subject: Amendment of the City Code to update Section 2-307 (c) Youth Athletics Review Board. Background: Chapter 2, Administration, Article XIV, Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees Generally, Division 2, Permanent Committees and Boards, Section 2-307 (c) Youth Athletics Review Board. This code amendment specifies that after members serve their initial staggered term, any subsequent term will be for a three-year period. Consider the proposed amendments to Chapter 2, Administration, Article XIV, Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees Generally, Division 2, Permanent Committees and Boards, Section 2-307 (c) Youth Athletics Review Board. Recommended Action: Adopt the proposed amendments to Chapter 2, Administration, Article XIV, Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees Generally, Division 2, Permanent Committees and Boards, Section 2-307 (c) Youth Athletics Review Board Y 6 st: Timothy Spencer,City Attorney Distribution: IN THE COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF ROANOKE,VIRGINIA The 21" day of February 2023. No. 42576-022123. A RESOLUTION approving the City of Roanoke's participation in the proposed settlement of opioid-related claims against Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and their related corporate entities, and directing the City attorney to execute the documents necessary to effectuate the City's participation in the settlements; WHEREAS,the opioid epidemic that has cost thousands of human lives across the country also impacts the City of Roanoke by adversely impacting the delivery of emergency medical services, law enforcement, criminal justice, mental health and substance abuse services, and other services by the City's various departments and agencies; WHEREAS, the City has been required and will continue to be required to allocate substantial taxpayer dollars, resources, staff energy and time to address the damage the opioid epidemic has caused and continues to cause the citizens of Roanoke; WHEREAS,the City has filed suit against Teva,Allergan,Walmart,Walgreens, CVS, and certain of their related corporate entities for their role in the distribution, manufacture, and sale of the pharmaceutical opioid products that have fueled the opioid epidemic that has harmed the City; WHEREAS, the City's suit seeks recovery of the public funds previously expended and to be expended in the future to abate the consequences and harms of the opioid epidemic; WHEREAS, settlement proposals have been negotiated that will cause Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS to pay billions of dollars nationwide to resolve opioid-related claims against them; WHEREAS, the City has approved and adopted the Virginia Opioid Abatement Fund and Settlement Allocation Memorandum of Understanding (the "Virginia MOU"), and affirms that these pending settlements with Teva,Allergan,Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens shall be considered "Settlements"that are subject to the Virginia MOU, and shall be administered and allocated in the same manner as the opioid settlements entered into previously with the Distributors and Janssen; WHEREAS, the City's outside opioid litigation counsel has recommended that the City participate in the settlements in order to recover its share of the funds that the settlement would provide; and WHEREAS, the City Attorney has reviewed the available information about the proposed settlements and concurs with the recommendation of outside counsel; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council for the City of Roanoke, approves of the City's participation in the proposed settlement of opioid-related claims against Teva,Allergan,Walmart,Walgreens,CVS,and their related corporate entities,and directs the City Attorney and/or the City's outside counsel to execute the documents necessary to effectuate the City's participation in the settlements, including the required release of claims against settling entities. ATTEST: City Clerk. ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 21, 2023 Subject: Approval of the proposed settlement of opioid related claims against multiple distributors and their related corporate entities. Background: Considerations: As you are aware, the City previously filed a lawsuit against Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and their related corporate entities (collectively, the "Defendants") for their roles in the distribution, manufacture, and sale of opioid products that have fueled an epidemic. After years of litigation, these Defendants have now agreed to terms of global settlements that combined provide over $18.7 billion to state and local governments nationwide for abatement of the harms caused by the opioid epidemic. Additionally, the settlements will offer injunctive relief that will compel the settling defendants to change their business practices in meaningful ways. Assuming that relevant participation thresholds are reached, Virginia's share of the settlement proceeds is expected to be in excess of $425 million. Once approved, these settlements will be allocated and administered pursuant to the terms of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Fund and Settlement Allocation Memorandum of Understanding entered into by the City and the Office of the Virginia Attorney General previously in 2021. Thus, they will be treated in the same way as the earlier settlements with the Distributor Defendants and Janssen Pharmaceutical, which began distributing settlement funds last calendar year. Settlement funds will flow to the City, both directly and indirectly via the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, over a period of years. This represents the second wave of settlements flowing from the litigation commenced by the City against numerous opioid supply chain defendants several years ago. The legal work connected with this litigation has been performed on a contingent fee basis and has involved no out of pocket cost to the City. Litigation will continue against several currently non-settling defendants. The settlements with Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens and CVS are the product of years of hard-fought litigation and complicated negotiation by outside counsel. The settlements provide significant sums to state and local governments to help recover from the past harm suffered because of the opioid epidemic and to help fight the ongoing harms the epidemic continues to inflict on public entities. The settlements also provide important injunctive relief that will force the settling entities to change the way they do business. Our office has carefully reviewed the available information about the proposed settlements and concurs with the recommendation of outside counsel to join in the settlements with these Defendants. Recommended Action: Authorize the attached Resolution approving the City of Roanoke's participation in the proposed settlement of opioid-related claims against Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and their related corporate entities, and directing the City attorney to execute the documents necessary to effectuate the City's participation in the settlements. r Timothy Spencer, City Attorney Distribution: IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, The 21"day of February 2023. No. 42577-022123. AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Section 2-305 Equity and empowennent advisory board, Division 2, Permanent Committees, Article XIV Authorities, Boards, Commissions and Committees Generally, Chapter 2, Administration, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended; establishing an effective date; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: 1. Amend and reordain Section 2-305 Equity and empowerment advisory board, Division 2, Permanent Committees, Article XIV Authorities Boards, Commissions and Committees Generally, Chapter 2, Administration, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979), as amended, as follows: X X X See. 2-305.- Equity and empowerment advisory board. (a) Established; -eComposition. Thee he equity and empowerment advisory board ias a permanent council-appointed board. The equity and empowerment advisory board shall consist of severmine (79) members who, + ;" members shall b embers of t � ' And +''o r� seven (7) shall be residents of the city. Council may appoint an employee of the city to serve as a non-voting liaison between the equity and empowerment advisory board and city staff. Pursuant to section 2-282, the mayor shall not serve ex officio. C ' " wo ` > �� � ,appoint " t2)members bers e vr (b) Purpose; responsibility. The purpose and responsibility of the equity and empowerment advisory board shall be as follows: (1) Review the priorities for Interwoven Equity in City Plan 2040 and any subsequent city comprehensive plan; (2) Develop proposed plans for the implementation of policies and action identified for each priority set forth under Interwoven Equity in City Plan 2040; and (3) Review all existing city policies, ordinances, and regulations and recommend to city council changes in such policies, ordinances, or regulations to eliminate the city of any policies or procedures that promote inequity or limit empowerment. (c) Appointment and terms of members. Members of the equity and empowerment advisory board shall be appointed by city council._ "ems ef-ef€iee The non-voting liaison shall serve only during the time of their employment with the City of Roanoke.. All-oche members shall serve for terms of three (3) years. Members of the equity and empowerment advisory boardother- t also mb«s , shall be subject to the limitation on terms set forth in section 2-281.1. (d) Members not compensated. The members of the equity and empowerment advisory board shall serve without compensation for their service as such members. (e) Organization, selection of officers,meetings. (1) At its initial meeting, the members of the equity and empowerment advisory board shall elect a chair, vice-chair, and secretary. The member elected as chair shall serve as the presiding officer at all meetings of the equity and empowerment board. In the absence of the chair, the vice-chair shall preside at such meeting. The secretary shall prepare agendas for each meeting, take minutes of each meeting, ensure that proper legal notice of all meetings is provided, and file minutes with the city clerk. All officers shall serve for terms that end on December 31 of each year. Members may be reelected to serve as an officer without limitation. (2) The equity and empowerment advisory board shall adopt bylaws with respect to the operations of the equity and empowerment advisory board. Such bylaws shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of section 2-305. The bylaws shall be presented to city council for endorsement. (3) The equity and empowerment advisory board shall develop a schedule for regular meetings on a monthly basis for each calendar year. Such schedule for each ensuing year shall be set no later than January 15 of each year. The schedule shall include the dates and times of each regular meeting for the ensuing calendar year. At the initial meeting of the equity and empowerment advisory board in 2021, the members shall set its schedule for the balance of 2021 calendar year. (4) The equity and empowerment advisory board shall hold at least one public hearings each year at one of its regular meetings, or at a special meeting called for that purpose pursuant section 2-305(e)(5); The purpose of sucheaeh public hearing is to receive comments and input from the community with respect the responsibilities of the equity and empowerment advisory board as set forth in section 2-305(b). Notice of aeac-h public hearing 2 shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the city at least five (5) days, but not more than ten (10) days, prior to the date of the public hearing. (5) Special meetings of the equity and empowerment advisory board may be called by the chair or by two (2) members of the equity and empowerment advisory board with at least twelve (12) hours prior notice to each member, delivered in hand or by electronic mail. The notice of the special meeting shall set forth the purpose of the special meeting and the special meeting shall be limited to that purpose. (6) The city manager shall appoint staff to assist the secretary in the performance of the secretary's duties to keep minutes and records of all proceedings of the board, prepare agendas for meetings, notify members of meetings, arrange for legal notices of meetings, prepare all agenda packages, and perform all other duties of a secretary. The city attorney shall provide legal advice and assistance to the equity and empowerment advisory board. (fl Reports to city council. (1) The equity and empowerment advisory board shall make recommendations to city council as determined by such board. All recommendations shall be in writing and delivered to the city clerk for inclusion in the city council agenda packages. The chair of the equity and empowerment advisory board shall attend the city council session at which such recommendations are considered by city council. (2) The equity and empowerment advisory board shall make an annual written report to city council at the second session of city council in December. The annual report shall summarize the matters considered by the equity and empowerment advisory board, the recommendations made to city council, and the objectives of the equity and empowerment advisory board for the following year. The chair of the equity and empowerment advisory board shall present the report at the second session of city council in December. 2. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage. 3. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: , 'A City Clerk. 3 CITY ATTORNEY COUNCIL MEMO CODE AMENDMENT Date: February 6, 2023 From: Timothy R. Spencer, City Attorney Re: Chapter 2 Administration, Article XIV Authorities Boards Commissions and Committees Generally, Section 2-305 Equity and empowerment advisory board. Thero osed code amendments remove City Council members from the Equity and Empowerment p p Advisory Board thereby reducing the number of members from nine to seven. Council is also authorized to appoint a city employee to serve as a non-voting liaison. The non-voting liaison will coordinate actions between Board and city staff. The proposed amendments also specify that the appointed terms for all voting members will be three years. Finally,the Board is required to hold at least one public hearing each year. Adopt the attached resolution amending Chapter 2 Administration, Article XIV Authorities Boards, Commissions and Committees Generally, Section 2-305 Equity and empowerment advisory board. TRS/lsc IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 21"day of February 2023. No. 42578-022123. A RESOLUTION appointing the seven(7)members to the newly reconstituted Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board for an initial term; waiving the residence requirement for several individuals; and establishing an effective date. WHEREAS, City Council has reconstituted the membership of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board ("Board") through the adoption of the Ordinance adopted immediately prior to this Resolution on February 21, 2023; WHEREAS, the Board now consists of seven (7) members whose initial terms of office for the new Board are now staggered as set forth below. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows: 1. City Council hereby appoints the following seven (7) individuals to serve the following terms as members of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board: Individual Initial Term Dr. William L. Lee March 1, 2023 —December 31, 2023 Angela S. Penn March 1, 2023 —December 31, 2023 Patice Holland March 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023 Jerel Rhodes March 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024 Peter Wonson March 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024 Kaitlyn Johnson March 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Phazon Nash March 1, 2023 - December 31, 2025 Angie O'Brien Non-voting City Liaison After the initial terms listed above, any subsequent term shall be for a three-year period. 2. City Council hereby waives the residence requirement for Patice Holland and Kaitlyn Johnson in accordance with City Code Section 2-281. 3. This Resolution shall be effective on and after March 1, 2023. ATTEST: City Clerk. CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue,S.W.,Room 456 Roanoke,Virginia 24011-1536 1 Telephone: (540)853-2541 Fax: (540)853-1145 E-mail: clerkCaroanokeva.gov CECELIA T.WEBB,CMC CECELIA F.MCCOY,CMC Deputy Cit-* Clerk City Clerk RUTH VISUETE PEREZ Assistant Depute City Clerk March 1, 2023 Phazhon Nash 2739 Kirkland Drive, N. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24017 Dear Mr. Nash: At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke which was held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, you were appointed as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board for an initial term of office commencing March 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2025. Enclosed you will find a Certificate of your appointment and two copies of an Oath or Affirmation of Office form. Below are the next steps: 1. Please take both copies of the form to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the City of Roanoke to have the oath administered. It is located on the third floor of the Roanoke City Courts Facility, 315 Church Avenue, S.W.The Clerk of the Circuit Court office will keep a copy on file. 2. Please request from the Clerk of Circuit Court to send one copy of the Oath or Affirmation of Office form to the City Clerk's Office. The Oath or Affirmation of Office form must be completed prior to serving in the capacity to which you were appointed. Pursuant to Section 2.2-3702, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, I am enclosing copy of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act(transmitted via email). The Act requires that you be provided with a copy within two weeks of your appointment and each member is required "to read and become familiar with provisions of the Act." On behalf of the Mayor and Members of City Council, I would like to express appreciation for your willingness to serve the City of Roanoke as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board. Sincerely, A Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk Enclosures PC: Angie O'Brien, Chief Strategy Officer/Assistant City Manager Apprentice COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ) To-wit: CITY OF ROANOKE ) I, Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk, and as such City Clerk of the City of Roanoke and keeper of the records thereof, do hereby certify that at a regular meeting of Council which was held on the twenty-first day of February 2023, PHAZHON NASH, was appointed as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board for an initial term of office commencing March 1 , 2023 and ending December 31, 2025. Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Roanoke this first day of March 2023. Vx4c4l City Clerk o�Wit► CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue,S.W.,Room 456 Roanoke,Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540)853-2541 Fax: (540)853-1145 E-mail: elerkCa roanokeva.gov CECELIA T.WEBB,CMC CECELIA F.MCCOY,CMC Deputy City Clerk City Clerk RUTH VISUETE PEREZ Assistant Deputy City Clerk March 1, 2023 Kaitlyn Johnson P. O. Box 1514 Roanoke, Virginia 24007 Dear Ms. Johnson: At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke which was held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, you were appointed as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board for an initial term of office commencing March 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2025. Enclosed you will find a Certificate of your appointment and two copies of an Oath or Affirmation of Office form. Below are the next steps: 1. Please take both copies of the form to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the City of Roanoke to have the oath administered. It is located on the third floor of the Roanoke City Courts Facility, 315 Church Avenue, S.W.The Clerk of the Circuit Court office will keep a copy on file. 2. Please request from the Clerk of Circuit Court to send one copy of the Oath or Affirmation of Office form to the City Clerk's Office. The Oath or Affirmation of Office form must be completed prior to serving in the capacity to which you were appointed. Pursuant to Section 2.2-3702, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, I am enclosing copy of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act(transmitted via email). The Act requires that you be provided with a copy within two weeks of your appointment and each member is required "to read and become familiar with provisions of the Act." On behalf of the Mayor and Members of City Council, I would like to express appreciation for your willingness to serve the City of Roanoke as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board. Sincerely, Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk Enclosures PC: Angie O'Brien, Chief Strategy Officer/Assistant City Manager Apprentice COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ) To-wit: CITY OF ROANOKE ) I, Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk, and as such City Clerk of the City of Roanoke and keeper of the records thereof, do hereby certify that at a regular meeting of Council which was held on the twenty-first day of February 2023, KAITLYN JOHNSON, was appointed as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board for an initial term of office commencing March 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2025. Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Roanoke this first day of March 2023. City Clerk CITY OF ROANOKE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 215 Church Avenue,S.W.,Room 456 Roanoke,Virginia 24011-1536 Telephone: (540)853-2541 Fax: (540)853-1145 E-mail: elerkC.roanokeva.gov CECELIA T.WEBB,CMC CECELIA F.MCCOV,CMC Deputy City Clerk City Clerk RUTH VISUETE PEREZ Assistant Deputy City Clerk March 1, 2023 Peter Wonson 3519 Windsor Oaks Circle, S. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24018 Dear Mr. Wonson: At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke which was held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, you were appointed as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board for an initial term of office commencing March 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2024. Enclosed you will find a Certificate of your appointment and two copies of an Oath or Affirmation of Office form. Below are the next steps: 1. Please take both copies of the form to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the City of Roanoke to have the oath administered. It is located on the third floor of the Roanoke City Courts Facility, 315 Church Avenue, S.W.The Clerk of the Circuit Court office will keep a copy on file. 2. Please request from the Clerk of Circuit Court to send one copy of the Oath or Affirmation of Office form to the City Clerk's Office. The Oath or Affirmation of Office form must be completed prior to serving in the capacity to which you were appointed. Pursuant to Section 2.2-3702, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, I am enclosing copy of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act(transmitted via email). The Act requires that you be provided with a copy within two weeks of your appointment and each member is required "to read and become familiar with provisions of the Act." On behalf of the Mayor and Members of City Council, I would like to express appreciation for your willingness to serve the City of Roanoke as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board. Sincerely, 60 ��'�L. Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk Enclosures PC: Angie O'Brien, Chief Strategy Office/Assistant City Manager Apprentice COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ) To-wit: CITY OF ROANOKE ) I, Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk, and as such City Clerk of the City of Roanoke and keeper of the records thereof, do hereby certify that at a regular meeting of Council which was held on the twenty-first day of February 2023, PETER WONSON, was appointed as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board for an initial term of office commencing March 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2024. Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Roanoke this first day of March 2023. ezte� J_- VXe,dj City Clerk �. xuenu►ce, v c 4 10ou Telephone: (540)853-2541 Fax: (540)853-1145 E-mail: clerkCa roanokeva.gov CECELIA T.WEBB,CMC CECELIA F.MCCOV,CMC Deputy City Clerk City Clerk RUTH VISUETE PEREZ Assistant Deputy City Clerk March 1, 2023 Jerel Rhodes 3731 Rolling Hill Avenue, N. W. Roanoke, Virginia 24017 Dear Mr. Rhodes: At a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Roanoke which was held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, you were appointed as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board for an initial term of office commencing March 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2024. Enclosed you will find a Certificate of your appointment and two copies of an Oath or Affirmation of Office form. Below are the next steps: 1. Please take both copies of the form to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the City of Roanoke to have the oath administered. It is located on the third floor of the Roanoke City Courts Facility, 315 Church Avenue, S.W.The Clerk of the Circuit Court office will keep a copy on file. 2. Please request from the Clerk of Circuit Court to send one copy of the Oath or Affirmation of Office form to the City Clerk's Office. The Oath or Affirmation of Office form must be completed prior to serving in the capacity to which you were appointed. Pursuant to Section 2.2-3702, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, I am enclosing copy of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act(transmitted via email). The Act requires that you be provided with a copy within two weeks of your appointment and each member is required "to read and become familiar with provisions of the Act." On behalf of the Mayor and Members of City Council, I would like to express appreciation for your willingness to serve the City of Roanoke as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board. Sincerely, �_&� -�- VX d4241- Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC City Clerk Enclosures PC: Angie O'Brien, Chief Strategy Officer/Assistant City Manager Apprentice COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA ) To-wit: CITY OF ROANOKE ) I, Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk, and as such City Clerk of the City of Roanoke and keeper of the records thereof, do hereby certify that at a regular meeting of Council which was held on the twenty-first day of February 2023, JEREL RHODES, was appointed as a member of the Equity and Empowerment Advisory Board for an initial term of office commencing March 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2024. Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Roanoke this first day of March 2023. City Clerk IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 21 st day of February 2023. No. 42579-022123. AN ORDINANCE to appropriate funding from the Commonwealth, federal and private grant for various educational programs, amending and re-ordaining certain sections of the 2022-2023 School Grant Fund Appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title of this ordinance. BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that the following sections of the 2022-2023 School Grant Fund Appropriations be, and the same are hereby, amended and re-ordained to read and provide as follows: APPROPRIATIONS Original Budget Changes Requested Final Budget Personal Services 302- 110- 0000- 0000- 132S-61100-41121- 3-01 $ 4,341,172.00 $ $ 4,341,172.00 Personal Services-Parental Inwhement 302- 110- PINV- 0000- 132S-61100-41121- 3-01 28,439.00 28,439.00 Benefits 302- 110- 0000- 0000- 132S-61100-42204- 3-01 1,725,162.34 10.69 1,725,173.03 Benefits-Parental Inwhement 302- 110- PINV- 0000- 132S-61100-42204- 3-01 2,175.64 - 2,175.64 Professional Development 302- 110- 0000- 1000- 132S-61100-43313- 9-01 60,800.00 60,800.00 Purchased Services 302- 110- 0000- 0000- 132S-61310-43381- 9-01 288,833.77 288,833.77 Purchased Services-Parental Inwlvement 302- 110- PINV- 0000- 132S-61310-43381- 9-01 34,200.00 34,200.00 Internal Printing-Parental Inwhement 302- 110- PINV- 1000- 132S-61310-44450- 9-01 1,000.00 1,000.00 Travel 302- 110- 0000- 1000- 132S-61310-45551- 9-00 23,900.00 23,900.00 Leases&Rental Equipment 302- 110- 0000- 0000- 132S-61310-45541- 2-00 62,000.00 62,000.00 Indirect Costs 302- 000- INDC- 0000- 132S-00000-62000- 0-00 302,391.00 302,391.00 Miscellaneous Other Charges-Parentlnwhement 302- 110- PINV- 0000- 132S-63200-45583- 2-01 1,290.00 1,290.00 Materials&Supplies 302- 110- 0000- 0000- 132S-61100-46613- 2-01 679,600.00 679,600.00 Materials&Supplies-Parental Inwlvement 302- 110- PINV- 0000- 132S-61310-46613- 9-00 9,500.00 9,500.00 Coordinator Salary 302- 140- HOME-1000- 145S-61210-41138- 9-08 79,845.00 - 79,845.00 Virginia Retirement System 302- 140- HOME-1000- 1455-61210-42202- 9-08 15,034.70 - 15,034.70 Retiree Health Credit 302- 140- HOME-1000- 145S-61210-42200- 9-08 966.13 966.13 Group Life Insurance 302- 140- HOME-1000- 145S-61210-42205- 9-08 1,069.92 1,069.92 Social Security 302- 140- HOME-1000- 145S-61210-42201- 9-08 5,674.08 5,674.08 Health Insurance 302- 140- HOME-1000- 145S-61210-42204- 9-08 10,329.11 10,329.11 Indirect Costs 302- 140- HOME-1000- 145S-61210-62000- 9-08 4,338.53 4,338.53 Teacher Stipends 302- 110- 0000- 1000-318S-61100-41129- 9-01 1,555.96 1,555.96 Social Security 302- 110- 0000- 1000- 318S-61100-42201- 9-01 119.04 119.04 Teachers 302- 110- RPLU- 1000-332S-61100-41121- 9-06 620,981.55 620,981.55 Social Security 302- 110- RPLU- 1000- 332S-61100-42201- 9-06 55,247.47 55,247.47 Contracted Transportation(Buses) 302- 110- RPLU- 1000-332S-61100-43343- 9-06 123,754.33 123,754.33 Postage 302- 110- RPLU- 1000-332S-61100-45521- 9-06 2,048.49 2,048.49 Printing 302- 110- RPLU- 1000- 332S-61100-44450- 9-06 3,314.85 - 3,314.85 Curriculum 302- 110- RPLU- 1000- 332S-61100-46640- 9-06 309,717.31 - 309,717.31 $ 8,794,460.22 $ 10.69 $ 8,794,470.91 REVENUE Original Budget Changes Requested Final Budget Federal Grant Receipts 302- 000- 0000- 0000- 132S-00000-38010- 0-00 $ 7,560,463.75 $ 10.69 $ 7,560,474.44 Federal Grant Receipts 302- 000- 0000- 0000- 145S-00000-38196- 0-00 117,257.47 - 117,257.47 State Grant Receipts 302- 000- 0000- 0000-318S-00000-32467- 0-00 1,675.00 1,675.00 State Grant Receipts 302- 000- 0000- 0000- 332S-00000-32421- 0-00 929,220.00 929,220.00 Local match 302- 000- LMAT- 0000- 332S-00000-72000- 0-00 185,844.00 185,844.00 $ 8,794,460.22 10.69 $ 8,794,470.91 Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: City Clerk \7 KuANO"'IN-CE CITY M PUBLIC SCHOOLS Office of the Sch o. Board February 21, 2023 The Honorable Sherman P. Lea Sr., Mayor And members of Roanoke City Council Roanoke, Virginia 24011 Dear Mayor Lea and Members of Council: As a result of official School Board action on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, the Board respectfully requests that City Council approve the following appropriation requests: Revised Appropriations Award Title I, Part A, Improving Basic Programs 2022-23 $10.69 New Appropriations Award Title IX,Part A McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Program $117,257.47 2022-23 Career Switcher Mentoring Program 2022-23 $1,675.00 Start-Up Grant for Extended School Year 2022-2023 $1,115,064.00 On behalf of the School Board, thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Rita S. Huffman, M.Ed. School Board Clerk PC: Tim Spencer Bob Cowell Amelia Merchant Cecelia Webb Maryna Mabes Erik Reinartsen(w/details) William Robertson Eli Jamison, Chairperson • Joyce Watkins, Vice Chairperson Mary "Franey" Apel • Diane Casola • Mark Cathey • Michael Cherry II • Natasha Saunders Rita Huffman, Clerk of the Board www.rcps.info p: (540)853.2381 f: (540)853.2951 P.O. Box 13145 Roanoke VA 24031 prppp- ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 21, 2023 Subject: A report of the Roanoke City School Board requesting appropriation of funds for various educational programs; and a report of the City Manager recommending that Council concur in the request. Donna Caldwell, Director of Accounting, Spokesperson. Background: As the result of official Roanoke City School Board action on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, the Board respectfully requests that City Council appropriate funding as outlined in this report. The 2022-23 Title I, Part A, Improving Basic Programs grant provides federal assistance to Roanoke City Public Schools for schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging academic content and achievement standards. This appropriation aligns the total with the revised award amount of $7,560,474. The grant period will end September 30, 2024. This is a continuing program. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance program supports the identification of, and provision of supportive services to, students who are experiencing homelessness. The program will be fully reimbursed by federal funds in the amount of$117,257 and will end July 31, 2024. This is a continuing program. The 2022-23 Career Switcher Mentoring Program provides $1,675 per career switcher in state funds to enable school divisions to provide a teacher mentor for each new teacher who has entered the profession through an alternative career switcher route. This award is for one career switcher in the amount of$1,675. The grant period will end June 30, 2023. This is a continuing program. Roanoke City Public Schools has received this award from the Virginia Department of Education for the 2022-23 school year to assist the School Division in establishing an extended school year or year-round programs. The goal of this program is to provide greater opportunity for remediation and enrichment while reducing the potential for a decline in academic skills when school is not in session. This program will be fully funded by state funds in the amount of$929,220 and the required local match of$185,844, and will end on June 30, 2024. Recommended Action: We recommend that Council concur with this report of the School Board and adopt the attached budget ordinance to establish revenue estimates and to appropriate funding as outlined. 11-0 Bob Cowell, City Manager Distribution: Council Appointed Officers Verletta White, Superintendent, RCPS Chris Perkins, Chief Operations Officer, RCPS Kathleen M. Jackson, Chief Financial Officer, RCPS Amelia C. Merchant, Deputy Director of Finance ROANOKE VALLEY iddOW ::x, '` Roanoke Valley Sister City of Roanoke,Virginia Cities, Inc. ROA N O K E 215 Church Ave PO Box 136 Roanoke VA 2401111 Roanoke VA 24002 SISTER CITIES February 21, 2023 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Roanoke Valley Sister Cities, Inc., is committed to fostering and encouraging mutual understanding, friendship and peace. As the unprovoked and unwarranted invasion of Ukraine has continued for nearly a full year, RVSCI and the City of Roanoke are pausing all interaction and communication with our counterparts in Pskov at this time. In support of our Ukrainian Community in the Roanoke Valley, we are removing the Russian flag from Pearl Fu Plaza for the time being. A copy of this letter will be attached to the Pskov sculpture in Century Plaza. Sherman P. ea, r. Mary Jo Fassie Mayor President City of Roanoke, Virginia Roanoke Valley Sister Cities, Inc. xc: Leroy L Allala, President and CEO, Sister Cities International I NOEL C.TAYLOR MUNICIPAL BUILDING 215 CHURCH AVENUE,S.W., Room 303 . . . ROANOKE,VIRGINIA 24011 ROANOKE 540.853.2236 PARKS AND RECREATION WWW.PLAY ROAN OKE.COM 10 February 2023 Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council, The next several years will be an exciting time for Parks and Recreation. Thanks to funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Department will be planting upward of 650 trees, primarily in Northwest Roanoke. Of particular interest to the Board is the opportunity to offer a tree and a tree planting package of instructions for many residents in an effort to increase the tree canopy in the City. The City is also participating with Virginia Tech in the Urban Heat Islands study of especially vulnerable sections of the City, with a focus in Northwest Roanoke. The heat island study done in 2020 indicated that the temperature could vary as much as 15 degrees across the City, with the temperatures highest in Downtown and low-income neighborhoods. Excessive heat causes more deaths and health problems than all natural disasters combined. If the grant application is approved in September 2023, the grant will fund a student science study of the heat island effect in Northwest Roanoke. This study will engage the children and residents in heat reductions strategies and will fund additional tree plantings in target area. The plan is to include volunteers from the Roanoke Tree Stewards, Kiwanis Club, RAISE, and other volunteer organizations to help with the education of tree planting and care; the implementation of the planting; and the eventual routine care of the trees. To make the most of these two efforts, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is asking City Council to proclaim 2024 as "The Year of the Tree." With taglines such as "Cool It Roanoke!" and "Breathe Easier... Plant a Tree," this proclamation will encourage and energize volunteer groups such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church groups, science classes, Master Gardeners, garden clubs, and other civic groups to join in the effort to increase Roanoke's tree canopy and thereby get the benefits of heat reduction, stormwater management, cleaner air and carbon sequestering that trees supply. Roanoke has always been known as a Tree City USA community. With increased awareness of the benefits of trees, this proclamation would inform residents of the upcoming planned activities and encourage participation. The City of Roanoke and its residents could make a substantial Impact of increasing the tree canopy and begin fighting against the negative effects that global warming will have on the city in the years to come. It is our sincere hope that you'll consider our request and members of Board and I are happy to discuss this with you all further, if you'd like. Sincerely, sftf"s Jerome Stephens Chair, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 21, 2023 Subject: Proposal of the City of Roanoke to consider approval of the City of Roanoke HOME ARP Allocation Plan. Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager. Background: BaApril 28, 2021, the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) notified the On cue Plan Act funds that were to be allocated to City of Roanoke of $2,449,336 in American Res the City through the HOME Investment Partnership Grant Program. HOME-ARP funds were designated to give states and participating jurisdictions new resources to address homeless assistance needs by creating affordable housing, non-congregate shelter units, providing tenant-based rental assistance or supportive services. In order to access HOME-ARP funds, states and local governments must submit an Allocation Plan to HUD prior to March 31, 2023. The Allocation Plan was developed in conjunction with a community housing assessment and gap analysis. The housing study included extensive consultation and outreach to area non-profits, City staff, private and non-profit housing developers and the public through surveys, with a response of nearly 1,400 for the public survey. A joint meeting was held by the Blue Ridge Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care on November 15, 2022 and a public input meeting later that evening at the Belmont Christian Church and broadcast on RVTV. There have been several stories on local media during the past months to promote awareness of the Allocation Plan and the potential impact of the HOME-ARP funds for the community. Staff with Human Services and Community Resources worked with an outside qualified consultant to develop the HOME ARP Allocation Plan to propose for public comment and submission to HUD. A draft of the Allocation Plan is provided. Considerations: A public notice was advertised in the Roanoke Times and Roanoke Tribune on January 26 for a 30 day public comment period in conformity to our Citizen Participation Plan as a substantial amendment to our HUD 5-year Consolidated Plan. Copies of the Allocation Plan have been made available in the City Clerk's office, Community Resources Office and Belmont Library, as well as uploaded to the City's webpage. The notice also set a public hearing by City Council on February 21 at 7:00 pm to receive comments on the Allocation Plan. The Allocation Plan is the result of intensive community outreach and consultation with service providers, non-profits, housing developers, city staff and the general public over the past several months. All comments received during the public comment period will be made part of the final Allocation Plan to be submitted to HUD prior to the deadline of March 31, 2023. Recommended Action: City Council will not be asked to take formal action on the proposed plan and amendment at the conclusion of its public hearing on February 21, 2023. The intent is to seek approval of the plan and authorize submission to HUD during the March 6, 2023 or March 20, 2023 regular meeting, pending completion of 30-day public comment period. "__0 Bob Cowell, City Manager Distribution: Council Appointed Officers: Susie McCoy, City Clerk Timothy Spencer, City Attorney W. Brent Robertson, Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance Jillian Papa-Moore, Acting Director of Planning, Building & Development Keith Holland, Community Resources Administrator Now OwnPr r v . . t s u% MOW �Wsg r. 11 II 11 II 11 `' ,..,,., ..,� W� '•� p. ,,, ;, ���, ■ fit It R � II ■ cru I It a it 1T'1 II n n fill n u a moll n //// III •" ....,.r F CB 1 1 1 II I it 1' uaeM 1. AM CY I L w, airi t , loo aim W7 "%loom " HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN ..� CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING - FEBRUARY 21, 2023 ROANOKE KEITH HOLLAND, COMMUNITY RESOURCE ADMINISTRATOR Overview What is HOME-ARP? Who can HOME-ARP help? EWhat can HOME-ARP fund? Consultation & Public Input Housing Needs & Gaps Analysis Identified Priorities for Funding Allocation Plan: HOME-ARP & MM Next Steps What is HOME-ARP ? E N r DF,S,' Q -American Rescue Plan Fun HOME Investment Partnership ds ion set aside of American Rescue Plan Act that focuses on reducing $5 bill homelessness and increasing housing stability. The City of Roanoke has been notified of $2.4 million in HOME-ARP funds available through HUD. In order to access funding, the City is required to . , submit an allocation plan. Funding allocations are required to be data- WIdrivenn and supported by a housing needs and gaps analysis. - RPh 11 ? Who can HOME A p HUD has identified the following qualifying populations as beneficiaries of HOME-ARP funds: Domestic ' of7 1 . er) Homeless Violence Homelessness •Individual or family • Individual or family •An individual or •Other populations that lacks a fixed, who is fleeing or family who has an where providing regular, and adequate attempting to flee income below 30% services would nighttime residence, the following AMI, lacks resources prevent and this residence is: situations: or support networks homelessness and: considerations • Place not meant for •Domestic violence, human habitation, dating violence, .Meets the housing include household or sexual assault, criteria outlined in income and stalking, or human 24 CFR 91.5 documenting a -Temporary shelter, severe housing cost or trafficking burden •See full definition: 24 •See full definition: 24 •See full definition in CFR 91.5 CFR5.2003 Notice CPD-21-10 *Veterans who meet at least one of the criteria above are also eligible for HOME-ARP services What can HOME-ARP fund ? Supportive Services Rental Housing Broad range of services including but not Acquire, rehab, or construct affordable, limited to: housing counseling, education permanent rental housing services, child care, job training, transportation, financial assistance, case elAfiea�, management Acquisition & Development of Non- Tenant Based Rental Assistance Congregate Shelter (NCS) (TBRA) A NCS is one or more buildings that ' Rental assistance attached to a provide private units or rooms as household (not a unit) temporary shelter, no lease or occupancy agreement is signed n & Public InputConsultat � o CONSULTATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS PUBLIC INPUT Targeted surveys and interviews were Targeted surveys for City residents conducted throughout October & November throughout October & November 2022: 2022: Received 1,384 responses • Service providers Survey was available at locations known to be • Housing developers frequented by consumers of homeless services, • City Administration including Rescue Mission, RAM House, HAT, local library branches, as well as provided to CoC Joint CoC & BRICH Meeting that provided a facilitated discussion on preliminary survey results members to administer from groups above and general public Public Input Session in November 2022 CoC Lead participated in bi-weekly planning Broadcast on RVTV and streamed on YouTube meetings with HCR staff and consultants su ltation & Input of Con Summary Resident Input 90%of City resident respondents expressed that homelessness is a "very serious issue" in our community. Residents are concerned about the lack of affordable housing, lack of low-barrier shelter beds, and lack of supportive services (especially as it relates to mental health and substance use). Residents often inquired about preserving or rehabilitating current housing stock. Stakeholder Input Challenges stemming from the lack of affordable permanent housing complicate the work non-profits are trying to accomplish. Non- profits are struggling with capacity, especially as our community continues to experience the long-term impacts of the pandemic. The need for affordable permanent housing and supportive services has outpaced resources in our community. City Leadership Staff Input City leadership staff identified the need for zoning reform, incentivizing affordable housing development, and "NIMBY-ism" challenges. Only 13%of city staff surveyed answered yes when asked if the City had adequate plans in place to develop affordable housing. Housing Developer in Housing developers identified the top two barriers for affordable housing development as "lack of equity funding" and "lack of affordable land", followed closely by "low profit margins". There was substantial interest from developers in receiving technical assistance for Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) or historic tax credits. Consensus Among All Groups The need for strategic and comprehensive affordable permanent housing development was identified among all groups, including incentivizing affordable housing development. There is a lot of interest in rehabilitating the current housing within the City. Housing Needs & Gas Analysis The Ramsay Group compiled information from numerous reports and data to identify housing needs and gaps in our community, including: RKG Associate Inc. Regional Housing Study, Point In Tim Counts, Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), Community Engagement Report (BRICH), VA Tech Center for Housing Research Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP) Report. Key Findings: • 1 in 5 City residents live in poverty • Projected deficit of 3,569 affordable units for those living with extremely low income (below 30% AMI) • Approximately 47% of renters are cost-burdened (paying over 30% of their income towards rent) • Rents in the City are increasing faster than the national average, with an almost 15% increase in rents year- over-year • 153% increase in unsheltered homelessness since 2019. • Mismatch of housing unit size and household composition; increase needed in smaller 1 & 2-bedroom units • The lack of affordable housing units along with the mismatch of existing units complicates the work of nonprofit providers, who continually struggle to find safe housing for clients Identified for FundingPriorities Survey responses among service providers and City Administration identified the top priority as affordable permanent rental housing, while survey responses from City residents identified supportive services as the top priority for HOME-ARP funds. ARPA funds will be used to expand the number of permanent rental housing units and supportive services provided in the community. The City will continue consultation with key stakeholders and rely on relevant data to define what "supportive services" will be funded in our community. As identified among all survey groups, there is a significant need for funding to assist developers with affordable housing development. There is a 5% set aside towards Non-Profit Operating an 5% set aside towards Non-Profit Capacity Building that can address these expressed needs City anticipates these funds will aid in the development of new models for low-impact affordable permanent rental housing development. Allocation Plan . HOME-ARP & ARPA HOME-ARP FUNDS ARPA FUNDS Funding Amount• Activity Eligible • oing Supportive Services $1,224,668.00 (ongoing consultation Supportive Services $862,000.00 to detergm consultation o pp e to determine best use oof funds) f funds) Rental Housing $612,334.00 6 affordable Rental Housing $3,387,666.00 34 affordable permanent housing permanent housing units units Non-Profit Operating $122,467.00 5% cap; can assist developers and/or service agencies Non-Profit Capacity $122,467.00 5% cap; can assist Building developers and/or service agencies Administration $367,400.00 15% cap Next Steps Continue to receive public comments through February 28, 2023 Ask for Council approval of the HOME ARP Allocation Plan during regular meeting in March and authorize submission of the plan to HUD Allocation Plan submission deadline to HUD is 3/31/23 HUD has 45 days to approve If approved, HUD Community Resources will continue coordination with ARPA funds for application processes and implementation of project(s) If Allocation Plan is returned by HUD without approval, HUD Community Resources has 30 days to address reasons for return and resubmit the plan to HUD for approval Target is to have funds awarded to Subrecipients by Fall 2023 ThankYou Keith Holland, Community Resources Administrator Community Resources Division (540) 853-6404 CITE' OF ROANOKE, VA DRAFT HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN For Public Comment Period Januar- 30, 2023 — February- 28, 2023 ROANOKE O E N T �3 Z N ©E\ -\� January 23, 2023 1 HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Template with Guidance Instructions: All guidance in this template, including questions and tables, reflect requirements for the HOME-ARP allocation plan, as described in Notice CPD-21-10: Requirements of the Use of Funds in the HOME-American Rescue Plan Program, unless noted as optional. As the requirements highlighted in this template are not exhaustive, please refer to the Notice for a full description of the allocation plan requirements as well as instructions for submitting the plan, the SF-424, SF-424B, SF-424D, and the certifications. References to "the ARP" mean the HOME-ARP statute at section 3205 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2). Consultation In accordance with Section V.A of the Notice (page 13),before developing, its HOME-ARP allocation plan, at a minimum, a PJ must consult with: • CoC(s) serving the jurisdiction's geographic area, • homeless service providers, • domestic violence service providers, • veterans' groups, • public housing agencies (PHAs), • public agencies that address the needs of the qualifying populations, and • public or private organizations that address fair housing, civil rights, and the needs of persons with disabilities. State PJs are not required to consult with every PHA or CoC within the state's boundaries; however, local PJs must consult with all PHAs (including statewide or regional PHAs) and CoCs serving the jurisdiction. Template: Describe the consultation process including methods used and dates of consultation: The City of Roanoke,through the Community Resources Division, engaged in a robust consultation process. In partnership with hired consultants from The Ramsay Group (TRG), the Community Resources Division consulted the following stakeholders during the development of the HOME-ARP allocation plan: • The Continuum of Care(CoC) and CoC governing board—since the announcement of the HOME-ARP award in Spring 2022, Community Resources staff provided HOME- ARP planning updates at bi-monthly CoC and monthly CoC governing board meetings. CoC meetings are held virtually;CoC governing board meetings are held in-person. 2 Additionally, a joint CoC and CoC governing board meeting was convened once preliminary results were gathered from the housing needs and gaps analysis, the public surveys, and service provider interviews. TRG facilitated discussion during this meeting; additional opportunities for input for HOME-ARP funding allocation were provided. This meeting was held in-person on November 156, 2022. • CoC Lead Staff- The CoC Lead attended biweekly planning meetings with the Community Resources staff and hired consultants (TRG). These biweekly meetings guided the process for consultation, public participation, and the housing needs and gaps analysis. Having the CoC Lead Staff attend these planning sessions brought valuable insight to the current housing and homelessness needs of the City of Roanoke. These virtual meetings occurred between August 2022—January 2023. • City Leadership - Online surveys were shared between October 2022 —November 2022 to City Leadership staff. Surveys were geared towards gauging leadership's understanding of and engagement with comprehensive affordable housing planning. Summaries of the responses are below. • Housing Developers—Online surveys were provided to local housing developers between October 2022 -November 2022. Surveys were used to identify barriers to affordable housing development as well as generate solutions for these barriers. Summaries of the responses are below. • Key Stakeholders—TRG conducted online surveys as well as one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders in our community. Online surveys and one-on-one interviews were conducted between October 2022 —November 2022. The following agencies were contacted: homeless service providers, domestic violence service providers, our local public housing agency(PHA),providers serving those at-risk of homelessness, our local legal aid agency that represents civil rights and fair housing, and providers that address the needs of persons with disabilities. Dates, method of consultation, and summaries are included below. List the organizations consulted. Agency Type ofAgencl, Method& Qualifying Sunintaq of Feedback from Consulted— Pates of Populations Interviews Staff Consulted Consultation (QP)Served Blue Ridge Assists people with Online Survey At-risk of • Build more rental housing; Independent disabilities to live homelessness(as there are insufficient units, Living Center independently Interview defined by 24 even if there are more Section through advocacy; Conducted CFR91.5);Other g Housing Choice Vouchers peer counseling; 10/19/22 populations as 0 Estimate 7,000-7,200 more independent living defined by rental units needed in Roanoke skills training; and HOME-ARP Notice("Notice") 3 information and • Individuals receiving disability referral services Other— (SSI& SSDI)are an individuals with emergency away from tragedy disabilities . People with disabilities do not have the opportunity to weigh in on topics that affect them Bradley Free Healthcare Service Online Survey All QP's Need more non-congregate Clinic Provider for low- shelter; should use existing income,uninsured, Interview Other—persons structures and underinsured Conducted with disabilities • Repurpose existing structures residents 11/2/22 into therapeutic,rehabilitative, solution-oriented resources • Need more comprehensive wraparound services • Need more financial assistance for basic needs • People experiencing homelessness have nowhere to go Turning Point, Domestic Violence Online Survey Fleeing, • Not enough developed Salvation Army Service Provider Attempting to affordable housing Interview Flee,Domestic • Need to rehabilitate current Conducted Violence,Dating shelter facilities; there are not 10/31/22 Violence, Sexual Assault, stalking, enough shelter facilities Human • Expand existing facilities to be Trafficking able to house more and provide more services • Additional land is owned by Turning Point and can be used to expand. City bureaucracy bogs down the process of development. • Need expedited city funding to expand existing shelters. • 69%increase in DV calls on hotline Total Action for Community Action Online Survey Fleeing, Ranking of needs: Progress (TAP) Agency; Attempting to 1. Need more non-congregate DV Service Interview Flee,Domestic shelters;there are not Provider Conducted Violence,Dating enough shelter beds that 10/20/22 Violence, Sexual provide autonomy and Assault, Stalking, client living for families Human and special circumstances Trafficking 2. Build more rental housing 3. Provide additional supportive services 4 4. Provide financial assistance to help households afford rent 5. Rehabilitate current shelters Additional suggestions: • Tiny home villages for the homeless • Improved public transportation • 24-hour shelters Total Action for Community Action Online Survey Homeless(24 • Build more rental housing Progress (TAP) Agency CFR 91.5); At- . Short-term solutions are Interview risk of prioritized over long-term Conducted homelessness (24 solutions 10/17/22 CFR91.5); Other • Most people who need populations as defined by housing need one bedroom HOME-ARP (most vacancies are 3-4 Notice("Notice") bedrooms) Roanoke Public Housing Online Survey Homeless (24 . More low-income housing Redevelopment & Authority CFR 91.5); At- options; building more Housing Interview risk of affordable units is the only Authority Conducted homelessness(24 way to address the issue 10/18/22 CFR91.5); Other • Each housing unit has a populations as waiting list of at least 75 defined by HOME-ARP people Notice("Notice") • Recently opened waiting list and had over 4,000 applicants; usually this the number of applicants is about 2,200 • More and more difficult to place people as they must meet fair market rent, which does not align with actual market rates; landlords are charging above the PHA's standards • More incentive for landlords and developers to create more affordable options • Short-term(3-24 months) financial assistance in place 5 currently;households need longer-term assistance to maintain housing • The idea of remodeling hotels to make SRO's eliminates homelessness for some but is not permanent. They will need to transition to bigger, permanent units • People cannot find a job, take care of their families or combat/illness if they do not have a place to live of their own Roanoke Public Housing Online Survey Homeless(24 • PHA has not had major Redevelopment& . Authority CFR 91.5); At- development in years Housing Interview risk of • Housing Authority has their Authority Conducted homelessness(24 hands full with what they manage 11/2/22 CFR91.5); Other (public housing tenants and populations as Section 8 HCV recipients) defined by • Not much non-federal funds HOME-ARP available { Notice("Notice") ' . Never been in position to seek out new, large development opportunities due to lack of funding • Long waiting lists for all existing programs • Lack of affordable land is the biggest barrier to affordable housing development • Not many places that are zoned for multi-family development • Rezoning requires investment and public process; prevalence of NIMBY-ism(Not In My Back Yard) Council of Homeless service Online Survey Homeless(24 • More funding is needed Community provider; CoC CFR 91.5); At- • Landlords are charging exorbitant Services Planning Entity; Interview risk of rent HMIS Lead Agency Conducted homelessness(24 . Need increased housing stock of 10/27/22 CFR91.5); Other affordable housing units populations as . Need for change in zoning laws defined by and change building codes to HOME-ARP attract developers to the vacant Notice("Notice") properties that exist 6 • Restoration Housing does develop affordable housing, but it is a slow process,they are able to do one house per year; they take some of the historic vacant homes and restore them historically and offers low- income apartments • There are lots of historic homes that the city can be working on developing • The City can offer incentives for development to make affordable housing development more attractive Council of Homeless service Online Survey Homeless(24 • More low income housing Community provider; CoC CFR 91.5);At- options are needed Services Planning Entity; Interview risk of • More and more difficult to place HMIS Lead Agency Conducted homelessness (24 people as they have to meet fair 10/19/22 CFR91.5); Other market rent to receive rental populations as assistance defined by . Need more incentive for HOME-ARP landlords and developers to Notice("Notice") '', create more affordable options • Short-term financial assistance is available(3-24 months)but longer term assistance to maintain housing is needed • Case management is also needed to sustain housing; more capacity is needed in homeless services sector for comprehensive case management • Limitations to current shelters: religious-based divide; set up to recognize gender binary,but not inclusive of LGBTQIA population • Need dedicated shelter space for LGBTQIA population • Missing data on LGBTQIA population in our homeless system Family Promise Emergency Shelter Online Survey Homeless(24 Ranking of needs: of Greater CFR 91.5);At- 1. Build more rental housing Roanoke Interview risk of Conducted homelessness (24 10'24'„ CFR91.5); 7 2. Provide additional support (mental health & substance use services) 3. Create more non- congregate shelters 4. Provide financial assistance 5. Rehab current shelters • Families in program have a difficult time fmding affordable rental housing. Renovating existing homes to rent and building more affordable rental housing are the biggest needs • Currently it takes 60-120 days to house families experiencing homelessness because there is a shortage of affordable rental housing • The rent in the rental market has increased significantly and income has increased just slightly • One of the keys is to work with landlords so they understand the people that are going to be renting from them(they are not going to destroy their property) • Tax incentive for landlords to provide affordable housing • Steps the City can take: o Revisit building code prohibiting churches as shelter space o Increase street outreach team o Look for solutions that have worked with other communities Roanoke Rescue Emergency Shelter Onluie Survey Homeless(24 • 250 people experiencing Mission CFR 91.5) homelessness are living at Interview Rescue Mission; 400 beds Conducted available 10/28/22 8 • Individualized plans are needed to assist persons experiencing homelessness • There has been an increase in elderly people experiencing homelessness • People who have had long- term rental housing have lost their housing due to increased rent due to buildings being sold Legal Aid Society Civil legal services Online Survey All QP's • Low-income housing has been of Roanoke to low-income area depleted due to the sale of the Valley residents, including Interview Other—persons housing issues involving Conducted with disabilities . Rental costs have skyrocketed; housing, family, 1 Ill/22 there are not enough safe employment, affordable housing in Roanoke consumer debt, and • Provide local tax credits for domestic violence rehabbing existing buildings and transforming them into safe and affordable low-cost housing • The City should provide local tax credits for rehabbing existing buildings and transforming them into safe and affordable low-cost housing • There are buildings available for rehabilitation The Least of Homeless Service Online Survey All QP's • We need more affordable These Ministries Provider housing IntenTiew Conducted Salem Veterans Veterans Service Online Survey Veterans who * There housing;not need more a Affairs(VA) Provider also meet the g; properties Medical Center Interview following criteria: to be developed Conducted Homeless(24 . Roanoke is not prepared for CFR 91.5); At- the aging population; income risk of decreases, and housing is no homelessness (24 CFR91.5); Other longer affordable populations as defined by _---- !_ 9 HOME-ARP Notice("Notice") Summarize feedback received and results of upfront consultation: CoC & CoC Governing Board Joint Meeting Summary Twenty-eight(28) CoC and CoC governing board members attended a facilitated discussion on HOME-ARP and housing needs within the City. A significant number of concerns around the lack of affordable housing were expressed during this meeting. A local housing study,published in 2020, revealed a deficit of over 3500 affordable units for people who are considered extremely low income(below 30%AMI). The group consensus was that this number is actually a low estimate; the need for more units is far greater. The true impact of the global pandemic has not been fully captured;the lack of several thousand needed units complicates the work nonprofits are trying to accomplish. Attendees also expressed frustration with landlords"pricing out" renters in an effort to only house"quality renters". Areas to focus efforts include: better coordination between private sectors,nonprofits, and the City; increasing staff capacity to provide quality case management services; improved City planning between economic development and housing; improved City planning around affordable housing; increased incentives from the City for more affordable housing development; rehabilitating/preserving current housing stock. Service Provider Survey Summary Sixteen(16) service providers responded to an online survey about HOME-ARP funding use and homelessness services within the City of Roanoke. When asked to rank priorities for HOME- ARP funds, providers prioritized funds as follows: (1) build more rental housing; (2) create more non-congregate shelter; (3)provide additional supportive services; (4)provide financial assistance (as tenant-based rental assistance). The comments justifying this ranking largely focused on the lack of affordable housing with frequent requests from the City to incentivize affordable housing development. Providers also expressed concerns for"right now" solutions, focusing on the need for more emergency shelter services. Providers often referenced needing assistance with capacity building within their organizations as well; providers value the need for quality, intensive supportive services but report concerns with capacity to deliver all the services needed to a vulnerable and high-needs population. City Leadership Survey Summary Twenty-four(24) staff from City leadership responded to an online survey about HOME-ARP funding use and affordable housing plans. Survey responses demonstrate a need to improve discussions on comprehensive housing planning and affordable housing needs. When asked if the City has adequate plans in place to develop affordable housing, 50%of respondents said "no",while 37% responded"not sure". Additionally,when asked if there are current affordable housing development plans, almost 90%of respondents responded"not sure". Staff consistently mentioned the need for zoning reform; incentivizing affordable housing development; `NIMBY- ism" challenges; need for coordinated effort within the City. 10 Housing Developer Survey and Interview Summaries Six(6)housing developers responded to the online survey about affordable housing development. One hundred percent (100%)of housing developers expressed interest in developing affordable housing, but also identified barriers to affordable housing development. The top two barriers identified were "lack of equity funding" and"lack of affordable land", followed closely by"low-profit margins". Developers also reported zoning requirements and "NIMBY-ism" as challenges as well. When asked how the City can encourage affordable housing development, answers focused on primarily on fnnding/incentives/subsidies. Four out of six developers reported needing technical assistance for Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)or historic tax credits for affordable housing development. Additional strategies for the City include updating zoning to increase opportunities and renovating/preserving historic/existing properties. Public Participation In accordance with Section V.B of the Notice (page 13),Pis must provide for and encourage citizen participation in the development of the HOME-ARP allocation plan. Before submission of the plan, Pis must provide residents with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed HOME-ARP allocation plan of no less than 15 calendar days. The PJ must follow its adopted requirements for"reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment" for plan amendments in its current citizen participation plan. In addition, Pis must hold at least one public hearing during the development of the HOME-ARP allocation plan and prior to submission. Pis are required to make the following information available to the public: • The amount of HOME-ARP the PJ will receive, and • The range of activities the PJ may undertake. Throughout the HOME-ARP allocation plan public participation process, the PJ must follow its applicable fair housing and civil rights requirements and procedures for effective communication, accessibility, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities and providing meaningful access to participation by limited English proficient (LEP)residents that are in its current citizen participation plan as required by 24 CFR 91.105 and 91.115. Template: Describe the public participation process, including information about and the dates of the public comment period and public hearing(s) held during the development of the plan: Describe the public participation process: 11 Public Surveying Dates of Survey: 10/12/22 — 12/1/22 The City of Roanoke administered a public survey that focused on the causes of homelessness, the resources needed to combat homelessness, the populations most impacted by homelessness, and strategic uses of HOME-ARP Survey responses were collected online as well as with hard copies between 10/12/22— 12/1122. There was significant participation and an overwhelming response to the survey. The City of Roanoke received feedback from 1,384 survey respondents. All survey responses were collected into a centralized survey database; this database was used to review and analyze responses. Public Input Hearing During Allocation Plan Development Date of Hearin: 11/15/22 Additionally, a public input session was held during the development of the allocation plan. City residents were invited to attend an in-person hearing, held on 11/15/22. This meeting was also broadcast on a local public channel(RVTV) and streamed on YouTube. Forty-four community members signed an attendance sheet for this event. The meeting began with an overview of HOME-ARP funding and then opened up to public comment and discussion on the housing and homelessness needs in our community. Residents provided feedback ranging from the lack of affordable housing to navigating a complex system of resources. Residents also highlighted the growing need for mental health and substance use services. Residents were encouraged to reach out to the Community Resources team to submit additional comments; comments could be submitted over the phone, through email, or in person. Public Comment Period Prior to Submission Dateof Public Notice for Comment Period: January 201, 2023 Dates of Comment Period: January 301, 2023 —February 281', 2023 Once the allocation plan was drafted, a public notice was issued January 261i, 2023 inviting public comment during the period of January 301i, 2023 —February 281`, 2023. During this time, the public was able to call, email, write to and speak to members of the Community Resources Department about the intended plans for HOME-ARP funds. Accommodations were made in accordance with City policy; those needing language services are able to access the City of Roanoke's Language Access Program. Public Hearing on HOME-ARP Allocation Plan Date &Time of Public Hear ing�Allocation Plan: February 21', 2023 at 7:00p.m. Location of Public Hearin: Noel C Taylor Municipal Building 215 Church Ave SW Roanoke, VA 24011 Council Chamber, 4h Floor 12 The HOME-ARP Allocation Plan public hearing was held on February 21't, 2023. Comments received were taken into consideration of the Allocation Plan. Describe efforts to broaden public participation: The HOME ARP award was publicly discussed at City Council Meetings on June 6, 2022, and July 18, 2022, listed on the City's website. Additionally, the City of Roanoke also used local news outlets to broaden opportunities for public participation in the survey and the public input session. Several articles were published informing the community about the HOME-ARP program. They are summarized as follows: • WDBJ7 Published Oct 12, 2022: City of Roanoke asks residents tocomplete survey on homelessness • WSLS Published Nov 3,2022: In Plain Sight: 10 News Investigates the growing number of People who are unsheltered • WDBJ7 Published Nov 8, 2022: HOME ARP Program provides help for the homeless • WDBJ7 Published Nov 15,2022: Community forum discusses future of homelessness and affordable housing in Roanoke The City of Roanoke also relied on email distribution lists and social media to broaden participation for both the survey and the public input session. Email distribution ensures that information was shared among a diverse range of service providers (who can share with staff and service consumers), housing developers, residents, and businesses. These efforts include utilizing the following email distribution lists and social media outlets: • Continuum of Care (CoQ Membership • CoC Governing Board • Collective Response (network to build, sustain, and support communities by responding to addiction and promoting recovery and wellness) • Healthy Roanoke Valley(coalition of organizations and individuals that focus on social determinants of health) • Roanoke Regional Housing Network(forum for housing developers, local government, service providers, and other stakeholders interested in addressing housing solutions) • Neighborhood Associations • Facebook: City of Roanoke posts for survey and public input forum Continuum of Care posts for survey and public input forum Hard copy surveys were conducted at locations known to be used by consumers of homeless services. These locations include: • Rescue Mission of Roanoke—provides emergency shelter and free healthcare clinic services to those experiencing homelessness • Roanoke Area Ministries(RAM)House—a day shelter for those experiencing homelessness 13 • Homeless Assistance Team(HAT)— street outreach staff providing services in the community to those who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness • Council of Community Services—provides homelessness prevention and rapid re- housing services to those at-risk or currently experiencing homelessness • Local library branches—provided options to complete the survey virtually or as a hard copy; respondents were provided incentives to complete the survey The public input meeting on November 1561, 2022 was also broadcast on local public television (RVTV) and streamed on YouTube; the YouTube link remains live to allow ongoing views from residents. Viewers were encouraged to provide additional comment to Community Resources staff via phone, email, or in person, after the meeting concluded. Summarize the comments and recommendations received through the public participation process either in writing, or orally at a public hearing: There is an evident frustration around homelessness in the City of Roanoke. The high participation in the HOME-ARP survey demonstrates the deep concerns Roanoke residents have around housing and homelessness in their community.Nearly 90% of survey respondents stated that homelessness is a very serious issue for this community. The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness is growing with no real solutions in sight. Many suggested that if there were more affordable housing units perhaps the problem could be mitigated. Both the public input session as well as the survey also highlighted the growing needs for mental health and substance use services. From the resident survey, the priority use for funding is as following: (1) provide additional supportive services; (2) create more non-congregate shelter; (3) build more affordable housing; (4) provide financial assistance (in the form of tenant-based rental assistance). The priority of supportive services and non-congregate shelter seems to align with the increased visibility of homelessness; the City of Roanoke has seen a 153% increase of unsheltered homelessness from 2019-2022 (Summer Point In Time Counts). Despite the ranking, the comments from the survey overwhelmingly focused on the need for more affordable housing. For example, there were 992 responses to the questions of what the City can do to assist the homeless; the responses primarily focused on the lack of affordable housing and growing rent. "Rent freezes", rent control", and "rent caps"were frequently mentioned as solutions. Other frequent phrases included variations of"need affordable housing". Residents also mentioned existing properties that could be renovated into affordable housing as a possible solution. City residents also expressed concern around the lack of low-barrier shelter beds and day shelter, as well as focused on the need for more supportive services for those experiencing homelessness. All comments as to how the City can assist those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are provided in Attachment A. Summarize any, comments or recommendations not accepted and state the reasons why: Not Applicable 14 Needs Assessment and Gaps AnalN sis In accordance with Section V.C.1 of the Notice (page 14), a PJ must evaluate the size and demographic composition of all four of the qualifying populations within its boundaries and assess the unmet needs of each of those populations. If the PJ does not evaluate the needs of one of the qualifying populations, then the PJ has not completed their Needs Assessment and Gaps Analysis. In addition, a PJ must identify any gaps within its current shelter and housing inventory as well as the service delivery system. A PJ should use current data, including point in time count, housing inventory count,or other data available through CoCs, and consultations with service providers to quantify the individuals and families in the qualifying populations and their need for additional housing, shelter, or services. Template: A summary of the housing needs and gaps analysis is provided below. Please see the full Analysis (Attachment B) for a comprehensive review of housing needs for the City of Roanoke. Key highlights include: • 1 in 5 City residents live in poverty(US Census, 2020) • There is a projected deficit of 3,569 affordable units for those living with extremely low income (below 30%AMI) (RKG Associates, 2020) • Approximately 47%of renters are considered cost-burdened(paying over 30%of their income towards rent)(RKG Associates, 2020) • The City of Roanoke rents are increasing faster than the national average,with an almost 15% increase in rents year-over-year(Apartment List Report, 202 1) • There is a current mismatch of housing unit size and household composition; the City of Roanoke needs to increase the production of smaller 1 & 2-bedroom units to meet need (TRG, 2023) • The lack of affordable housing units along with the mismatch of existing units complicates the work of nonprofit providers, who continually struggle to find safe housing for clients • At the time of reporting, the emergency shelter reported being at 50% capacity. This, along with the increased number of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness, should be further examined by the City. Consultation and public participation indicates a serious need for low- barrier shelter beds 15 Source: CAPER, HMIS, Census, RKG • Current level of Need Gap Analysis stud Invento #of Units #of Households #of Households Total Rental Units 20,457 Rental Units Affordable to HH at 30% 2,060 AMI At-Risk of Homelessness Rental Units Affordable to HH at 50% 6845 AMI Other Populations) 0%-30%AMI Renter HH w/ 1 or more severe housing problems 7165 At-Risk of Homelessness 30%-50%AMI Renter HH w/ 1 or more severe housing problems 4640 Other Po ulations Current Gaps 5105 Homeless Source: HMIS Current Inventory Homeless Population Gap Analysis and PIT count Family Adults Only Fa 11 Adults OnlyVets Family Adult HH(at HH Vets Victims #of #of #of #of # #of #of #of #of least 1 Wo of DV Beds Units Beds Units Beds Units Beds Units Beds child child Emergency 168 114 339 0 15 Shelter Transitional 0 0 0 0 0 I _ _ Housing — r— -- Permanent Supportive 9 3 126 0 95 j Housin Other Permanent 43 13 47 0 10 � Housing Sheltered ` 89 1095 104 213 Homeless Unsheltered i 49 858 41 261 Homeless 82 -8 -1441 -1953 Current Gap Describe the size and demographic composition of qualifying popul(rtions withill the PJ's boundaries: The HMIS and PIT count are the source of the following information. Homeless as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 The 2021-2022 data shows a total of 1,947 people accessing homeless services (HMIS reports). There were 1,095 individuals that received homeless services and 852 individuals that accessed unsheltered services. Of those that accessed emergency shelter, there were 671 men and 414 women. There were 530 men receiving unsheltered homeless services and 318 women. Among the sheltered homeless, there were 414 individuals that identified as Black/African American and 632 individuals that identified 16 as White. Of those accessing services as unsheltered individuals, 322 persons identified as Black/African American and 460 individuals identified as White. The majority of those experiencing homelessness identify as non-Hispanic. There are 123 sheltered families with at least one adult and one child. There were 18 unsheltered families. At Risk of Homelessness as defined in 24 CFR 91.5 The 2021-2022 data shows 840 people received services because they were determined to be at risk of homelessness, as defined by 24 CFR 91.5. Among them, there were 332 men and 508 women. Two hundred seventy-seven (277) individuals that received services because of their at-risk housing status identified as White, as compared to 546 individuals that received services and identified as Black/African American. Most at-risk clients are non-Hispanic. Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking, as defined by HUD in the Notice There were 515 domestic violence victims in the homeless system. Among them, 213 were sheltered, and 261 unsheltered. Among the sheltered clients, there were 146 individuals that identified as White and 58 individuals that identified as Black/African American. Among the unsheltered clients, 150 identified as White, and 74 identified as Black/African American. Other populations requiring services or housing assistance to prevent homelessness and other populations at greatest risk of housing instability, as defined by HUD in lite Notice There were 145 veterans experiencing homelessness; of these, 104 were sheltered and 41 are unsheltered. There were 192 unsheltered individuals that identified as having a substance abuse disorder and 224 sheltered homeless individuals that identified as having a substance abuse disorder. They were 443 unsheltered homeless individuals that identified as having one or more mental health conditions, and there are 325 sheltered homeless individuals with that identified has having one or more mental health condition.All these group are a major part of the homeless population. Identify and consider the current resources available to assist qualifying populations, including congregate and non-congregate shelter units, supportive services, TBRA, and affordable and pennanent supportive rental housing (Optional): The following are current resources available that have demonstrated effectiveness in addressing homelessness within the City: Increased Permanent Housing Placements front Street Outreach_—permanent housing placements from the community's street outreach programs have increased yearly since 2019. The percentage of unsheltered individuals exiting street outreach programs to permanent housing destinations has risen from 13.1% in 2019 to 28% in 2021. Increasing Street Outreach Capacity—the City of Roanoke has awarded funds for two full-time HAT case managers using CARES Act funds through the City's Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG-CV). These two new case managers will increase the number of case managers with the City's Homeless Assistance Team(HAT) from three to five and 17 will significantly expand the capacity of the community to provide housing-focused case management services to unsheltered individuals. New Medical and Mental Health Street Outreach through the Fralin Clinic— the Roanoke Rescue Mission has begun street outreach through its Fralin Free Clinic to bring medical care and mental health services to clients in the field. This outreach work has also built relationships between Mission staff and unsheltered individuals, resulting in additional individuals choosing to access shelter services. Fralin Clinic staff also participate in the community's unsheltered case conferencing meeting with community partners to coordinate housing solutions for this population. Expanding Rapid Re-Housing Services — The Council of Community Services (CCS) has received additional funding to expand their rapid re-housing services. This expansion includes hiring a new housing case manager to target rapid re-housing services for those who are currently experiencing unsheltered homelessness. This expansion has been a direct response to the growing number of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. New Housing Resources for Individuals Fleeing Domestic Violence—Total Action for Progress (TAP) Domestic Violence Services (DVS) implemented a new transitional housing program for individuals fleeing domestic violence. With funding secured through the U.S.Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women,the project has provided transitional housing services to 38 high-risk families since the program began in 2019. Thirty-six (36) of these families exited the program to permanent and non-permanent housing destinations,with only two returning to their abusers. Homeless Preference Implemented for Voucher Programs— in 2020, the community worked with the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority(RRHA)to implement a "homeless preference" for the RRHA's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) and Mainstream Voucher programs. CoC partners can now make referrals at any time, regardless of the status of the RRHA's public application process, to the voucher programs through our community's Coordinated Entry System. CoC partners developed prioritization criteria for referrals that help ensure these resources are utilized by those most vulnerable and in need. 18 Describe the unmet housing and service needs of qualifying populations: Honteless as defined in 2-1 CFR 91.5 Homeless and at risk of homelesstiess - There are 2805 clients that accessed services for those experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness. There are only 723 beds including emergency congregate beds available. There is inunediate need for assistance for 2082 persons. Table 1 1 Cost Burden Owner Households Renter Households I Total Households Est. % of Total Est. % of Est. % of Total Total <= 30% 16,235 73% 10,225 50% 26,460 62% >30%to<-50% 3,490 1670 4,555 22% 8,045 19% >50% 2,235 10% 5,030 25% 7,265 17% Cost burden not available 190 1% 580 3% 770 2% Total: 22,155 100% 20,385 100% 42,540 100% Source: RKG , HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy(CHAS) Data; Note: Totals may not sum due to statistical error in CHAS data. Table 2 Income Renter Monthly Category Threshold Households Percent Rent Un is I SurpluslDeficit 30%AMI $21,720 7,565 37.4% $543 3,996 -3,569 50°lo AMI $34,550 3,859 19.1% $864 7,530 3,671 80%AMI $55,250 3,585 17.7% $1,381 7.416 3,831 262 100% AMI $76,700 598 3.0% $1,918 120% AMI $82,875 2,285 11.3% $2,072 108 -2,177 120%+ AMI $82,876 2,362 11.7% $2,072 344 -2,018 Source: ACS 2014-2018, HUD-RKG Tables 1 and 2 show at 30% of AMI,there is a 3,569 unit's deficit between the available units and demand. This shows that people with 30% of AMI must pay more than 30°o of their income for rent. People that make 0-30% A-ML I are facing a significant shortage in housing that can contribute to putting this segment of the population in danger of homelessness due to affordability. At Risk of Homelessness as defined in 2-1 CFR 91.5 There are 2805 clients that received homeless or at risk of homeless services. There are only 723 beds including emergency congregate beds available. There is immediate need for assistance for 2082 persons. Forty-seven percent (470"0' ) of rents are cost-burdened, paying more than 30% of their income towards rent. It should be noted that this estimate is likely an undercount, as this data does not take into account the 14910 rent increase 19 Fleeing, or Attempting to Flee, Domestic Violence,Dating Violence, Seival Assault, Stalking, or Human Tracking, as defined by HUD in the Notice Domestic Violence - There were 515 clients with Domestic Violence history that accessed the City's homeless response system. There is significant deficit in housing and services for domestic violence victims in the system. The City needs housing and other services for over 500 Domestic violence victims in the City. Other populations requiring services or housing assistance to prevent homelessness and other populations at greatest risk of housing instability as defined by HUD in the Notice Other Populations - There are 443 unsheltered homeless with some Mental Health disorders, and 325 sheltered homeless with some mental health disorder.There are 192 unsheltered homeless with substance abuse disorder and 224 sheltered homeless with substance abuse disorder. These groups are major part of the homeless population. There are no organized services for these population and there is only one clinic with outreach to these populations. The City needs housing and organized mental health services for over 800 clients. The City also needs over 400 accommodation and related services for people with substance abuse disorder. Identify any gaps within the current shelter and housing inventory as well as lite service delivery system: The HMIS data shows an immediate need for two thousand(2,000)housing units for rapid rehousing of the homeless population. The research, including interviews with providers, suggests that people should receive two years of service or,in some cases, longer to reduce the rate of return to homelessness. Both rapid rehousing and support services reduce the rate of return to homelessness. This study and previous studies all show that the city should assist with producing approximately 5,000 small (0-2 bedrooms) affordable rental housing units to people with 0-50% of Area Medium Income (AMI)to eliminate homelessness and risk of homelessness. The increase in unsheltered homelessness needs along with emergency shelter bed vacancies needs to be examined further. It is recommended the City look into best practices around low- barrier shelter and work towards finding adequate shelter solutions for this community. Under Section N.4.2.iL G of the HOME ARP Notice, a PJ may provide additional characteristics associated with instability} and increased risk of homelessness in their HOME- ARP allocation plan. These characteristics will further refine lite definition of"other populations"that are "At Greatest Risk of Housing Instability,"as established in the HOME- ARP Notice. If including these characteristics, identify, them here: Not Applicable Identify priority needs for qualifying populations: 20 Consultation and public input clearly identified the top priority for qualifying populations is the production or preservation of affordable housing. Support service provision and non-congregate shelter were also highly rated among service providers,the general public, and City leadership. In order to maximize the impact of HOME-ARP,the City of Roanoke has agreed to use HOME- ARP funding for the production/preservation of affordable housing. Through the development of affordable rental housing,the City can provide long-term solutions and address the widening gaps of affordable housing in a community of higher than average poverty rates. Evplain how the PJ determined the level of need and gaps in the PJ's shelter and housing inventory and service delivery systems based on the data presented in the plan: The City of Roanoke used the research and reports listed below to create a foundation for future implementation of the HOME-ARP program: • RKG Associate Inc. Regional Housing Study, 2020 • PIT/CoC/HMIS Homeless Statistics, 2020-2022 • Community Engagement Report and Statistics - Blue Ridge Interagency Council on Homelessness(BRICH), 2022 • City of Roanoke's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing—Resource Consultants, 2022 • Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP) Report -Virginia Tech Center for Housing Research(VCHR), 2021 • Virginia Housing Alliance Public Opinion Poll Survey • The Ramsay Group(TRG)research, surveys and consultations with service providers, city staff, housing developers and the public in 2022 to receive input, suggestions and comments on the needs of qualifying populations. HOME-ARP Activities Template: Describe the method(s) that will be used for soliciting applications for funding andlor selecting developers, service providers, subrecipients and/or contractors: The City of Roanoke will publicly post a notice of funding opportunity through print and social media. The City will also coordinate this notice with other local housing initiatives and nonprofit partnerships, such as our local Continuum of Care and the Roanoke Regional Housing Network. The Community Resources office will host a How to Apply Workshop,which will provide an opportunity for interested applicants to learn about the HOME-ARP funds and ask questions related to funding and the application process. Submitted applications will be reviewed by a Citizen Review Team as well as Community Resources staff. Applicants will be ranked based on scoring from Community Resources' Community Development Rating Sheet as well as Pre- 21 Award Risk Assessment forms. Recommendations for awards will be submitted to City Council for approval. Describe whether lire PJ will administer eligible activities directly: The PJ will not administer eligible activities directly. The PJ will use the application solicitation process outlined above in order to select developers, subrecipients, and/or contractors to administer activities directly. If any portion of the PJ's HOME ARP administrative funds are provided to a subrecipient or contractor prior to HUD's acceptance of the HOME ARP allocation plan because the subrecipient or contractor is responsible for the administration of the PJ's entire HOME ARP grant, identify the subrecipient or contractor and describe its role and responsibilities in administering all of the PJ's HOME ARP program: No HOME-ARP administrative funds were provided to a subrecipient or contractor prior to HUD's acceptance of the HOME-ARP allocation plan. In accordance with Section V.C.2. of the Notice(page 4), PJs must indicate the amount of HOME-ARP funding that is planned for each eligible HOME-ARP activity type and demonstrate that any planned funding for nonprofit organization operating assistance, nonprofit capacity building, and administrative costs is within HOME-ARP limits. Template: Use of HOME-ARP Funding Percent of the Statutoiv Funding Amount Grant Limit Supportive Services $1,224,668 Acquisition and Development of Non- $0 Congregate Shelters -- - Tenant Based Rental Assistance(TBRA) $0 Development of Affordable Rental Housing $612,334 AMOL Non-Profit Operating $122,467 5 % 5% Non-Profit Capacity Building $122,467 5 % 5% Administration and Planning $367,400 15 % 1 15% Total HOME ARP Allocation $2,449,336 Describe how the PJ will distribute HOME-ARP funds in accordance with its priority needs identified in its needs assessment and gap analysis: The City of Roanoke believes that by focusing on the development of affordable rental housing and expanding the provision of supportive services it will be able address the priority needs identified in the needs assessment and gaps analysis. Survey responses among service providers and City leadership identified the top priority as affordable housing,while survey responses from City residents identified supportive services as the top priority for HOME-ARP funds. 22 The City currently works with several non-profits that perform new construction and major rehabilitation activities. As outlined in the Developer surveys, as well as expressed by service providers and residents, there is a genuine need for funding to assist developers with affordable housing development. By setting aside 5% or Non-Profit Operating and Non-Profit Capacity Building, the City intends to meet these expressed needs. The City will maximize the use of Non-Profit Capacity Building by developing new models for low-impact affordable housing development. The low-impact affordable housing models implemented through this process will result in housing that is dispersed, dignified, and designed to meet the needs its tenants. Through the consultation and public participation process,the City has recognized a serious need for the development of affordable housing units, especially for those living at or below 300/0 of AMI. The City of Roanoke plans to leverage $4.25 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to fill gaps not covered by HOME-ARP. ABPA funds will ensure affordable housing projects are viable and ease the concerns of low profit margins identified by developers. ARPA funds will also address the need to provide supportive services to qualifying populations residing in HOME-ARP assisted units. The City of Roanoke has allocated approximately$3.3 million for the production of affordable housing units and approximately$862,000 for supportive services. By braiding together ARPA and HOME-ARP funds, the City believes it is able to take a comprehensive and strategic approach to affordable housing development and supportive service provision. Additionally, the consultation and public participation process highlighted the need for low- barrier non-congregate shelter. The development of low-barrier non-congregate shelter(NCS) would require extensive planning, non-profit capacity building, and flexible funding as the City of Roanoke lacks current resources that could be easily expanded into a viable NCS project. In order to address this need identified in the gaps analysis, the City of Roanoke intends to strategize a path forward for NCS development. Describe haw the characteristics of the shelter and housing inventory, service delivery system, and the needs identified in the gap analysis provided a rationale for the plan to fund eligible activities: HOME-ARP qualifying populations require a wide range of services and supports to remain housed. The highest priority needs which were consistently identified through consultations and reinforced with data is the lack of units available to the extremely low-income population. Consultation, public participation, and housing inventory data demonstrate a critical need for affordable housing development. The City of Roanoke, as a conservative estimate, is missing approximately 3500 affordable housing units for households living at or below 30% AMI. The lack of affordable housing units, along with the high poverty rate(20%of residents living in poverty), drastic rent increases(15%year over year) has shown community wide impacts of increased housing instability and increased rates of unsheltered homelessness. 23 The City of Roanoke acknowledges housing as a solution to homelessness, and is responding to the overwhelming input of residents, service providers, and City leadership by developing more affordable housing units: • $612,334 in HOME-ARP funds will go towards affordable housing development; 100% of units will serve qualifying populations; • $3,387,666m' ARPA funds will be leveraged with HOME-ARP funds; • A total production goal between HOME-ARP and ARPA funds is 40 new affordable housing units as well as an affordable housing development model that provides low- impact housing for our community. Additionally, consultation and public input also revealed a need for providing supportive services as well. The City of Roanoke has several strategies for addressing the need for supportive services in our community: • Allocating $1,224,668 in HOME-ARP funds towards supportive services; • Allocating $862,000 in ARPA funds for supportive services; • Dedicating a percentage of units to HUD-VASH and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)program participants, which guarantees supportive service provision; • Coordinating with Medicaid supportive services to ensure individuals who wish to engage in supportive services have access to these services. HOME-ARP Production Housing Goals Template Estimate the number of affordable rental housing units for qualifyingpopulations that the PJ will produce or support with its HOME ARP allocation: The City of Roanoke estimates it will produce 6 affordable housing units for Qualifying Populations with HOME-ARP funds.. Describe the specific affordable rental housing production:goal that the PJ hopes to achieve and describe how the production goal will address the PJ's priority needs: The City of Roanoke anticipates producing 6 affordable housing units total, of which 100%will be dedicated to qualifying populations. The units will be a mix of one and two bedroom units, which will meet the identified inventory gap in our community. HOME-ARP funds will be leveraged with ABPA funding to increase affordable housing production goals Total housing production will be 40 units, a mix of one and two bedroom units. Preferences 24 A preference provides a priority for the selection of applicants who fall into a specific QP or category(e.g., elderly or persons with disabilities) within a QP (i.e., subpopulation) to receive assistance. A preference permits an eligible applicant that qualifies for a PJ-adopted preference to be selected for HOME-ARP assistance before another eligible applicant that does not qualify for a preference. A inethod of prioritisation is the process by which a PJ determines how two or more eligible applicants qualifying for the same or different preferences are selected for HOME- ARP assistance. For example, in a project with a preference for chronically homeless, all eligible QP applicants are selected in chronological order for a HOME-ARP rental project except that eligible QP applicants that qualify for the preference of chronically homeless are selected for occupancy based on length of time they have been homeless before eligible QP applicants who do not qualify for the preference of chronically homeless. Please note that HUD has also described a method of prioritization in other HUD guidance. Section I.CA of Notice CPD-17-01 describes Prioritization in CoC CE as follows: "Prioritization. In the context of the coordinated entry process, HUD uses the term "Prioritization"to refer to the coordinated entry-specific process by which all persons in need of assistance who use coordinated entry are ranked in order of priority. The coordinated entry prioritization policies are established by the CoC with input from all community stakeholders and must ensure that ESG projects are able to serve clients in accordance with written standards that are established under 24 CFR 576.400(e). In addition,the coordinated entry process must, to the maximum extent feasible, ensure that people with more severe service needs and levels of vulnerability are prioritized for housing and homeless assistance before those with less severe service needs and lower levels of vulnerability. Regardless of how prioritization decisions are implemented, the prioritization process must follow the requirements in Section II.B.3. and Section I.D. of this Notice." If a PJ is using a CE that has a method of prioritization described in CPD-17-01,then a PJ has preferences and a method of prioritizing those preferences. These must be described in the HOME-ARP allocation plan in order to comply with the requirements of Section IV.C.2 (page 10) of the HOME-ARP Notice. In accordance with Section V.C.4 of the Notice(page 15), the HOME-ARP allocation plan must identify whether the PJ intends to give a preference to one or more qualifying populations or a subpopulation within one or more qualifying populations for any eligible activity or project. • Preferences cannot violate any applicable fair housing, civil rights, and nondiscrimination requirements, including but not limited to those requirements listed in 24 CFR 5.105(a). • The PJ must comply with all applicable nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws and requirements listed in 24 CFR 5.105(a) and any other applicable fair housing and civil rights laws and requirements when establishing preferences or methods of prioritization. 25 While Pis are not required to describe specific projects in its HOME-ARP allocation plan to which the preferences will apply, the PJ must describe the planned use of any preferences in its HOME-ARP allocation plan. This requirement also applies if the PJ intends to commit HOME- ARP funds to projects that will utilize preferences or limitations to comply with restrictive eligibility requirements of another project funding source. If a PJ fails to describe preferences or limitations in its plan, it cannot commit HOME-ARP funds to a project that will implement a preference or limitation until the PJ amends its HOME-ARP allocation plan. For HOME-ARP rental housing projects, Section VI.B.20.a.iii of the HOME-ARP Notice (page 36) states that owners may only limit eligibility or give a preference to a particular qualifying population or segment of the qualifying population if the limitation or preference is described in the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan. Adding a preference or limitation not previously described in the plan requires a substantial amendment and a public comment period in accordance with Section V.C.6 of the Notice(page 16). Template: Identify whether the PJ intends to give preference to one or more qualifying populations or a subpopulation within one or more qualifying populations for any eligible activity or project: City of Roanoke intends to provide preference to the following qualifying populations: The Ci y 1. Those experiencing homelessness, as defined by 24 CFR 91.5; (1), (2), (3) 2. Those fleeting or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking, as defined in the Notice 3. Veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet the criteria for one of preference groups identified above -If a preference was identified, explain how the use of a preference or method of prioritization will address the unmet need or gap in benefits and services received by individuals and families in the qualifying population or subpopulation of qualifying population, consistent with the PJ's needs assessment and gap analysis: The City will continue to target current homelessness prevention services to those who may be at-risk of homelessness or unstably housed, while providing preference to those who are currently homeless and/or fleeing domestic violence with the HOME-ARP assisted affordable housing developments. Research shows the longer a person is homeless, the harder and more expensive it becomes to rehouse this person. The City hopes to address the rise in unsheltered homelessness over the last three years(153% increase), along with the increase in those fleeing domestic violence with these units. Referral Methods Pis are not required to describe referral methods in the plan. However, if a PJ intends to use a coordinated entry(CE) process for referrals to a HOME-ARP project or activity, the PJ must ensure compliance with Section IV.C.2 of the Notice(page 10). 26 A PJ may use only the CE for direct referrals to HOME-ARP projects and activities (as opposed to CE and other referral agencies or a waitlist) if the CE expands to accept all HOME-ARP qualifying populations and implements the preferences and prioritization established by the PJ in its HOME-ARP allocation plan. A direct referral is where the CE provides the eligible applicant directly to the PJ, subrecipient, or owner to receive HOME-ARP TBRA, supportive services, admittance to a HOME-ARP rental unit, or occupancy of a NCS unit. In comparison, an indirect referral is where a CE (or other referral source) refers an eligible applicant for placement to a project or activity waitlist. Eligible applicants are then selected for a HOME-ARP project or activity from the waitlist. The PJ must require a project or activity to use CE along with other referral methods(as provided in Section IV.C.2.ii) or to use only a project/activity waiting list (as provided in Section IV.C.2.iii) if: 1. the CE does not have a sufficient number of qualifying individuals and families to refer to the PJ for the project or activity; 2. the CE does not include all HOME-ARP qualifying populations; or, 3. the CE fails to provide access and implement uniform referral processes in situations where a project's geographic area(s) is broader than the geographic area(s) covered by the CE If a PJ uses a CE that prioritizes one or more qualifying populations or segments of qualifying populations (e.g., prioritizing assistance or units for chronically homeless individuals first, then prioritizing homeless youth second, followed by any other individuals qualifying as homeless, etc.)then this constitutes the use of preferences and a method of prioritization. To implement a CE with these preferences and priorities, the PJ must include the preferences and method of prioritization that the CE will use in the preferences section of their HOME-ARP allocation plan. Use of a CE with embedded preferences or methods of prioritization that are not contained in the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation does not comply with Section IV.C.2 of the Notice(pagel0). Template: Identify,the referral methods that the PJ intends to use for its HOME ARP projects and activities. PJ's may use multiple referral methods in its HOMEARP program. (Optional): Enter narrative response here. If the PJ intends to use the coordinated entry (CE)process established by the CoC, describe whether all qualifying populations eligible for a project or activity will be included in the CE process, or the method by which all qualifying populations eligible for the project or activity will be covered. (Optional): Enter narrative response here. If the PJ intends to use the CE process established by the CoC, describe the method of prioritization to be used by the CE. (Optional): 27 If the PJ intends to use both a CE process established by the CoC and another referral method for a project or activity, describe any method of prioritization between the tivo referral methods, if any. (Optional): Limitations in a HOME-ARP rental housing or NCS project Limiting eligibility for a HOME-ARP rental housing or NCS project is only permitted under certain circumstances. • Pis must follow all applicable fair housing, civil rights, and nondiscrimination requirements, including but not limited to those requirements listed in 24 CFR 5.105(a). This includes, but is not limited to,the Fair Housing Act,Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, section 504 of Rehabilitation Act, HUD's Equal Access Rule, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as applicable. • A PJ may not exclude otherwise eligible qualifying populations from its overall HOME- ARP program. • Within the qualifying populations, participation in a project or activity may be limited to persons with a specific disability only, if necessary,to provide effective housing, aid, benefit, or services that would be as effective as those provided to others in accordance with 24 CFR 8.4(b)(1)(iv). A PJ must describe why such a limitation for a project or activity is necessary in its HOME-ARP allocation plan(based on the needs and gap identified by the PJ in its plan) to meet some greater need and to provide a specific benefit that cannot be provided through the provision of a preference. • For HOME-ARP rental housing, section VI.B.20.a.iii of the Notice (page 36) states that owners may only limit eligibility to a particular qualifying population or segment of the qualifying population if the limitation is described in the PJ's HOME-ARP allocation plan. • Pis may limit admission to HOME-ARP rental housing or NCS to households who need the specialized supportive services that are provided in such housing or NCS. However, no otherwise eligible individuals with disabilities or families including an individual with a disability who may benefit from the services provided may be excluded on the grounds that they do not have a particular disability. Template Describe whether the PJ intends to limit eligibility for a HOME-ARP rental housing or NCS project to a particular qualifying population or specific subpopulation of a qualifying population identified in section IV.A of the Notice: Not Applicable If a PJ intends to implement a limitation, explain why the use of a limitation is necessary to address lire unmet need or gap in benefits and services received by individuals and families in the qualifying population or subpopulation of qualifying population, consistent with the PJ's needs assessment and gap analysis: Not Applicable 28 If a limitation was identified, describe Trow the PJ will address the unmet needs or gaps in benefits and services of the other qualifying populations that are not included in the limitation through the use of HOME ARP funds (i.e., through another of the PJ's HOME ARP projects or activities): Not Applicable HOME-ARP Refinancing Guidelines If the PJ intends to use HOME-ARP funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily rental housing that is being rehabilitated with HOME-ARP funds, the PJ must state its HOME- ARP refinancing guidelines in accordance with 24 CFR 92.206(b). The guidelines must describe the conditions under with the PJ will refinance existing debt for a HOME-ARP rental project, including: • Establish a minimum level of rehabilitation per unit or a required ratio between rehabilitation and refinancing to demonstrate that rehabilitation of HOME ARP rental housing is the primary}eligible activity Not Applicable • Require a review of management practices to demonstrate that disinvestment in the propert3,has not occurred; that the long-term needs of the project can be met; and that the feasibility of serving qualifled populations for the minimum compliance period can be demonstrated Not Applicable • State whether the new investment is being made to maintain current affordable units, create additional affordable units, or both. Not Applicable • Specify the required compliance period, whether it is the nrimurunr I5 tears or longer. Not Applicable • State that HOME ARPfunds cannot be used to refinance niultifanrilt loans made or insured by any federal program, including CDBG. Not Applicable • Other requirements in the Pi's guidelines, if applicable: Not Applicable 29 Attachment A • --• filraTM.1fe •- What else can the City do to assist the homeless and those at risk of homelessness? • Answered: 992 Skipped: 392 • In other cities in the usa, it has worked when cities go ahead and House people first and then work on their needs such as mental health and food stamps. Getting them off the streets first then services second • Do not have the assistance placed in just one locality. Offer shelter and housing in a variety of different locations through the city. • Why does the City REFUSE to listen to Southeast neighbors?We live here none of you do! STOP making SE the dumping ground for things other parts of the City don't want to deal with. Help the homeless by offering them shelter in various parts of the City. There's drug peddlers on the streets in SE who look for homeless who will pandhandle for a money split. Give the homeless a chance at feeling safe. How about a shelter in Grandin Village, Crystal Springs, Norwich, Wasena, Montery? • Network more with existing agencies to reduce duplicate services. (Government and non-profit . Be more strategic about programs for people who are homeless. Have an interim housing plan. • Provide a path to ownership in the city/county and put caps on rent(rent controlled areas). • Recognize that landlords and capitalism are the problem. As long as people have the ability to mass purchase properties to rent this issue will never be resolved. Landlords have the ability to hoard up properties, increase rent to rates the average person can't afford, sell properties forcing people to move, do unnecissary renovations that force people to move...this whole survey is focused on finding people temporary shelters and places to rent.What we need are pathways to ownership.We also need more low barrier shelter options that aren't religiously affilliated. People clearly don't want to go to the shelters that currently exist and many of their reasons are valid. • STOP allowing homeless people be bused into our city from other cities when they don't have the documents to prove residency. • Discover the mental obstacles that prevent humans from prosperity. • They have a voice and a rocky to vote regardless of homeless. Invite them, shoot down and talk with them. Build more affordable housing throughput ALL communities, not just SE and NW it must be a city-wide effort to have all stakeholders and taxpayers involved. Put it on the BALLOT Affordable 1 Housing crisis has become a SERIOUS problem. Should be on the ballot. Help them get to these city meetings to hear from them. In all 50 states, unhoused people have the right to vote, even without having a permanent home address. People experiencing housing insecurity can vote using addresses from wherever they consider their residence, including temporary shelters, places where they receive mail, and street intersections. Clear neighborhoods with overgrown trees (like orange Ave nw)and build affordable housing. It used to be a thriving community and the city has allowed this community to deteriorate by funneling grant and federal funds to other communities. It's time for a change and to hold the mayor, governor and city manager accountable. • The city needs to increase the income level for those who need assistance and give the vouchers for first month rent and deposit and transfer of utilities. A place that donates furniture would help. • Rehab one of the empty buildings on Williamson Rd into a homeless shelter, food kitchen and provide mental services all in that one big building across the street from the New Yorker. It's big enough for multi use purposes. t him on the street outside my building downtown. He • 1 am helping a formerly homeless man now. I me told me he wanted to work for the money he was asking for. He was hungry and ded cigarettes. I had him move some boxes for me and paid him a little bit of money . I also sent him to TAP, where he was able to enroll in their homeless veterans program. They found him a room but the room was in a broken down building with bedbugs. He's off the street at least and TAP is working to find him better housing. I insisted that he enroll in their financial services program,which he did. They helped him lower his rent and are seeking an apartment for him. They found one in Salem, but it was unfurnished and an expensive bus ride away from everything he knows. They worked with the VA to get him a phone but I had to teach him how to use it. He had no idea even how to plug it in. He was finally able to Attachment A get in touch with his daughter in Texas and she sent him pictures of his grandchildren and great grandchildren but he let someone use his phone and they pushed the buttons and wiped it. The moral of this story is that they don't just need housing. They need long-term, consistent follow up. TAP is still working with him, and he is making progress. People like this man need intensive help in addition to the basic services. Perhaps the city could use some of the money to partner with and expand the existing services so that the results of each person's attempts to overcome homelessness can be successful and permanent. Financial education on how to save, couponing, Individuals that receive SSI,who are homeless, should be mandated to have representive payees to manage their finances. They need a responsible third party to help them save their money. Everyone should have the right to choose their own path; however, individuals with severe mental health illness and a co-occuring substance use disorder are largely unable to make rational decisions. These individuals need someone to help them make the right choices. If they receive SSI, they get a payee who saves their money and gives them an allowance each week. If that individual refuses to participate in mental health services, then they don't get their SSI allowance. They should have a case manager who can monitor their participation in their treatment. They won't starve because we have adequate food banks and they will be eligible for SNAP benefits.We need to help them make the right choices. Right now their getting SSI and nobody is making them follow through with their treatment team members. Rent control. Rentals in better neighborhoods Rent freeze on existing rental properties to stop/slow the increasing rental rates. Stop landlords and rental agencies from being able to charge an "application fee". (I realize that the VA code allows it but something needs to be done to stop the charging of this unnecessary fee. Either a city ordinance to override the va code or repeal the va code). Concertina wire and searchlights. Please no more hobo welfare ideas. They are disgusting and leave trash and garbage and do drugs everywhere. Have you even seen elm through Vinton? My god what have you created! Turn the ramada inn into a hobo deportation center. They can get jobs. The hospital is already short staffed and all the hobos use up limited resources. They could listen to and interact more often with the mental health professionals in Roanoke who have been commenting on this issue for many years now. It's not a problem that knowledge of policy practice alone will be able to properly address. Tents, blankets, coats One way that the City of Roanoke can assist with homelessness instead of creating additional shelters is to turn all the shelters into work-bed programs like the District of Columbia's Emery Work Bed Program run by the Coalition for the Homeless. HUD might even want to consult with places like the Coalition for the Homeless to see what has worked. E . Lack of affordable housing is the biggest barrier to attaining/maintaining housing. Stop prosecuting them for pan handling, what else are the going to do? I certainly don't mind seeing their smiling faces and stopping the car to give them what they need. Right now it feels like the only way to know you're helping. Could you make more volunteer opportunities as well? Build dorm-like housing with job training requirement; more case workers Word on the street is that Roanoke City has a reputation for having an abundance of services available to unhoused people. I think the City is in a position to, I don't want to say strongarm, but to strong arm other surrounding municipalities into stepping p their game when it comes to offering housing assistance options. Beyond this, I think more diverse transportation options will help folks look for housing in a larger radius. By more diverse I mean more regular,frequent bus schedules, more mixed use walkable planning to foster walking options, and expanded safe bike options (i.e. ballards around bike lanes). Ideally, I'd like to see a cap on rental prices and assistance options for landlords who need to renovate or repair existing properties. I think expanded pet-friendly housing options will encourage folks with Fido in tow to move indoors. I am part of a demographic that can't move from my very low- cost rented apartment to one that costs a little more and has in-unit laundry because of my quiet, litterbox-trained, indoor cat and because of insane hoops renters are asked jump through. Last, I think there needs to be more assistance offered to help people cover the cost of a move and assistance to help first-time homebuyers navigate the process. Despite being employed full time, I cannot the$1200- Attachment A $2000 a month rental properties are asking, and frustratingly, i can afford a monthly mortgage payment on a small home.This kind of vicious reality traps renters and contributes to the issue overall. • Drug outreach programs • N/A • the rescue mission needs a van to take people to the employment office, HAT Team, Housing, etc. Cover more ground faster. Give bus passes by the week n month not the day. Extend SCSEP program by more years • Stop police harassment of individuals who sleep in abandoned properties • build another shelter that is a night shelter • offer more affordable housing • needs more affordable housing, push mental health and SA services (substance abuse) • Encourage rent reasonable rates for landlords to charge • We must treat them for mental health and addiction to even begin to get them employment or a place of their own to live! • Get to root cause of what is causing homelessness-focus on rehabilitation,job skills, life skills and mental health versus just shelter • Stop forcing so many rules that are unnecessary and make it hard for some people to go to a shelter • request information for reasons of homelessness prior to determining best way to assist/investigate ways to stop the begging • The homeless (and also indigent pregnant women)should be placed in secure (but separate) compounds where they get shelter,food, evaluation, services, and no private contact with outsiders. No drug access, no alcohol, no drama.They should-not- be permitted to solicit at corners, or wander, or sleep in non-dwellings, etc. Their other option should be to leave the area. They are in crisis and frankly do not merit having choices. They need to basically be told what to do and restricted until they get themselves together.... Or go elsewhere. It's that simple, really. • We moved to Roanoke in 1989. Since then homelessness has continually increased. Our family came within days of being homeless 5 times in those 30 years. Each time, because we manage our lives, we ce from ALL the agencies available in Roanoke. NONE contacted and requested financial assistance would assist. Why? Because, under the current process a person must first be homeless before they can qualify for help. A person must first have their power turned off before they qualify for help. A person must first have their water disconnected before they qualify for help. Do you see a pattern? Until any city establishes EFFECIVE programs and assistance(easily available)to people facing the risk of homelessness, the epidemic will continue. Homeless cannot be solved from the homeless existence. The circumstances that create homelessness must first be arrested and stopped. Furthermore, Roanoke refuses to even acknowledge the hundreds forced into homelessness due to a overworked and ineffective court process in both the city and the county. 95%of all who become incarcerated while waiting for hearings/trials become homeless once released on bail or completion of sentence.Why? Because few people have a support system that can instantaneously compensate for a person who suddenly just"disappears" without warning-which is what happens when arrested. Mortgages don't get paid. Bills don't get paid/Vehicles are repossessed.We have for all 30 years offered to sit and work with government to design some avenues to bring relief to the crisis that is never ending. All Roanoke wants to do is invent yet another failed process that"looks good" so even more funds can be consumed into more failure. Having been homeless (completely wiped out) 5 times in my life, my family are experts on how to recover. But....why listen to experts? Raymond Bell Roanoke,Va. • Not to take their money when they go to jail. the middle man and woman that work all their lives does not need their money taken away • they do what they can • have outside shelter from rain. outside bathrooms for homeless people • find shelter faster • give people funds so they can get started on the right track. also rent to felons. don't set them up for failure • just more help with mental health services • Work at making the City of Roanoke into a true living wage city. Add more affordable senior housing like Morningside Manor Attachment A • More affordable housing • Need another shelter besides the Rescue Mission. Need a shelter that is facilitated with CRMH for discharging homeless patients. • More affordable housing. • Create more transitional housing programs that allow residents to have wraparound services and have shelter access during the day. • Finding work arounds for some of the more technical parts of the application, such as simplifying wording, allowing other forms of proof of ID for those that have lost their licenses or SS cards. Allowing security deposits to be divided amongst the first six months of regular payments. • section 8 • help find jobs- new job skills • city should keep homeless informed of plans • more shelter funding • day shelter • low income housing • write grants to help • the rrm does a good job • food shelter hygiene socks • we need rental assistance • acknowledge the homeless issue • help homeless have a productive life • fix old buildings for housing -cant afford 650 rent • affordable housing • funds to assist people from becoming homeless • lower rent rates • make it safe and help pay bills • no more hotdogs-that is all • need affordable housing- low income • transportation to day shelters • classes for stability • stop creating laws that harm homeless people • money for homes to stop it all • put me in my own home paid by the government j • find solutions to quickly help- keep family's together • build apartments • build more affordable housing • Support and advocate for tenants with legitimate issues with local landlord and/or property managers. Create advocacy and mediation when there are concerns and issues. I have witnessed in Roanoke neglect for repairs, violations of basic codes and the Fair Housing Act while helping friends secure decent housing and these were by recognizable property managers/landlord names in this area. This can be especially problematic if a property owner lives elsewhere; he/she engages a property manager who can easily prioritize the property owner(and dollar returns) above the tenant's rights and needs by neglecting basic maintenance and safety and ignoring the tenant's concerns. • funds and food • ban drugs but not cigarettes' • provide more funding for rental assistance • day shelter • get homeless off sidewalks sleeping • tell social security to raise benefits • arrest drug and intoxicated subjects on the street • get more missions • build another shelter • make it easier to get identification Attachment A • build more affordable housing • more homeless resources-agencies that pay security deposits and utility start up fees • put up motel • day shelter • remodel abandoned houses • day shelters • Day shelter • cover costs of housing expenses • Research feasibility of allowing Medicaid to pay for rent in the City of Roanoke and allow it if feasible (see, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/14/headway/medicaid-housing-rent-health.htmi); implement rent control; build affordable, safe and attractive housing; continue to provide ongoing supportive services to individuals who were homeless and are now housed to ensure continuity of shelter; ensure aP Y process b which landlords avail themselves of all available rental assistance and other programs for their clients at risk of eviction; courts only evict as a last resort for inability to pay and after it has been verified that landlord and tenant have completed an eviction prevention plan and accessed all available resources; offer and maintain easily accessible port o potties for unsheltered homeless to use; recognizing that some unsheltered individuals choose to stay out of shelters, if enough housing isn't available to house everyone, designate outdoor spaces for those individuals to congregate and sleep without risk of criminal liability; study and understand the root causes of homelessness and institute programs and services that will set people up for future success at birth (e.g. baby bonds) • Maybe some additional messaging on resources available to unsheltered folks. • There are so many empty buildings and abandoned houses in the community that could be restored and used to help with the homeless population. I think like long term sober living facilities or"group homes"that offer safe housing as well as providing additional support services such as employment and mental health support. • Access Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for any new development within the City limits that require a certain percentage of units used for low-middle income families as used by other states. Before providing tax breaks, business and building licenses discuss how the developers will be INVESTING in the neighborhood. • More affordable housing options that are integrated into the community, rather than segregated. A percentage of every apartment complex could be mandated for families or individuals that are below the poverty line. This would allow these families to integrate into the community, build social and professional connections, cut down on crime, and allow for upward mobility. • More affordable rental housing • More affordable housing. We keep building high end apartments that people can't afford • Provide adequate affordable housing versus luxury apartments that continue to be established. • More services to help with addiction: not necessarily"cold turkey' solutions, no cost, immediately available. Shelter with low barriers for entry: non-religious, suffering from addiction More resources for mental health: counselors available outside business hours, fewer patients for each caseworker • Need a community center in southeast or somewhere else for people to go during the day when rescue mission isnt open. All this does is create problems and a bas look for the city. Build more shelters theres no where for these people to go. Also have the police inforce trespassing and the homeless camps in plain view. • 1 live in Salem and I don't see people sleeping and hanging in business doorways/parking lots or panhandling until I get to Roanoke. I think that vagrancy is a serious concern, but because people aren't accessing/can't access tools to succeed. Instead of handouts, we should be offering resources to help themselves. There are signs to thwart the panhandling, but they either can't read them/access the information or they just don't care.We should offer more accessible drug rehabilitation,job readiness programs and financial literacy classes that will help people help themselves. • Stop driving them away by using police force and unnecessary bans downtown. These are individuals in need, not things to be thrown away,just because people are uncomfortable with them being around or the way they look. Create more AFFORDABLE housing opportunities for individuals, Create a shelter in which help is offered to those struggling to get service connected or placed in a home, not just sending them to the rescue mission to be kicked out and treated like garbage. Also don't just dump Attachment A this problem on CSB's or social services as this is typically what is done.We need to unite and help every individual in this community succeed. • Invest in the decommodification of housing. Models exist in the USA, such as the Community Land Trust model, or abroad, such as the Mietshauser Syndikat. • Enforce no panhandling and camping laws already in place. • There's value in exploring legal homeless camps and expanding the homeless assistance team and other support services to help operate these camps and tend to unsheltered folks. Landlord incentives and encourage affordable rental housing. • Continue to partner and expand partnership with non-profits such as Samaritan's Purse, The Least of These, and the Rescue Mission. Build a tiny home village or temporary shelter for when the weather gets below freezing. • Support wrap around services. Homelessness is about more than housing individuals, but also giving support and skill-building to allow people to be successful in being housed. • Don't include so many caveats/stipulations when it comes to providing assistance. Just impedes the entire process and point of helping. • Rent control. Increases are pricing thousands out of the rental market. • Request support(monetary and mental health)from surrounding areas whose homeless end up in Roanoke City. • Figure out how to cap rent costs or limit% increase on rent. Landlords are gouging people with poor living conditions. Enforce better living conditions. Fight for mobile home lot rental price caps. • Create safe places to seek shelter without all of the conditions and limitations of the Rescue Mission. If someone needs shelter at two in the morning, they should be able to find it. If they are LGBTQ plus, they should feel welcome. if they are disabled, they should be able to access services. Shelters with an eye toward inclusivity are needed in the area.We also need more communication about what to do when you can't make ends meet. How to apply for assistance with heating, electricity, rent relief, groceries. Outreach to those at risk. • Work with private landlords who will approve people who do not have credit established or may be had a background charge that is preventing them from getting approved through a rental company that requires these things. I have family members struggling with these things; but they work 40-60 hours a week, sometimes multiple jobs, and can afford housing. They just can't get approved through strict rental company requirements. • Housing first is critical, the issues of homelessness are compounded the longer that individuals sleep outside. Along with providing more affordable housing options and financial assistance if applicable, r I the city should work with local nonprofits and companies to provide lob skills programs to help those who are unsheltered and/or living in temporary or unsustainable low income situations to rise out of poverty. Improve education opportunities from earlier childhood to adults and to prevent substance abuse. • Directly convert the seized motels into shelters. Also, quit allowing the valleys largest drug dealer, Carillon, to run the city. • Improve the availability of housing to increase supply through construction and rezoning. • Build affordable rental housing instead of more boutique high cost rentals. • 1 am extremely worried about the number of rental units that are being built and billed as luxury housing with rentals upward of$1500-2000 a month. Hardly anyone can afford rentals with that price! We are in dire need of housing with rent between $800-1000 at maximum. I am in high support of low income housing becoming more available. • Update RHA website, there's no update changes most of the time. More information for low income housing for all areas. Better place to live. • Allow private citizens and businesses of the like to be able to provide solutions for the homeless or at risk population. • Continue to support the homeless. • protect them from slumlords and support the working class people with housing support • Train staff and all decision makers on gender inclusivity. Homeless transgender kids and adults are particularly marginalized and need to be supported. • Provide assist with people about to lose housing because the increase in cost of living. Attachment A There are at least 3 groups of homeless folks 1 . The unexpectedly financially destitute. 2. The free spirited who love an uninhibited lifestyle. 3. The mentally ill ( genetics or drug induced). There are different needs for each group. • ople keep their homes, as well as their health a priority reducing Make preventative services to help pe eviction rates and subsidizing rent as they increase to 125-150% of their previous cost. • Provide affordable housing not just additional housing. • Is it true the majority of homeless people are former foster children. If so, there need to be more transitional shelters, guidance and counseling before entering the real world. • support the Roanoke Rescue Mission Affordable housing is key,followed by permanent supportive housing for those needing this support. • encourage homeless population to WORK(and NOT pan-handle) ; REWARD Working Class Poor with affordable Housing. • Build more housing downtown • Have to motivate these people ultimately- if you confer free goods/services they'll be back to the well in no time. The heart of the issue is lack of emotional support. Must educate them and treat drug use and mental health. • There needs to be a focus on transportation to and from services. I believe if some of these individuals just had access to transportation for appointments, stores, etc, it would really help. Some form of shuttle service or other means dedicated to the homeless population would be valuable. • Places of worship could provide shelter for the homeless instead of being closed when no services are going on. • Our main organization interfacing with the homeless population absolutely cannot be a religious one. It limits the volunteer pool that can provide aid, and also will make some high risk populations very unlikely to seek help. • Start an awareness program and have Peer Specialist's assist them through the process. • Do they have a place to shower, get haircuts, help them find work, health benefits, and have a warm place to sleep? • There needs to be a combination of resources such as affordable housing,financial assistance and more temporary shelter. There needs to also be a true investment into providing mental health resources by providing better pay for those who work in the mental health field to encourage individuals to enter the mental health field. • Limit needle exchange.The government is giving addicts tools to use drugs making it easier. • dig in the parking garages, alleyways, and bridges,find them and give them an ultimatum of some sort -get sober/help/find work (and doing whatever that means ie: shelter or whatever) • Have seconded off areas in the community where the homeless can reside for free in like a tent or something similar so they have a temporary spot and avoiding sleeping on the streets • Work with Social Services and other agencies to reach out to at risk populations before they are destitute. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Elder Support Services. Better inspections of existing "affordable" housing options so they do not close on the vulnerable persons in them. • Providing housing is only one fix, it means nothing if people are unemployed or if they can't get needed medical/psychiatric treatments. • More funding and street outreach. Local community and local law enforcement support and interactions. • More preventative services opposed to reacting to homelessness. Often individuals hear that they are ineligible for services until they receive an eviction notice and have a court date. • Assess if increased staff are needed on Homeless Assistance Team to match current rates of homeless folks. Consider education when rescuing folks financially to reduce cycle • Employ as many homeless as possible to aid in the construction/carrying out of the tasks above • Expand eligibility for housing assistance programs to those who make more than the current cut off requirements. Many people at risk of homelessness are those who make just above the cut off requirements and are ineligible for any assistance programs, yet struggle to pay for necessities. • Move them to another city • Provide more resources for employment and volunteer work to ensure that the population is engaged in the community. Attachment A • Decrease Adverse Childhood Experiences and train more teachers, school staff, and city emplyees about ACE's. Start in the schools. Instead of spending money to increase security, spend money in building resilience in the children to overcome their experiences. • All of the above! • Providing affordable housing is imperative with the housing shortage in Virginia being upwards of 200,000 units short. Furthermore, more shelters in the area to accommodate those with trauma being in crowded areas (i.e.: individual rooms for one person). Providing more mental health supports and substance use programs to assist those who are homeless and struggling with both issues. Providing more homelessness resources such as more staff at the homeless assistance team, more day shelters, providing employment and income opportunities for individuals who have been previously incarcerated and/or have disabilities and are struggling to find consistent work. Provide housing for individuals who have been previously incarcerated and/or who have evictions on their records, as many individuals are denied for these previous issues, yet currently have the funding to secure and maintain housing. Reduce the negative stigma surrounding the homeless, substance users, and the mentally ill population. • Provide more day shelters, or activities during the day for those experiencing homelessness. Additionally, encourage more affordable housing (especially rental housing). • Rent is becoming increasingly unaffordable in Roanoke while wages remain stagnant. Increasing the amount of affordable housing for individuals and families should be a priority. • Outreach services to approach those who are homeless, to see what their needs are because all are different. Some are not willing to accept services. Develop a data base of who they are and where they try to stay. Services that are not with a religious expectation from the clients would be appropriate. • Build affordable and safe housing that doesn't cost 1200+. Create rental caps; at the bare minimum, at least protect those who are on fixed incomes. Rental prices in the city have increased drastically in the past year. • I feel more shelters to assist those without income would be most beneficial. Shelters where residents can feel safe and have good relations with our CSB and DSS, as we are normally the one's assisting with helping individuals obtain the income needed for permanent housing. • These churches and things that are not being used and or buildings should be turned into temporary shelters, and drug testing to help them and direct them to the next step of getting help that they need. • Provide more job opportunities • Enforce the law and stop letting them beg at corners and sleep on busy sidewalks during the day. • Create shelters that have less strict requirements, such as not requiring people to be sober. A lot goes into substance use recovery, and it is almost impossible to accomplish while under the intense stress of homelessness. • Need to provide affordable rental property. So if you build it, it needs to be affordable maybe sliding scale rental. Maybe require those receiving assistance to take classes on budgeting and cost savings. I know Social Services does this, but education is very important. • Put a cap on rental properties as far as how much they can charge. There is no benefit if the cost of living continues to raise with other customer goods.With groceries water, and electric increase. A monthly rent payment should not. This would put money back into pockets of family's and cost less for Roanoke city. In turn this would cause more spending making the city more funds. • The homelessness community has been a major issue that needs to be addressed. Clients come to BRBH with no where to go and end up having to go to their old unsafe environment(drugs, violence, assault, etc.)or literally sleep on the side of the road. Hopsitals are overwhelemed due to people coming in there just for a warm place to sleep at night. This stressor causes more harm to people with mental illness and make them turn to harm their selves or harm someone else just to have a place to stay. We need something more than just the rescue mission.Also, we need a limit on some low income housing and section 8 housing. Many people stay there for years which leaves the rest of the community without resources.We either need to limit the stay in section 8 or build more section 8 places. It's difficult when people come from all over to Roanoke for resources. Maybe collaborating with different communities to have homeless shelters spread out so there's not so many that come to Roanoke and making Roanoke become overwhelmed. Provide resources for them to get out of the cycle of homelessness such as financial and residential resources. Attachment A • Develop long-term strategic plans around affordable housing, that includes how to sustain affordable housing growth • The current homeless shelter in Roanoke, the rescue mission needs major work. It is disgusting that you have to attend a religious service daily to get any kind of help. That is an infringement on religious freedom, it is morally wrong!! Food, water and shelter are human rights. No if ands or buts. This city has done nothing but try to erase homeless people and you're figuring out that doesn't work. Get these people proper mental healthcare, proper housing, and help them get back on their feet. You want to half way help them and are shocked when the homeless numbers are growing here. • Work towards improved public transportation to promote ability to work amongst those in this group • Can we purchase one of the hotels that are derelict, and create a low-cost rental unit?The city would have to hire people to structure that, so realize it might be too expensive. • Hire social workers to help with calls. This will prevent RPD from going and possibly escalating a situation that could be easily resolved by a social worker • Perhaps do more to prevent it? • Make all spaces (congregate settings, shelters, and rental units ACCESSIBLE for people with disabilities) • Create more low income housing and rental units • Monitor Landlord and Slum Lord's. Rental abuse. • Stop letting them congregate on corners and beg for money. It's not only a hazard to them but drivers as well. • Assist in making the shelters that already exist, thrive within the community. This is by providing money, grant opportunities, and City volunteer support. • Emergency funds available based on need; available places to go within 30 days when at risk for homelessness; RRHA&City to build apartments on empty lots with yrs of overgrown trees in NW & SE;fix up a specific area for them (provide blankets, tents, hammocks, benches), provide resource for a bath and meal once a week (at ymca), the mayor and city manager needs to go talk to them to see what they need. • Help the disabled from losing their house. I fear losing my small residence. • Provide more PSH vouchers and also provide project-based PSH vouchers so that more PSH projects can be created to target people at risk of homelessness. • Provide safe campsites for those who wish to remain outdoors, while they have access to mental health services to help them transition to shelters and/or housing. • Help them to find jobs and transportation. • The city needs to get all of the non profit homeless assistance organizations and churches working together to identify needs and fill in the gaps and make sure services are not duplicated unnecessarily. Private non profits need an incentive to partner with each other instead of constantly guarding resources or relying solely on feast or famine grant funded programs that disappear after a year or two. The city should provide sustained funds each year to a homeless task force system, not just one or two favored organizations. The city also needs to encourage truly affordable rental housing. Supporting organizations like Restoration Housing who are rehabbing derelict housing stock and bases rents on income level is a great place start. The new efficiency apartments on Williamson are another great contribution.We have so many empty buildings that can be rehabilitated, it just takes some investment and folks who understand what affordable rent actually is. • Create opportunities for home ownership and equity not rentals. • Stop enabling drug habits. • HCV approvals . More low income housing . • Pray • Send invoices to the localities that bus people to Roanoke. • Provide them safe spaces that aren't going to violate the city folk. 1 have lived in the same apartment for several years. i have had the same employer, full time for over 7 years and I am above entry level. Why is it that I cannot afford a home for my children. Still in housing based on income. Poverty basically. Attachment A • Provide mental and a alchol treatments for the homeless and job assistance programs and also find them temporary housing once they have completed the programs and also make them clean up after themselves instead of leaving trash everywhere they go . • Create wrap around case management that considers health needs, if the individual needs help getting employment or disability • provide transportation • Just do what Finland did. https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/jun/03/its-a-miracle-helsinkis- radical-solution-to-homelessness • Provide support to offset the increase in rents to make housing affordable. So many are experiencing a steep increase in rent while the cost of living is also increasing. • 1 think that homelessness exists, in part, because education fails to teach people how to think about work. School doesn't need to be preparation for a trade, but even the most liberal-arts education should have adult life in mind as a final goal. Teachers can help students get excited about work, but we simply don't talk about that. We teach people knowledge they need for work, but we don't instill in them the idea that work is good, and that refusing to work(when you're able)and choosing to depend on the generosity of others is stealing. This refusal to work also makes it hard for people to feel like whole, worthwhile selves. The City can push for education that helps young people understand that work is good. The homeless that are regularly in shelters need to be provided with everthing needed to maintain a job.. alot of the homeless population are older people who cant fill out applications on websites etc. it needs to be more programs to keep the homeless in the loop.. maybe a shuttle bus to a temp service or jobs that pay daily such as Burger King. They cant wait 2-3 weeks for a check, its discouraging. Also, if the shelter doors lock early, lets say at 7pm. If a homeless person finds a job that fits them, but not the shelters schedule,like maybe a 3-11 pm, then they have to choose between not working and not having someplace to go after work • in-force panhandling laws make trash pick up a priority stop park/street sleeping make staying in shelter more appealing vs. sleeping in street • Stop panhandling... • Inform individuals of A plan or program to pull them off the streets. • Those that don't want to work have rooms to just place them in so off the streets. Those that do want to work have assistance for them to afford housing. • If more Non Congregate shelters are created: the clients/guests should be required to have case management services to assist with finding resources: employment, medical care(mental and physical), sustainable housing. As well as guidance on money management, house hold management (grocery shopping/cooking/basic cleaning skills). • Please take the people off the streets and give them a SAFE PLACE TO STAY .I have seen these people at the airport sleeping in the bushes .Have some safe houses for these people to stay. Redo some of the empty house that the city has and allow them to stay in there. • Making resources KNOWN and readily available to the demographic at most risk for housing insecurity. • Assist in giving those in homelessness a goal. As their needs mental, physically, and financially. Instead of just sticking them in a home and saying good luck, help them go back to school, find jobs, find childcare, teach them basic life skills that will set this up for success instead of the never ending cycle of trauma and homelessness. • Do not waste any more money on housing people in hotels like during the pandemic, that money could be used to have built permanent housing. • Show more compassion • Turn some of the abandoned buildings/houses throughout the city into transitional housing for the homeless • e wonderful. Often times in working with the homeless, we realize Building homeless shelters would b that these people have substance abuse disorder, alcoholism, and severe mental health that has gone untreated. If the city could provide more resources for treatment of addiction, alcoholism, and perhaps a homeless facility that can also treat mental health, it would be fantastic. Something to teach people how to be productive citizens and stop leaning on crutches. Attachment A • Enforce no pandering on intersections. Won't that lead to finding better safer predictable income sources? • Incentivize private homeowners to provide tiny housing on site with grants/tax incentives. Streamline Zoning process to speed building of affordable housing. Numerous examples of builders encountering delays getting variances that are supported but get bogged down in the process. Example-small rental units near Honebaked hams- • Allow the homeless free bus fare • Remove them from begging posts. Provide meals. Provide evaluations to see what their needs actually are. • Send them away, do not cater to them, they are mostly mentally ill and are a danger • Talk with Landlords about affordable housing. • Safety is my biggest concern in this area and anyway to keep others safe. i.e. better street lighting and options for maybe blue light phone booths like school campuses have in big parking lots downtown. More options for better communication with people that need help so definitely support services. • More assistance getting started. Job services. Money management • More services for at risk to keep them from losing housing., Including rent assistance and working with landlords. Establish mini houses for those unable or unwilling to go to shelters.Work with Rescue Mission to be less religiously strict • Create motels and help assist with employment ...Give 6 months to get let them get on their feet. Teach money management classes. Then let them apply for Roanoke city rentals (in a different building) paying very little but help build their credit at the same time to graduate and be out on their own by the next two years. Cameras at every intersection to take license plate numbers of anyone handing out money and ticket the drivers who give the money. Knowing this is just enabling people. • Tiny house community for the Vets and mentality ill and our old • Outreach and enforcement of panhandlers and people loitering in groups. Offer options, guidance and enforcement on street level • Shelters for mental health individuals • Research on tiny homes. • Commit to supporting RAM House in their mission to provide safe day shelter,financial aid, and help them expand services by moving to a more adequate building. • Decriminalize sleeping on the sidewalks, remove signs that say not give to panhandlers as this stigmatizes homelessness and does not prevent panhandling. • Don't kick them off of the sidewalks when they have no where else to stay. Don't force them into religion for support. Please offer them more support services without strings, and with more ease. • Help those struggling that may soon be homeless. Create more job training programs that are in the neighborhoods not across the city. • Lower taxes and living costs. Find• g instead of congregatingin the streets and having them beg for money. something for them to do It's ridiculous how out of control the homeless population is today. Homeless is everywhere but the SE area is awful and living in that area it makes other people in that area who work hard look bad and get a bad rep. • Tiny house communities, Help nonprofit organizations that assist families so they can house together Assistance to owners of apartments to help them house low income renters • Help the ones that want help getting off the streets...they need REAL affordable housing. The ones that DONT care or want off the street should be arrested for loitering and soliciting and then be given community service. • Have more open resources for job searching, hygiene facilities, housing shelters, and food kitchens. • Outreach, awareness, destigmatization, there are a ton of resources available it just seems like a lot of times people are afraid or prideful and don't want to ask for help. So I think there needs to be initiatives to reach to person, serve them, offer education, but we can't wait for the homeless or impoverished to seek us. • Have shelters that are available to all without restrictions. in shelters and rental areas, have a social worker or other mental health professional available. Just because these are very challenging situations doesn't mean they're hopeless. Attachment A • Provide more places for them to go during the day. Create more LOW INCOME housing rather than continuing to build rental properties that the majority working class of Roanoke cannot afford. • More affordable housing. Financial counseling • Maybe have a program where the homeless person have a case worker to make sure they have what they need. And make sure to able to stay in the program you have to stay clean and follow all the rules and guidelines. • Have less red tape • There needs to be more access to services that are not faith-based. The Rescue Mission does a great job and while they say you're not required to participate in services, we all know that is not the reality of what happens.When people are literally struggling to survive, the last thing they need is to be forced to do something they don't want to do. This prevents people from accessing not only the shelter, but other services that may assist them in getting back on their feet. The City should consider shelter tiny home communities like the one through Hope of the Valley in CA. • Move them to another city! They are mostly criminals and you all have allowed them to destroy the entire city. • Take abandoned homes & rebuild on the land in such a way as to create homes that can't b easily destroyed, thinking concrete & unexposed plumbing/electricity. Then turn the land parts of the property into food & plant gardens to hide&feed them. Anyone creating a disruption is out of there. • More enforcement to stop panhandling in the city. If you make more money at an intersection than job there is no incentive. • Stop hostile architecture targeted at homeless people and youth • The homeless in Roanoke stay homeless because they do well making money panhandling and therefore can continue to fuel their underlying issues (substance use). Create laws that fine people for giving to panhandlers. Make it easier for people to donate directly to helpful sources such as rescue mission instead. • Providing more affordable and/or government housing. More vouchers for families needing rent assistance • Bathing centers and clothing washing centers. More homes for homeless women and children. • Fine or ticket people that pan handle at intersections . Shut down the homeless camps and ticket or fine the ones that choose to live outside. Clean our city up . • Build Supportive Housing Units to assist those who need additional support services to live independently • Housing should be affordable in this city. Pay levels do not allow people to get into affordable housing. Rent prices are incredibly overpriced for the terribly poor quality of the units available. Decent, safe places are even more expensive. Rental inspections and rental maintenance need to be current and enforced so that housing is livable. • More rental housing units for low income households is desperately needed in the City. Increasing access to affordable rental housing will have the MOST impact on those experiencing housing instability and/or homelessness in the community. Offer incentives to building owners whose building is unoccupied to open them up as temporary shelters 1 feel that in many ways the city does a lot to assist the homeless. I would say assistance could be focused more on ensuring those who are at risk of homelessness don't end up there. Also I think that more affordable 1 or 2 bedroom rentals should be looked at. Not luxury apartments downtown, but jaffordable places for individuals to stay. } • more mental health care Look into"housing first" models of assistance. These models have shown greater success in assisting those who are homeless. Also, something should be done about rental prices. They have sky-rocketed in the past 2 years. • Set up a meeting with them, To learn their story and how they became homeless. s • more beds, more outreach services Provide more drug rehabs that allow for longer stays than 30 days transitional type housing with in house counselors. Attachment A • Find out individual causes of homelessness. Some is due to physical health, others due to mental health and drug addiction, and some are too accustomed to living on the streets to live elsewhere. • well known points of presence • Mental illness, PTSD, drugs, single-parent homes, inadequate paying jobs, uninformed of available services, and being uncooperative seem to be the main cause for the homeless. Large amounts of money has been thrown at this sad situation with little results - maybe a step back and input from the homeless themselves could help solve this situation that should have been addressed earlier with winter coming on. There is a large population of retirees in Roanoke City(and other local areas0 that includes construction, healthcare providers, etc.)that could possibly shed some light on the solution. Maybe research other localities how they could help as a lot of the homeless do come to the Roanoke City to partake of our services. Just a thought. • Stop letting homeless people come in on the bus from other states • assist the current homeless shelters • Push for a livable wage, harsher punishment for drug dealers, build a tiny home village for hom• eless A lot of people who are homeless have pets and won't get rid of them to go to the shelter. We need to as a community take the stigma away that keep homeless persons from seeking help. Make things like repairs more affordable so people are able to get things fixed and not have to loose there homes. There are so many properties in Roanoke that are falling apart. Roanoke needs to renovate them and make them affordable for families. • Terminate Keith Holland • lower rent • The city of Roanoke could assist the residents of Stratford village who have just survived a fire, residents are moving back into the building and they need cleaning supplies at least and representation from the city at most to deal with the landlord who treats people arbitrarily • Find a way to clean up and monitor the visual drug use downtown. This would deter the homeless from seeking a dangerous outlet. • Turn some of the old motels or vacant buildings into temporary housing that is regulated Make programs known that are already available. Create more shelters, more mental health programs Help with bus passes to get to job interviews and work Lower rent cost, lower property taxes, omit plastic bag tax Provide shelters with less stipulations 1 st do not let them panhandle. The police need to stop this every time they see it. It's allowing them to continue in same behavior without a new option. Assist with job programs, trainings and such so they can make money to afford their housing and bills We have 2 shelters...both always at capacity. Why do we NOT have more sheltering for the homeless? Tiny house resources and greater policing. Provide incentives for drug treatment and resources to pay for treatment. Enforce median laws and get the lazy junkies back to work I wish I knew. Help with businesses buying up rental houses and the terrible rental market prices Give a d@mn about people. America today seems to be so worried about the individual, but our society is made up of all peoples.We must be compassionate and try to assist those that we can. Many are only a paycheck away from homelessness. We have to care. Really need more than one shelter. Law enforcement to enforce the laws pertaining to pan handling, loitering, guns, and drug. These are obvious through out the city yet ignored by law enforcement. Build more low income homes give more section 8 out Develop programs that will improve public safety interactions with homeless population. Homeless primarily need a place to stay and knowledge and access of where to go to for assistance of any kind. Risk of homeless should receive receive temporary financial aid and employment aid. Most a, all visibility for resources and how to access the resources. It should be so common knowledge even the hospital doctors (and everyone in between) know where to go as second nature. Have more non threatening units and complexes to move into based per race Attachment A • Quit letting them abuse the system and take from those who do want to make it back on their feet. Make them work. Half of them CAN work. • 1 don't know • More affordable housing. Crack sown on pan handeling • Get them jobs • Rent control. Rent is ridiculous it's hard to find something for under 1000$ a month. • Offer some emergency assistance programs • Stop the handouts and only give hand ups • Start taxing the money they collect off the streets.A majority of our"homeless"that beg on the corners are not homeless. So in referring to the people that are actually homeless, we need to offer job training, resources to help them obtain work(because there is plenty of non skilled work available.)We also need to offer safe and anonymous housing for domestic abuse victims that requires the residents to obtain either training or job applications each week. There always must be accountability, even for victims, when free housing is provided. And not just accountability but they must provide something in return for their housing.When adults aren't productive, they fall into a slump that is difficult to get out of. As humans, we have an inherent desire to be productive. So make sure people receiving aid are "working "for their housing (whatever that may consist of.)There are a lot of non skilled jobs in Roanoke that could be completed by people receiving free housing, and they could then receive minimum wage to pay for their groceries and this save the city a lot of money in their employment cost. Yes, this would require a lot of coordination and paperwork but it could really benefit both sides. • Food and Latrine services. A place for homeless trying to better themselves to get necessities in order to better there lives so they can make actual progress. • Create more opportunity for affordable housing. Provide more shelter services for those in crisis without barriers such as religion and sobriety. • Make them get a job or 2 to help with rent. If you give them everything they can not do for themselves down the road. Many times in my life I have had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. No one helped me. • Improved public transportation infrastructure so individuals can travel to and from work or outlying Roanoke communities. The current limited hours of transportation availability and limited routes aren't consistent with needs of available employment opportunities. • Buy a hotel and make it a room and board place. People take more pride in a place if they have to work for it. • Work with The Least of These ministries to help provide stable and permanent housing for the homeless. • By getting red of slumlords who evict tenants for no reason. • Get some safe housing for people. • Stop panhandlers and camping in city limits. • Build more affordable housing, People are bound to face potential homeless with rental rates being what they are. • Build showering facilities for homeless, outside of the shelters. • Expand day shelter options, offer transitional motel housing, have motels accept vouchers, establish publicly run night shelter • Empty warehouses should be opened up as homeless shelters • Remove them from the street corners • Put a stop to the Rescue Mission stealing 75-90% of the homeless people's income and receiving donations that do nothing to help the homeless. • Provide work. • Address the lax laws that allow landlords to keep housing in poor condition without consequences • More substance abuse programs and financial classes that can help one to raise their credit or programs to help someone buy a house • Look at the pay wages for our city and "think" is it a livable wage for our current rent? • NA • Drug treatment programs and mental health services Attachment A • The city should buy a large building or old apartment complex and use it for homeless families and the elderly definitely do back ground checks to make sure the children living there will be safe. • Shut the rescue mission down. Question number one is bullshit don't build anything. I have to put a answer to submit the survey. • Nla • I'm not sure because some don't want help • More shelter space. Reach out programs to provide the homeless with blankets meals. People to help them find jobs easier phone services • Stop creating hostile architecture to discourage poor people from existing in public. • Have a policy that 10% of all units in apartment complexes being built must be set aside for federal guidelines affordable housing (30% above the poverty rate). In addition, pass a regulation that a developer may only use the term "affordable housing"when it will follow the federal guidelines. • Encourage police to interact with homeless in a non-aggressive way. Re-evaluate petty crimes committed mostly by homeless, and see what changes can be made to avoid these problems. • provide transportation to shelters for the homeless. • give this the respect and need it deserves and also be aware of any who claim to be homeless but only wants the money • Have the homeless help physically with fixing up or building shelters. They need to be productive. • Work towards a true living wage for everyone. • Stop building fancy expensive apartment buildings.There motels etc that have been empty for years here. Make them into cheap studios that the people who struggle the most can afford. Also a large part of the homeless I see have a drug problem and have no interest in bettering their situation. They like panhandling for cash and don't want to work. An opportunity to work needs to be given to everyone. Those who don't want to take it shouldn't receive assistance. There needs to be consequences. • Give more clothing to the homeless when they need it we definitely need more shelter • Have the cops do there job and arrest the drugies and drunks. • Homes for teens who no longer qualify for foster care. • Not looking at felonies to deny the person be every single person has them these days • Create more food pantries,work to eliminate food apartheids, better public transportation options. • There are other local organizations out there trying to help but rely solely on the generosity of others to stay afloat and do what they do. It would be nice if the City had a way to vet these places and work closer with them to optimize the work they do. Let the "ground pounders"do their best work by giving them the tools to succeed in helping our less fortunate. • Increase eligibility for these programs sin and to do away with the zoning rules that only allow for 4 unrelated • Need more affordable housing Y people to live in a home. You think it will stop violence, however, most of the violence at homes are domestic related. So FAMILIES ARE THE REASON FOR THE VIOLENCE. • Funding • Develop more low income housing tax credit units and build more AFFORDABLE rental housing in desirable areas of the city. • Stop tearing down the safe spaces that homeless people have without replacing them. Like the Ramada Inn. Stop criminalizing homelessness. • Look into how other cities (which similar in population size, unemployment rate, and homeless) and see which tactics they're using to combat at-risk homelessness and homelessness_ • Provide buddy programs to get them jobs and back on their feet. • Provide more overnight shelter options. Provide specific encampment areas. • Ensure they get JOBS, stop giving them handouts • Lower taxes to make housing more affordable. Revamp the justice system to encourage more people to provide rental units-holding tenants accountable.Jobs programs to teach skills. Help people but make them help themselves as well! Provide temporary assistance, not permanent. • Connect them to jobs and job readiness programs. And ensure the are accountable in attendance to better themselves. Attachment A • Instead of making people at the Roanoke shelter leave they should be able to stay inside just like everyone else that has a home to go to and there should be ways for them to have a day job to earn money for the day • Ask other churches and ministers to partner to be more fully service starting with specific area when the home;ess can be safe among together to live temporary provide services to help each individual take their next steps • Provide more shelters or temporary housing. Why let houses sit abandoned and not take care of use the available empty houses wisely, the homeless are a serious problem in this city, and beautifying neighborhoods and parks is not the answer. City Council has spent too many years, pretending the problem doesn't exist or isn't,that bad, wake up. We desperately need safe and affordable housing, health care including mental health treatment. Pass a no loitering ordinance and keep them from harassing people on the streets. • Stop panhandling, tear down tent communities by the highway • Jobs and jail time. Stop all pan handling. • More safety precautions in place.. • Public works projects • Rehab abandoned homes and hotels and let the homeless move in. • Stop delaying benefits • Find jobs • Job losses and financial draining. • Affordable housing, rent is so expensive for a one bedroom, property managers now require renters to make 3 times the rent to qualify. I work full time, make$46000 but would not qualify for units that are below my current rent. The real problem is the homeless are nearly always addicts. The first step should be to removed them from the streets, then move them into rehab centers by court order. This would be a massive undertaking, but it has been done elsewhere with success. • Start hearing people out the 1st time they come and tell you something if you can do some to help do it don't blow it off when you have the authority to help . If the people y'all have In place can't help then hire a new set of people that's deadicated to the community and will stop at nothing to see our community prosper start • Make mental health care more available • Create residential substance abuse and mental health treatment• options. Provide covered areas that they can use to"camp out"that are away from residents , visitors and consumers. • Permanent supportive housing • Provide more low income, section 8, and housing vouchers. Shorten wait times for such housing. Some people, myself included, cannot wait 2 years to get into an apartment suitable for a disabled person on SSI. Do not help these people. They sit at the corner at Sheetz on Williamson and beg for money,just to use on drugs. They don't want help Enforce laws prohibiting outdoor homeless camps (used by addicts&thieves)! Require enforcement of laws prohibiting drug-dealing, prostitution and gambling houses in Section 8 complexes? get them vocational training Reform the penal code.When people live paycheck to paycheck, a simple arrest can start a chain reaction of losing a job, then housing Maybe make jail only somewhere people arrested for felonies go, 1 and misdemeanors are tickets only, no arrest? Help those at risk of homeless not become homeless an help those who are by helping with employment an temporary lodging if a person has a goal to work towards there more motivated to work Provide legal assistance to those facing eviction. If the landlord follows the legal process the judges 95% grant possession. There are things that legally be done. Better public transportation More access to state hospitals for mentally incapacitated individuals that are experiencing chronic homelessness. Access to day shelters would also increase dignity and welfare of people experiencing homelessness. Attachment A • When they come to you for help, stop giving them the run around. Give them as much help as is available. • Build tiny houses in an are where homeless can congregate and live for free. As wanderers leave use tiny house for another resident. Plant fruit trees and a garden in the area where the homeless care, share, and eat. Have a small shop for clothing. Daily classes and leadership on getting out of the "hole" and seeking employment, child care, affordable housing, and life stability. • Train police to engage with those suffering from homelessness in a way of providing support and assistance, not looking to penalize them. Require all politicians to volunteer at a come focused nonprofit for 1 00h over the course of their term, work closer providing support to non religious nonprofits that help prevent and rehabilitate from homelessness. • Stop supporting them • Offer research based substance abuse programs for the homeless. • More affordable housing options are needed as well as increase in job opportunities,job training (financial assistance)and competitive wages. It is an unfortunate reality that many City employees do not earn enough to obtain housing in the area. Employees have had to relocate as a result. • Houses setting empty could be renovated and rented to those in need ACCORDING to their income ability, which should not be exorbitant beyond their means • Do not encourage more homeless to come to Roanoke City. Use resources for longer term residents who have fallen on hard times. • Use some of these abandoned buildings as affordable housing. That would help the neighborhood and assist the homeless population as well. • Create a taskforce to go around and speak to the homeless and find out why or how they became homeless. And give them bottled water and a food gift card like to Subway or McDonald's just for speaking to them. Finding out the reason some became homeless help you prevent more from becoming homeless if you knew the cause. And I can't imagine this program/taskforce would cost taxpayers much • Daily meals • Help provide lower rent/mo. Everyone is raising rent but no one's income is raising. Makes it hard for people to actually live • Give them temp shelter and register after a certain get a job a lot of them is not as bad as they try to make it seem like they are I know for a fact that the lady that sits at the corner of orange and gainsboro is not she has an apartment and works at the store on liberty road .this is what is happening with a lot of those people just to sorry to work also the man that sits up on Melrose is doing the same thing.this is why I think the homes should just be a temp thing cause there is jobs.example they can get up early to stand in the road to hold a sign and beg for 8 hours they can get a job if it's no where but McDonald they are always hiring. • Offer housing or rooms but require and or offer work/jobs in order to receive such housing or rooms. Like provide a list of jobs you can choose from that pay for your housing and helps you get back to being a productive member of the community again • Relocate those willing to move to a more"accommodating" area such as Richmond. Institutionalize those who are not sane of mind. Incarcerate those sane but unwilling to move under vagrancy laws, providing them much needed housing and employment opportunities within our fine prison system. • Assist with childcare that will allow parents to work full-time • More financial programs and education to help assist with preventing homelessness. • Provide them resources to appear clean such as showers and haircuts. It goes a long way for their job search • Give those people section 8 for a while . Help them with jobs.. • Create more mental health awareness • Create an app to donate to with ease and pay out to registered homeless actively engage in all recommended available services as in#1 • Make it easier to receive help. I have been homeless since 3/16/2022 because the property I rented for 5 years was sold. The new owner put us out to on the street because his sister wanted my home. • Roanoke needs stronger tenant protections and greater accountability for landlords. Evictions should not happen on the scale they are happening in Roanoke, nor should they happen in the way they are happening. This is a justice and equity issue. Attachment A • Encourage the homeless populace to not disrupt the activities of local consumers ingesting liquidity into the local economy • Create Job training. More Affordable Housing or Match families with houseless individuals • Focus on safe, affordable, and accessible housing, for disabled people. • Develop single room occupancy housing with supportive services • Give people help who behind there rent or mortgage due to prices and inflation • Counseling. support from churches, meal voucherd, clothing, shelters • To assist the homeless and those at risk of homelessness we absolutely must include EVERYONE. We must not exclude anyone from any religion, lifestyle, gender, etc. There are dozens of houses sitting vacant in every neighborhood. There are housing waiting list YEARS long, why can we not put some of those families in those homes maybe temporarily atleast till they get something better? Instead of keeping someone in the projects while they are waiting for their habitat for humanity home being built, temporarily put them in one of the many vacant houses and put someone else who's been waiting on the project housing. Valley view mall and a bunch of other random buildings just rot away, turn that into ACTUALLY affordable housing. One person by themselves can't afford $1,000 by themselves for an apartment. $700 is a little more do able. Roanoke needs more of that. The mall could also have actual stuff to do. And bring jobs n help stimulate some kind of money here. • Policies that promote stable family life • Mobile services, trash containers, portapotties, public showers,warm up stations. • Monitor rental increases. I'm in a oldsters bldg-a bunch of them -& our rent increases 200$\yr with no improvements. Food sucks. Amenities are disappearing. Bldg cable is contracted out to cox. "Independent" living is used as the grabber to fill rooms. Most are requiring assisted living which the "medical" person supplys without paying workers social security"her"employees social security. Chef is a fruad. Grill chef. His grabbing &yelling causes a constant overturn in kitchen staff. No one cares. • Help them like President Bush planned, welfare to work, buy let them get 6 months in before pulling all the resources away. • Build mobile stations to wash clothes. • Help with government housing more • Stop making the rent so high that people can not afford the rent do being a single parent trying to raise their children and having to pay utilities 1200 for a 3 bedroom that use to be like 750.00 but because all these apartments and condos being built the city going up on rent is outrageous and it's not even the suburbs or Rich area it's in areas where there's a lot of crime that they want you to pay$1,2 00 to $1,700 in rent for a two bedroom and just as much for a three bedroom • Provide more places for the homeless to get out of the cold weather • Renovate empty buildings that are not being used to provide more shelters. • Place a cap on increases made to current rental properties • Whatever the city can do to help with the astronomical costs of rent would be most helpful. Rental assistance and more rental housing is desperatelly needed. • Provide affordable housing and financial literacy services. • Regulate slum lords who take advantage of us. • live in a hotel a their hotel rooms Time is running out though homeless people pay • Provide transportation for them a Job • Find a house for them to live in till they can get back on their feet • Less shelters that are mission/church based &operated. Most people experiencing homeless do not feel safe, accepted, nor respected in these shelters from the local homeless population I have talked to. • Educating and rehabilitating the homeless population to lift them to the point of self sufficiency should be the goal. Providing free meals and shelter is necessary in the interim but does nothing to change their status as homeless. • have more housing/temp housing and pressure those that keep rejecting the options that are available. • Offer additional transportation options so people that can't afford a vehicle can still go to work. Offer additional programs to help provide health care and mental illness services. • provide affordable rental units,job training and placement after school child care and help with transportation to their work. Attachment A • Provide resources to help keep the streets safe. And offer assistance and support to those resources that are in place currently • Provide more affordable housing. Not shelters for the homeless but actual affordable apartments. • Work to find short term affordable rental units. More long-term than a motel. • Too many homeless that are not willing to work. I see homeless standing in front of a store or restaurant with signs showing they are hiring but instead the homeless still stand with a sign asking for help. You have to be able to help yourself to make the right steps in the right direction. Too many abusing the system currently that we have in place. Sad to see in the city i live in! • Roanoke seems to be pushing its unhoused population from place to place within its City limits. Instead of the effort expended on this tactic, money and strategy should be put into affordable housing stock. Perhaps the City could consider partnering with another organization for a Land Trust or Land Bank. *The Rescue Mission should not be relied upon as the City's sole option.' Its requirements can be a deterrent to certain populations. There should be a secular option for those at risk of homelessness. Provide designated areas for them with portable bathrooms and showers Stop the people who aren't homeless asking for money on every street corner. • Make the city a less inviting place to be homeless. • Create a legal system that doesn't demonize the impoverished. • Give housing to homeless people along with jobs that will be enough to afford the rent in which it will cost them to stay there. If you get a select amount of jobs from places that will cooperate with the program you pair it with housing that will agree to said terms and get some people and families off the streets. • Have more shelters and some type of assistance with the individuals that are homeless. Something for them to do.What's there for the homeless to do in the day. Make up jobs. • Assist in the provision of day shelters • Do more to help victims of domestic violence and advertise the help that is available. Since the pandemic started, domestic violence has increased dramatically and most victims leave with nothing. • Harm Reduction • More safe day shelters would be helpful. More assistance in accessing resources at shelters would also be helpful. I am also in favor of creating affordable boarding house type options. Even if people only have a private room and have to share the rest of their space, that would be better than current options. • Stop charging them $250 if they sleep downtown. This doesn't make people go to shelters, it just makes them move to a different area to continue sleeping on the streets (such as Wasena). There is a REASON people don't want to go to the shelters here and charging them for not going is evil. • There is a lack of long term shelter, while people can get help with renting, it doesn't fix the reason they became homeless in the first place. • It's important that shelters allow homeless people to live there without requiring them to abstain from drugs, attend religious services, or other prerequisites that might discourage people from living there. Housing must come first before people can address their other problems. • 1 think we need housing mostly in SE Roanoke near the Tobacco store. The homeless there harass people constantly and trash the whole corner. Eliminate the ticketing of folks experiencing homelessness. It only compounds the issues that human is facing, now with fees, court costs,justice involvement, etc. It is pointless on every front and truly one of the most absurd, harmful, intentionally cruel things I have ever heard. We also need housing for folks 9 with substance use disorder. A'housin first' model is well established as successful, evidence based approach to both homelessness and SLID. Those folks continue to fall through the cracks of the piece- meal approach currently available. We also have incredibly inflated rental costs for a town of this size/location, with a lack of availability of subsidized housing. • The city has pletnty of programs in place to help the homeless population. The problem is they do not want to meet the requirements of these shelters because they require them to be sober. These people are offered help constantly they just don't want to take it, more assistance will not change this. • Trauma is the main cause of substance abuse and homelessness. Put more resources into helping kids and stopping crime. • Create a low barrier shelter, run by the City, which addresses the needs of individuals, whether it be keeping a family together, pets, health issues, etc. The City also needs to encourage the other local Attachment A governments and the business community to help with this issue, either financially or through other support • Think outside the box. Designate public spaces to host homeless people. Make it like a campground with tiny cabins, bathhouses, etc. • Do not build infrastructure (chairs,vents, sidewalks)that's hostile to the homeless. Provide financial assistance before homelessness occurs. • Get them off the streets! Stop the panhandling. Look at what other cities have done to stop the problem and model after them. DC had the issue of homeless sleeping on the Mall in the 80's and 90's they have issued the proper laws to keep them away from the tourist areas. • Enact policies to help drive down the cost of renting such as area-wide income-based rental caps. Ex: monthly rent for homes, apartments, and other dwelling should be prohibited from exceeding 30% of the average bottom 50% of residents in a zip code. • More civic ,church, and workplace initiatives to support the various homeless projects that exit in the RV. • Tiny house pod communities that people can pay minimal rent, if any. Personal spaces that they can use for security. Model them after the many cities who have done this successfully. Typically they are able to find more permanent housing after a period of safety that allows them to save money. • There are many empty buildings in Roanoke. Can these be converted to apartments or housing? Large hotel behind WDBJ7 converted to apts but the rent is over$1400! Citizens who can pay over$1400 are looking for houses, not typically apartments! • %make assistance services widely known 'provide financial support for individuals who are genuinely interested in securing housing/employment `Foster a civic environment in which homelessness is treated as an emergency but which does not support long term homelessness- Roanoke should be a place where it is ready to stop being homeless, not easy to continue being homeless • Address peoples' individual needs. Ask someone what they need, and help them on an individual level to break through the barriers keeping them in a place of risk. Everyone's situation is different, and peoples' troubles need to be treated with the respect and care that they deserve. Don't make assumptions about what people need or want, and approach unhoused individuals with the same respect you would approach anyone else. • Please treat homeless as humans who have value and self sustaining abilities-encourage them to be their own advocates. The increase in the number of those WILLING to be homeless to avoid responsibility is increasing. The population appears to be growing rapidly in males ages 19 to 59 who could be productive. Taught skills, which would decrease depression anxiety and crime. They must have some expectations made of them or they remain dependent. And have too much free time for drugs or illegal activity which will continue to worsen thanks to inflation. Motel rooms become huns for drug use and prostitution. Motel/hotel owners are known to be complicit. You must police temporary shelters. • Increase case management and advocacy services at agencies like HAT, offer support for thing like application fees and background checks for people who are struggling to find apartments, and provide more amenities at existing day shelters • Shelters for aged and disabled. There are NO options for those with mobility issues. The mission will not accept them • Somehow separate homeless with mental health and drug abuse issues from homeless due to job loss, working poor, rents too high. Stronger code enforcement of rentals • Lower rental cost • Require permits for panhandling. This will lend credibility to those on the streets who have fulfilled the requirements for a permit and allows officers the ability to charge those abusing the system and giving Roanoke a poor view of all homeless. • Treat substance abuse as a medical issue and not a criminal one. Prioritize mental health services for homeless and almost homeless population (if you are homeless you go to the front of the line) • Lessen the time required to process lease/rental agreements. Short term -6mo rentals. Job training for felons. • This isn't question I should be answering. I vote and pay taxes to have people in charge that can make these decisions. This city is going to shit. You can't go anywhere downtown or out by valley view Attachment A without being harassed for money. Meanwhile criminals sit on town council and milk my taxpayer dollars for their own benefit. The maayor and council are complicit in this matter and utterly worthless. • Look to other communities that have built tiny home communities with intent to help the house less population. Many roadblocks in getting a job is not having access to a physical address. The dignity of a place with a lockable door.An area to get a shower, laundry, or steep. The shelters don't feel safe for many. • Use where they are currently staying outside as an asset not somewhere to clear them out(behind Lowes on hersberger) • Implement Housing First and harm reduction practices so that people with SUD who relapse are not kicked out of their shelter or housing, which only makes it worse. • I'm sure the city owns several buildings that are mainly abandoned put them in there. And screen them for drugs and alcohol who knows I don't know but it's a it's really becoming a nationwide problem • Assistance programs are the number 1 thing needed so that people can get back on their feet without getting stuck in a cycle of poverty. Curbing panhandling is also a major issue. The issue I see with more financial assistance is it simply continues to reinforce the ability of predatory landlords to raise prices. Rent hike caps are also something severely needed • Treat everyone with respect and compassion first of all and keep these rental landlords from jacking rental prices through the roof and not fixing their properties. The slum Lord issue is major in Roanoke! • 1 think assistance should be limited for a timeframe to get these people back on their feet and able to support themselves again • 1 have experienced homelessness several times since I moved to Roanoke three years ago and right off the top of my head there are two things that I can come up with: 1) Increase public transportation. The bus routes are very limited and as such it can be hard for people to make it to work. Night shift workers,for example, have to go to their places of employment hours early due to the fact the bus routes stop at 9PM. And that is not considering the fact the buses don't run on Sundays and don't go everywhere in Roanoke. This forces people to pay for expensive Uber or taxi rides to get to and from work. 2) Rent control. People are being priced out of their apartments and homes constantly under the guise of"inflation" or some such nonsense.While indeed this is an issue that is happening across the country, the continued ignorance of this issue will only result in more people on the streets in the long term. • This city needs more well paying jobs! We have an abundance of restaurants, banks, and hotels but not companies. • Help them in this order; Increased social services ie mental and medical health, employment assistance etc. Turn the old rundown drug dens (ie the Ramada or days inn)you've shutdown into housing for them.Then based on if they've been able to adhere to the system thus far give them financial support. Once that system shows it's working and there are a number of candidates ready to move on create more rentals that are affordable for them to move into. Use condemned or seized houses. Last but NOT least scrutinize the existing shelters and their efficacy or negative impact on the community. ie the rescue mission!!! • Require them to receive treatment and behave appropriately to receive assistance. Hire social services staff to deal with problem makers instead of tying up police resources, • Food library; food not bombs; shelters; community resources for help(ex: mental health services are strained right now. Can't provide therapy without therapists.) • RPD needs to enforce rules about not standing in the medians and begging. They are going to continue being homeless if they are getting more money sitting in the medians than working a regular job. • Provide housing in return for services. That is, hire these folks as short-term city employees (so they have a recent employment record) and provide housing as a benefit. This helps the city and it helps them. • Systems already in place and helping those that desire assistance. • Hire more case managers and pay them better. • TALK TO THE HOMELESS!!!!! Truely! By no means is it all but many don't want anything different. They actually don't care. Another issue is cities out of state sending criminals here on the bus since we have a bus station and rescue mission. Multiple have told me personally that they were given a bus ticket by other cities just to get the out of town (their words not mine). Crack down on panhandling and Attachment A sleeping on the sidewalks. So many people are uncomfortable to come downtown or support the city because of the massive homeless population. • provide safe shelter • Provide safe parking areas for people currently living in their vehicles to park and sleep. • Need Many more section 8 housing that is safe! • Giving them a place to stay isn't quite enough, it would need to have showers and regular hygiene care as well (hair cuts specifically)even if it's just once every other month. They can't break the cycle if they continue to look homeless for job interviews and such • Provide people a safe and reliable place to go, rehabilitate and provide financial and medical help. • Buy bus tickets and send them to California. • It is drugs. The people you see in the median aren't homeless; they're addicts • We need two to three town price places. People on there verge of homelessness or that already are facing that can at least pay monthly. Weekly is too much . • Mutual aid programs.We, as residents of Roanoke, should all be helping each other out whenever we are able to. • Providing more ways to help them effectively stay off the streets, maybe incorporating a step program to help transition from being homeless into housing and jobs with stability and proof of effort • Create shelters using the existing homes and buildings that are vacant • Help them to get their ID and social security cards. They can't work if they don't have ID. Routine drug screening with getting assistance and substance abuse treatment. • A lot of financial help as well as knowledge and resources. Make it more accessible • Understand that homelessness isn't a choice. And not all homeless people are degenerate. Understand that homelessness has many drastic affects on families that go much further than just losing a home. Learn what invisible homelessness is and provide help to those people as well. • Instead of the city sweeping misunderstood people under the rug, we could try to understand each others plights. Create more affordable housing as well as more employee rights to be able to earn a living wage no matter where you work. • Ban AirBNB • Create more mental health services and staff available to assist homeless and at risk people because many help systems are hard to navigate or they may not have cell/internet services • Revamp and expand our shelter system, offer better addiction and mental health services, train our police force more effectively to stop trying to police and criminalize homeless • 1 believe a lot of the homeless in our city/county have a lot of mental health needs. That seems to be a top priority to battle issues like schizophrenia, bipolar, and addictions. My uncle being one of them. Also, from what I have heard the rules about the shelters (times to be there, who and what you can bring) seem to be unattainable to all. I know of a few young women who don't want to reach out for help in abusive situations because they feel like they would be better toughing it out with their abuser versus going to a womens shelter. • I dont know the answer. I'm faced with homelessness now if I can't get help be of a 41 year old debt my mother accused to social security however alot of homeless it seems tend to want what they are going through and I don't understand that. Rent is extremely high for low income people. • Get them off the corners. Pan handling should be illegal. They leave trash everywhere. Get them train tickets out west. • Ensure TAP RAM house St John still receive funds to assist the community • Expand current service to homeless and assistance to those on the brink of homelessness. Offer short and long term rental assistance and housing based on need and income. • Stop letting Airbnb suites pop up and stop letting giant companies take over rental space. That prices out people who can't afford high rent. • 1 think there needs to be more support that doesn't have as much religious focus. I've heard the biggest issues with our main shelter is the strict rules and push of religious beliefs. I know there has to be rules in place, but maybe there can be something that's a bit more accommodating. Perhaps incentives to promote recovery as well 0 Provide mental health and substance abuse services Attachment A • Addressing mental illness and substance abuse issues is primary. You can give a habitual drug user an apartment and they will lose it because of the same issue which made them homeless to begin with. More services are needed to address these issues. Also,find a way to STOP rural SW Virginia counties from bussing their homeless to Roanoke. A lot of Roanoke's homeless did not originate here. A third of the state is exporting their problems to our city. NOT RIGHT!! • Get them off the street corners • Provide food ans shelter • There are many vacant homes in Roanoke that could be used for housing.. • These are people who need homes and a chance to have access to services that prepare them to live on their own. We need to help them find jobs, education and training, while providing for basic needs such as food, housing, and health care. By helping them find a way forward, we can create a culture of care. • The bare minimum would be to have city trash cans in the areas that homeless individuals spend their time. If there were trash cans then I feel that the community wouldn't view them as harshly as they do. • Start with kids in school. You have to change the trajectory before the mindset is engrained and a student feels they have no other path due to the only thing they know being homelessness. Address known bodies of homeless people sleeping along the roads and under bridges. • Remember that they are human beings who deserve human dignity. Provide lockers for belongings outside of courthouses, shelters and other places where services are received but belongings can't be brought in. Provide public toilets and public shower options. • Provide daytime activities. Including education and help with job placement. And positive behavior training. • Make public housing easier to apply for • Childcare services for parents making the choice between work and day care bills. • https://oecdecoscope.blog/2021/12/13/fiiniands-zero-homeless-strategy-lessons-from-a-success-story/ Read this. If we start something similar to what Finland does, we can inspire other cities in VA and on a national level to do the same. • Stop making ordinances that penalize homelessness. • Don't arrest people for being homeless. • More intakes need to be done • Provide mental and physical health assistance and affordable housing to help from the source. • Have programs to avoid the stigma of homelessness to help get the point across that we all go through hard times. • There needs to be more awareness of programs. Also more outreach to the people who are homeless but do not have children. They fall through the cracks. • Build more affordable housing. Everything being built now is luxury. • More after school programs, not always religious as that turns some people off. More counseling services at low or no cost for those with mental health concerns • Everything is expensive as hell and these assholes offering jobs seem to think we can survive on 12/hr. Inflation is up and so are corporate profits. • remove them from Roanoke intersections. Being there is dangerous to them and the drivers in cars. • Build a secular homeless shelter. It's absurd that the church is using shelter, a basic human right, as a weapon of conversion • Affordable housing with community support spaces and shelter/food services. • Dismantle all the codes and lines that make it impossible to build multi family housing basically anywhere. Force Rescue Mission to detach its homeless programs from its religious programs. I'm banned from there for asking for private religious time during church for my own beliefs, they blacklisted me for it. • Ask the experts not me. • Stop teaming up with religious groups and take charge. Stop allowing religious groups from handing out food, etc in the market square center of downtown. Set up police precincts in all four districts by using an existing empty building. Some police officers should be walking or on bicycles in the downtown area. Use an RV type vehicle as a mobile social service office in various high-need neighborhoods. Hire more city employees to handle number of people in need. Increase HAT info Attachment A signage. Require community service to obtain food assistance/housing in order to build self-esteem through work. experience. The Block by Block team is a start but needs to be in more neighborhoods. • Job fairs, financial classes. • Tax the absolute hell out of every asshole who owns more than one house in this town and then house the people who need it. None of this is hard. Literally none of it. You can 100% house these people, even without taxing your friends more. It can be done. • Add additional staff to Coordinated Entry and have a city run low barrier shelter. Also build numerous small homes (400 to 450 square feet on vacant lots in each area of the city and have an agency run the housing program using the PSH model focusing on the housing first model with wrap around services. • Stop enabling them! To receive shelter, put the homeless to work. There is trash by the road and throughout our city. Having a job builds self worth. Put a drill Sargent in charge...tough love..get tough on problem houses in Neighborhoods. The drug houses are attracting the homeless to flop. Hire 50 police officers so neighbors don't have to have gunfights with no consequences for the criminals...it all goes hand and hand. We need real leadership from the top..so far too weak. Stop coddling bad behavior! • Start more community gardens. • Underlying causes such as substance abuse must be addressed first before housing can help the situation. • Provide more mental health services and substance abuse counseling. Figure out why landlords are increasing rent so much. I think they are doing it because they can, not because there is a legitimate reason to. • Drug prevention Le. help people not use drugs or prevent drugs from being used • Reopen the asylums, and prosecute crimes • Help with bad credit. Refusal to rent if not making 3X the rent. Credit determining if you can rent a property. • Clean up the drug addicts on the streets. You can walk around downtown Roanoke without seeing someone strung out on drugs or drug paraphernalia on the sidewalk. I realize there isn't an easy solution to this problem and throwing them in jail isn't the answer either but something has to be done. It makes the city look bad and definitely has a negative impact on the economy of the area. • Find a way to replace the Rescue Mission with its evil, religiously biased, lazy-ass, neighborhood- ruining ways with a real service that doesn't demand strict adherence to their BS non-biblical standards of what a Christian is. The rescue Mission is an embarrassment to our entire city. • The city should look into assisting other areas with building supports for their homeless population instead of sending them to Roanoke • Do not allow camps in city or county • Shelters that are non judgmental regarding substance use and non evangelical • Really need to focus on getting these folks help first before the issue arises. Understand these people, when you speak to them, a lot of them like the"lifestyle". need to work with the folks. • Food outreach and clothing needs for the homeless • Enforce loitering statutes. Stop panhandling. There was a guy who was employed where I work. Constantly no-call no-showing to work. I saw him on the corner of elm and Franklin panhandling, when he was actively Employed. These people make more tax-free money doing this than working, so why work? • Relax rules regarding substance use during shelter stay. • Create a hot-line to receive information on those in need. The pan-handling should be stopped because too many are abusing this and create dangerous street situations! • Stop harassing them • Make sure they are homeless because another of panhandlers are wealthy and take peoples money. Shame. I know one individual who has apartment and still on corners because as they say"They like taking people's money"' Rediculous • Disallow businesses from owning/purchasing single-family dwellings. • reach out to the hotspots of homelessness (Church Avenue, MLK Bridge, Tents at Wasena Park/Rivers Edge and provide direct help there Attachment A • You can set up warming stations after they leave the Ramhouse it is extremely cold. • The rent it way too high for this area, even as someone working full time it's difficult to manage paying for housing. 0 Stop letting homeless getting bussed in and taking money from real homeless people • Make assistance easier to obtain for those in need • Repurpose some old buildings to be shelters or affordable housing. There are quite a few abandoned buildings in the downtown area that, as well as old houses, that could be used for this purpose. • 1 don't know if it is true but I have been told the rescue mission is transporting some of these people into Roanoke. While I feel this can't be true it wouldn't surprise me. So If they are put a stop to it. • Build places that are non religious. People don't want to have others religions forced on them just be they're having a tough time. That makes it worse. • More shelters that provide services to people with drug/alcohol issues, especially families. It's unrealistic to expect homeless families to be totally sober from the jump. • Encourage and/or enforce landlords and slumlords to provide high quality affordable housing • Have shelters not be connected to religious organizations. • Bare with me here. I work app driver jobs. We work with health insurance companies now. i drive homeless people that are clearly not in any kind of recovery to get their methadone. When I say not in recovery it's because they're so dirty that they can't be in any kind of program. The real problem is where all the money goes. And Roanoke needs comprehensive public transportation for all the outlying employment hubs. • Not kick them out of whatever temporary housing that they are using at the time. That and charging a fine for not being able to afford housing. • I'm seeing more Elderly Homeless people or Veterans That is a big concern Alcohol Drug Mental health programs are the most important • Visit Austin, Portland, and other cities who are investing in creative solutions for housing the homeless. • Build and maintain low cost refurbished shipping container units instead of needing to construct permanent structures as temporary shelter units. • Pay employees that assist in these needs. Most employees take on huge responsibilities with little pay. Unfortunately a high number of are homeless population suffer from mental health and as a result fund themselves in this category. • More affordable housing and a better process to get them in that housing. Every case is not the same the same. There's no reason drug tests and even mental stability tests couldn't be assed to determine the type of housing they qualify for. • We need more programs that have to do with mental health and helping the homeless cope with taking the first steps. We also need to not allow them make village like encampments which they feel has some sort of permanence. It needs to be shown that community has their backs however rules have to be followed just as every other citizen has to. • Stop harassing the homeless • Quit giving everything for free and place some accountability on the part of people. Enforce current codes and make new ones so these little communal groups don't just pop up on the sidewalk or vacant buildings/lots • Ship them to other cities,just as they are shipped into Roanoke. • Unsure • Enforce the laws so homeless are not drawn to dangerous gathering spots. Discourage other localities from sending homeless to Roanoke City. • Free parking in downtown. Better-faster bus line for people without cars or gas money • Provide more assistance to those struggling with not only rental costs, but also utilities and other bills • Now that marijuana is legal, do what Colorado is doing with the tax money. Create housing and jobs for the homeless • Help the homeless navigate the issues that created their homelessness. Help them navigate employment possibilities and achieve independence. • Decriminalize homelessness, temporary transitional housing in currently vacant buildings and/or tiny house villages, and more permanent supportive housing for veterans and returning citizens that need ongoing structure and supports. More affordable/subsidized housing, too. Attachment A • Keep them off the streets where they just do drugs and steal • Quit letting other places bus them in here on the greyhounds • Tiny homes, outdoor shelters with on-site social workers/security/etc. • None of the above really-other than additional support services. people need the means to help themselves not wait for handouts. Enforce begging laws in the City. They make more than I do. • Education for the public to help dispel myths and stigma • permanent supportive housing programs • Get them off the side of the parking garages. Stricter loitering laws and enforcement. There is feces and urine everywhere in the alleyways, sidewalks, ect. Downtown is disgusting and dangerous. • Reduce police funding drastically and direct more funding towards social services. Listen to residents and people experiencing homelessness, both chronically and acutely. Commit to making serious changes to housing policies that protect low-income renters from predatory landlords • Stop bussing them in and letting them set up camps. • Off job applications and ways to integrate them into the community. • Really police the sleeping on the streets. They only police it when Gov. Youngkin visited. It's a public health issue having people sleep on streets. There are shelters at night. • Block out of city investors from buying up houses and turning them into rental units. Keep housing affordable in the city. • Money. And affordable homes. • Tiny houses. Look up community first village in Austin, TX. They are a great example of a master planned tiny home community for the homeless. https://mif.org/community-first/ • I'm not sure • Provide more support and mental health services for those dealing with addiction, which appears to be the root of a lot of the homelessness here. Additionally maybe build some apartments that people in Roanoke can afford. Everyone cant afford$1000+ a month apartments. • More services provided for mental health help, substance abuse issues, and money put into educational services to help our children avoid the issues mentioned. • Provide more outreach to panhandlers. • Acknowledge that many are not in the position they are in by choice. • You need to do something about the scummy landlords who prey on the vulnerable people in the city. One such landlord scammed about 15 people who were living in a delapidated house on Patterson Ave. He convinced these (vulnerable and low income) people that they were not paying rent but "buying in to a housing cooperative". He took their money and didn't pay the utility bills, leaving them without any running water for weeks. The conditions they lived in were disgusting. Eventually the city Code Enforcement came, condemned the house, and kicked the tenants out. They had no place to go and no support. There should be repercussions for scamming people like this! And now that house just sits empty and falls into further disrepair. It is depressing to see all these empty, run-down houses in Roanoke. These old, empty houses also tend to attract squatters and cause other issues for neighbors. Criminals use these properties for stashing stolen property, and the blighted appearance of the neighborhood is just depressing. I wish the city would seize these assets and invest in their upkeep. Many of these buildings are huge and could be used as temporary housing for indivuals who just need a "leg up". • Before you assist the homeless you need to address WHY they are to start. Stop throwing on a bandaid by the time they BECOME homeless. Create or change infrastructure so they don't have to be that way in the first place. We are treating the symptoms like whack-a-mole as they pop up and not the root, actual causes. • Mental health is a huge issue. Counseling for drug abuse. • Why is this only a city of Roanoke issue? It should be a Roanoke valley issue. Why not work with Roanoke county, Salem and Vinton? • 1) More mental health facilities and beds. 2)financial support to use these facilities. Rate property taxes based on income, more funding in rent, utility assistance • Give somewhere for people to stay during the day. This will allow to them clean themselves, look for jobs, and avoid causing issues with police and businesses during the day. Attachment A • 1 was homeless myself and received help from the city and I am so very grateful. My issue now is the aftermath and major mental health issues. I am too scared to even leave my apartment. I wasn't like this before. I was also robbed since I am in a bad part of town but am still very blessed. • Assist RAM House in locating suitable property since they have been successful in getting a $1,000,000 donation and other donations to purchase or build. This would not cost the city but they need your support due to NIMBY issues and zoning. • Help them to help themselves off the drugs, seek mental health services.While a touchy subject, they may need to be urged or even forced as they may not think they need it. Housing or a shelter than can go when they are drunk or high and not just be kicked out during the day/evening to roam the streets. Have something like a mentor/buddy system that can check in on them. Be friendly, listen to their story, encourage them, treat them like a human. • Shelters that will provide full assistance regardless of religious belief. • most need mental help. Most dont want to work. There is plenty for them to do, pay them to clean the streets, or clean up parks or something,free cash just makes the problem get bigger. • Economic development to bring more jobs to the area. • Provide jobs and not hand outs. • Stop them from panhandling. If it's against the law then the law needs to do something about it and quit. Just driving past and acting like it ain't nothing • Stop sweeps and other brutal tactics that criminalize and punish people for being homeless. Stop letting rental businesses raise rent. • More mental health services • Is there a way the City can determine which people are at-risk of being homeless? Do you know if other areas in the state are sending some of their homeless people to Roanoke by purchasing them a one-way ticket to the city? If so, can the city contact these locations? • Allow The Least of These the funds they need to serve the homeless! They do an amazing job and are in need of the city's financial support to provide shelter for our homeless neighbors. The fact that they want to offer showers should not exclude them from the needed funds. The homeless must have access to showers-that is a basic human need. • More staff to support efforts and outreach • Police protection • Arrest them for loitering • Families and Veterans are one thing. Providing services to those who just don't want to work but insist on pan handling should be the last on your list. • Shelters should not be affiliated with religious institutions that coerce individuals to attend church services. There should also be dignity in seeking housing assistance: a person's gender and past should not be used against them in the application process. More attention paid to the ALICE population so that they do not become unhoused. + Better follow through from the programs currently in place. Possibly staff increases or more well trained staff. • See above. • Get rid • Offer a non-abstinence shelter program for addicts. A majority of those who are sleeping on the street and ineligible for the Rescue Mission are hooked on drugs beyond their own control and this is a VERY serious issue that needs to be addressed. As much as we want them to stop, they need much more help than what the Rescue Mission can offerz Have shelter options in more areas, such as Hollins, Daleville, Clearbrook. • Facilitate additional mental health and social work services in walking distance of the most affected people groups. For instance, an individual in SE may need services that they can only receive at Blue Ridge Behavioral Health in NW. Many individuals I've met need fewer obstacles to assistance and geographical distance is a major obstacle. • View those that are homeless with dignity and respect. These are people with histories and futures. • get the homeless away from our downtown areas, public parks, and major intersections. It makes our city look so trashy, and I do not feel safe walking around those areas past dusk. Attachment A • Stop penalizing people for existing and blocking off areas of shelter in bad weather, but stop panhandling, they mask the true needs of the community. No more people on the medians or running into traffic. • Get the homeless into homes. It's simple. Then get them mental healthcare, drug rehab, and job training. • They have nowhere to use the bathroom. Downtown businesses need to be forced to provide people the common decency of somewhere to go to the bathroom • Roanoke is full of empty buildings; unused strip malls, foreclosed homes, closed motels, abandoned office buildings...Roanoke should utilize these structures and turn them into housing centers for homeless people. • Instead of forcing them out of areas, provide somewhere for them to go. PERIOD. Stop treating them like 2nd class citizens, see them as people! • Provide the unhoused with houses and education. Please see what they are doing in Boise Idaho • Better assist with utilities and rent Assistance and finding and lowering rent so people can afford them. Everything is so high priced it's hard to survive living alone as a single parent with one child or with four -five children. The jobs around here don't pay enough to live off of and eat off of. • To focus on the people who are un-homed and help them find housing. There are always going to be people who only want hand outs and don't want to follow rules. I think that mental health services, along with employment, and substance abuse needs to be at the top of the list to keep people out of emergency rooms taking up a bed for the sick people. • Find work for them such as picking up trash and pay them a good wage • Not vilify the homeless • Support DRI Ambassador Program and Other Outreach Programs • Stop cutting out benefits as soon as they start working • Support aging out foster youth, teens may need plan to support individual needs before turning 18, investigate CPS cases where either too little was done or when children have been unnecessarily removed or when support services could have prevented separation. Transportation needs are not being met-buses do not run often enough to be efficient,they are expensive compared to other cities, they are often in poor condition. • Provide counseling • Pay for folks to help foster homeless • Get more affordable housing and not look for so many stipulations on renting a house • There is a need for financial assistance to help those individuals at risk of homelessness to rehabilitate their homes/trailers. People have leaking roofs, leaking windows and mold. There's a need for weatherization of homes. People need financial help to fix these problems so they can remain in their homes and not become homeless. People on disability and on fixed incomes cannot afford to fix things themselves. There's also a need for the labor to have it done. • The repeat offenders who are pan handling daily need to be interviewed by Social Services to see why they are pan handling and verify that they are homeless. Not all homeless are pan handlers and not all pan handlers are homeless. • Find safe places for them to be during the day time. Clean water, bathroom, and shelter(shade and rain). Until there is a better plan to help get them off the streets they need a safe plane right now! • Provide housing "mentors", to help people maintain and manage their homes. • Have emergency funding through dss and have a mental health facility to help those on the streets. A drug program that doesn't involve religion. • Housing first approaches work! Stop requiring that people experiencing homelessness jump through hoops BEFORE they qualify for assistance. Do not rely on nonprofits to build and maintain shelters when the local government should be investing in more resources and services. I want my tax dollars to fund actual shelters, not religious charities like the Rescue Mission, where many don't actually want to stay. • Allow increased lifestyle flexibility for those using homeless services. • Not allow panhandling. Attachment A • Understand why it is that homelessness continues to pervade Roanoke. Based on a few conversations I've had with the homeless, it seems that many of them travel from elsewhere to come here. Why is that? • 1. Create guidelines to stop/manage the flow of homeless people to Roanoke from other cities. 2. Create residential treatment facilities for those experiencing mental health and substance use disorders that render them unable to work and support themselves. 3. Enforce laws preventing sleeping in parks. 4. Create "work for housing"options for the able-bodied who need shelter--city sponsored work projects that provide housing until the individual can obtain permanent work and housing either locally or elsewhere. 5. Incentivize employers to provide temporary housing near the work site or a housing allowance as part of compensation to recruit needed workers. 6. Expand the Homelessness Assistance Team to create a comprehensive approach with other city and community agencies to actively manage the homeless population. 7. Create dedicated social workers who work exclusively with homeless clients. • Focus more on the mental health of the individuals experiencing homelessness. Offer more skill building tools. Put less focus on criminalizing people for being homeless. • Form more outreach programs to provide housing and assistance. Esp with winter coming... and police are not the answer... too threatening to this population. • Better public transportation and safe and inclusive mobility infrastructure(like protected bike lanes, traffic calming, wider side walks). This allows people to get to jobs, doctors appointments, and food without the additional liability of a car as well as help local businesses of Roanoke with increased foot traffic and creating safe clean spaces that everyone can and will want to use (also decreasing the stigma around alternate forms of transportation). • Prioritize the current housing assistance so that truly deserving/non-criminal background people have a safe place to live. • Create more gathering spots for them instead of having them congregate at local businesses and abandoned houses. • Build better public transportation and bikeable streets to allow for car independence. • Do NOT enable it. Clean needles are not the solution. We don't need more shelters or better shelters. We need resources to help with mental illness and substance abuse. We need to crack down on panhandling. Perhaps offer jobs (picking up litter in public areas etc) in exchange for shelter or temporary housing. • Create more affordable housing and support. Address the stigma around homeless, and the connection that people assume is there(substance abuse, mental health, low intelligence), along with how to actively address these factors with support if/when they are relevant. • Keep them Off the streets & recreational parks! I should not have to look out my window to a park with homeless people. • Resource assistance • Go around the city speak with actual homeless people with care and compassion and see what they need, how they got in this position. • Identify the needs of the individual and help them meet those needs. Whether it's mental health or employment opportunities • Provide shelter and food. More senior living. • As a former homeless citizen of Roanoke City, while services might be available, many homeless feel stuck. They do not feel worthy, they feel like trash. Not everyone WANTS to be stuck out on the streets. They don't know what to do, or where to go. They don't feel SUPPORT. The Rescue Mission's rules and regulations are strict. There is a lack of understanding and support for our homeless. • Have more shelter options for families • Make it easy to ask for help. Treat them like human beings. Make help easily accessible-showers, laundry, indoor/outdoor day facilities. • Fund more programs that provide more permanent supportive housing with low barrier access. funding the construction of ew low-income housing. • Day center where they can get congregate services • Put a stop to other cities sending their homeless here to Roanoke. Change the law for panhandling back to the way it used to be. Attachment A • Why would putting them in a motel even be an option? The feds just took over knights inn. Coincidentally Days Inn closed the same week. The city took over the Ramada...what's next Embassy? All of the cheap motels are drug havens and sex trafficker oasis', but someone wants to use tax dollars to fuel the fire???And just so everyone is clear, it's not a homelessness problem because of financial problems, it's laziness and addiction. There should be stipulations, sort of like a work release program. If these people need a roof over there head,the have to be sober and employed. I know this probably hurt some of your feelings but the truth hurts, right?Get a hold of drug dealers and pimps and a lot of this will clear up. • Stop taking Grant money to bus people here. We are not a sanctuary city, nor do we want to be. • Day shelters and more mental health providers at the ready to help meet their needs during off hours and business hours. • In my experience with individuals and families displaced by fire,we need more non-congregate shelters to serve those who are not necessarily a good fit for them socially or medically. Frail elderly people, those with severe emotional issues, and those with compromised immune systems are vulnerable in general shelter populations. • detox facilities. Safe spaces. More adequate medical care. More case management for housing and to help them become established individuals • More places like Rescue Mission. • Stop limiting funds to only Roanoke City. • Have a place they can stay and help them find a place to live and help them with money for the first month • I've noticed that a lot of those who are homeless either have drug problems or are mentally ill. There needs to be resources available to help combat these issues. Those who are at risk of eviction provide some type of financial empowerment as to how to manage money • Help get them to shelters when they are on the streets and help them to stay at the shelters. • Get the government involved to help the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. • Make sure the ones you are providing services to are from the Roanoke area and have ties here. They are on hard times and may have loss their jobs or home. If they are from outside the Roanoke area they need to go home for services, such as if they are a Danville VA resident they need to return to Danville for services. • Do what Georgetown county SC did, go into homeless camps with police and backhoe scoop up the camp put in dump truck take to dump. Break ins and shoplifting went down in the area. • The City should enforce the no panhandling law in mediums. It's dangerous and the people are scary. They jump out in front of cars and they threaten you if you don't give them anything. • Provide more affordable housing so that they can afford monthly bills on their income. The waiting lists for affordable housing is years long and some of the housing that is affordable is not suitable to live in . Affordable housing needs to be monitored and inspected . I have way too many of my people live in places that should never have been rented in the first place . • Our largest shelter is religious-based and is not monitored or held to any standards of how they treat people.We need additional smaller shelters created in this community that are run by either the City or a non-profit that will be monitored for how it supports minority populations like the LGBTQ+ community and racial disparities. We need more staff who provide housing stability support services for clients who have been homeless or at-risk to support them beyond just getting them housed. • Understand that they are PEOPLE. Do not fine them for being outside. Provide public restrooms in parks. Provide lockers for people to keep their things. STOP CHARGING THEM FINES. • There are not enough accessible mental health and addiction services. • Utilize additional funds to help increase capacity of affordable housing. • Rent control, provide affordable housing, hold landlords to higher standards. • Cut cost taxes, rent, help make people more stable • Help them find a place to sleep and not make them do jail time because they can't do anything anymore • Create affordable safe housing. Tiny home communities. • Have city officials from all departments get out of your offices and walk around downtown. I suggest you start by walking from the offices down second Street to Salem Avenue walk around well Salem Attachment A down towards the market although it's it's cut off at the parking lot take a look at the garage in the parking lots there where the old transportation center used to be And I would walk around the MLK bridge and look behind it underneath. There is a built-in shelf under the bridge that's where most of them hang out and store their alcohol and drug paraphernalia and there's often 12 1420 of them there in at a time never bothered by anyone I've never seen anyone from the city there, but it scares everyone who works downtown or lives in the Hancock building across the street or any of the apartments nearby , it is scaring business and residence away from downtown and the city actually. What has been cultivated over 30 years as a jewel living downtown and we did create it now being jeopardized by the out-of-control situation and I don't know if anyone from the city of their office and just walked around and have a look at it maybe take some photos That's what the city could do start there and maybe see what services are needed and I would start with getting them off the streets by whatever means possible and getting them help Perhaps some sort of day shelter is what's needed though these are alcoholics and drug attic's, so what you really need are treatment interventions, but they should not be on the streets intimidating, and I mean screaming and yelling at, downtown business patrons, and residence, threatening them on a daily basis. Please go have a look from the mayor to the city manager to every employee who it who has anything to do with us, including the committee that put the survey together surveys are only as good as the committee that puts them together, and actually goes and looks at it with their own eyes . I have been a downtown resident since 1997 and I have never seen anything like this. It is a major problem and I do know that you're trying to do something about it and I do know that the survey is a start but it doesn't even begin to ask the right questions , if you think a homeless person is going to get the survey which is sort of what it seems like because you're asking if I have ever been homeless questions about that homelessness you're crazy I'm not sure they're going to even have a phone or smart phone or access to the Internet, or even care about that, so the approach might not quite be right but I'm glad you're trying. Thank you. Awww + 1 wish I knew. Arresting them for trespassing doesn't seem to help. But they are getting more bold and aggressive around their camp locations. + provide different ways for them to make money + Provide local tax incentives to landlords that make even 10% of their rentals truly affordable. Enforce more frequent rental certificates with landlords instead of the 4 year ones we have now. + Improve traffic safety in areas with high levels of panhandling (for both drivers and homeless population) • Build self-cleaning public rest rooms on the street, like they have in Japan and California. Build tiny house-on-wheels which un-housed persons can carry on their bikes. + "please build more senior apartments. Please. + Ideally building free apartments to get people off the street, like 3d printed homes orbapartment communities with mental health services available. Expensive, but I hope one day it can be achieved. Surveying those already homeless without access to this survey. Increase minimum wage to a living wage, individuals should be able to work one job and make enough money to thrive, not just survive. Educating people on homelessness and how difficult it is to escape from. Put restrictions on landlords buying houses and renting them, let people own their homes. + Stop the Biden Administration from the continued destruction of my country and the disrespect of the Constitution + See what other things people need. Homeless people often suffer from substance abuse and or mental health. Start there and help them to recovery instead of shaming them + 1 really don't have a good answer. I see more and more people including younger people begging on the medians. A lot of these people are not very marketable for employment. I hate to think about where your life is at to make a cardboard sign and beg from others. Depressing + Get the Department of Veterans Affairs more involved to add additional support to the outstanding number of homeless veterans. A person volunteers their life for their country no matter if they've seen combat or not deserves to not have to worry about anything else in their life especially a place to live. + Find them jobs or ways to work for and help to get on feet + Give them money + Provide jobs + There might be some think-tank effort toward New-Deal style solutions, to group work, group housing, or relocation. Attachment A • Arrest the repeat drug, and violent offenders and not just release them the next day. • Life skills education • The City should also encourage businesses to get involved in offering job training skills and increase volunteer outreach opportunities. • Think about the elderly that's already done their 30 years and needs help I'm in that position now I'm not getting any help • City Management to resign • Affordable rental units, City builds/approves high end rentals not affordable. • Partner with other groups/ministries that support homeless populations. Do not allow homeless population to ask for money at intersections • City council should repent of their sin and submit to the authority of God which is above all governments: civil, church, and family. • Get rid of slumlords Temporary, portable washrooms. Like @ carillon construction site. • Expand the HAT team. They're barely around. Also, get these folks off the street during the day. • Free Education, stop illegal drug trafficking • 1 don't know, honestly • Follow up services after people are housed to prevent recurrence Lower cost on rent • Work to find solutions that will benefit those suffering from homelessness and get them the help they need rather than putting laws and measures in place that punish them. • Enforce the law!! Stop being a sanctuary city that receives homeless and problem people from other localities. • Build affordable housing; build dorm room housing; provide financial literacy education; provide on the job training • Not make sleeping outside illegal • Should provide them with somewhere to live at even if it's temporary. It's better than being on the streets. Help them find a job especially if their having a hard time finding one. And help them with transportation such as; a free city bus pass so people can go back and forth to work until they save up enough money for a car. Build more affordable housing as well. • Stop bringing them here from other places-They already are everywhere .. Unfortunately even my street has them.. • Rehab programs should be a priority. My perception is there isn't a housing shortage but no repercussions for those choosing not to use existing programs to clean up their lives. some of the homeless have gone on the news also explaining they can earn enough panhandling so handing money won't fix the housing problem. Enforcing loitering and panhandling violations and better drug and alcohol rehab programs should be the focus. • I believe services are available that are not being utilized because some individuals want the freedom to use substances and that is limited in shelters. By allowing the encampments to continue and the panhandling to go on at every street corner and intersection, we continue to make homelessness a viable option for some who continue to refuse services already available.We need to address the issue of why people choose to the streets over supports available. • help with the meth addiction in Virginia • Build tiny home communities to transition homeless off the street and out of shelters into their own living spaces while providing essential care needs like mental health, addiction recovery and employment services for them so they can move into their own apts. • Make housing more affordable and/or have more places available without restrictions for homelessness • Most of it is brought on by drug abuse, and mental health. So more community resources. • Be tougher on crime like drugs and theft. And bring more jobs to the area. • Need to get these individuals off the streets, and provide them a free clinic • Allot more funding and easier ways to access help. • Free housing • Designated area for them to sleep, put their belongings if they are unable to secure shelter Attachment A • Bring back section 8 assistance to low income families. Offer better housing environments for those unable to make rent. Make landlords fix rental properties they own. Make landlords consider lower rent pricing. • Fix up the old run down motels that have closed and make them into housing for the homeless with strict rules • Get rid of them ! ! • Job assistance, rental assistance, outreach programs • Roanoke needs more policing of the homeless downtown. We need to provide opportunities for them to CONTRIBUTE to the society they occupy in whatever ways possible. I see firsthand the homeless community and the cancer some pose to our community. Every few days I see new homeless joining that community. I encourage those in the community and through my work at the hospital to visit the Rescue Mission. The garage where 1 park downtown on Church across from the Texas Tavern, there are always vagrants loitering in there, doing drugs in the stairwells, and using it(and my alleyway on first street)as a bathroom. There is an African American man who"lives" in a doorway of a building across from Sidecar who is always taking people into the garage - to do what, I don't know. Other homeless are always buzzing around him, shady characters.Who wants to get help when you have others enabling you. They defecate in elevators and alleyways. It's a bad look for people who come to bring money INTO downtown. The city can start by offering ultimatums- get help, in a program to get clean, to get work,to get on their feet-and get them off the streets and CONTRIBUTE to the society they take from and tarnish. • Provide more funding to the schools • Low income housing • Substance abuse help because from what I'm seeing people spend all their money on drugs then beg and steal for everything else. • Provide less expensive housing • More affordable housing so that people are less likely to live on the edge of becoming unsheltered. • Spreading the good news of Jesus is important in order to show other that their life matters. It's vital that we know that Jesus died a sinners death and was killed unjustly, He was perfect, but took our sin upon Him for our sake in order to get into Heaven. He saved us and has given us new life, the homeless can see that they have purpose and are not labeled by anyone expect the Lord as a child of God. My prayer is that God would bless you and the spirit of God would touch the hearts of everyone. If we believe in our heart that Jesus died on the cross, and confess with our mouth that He is Lord, we will be saved. Amen • Create an unused space for disconnected folks to be able to be safe for a night without being run off like a rat. A good place for assistance services to find them to get them connected. • There are a lot of boarded up and abandoned homes in South east roanoke the city needs to buy repairand use for affordable housing!! • Provide amenities for homeless people where they can shower, be safe, fed, and a mailing address so that they can get back on their feet. It may take time, but it's worth it. They just need someone to believe in them again. • Help the homeless with their addiction: alcohol, drugs, smoking, lack of jobs, low self esteem. • Do something about rent. Housing is becoming more and more unaffordable in the city, putting more people at risk of homelessness. Do something to prevent the continued expanse of"luxury' apartments or even non luxury apartments but are priced like one. Inflation on rent is skyrocketing and places that are still lower-end cost sacrifice safety • 1 think all of the above initiatives are important but I think what is really needed is more funding and awareness about rapid rehousing and long term "shelter"options like converting old hotels or motels into housing for people most at risk. Also the public sleeping ordinance is absolute garbage, you cannot find people for trying to perform life sustaining activities like sleeping. Also, we need more funding to assist people experiencing homelessness with move in fee when they are able to find housing. • More paid job training programs. • Enforcement of current laws to stop the panhandling. These people are mentally III or drug addicted and are not the cities problem. Attachment A • Provide training/classes for people who've never been on there own before. Help us to help ourselves, without any judgment! • Find a way to get panhandlers off the street corners and medians. It is a blight and it causes resentment against those doing it. It appears many panhandlers are doing quite well, which further discourages citizens from helping with real needs. Provide mental health and substance abuse help and incentives to get off the street. • Help them get housing educated them how to balance there lifestyle have stricter laws about pan handling looting and squatters • Get them out of the middle of every road, pass a ordinance making it illegal to pan handle. Its not safe for someone to stand in the middle of the road especially when they are mostly not all but mostly high or drunk • Better mental health help • Increase public housing access, section 8 properties, and other affordable housing options • As a case worker here in town, the issue I have seen for homelessness is not lack of shelters, but often people choose to not utilize the shelters because the shelters do not allow drugs. Most who do not utilize the shelters knowing do so because they wish to continue using substances. Dealing with substance use in my opinion is extremely important in helping with the homelessness crisis. • Develop affordable housing on the vacant land in Roanoke and the acquire abandoned properties to turn into affordable housing with services • Explore rent controlled housing, fund long term substance abuse treatment plans, interview, ask and research actual homeless people. Start there. We can't fix what we don't truly understand. 1) Provide preventive services to those *at risk of* homelessness. 2) Establish secular shelters with secure storage and on-site support services. 3) Use foreclosed properties to house the homeless while they get back on their feet. • Open the criteria to include more under The Housing Authority and investigate slum lords. Rental pricing is too high for ppl to afford. Hold the slum lords accountable. Provide more money to RAM house. • Provide shelter and food and assistance in finding long term housing • Create jobs that pay people a viable wage to provide remain/become self sufficient. • Get drugs and crime off the street • Offer more services to help get them off the street and back in a stable living situation. • Rehab buildings in city mot in use and provide shelter and services and job training to get them independent and on their own. • Increase access to resources by developing a discounted bus ticket for homeless individuals. Homelessness usually means lack of transport_ • Get them off the streets • If housed in housing a standard should be established. Conduct, personal hygiene, and care of the housing, and a code of conduct. • Lower the considered affordable housing price. It's truly not affordable. • Set up port-a-potties downtown to reduce human waste in the streets • Build tiny home villages. Need more affordable options. Get people the mental health care they need. Get the drug addicts in rehab. Get people more help finding jobs. • They should send checks to those who are at risk so they want be homeless • Have more ways of reaching out to people not everyone has ability to the news • Provide a safe environment for those who are disabled • Stop the drug flow in Roanoke. Help the people that are willing to work. Drug test people getting any help. Do not allow camping anywhere in Roanoke. • There needs to be more support to • Stop ignoring them! • More understanding of their plight. This is not everyone on the streets choice. • Homeless need to be forced to participate in rehabilitation programs or be arrested. • Don't just talk about it, do something. • There needs to be a cap put on rental amounts. People are going to keep getting evicted and cause more homelessness. People CANNOT afford the rent. Attachment A • Partner with Radford University Carilion programs to facilitate support services • Provide more assistance to those at risk of eviction • Build transitional housing, tiny village • Strengthen enforcement of laws that prevent panhandling on the streets to end the trend of homeless tourism • Lower cost of living • Put back the benches and electrical outlets and keep the public restrooms open • Provide rental vouchers • Put a rent rate cap on certain properties , provide more HUD properties for sale , buy old hotels/motels and use the rooms for the homeless.With a little money the city could do a whole lot but biggest two problems are availability and to many rules. • Day shelters for washing clothes and showers. Computer for looking work • Utilize empty motel like the one across from Red Lobster • Have early intervention programs to keep people from being homeless. • Help them find employment rather depend on handouts. Many places are hiring. Maybe have them be accountable to someone regarding doing the job they are hired to do, and tie any assistance to work....even if it is doing things like cleaning up trash along the roadways in exchange for assistance. • Enforce laws. Address access to drugs • Nothing....Too costly. • More education and resources made available to at risk individuals or families. Grants provided to shelters and mental health facilities. More local education efforts in the school systems. • The city needs to attack the roots of the problem. Mental health and drug prevention services would be a big step towards ending homelessness. As well as building more affordable housing, even with a full + time job in the area rent prices are so high that with minor accidents or medical problems anyone could end up homeless.A lot of people are paycheck to paycheck now. • Don't let them camp there are several campsites around Roanoke you need to take them to the rescue mission or some other place where they can get help and get a little structure in their lives and not just do whatever they want I say this as a former homeless person I • Provide some sort of system to find people working under the table, getting government money, and benefits living under the same roof.With jobs out there this should not be happening. Cut off the benefits for people able to work. Quit allowing the rich and famous to build expensive housing and help i the middle class and poverty level people more. Help the folks who really need it • Open up a house for them provide some type of educational experience and find out there needs to be independent with job training to get them back on there feet for housing • Get them off the streets check the empty houses that are known for the homeless to be breaking into cleaning up the city streets with the trash that is left behind k • Make programs available to people who would normally not qualify for assistance like people who are a employed but just need a hand up because they get denied and overlooked in most programs that are offered currently. • Provide more showers/restroom sites Mental health and substance abuse support seems a good route to take • More affordable rent, it is going up and making me at risk of homelessness. I work but can barely afford all my bills, when rent is almost$1000. • Bus them to Lynchburg '1 . Stop all the pan handling and encourage people to get help in whatever program they need • Offer more options for housing than the Rescue Mission that aren't religion based • Ask the churches to step up and serve the community not just those who pay to attend their church. j • Drug and alcohol treatment, classes on budgeting, paying bills, also getting cleaned up and ready for j job interviews, how to make their own resumes'. Encourage them to try and get day employment. • Have multiple level programs that address the needs of individuals and families that provide mental health support, safety and build their confidence to help them get established to be hired in the community. • More funding for couch surfing families y 1 Attachment A • Help the ones who want to help themselves. Assistance isn't a generation thing, there needs to be a end point. Do not allow homeless to live a lifetime off of tax payers money. Roanoke city should recognize that they have no money, they are spending money of hard working citizens. The citizens shouldn't have to foot the bill on people who do not want to help themselves. If anything, help the ones paying for the homeless. • Appoint someone to research what other successful cities have done for the homeless. Evaluate costs and make a proposal. Also, have communication with churches on what they could be doing. • Provide more mental health and substance abuse services. • Provide job training and direct job opportunities, and financial literacy education • ACTUALLY STAND UP AND HELP! I've been homeless for 3years now and still can't get any real help! • We just can't continue to provide financial assistance to the homeless and near homeless for housing (i.e. Section 8)without also providing regularly scheduled financial counseling and basic home economics education. Many of the people receiving this type of financial assistance are squandering the opportunity and not learning how to exist independently. There should be mandatory counseling and financial guidance/oversight of everyday expenses. We have to recognize that many of the current homeless are totally incapable of managing a traditional, everyday existence that most people take for granted. • Crack down on open air drug trade • Help people find and train for jobs, give job coaching, finance management education, supplement income and don't take away that financial help when they start to work or work full time. • Stop trunijg us away • Arrest them for vagrancy and put them in jail. • Don't base someone's needs on credit scores! (Yes ! This happens!) • Help with the homeless living day to day in the Melrose av area • Enact laws that prevent people from aggressively pan handling would be a start. And enforcement of people sleeping on the streets. • Take a very hard look at the data reported by shelters, motels, HAT Team, day shelters, local sources. I trust the annual Point In Time Survey, but little else. Almost all of these places are abusive, corrupt, and exploitative. I realize this population is composed of ex-offenders, addicts, the mentally ill, but also include the elderly, disabled, those displaced from unsafe housing,families starting over, people with debt/medical debt and victims of identity theft. Keeping accurate records is the only way to prevent people from getting lost/trapped in the system, and spending years in "emergency shelters". The emotional abuse alone here is substantial, by those entrusted to provide care-and shelters are not functioning as nursing homes and hospitals, much less as day programs and babysitters. The homeless population deserves a degree of respect-we do not represent a direct threat to society. And I know Roanoke City and the State if Virginia care about their residents, however housed. Unfortunately, they don't see what is really going on here, and getting a deeper view is not easy. It requires creativity and a willingness to look beyond appearances. • Help them find and maintain employment so they can begin to take care of themselves. With the price of rent on the rise, help should be given to employed Roanoke citizens who are struggling to make rent before they become homeless. • Collaboration with community partners that might interact with homeless or those at risk of homelessness. I work at Virginia Western Community College and many of our students are housing insecure. Some sort of partnership would be beneficial to help students establish stable living and better educational outcomes. • Stop bulldozing old buildings and turn them into homeless housing with services to help people get on their feet such as mental health services, assistance in acquiring proper identification, and then job assistance. • Regularly check up on the homeless communities to inquire what they need in order to improve their situation. The most important need is a personal one on one communication facilitated by non- homeless individuals. This engagement should be followed up by city provided transport/temporary shelter/ability to become physically presentable. This is needed in order to provide a foundation that will 'break the cycle' of general homelessness. Attachment A • Have people conduct interviews or surveys of the homeless to ascertain why they are homeless.When doing this the people conducting the exercise need to shelve their emotion and be level headed. Seems that some of the homeless don't want a better life. • We need to have some transitional housing (ie tiny shelters, permissible camping) available as an option for homeless folks to get on their feet. • Enforcement of panhandling in the city and make them clean up if they congregate in areas. Stop allowing more homeless in from other areas. • Bus them back to their home cities. • Start more organizations like"least of these ministries." The small non orofit groups in the city beat the bushes more than all other organization in the community. I see them out everywhere helping people. • Provide positive reinforcement of self worth by requiring "earning" assistance. Meaning free assistance does not help the growth of self worth. • Educate the public that giving money to panhandlers is not helpful, if they want to help donate to a organization helping the homeless. Get them off the streets immediately. • Rehab facility access for free for the many homeless that are on hard drugs. Provide mental health assistance for the homeless. • If they were capable of thinking rationale they would freeze one night and the next day with a little help. But if they don't work for it they will not appreciate it and it will become a trash city like everywhere else they go. Bus them to california. • Prioritize the housing of vulnerable individuals over housing being used as investment properties. • Many homeless I've worked with want to work (a job)and get an inexpensive barebones place to live that's safe, on bus line, close to groceries... • Get them out of the city. As long you are giving them things they won't work or leave. Stop spending my tax dollars on this stuff • AFFORDABLE housing options are needed. Not just more housing. • Provide a structured program to work with homeless individuals to determine their capacity to live independently and a program of training, treatment,job opportunities and subsidies so they can successfully transition. This program must be longer than a day, week or month to be effective. Enforce laws or make laws to make living on the streets unlawful to encourage people to accept the services provided. Encourage development of affordable housing. Create shared rentals of a house or apartment that includes supervision to assist the residents. (3 bedroom house could have three unrelated renters who share the common areas) • Make sure that shelters are low barrier. • A tiny village offering case management svc , assist with obtaining and managing benefits. Some may progress to community housing with ongoing supportive services. • Get people off the median! • Give them a place to exist. Take resources to them. • Close the borders and help the homeless that are here. Roanoke is a destination for homeless across the country. • Safe and affordable housing in Roanoke doesn't exist. Rental prices here are outrageous. Not sure if some sort of tax break or incentives can be given to landlords to make available more space or make safe the place you do live in. Too many slum lords in this city are allowed • Build an area away from parks where they can stay together if they don't want to have a church session at the rescue mission. • More mental health services and employment assistance. There are always going to be some who refuse help but offering a respectful hand up would change many people's lives. • Just provide education for them • Utilize unoccupied houses to allow for additional housing • Rent caps, more affordable housing, increase wages • Discourage camping in sidewalks and alleys. It doesn't represent the community well when there's trash everywhere from their belongings. • Focus on the health and safety of its residents versus political woke ideologies. Attachment A • The best idea is return the money unused, as the city's contribute to fiscal sanity in DC. The next best idea is to use it to buy homeless persons and drugees one-way tickets to California. The third best idea is use it to sterilize indigent women. • Provide transportation and IDs so the homeless can get steady work,train as needed • NW Roanoke is displaying gentrification right before our eyes. Building condos by the airport that no one from the community can afford to move in. Closing all the hotels that homeless individuals could somehow afford or being placed in from local agencies for temp shelter. Where do they go now? Rescue Mission being the main homeless shelter that still displaces those in need during the daytime, without any support is unreal. Rent is unaffordable, credit is being the factor to determine eligibility for a home. But rent payments dont even report to the credit bureau. And landlords beat you out your hard work money and don't fix your home to live in effectively. But raise rent so high that every one is suffering from debt just to have a roof over their head. • Provide rent assistance for more people to prevent homelessness earlier in their struggle • Add more staff to the Homeless Assistance Team. Add mental health service providers to the HAT staff. • Keep the shelters open during the day(even in the summer). Whenever the shelter closes they end up staying in the Elmwood Park Garage and other places. • Stop allowing them to set up encampments. • Better identify those who have benefits available to them to get them off the street • Let them use the vacant buildings for a temporary home until the city comes up with something better. • Cap amount of rent that landlords can charge. I know of one person who has bought up lots of apartment complexes and went up on every unit nearly$400 per month, becoming completely unaffordable for single income households or minimum wage workers. • stop the city government from being so greedy. get some more people involved in our government who care about the people, and not themselves. putting band aids on something isn't going to work. you need to heal the wound that broke these people, or more people will just continue to break. this isn't just a roanoke issue, but we can start here. by putting THE PEOPLE first. • Increased mental health supports. • Enforce the laws that we already have • Create safe sleeping sites where homeless individuals are permitted to exist. Include tent camping, small shelters and parking spaces. Allow an organization to manage the guests. • Provide day jobs to the unemployed • Make landlords come down on their rent that they are charging. If not build places that people can afford. • Tell the police to stop escalating things • Fix up all those empty abandoned houses . • continue-or increase-support for Rescue Mission • Make renting affordable, All the locations downtown are$1,000 or more • Keep the public aware of what efforts are being taken to assist the homeless and seek to strengthen community partnerships that can help with efforts. • Allow more temporary housing options for the short term, long-term update the zoning ordinance to allow more density in the housing market. Have the HAT staff make public statements and advise the public on issues of panhandling, particularly at intersections. (There are a lot of stories of con artists, etc. about such people) • Build a tiny house village for those who are homeless. There are some who are not eligible for shelters due to their background. • Classes to get them employed • Help them get SSI, SSDI, AND SOCIAL SECURITY. • A large problem is several of these are urban camping ,and they like it. I am a retired medic that ran in the city for several years,l met a lot of people. When things went bad, we where the people you called. • Create more drop-in programs. There are several homeless individuals who will not engage in traditional program and/or able to live in "housing settings."There are few who simply feel more comfortable living on the streets versus a traditional setting. These drop-in programs can offer Attachment A counseling, but be accepting of individual choice. Building trust could encourage those to engage in traditional shelter programs and/or housing. • Address mental health related problems in the community. This will provide long term results. • Whatever is necessary to aid them in their mental health and stability. • Since there is more landlord eviction now..set up a group dedicated to help the tenants, intervene earlier before the tenants become more dependent...i.e. provide$200 a month rent assistance at a new placeor 6 months to bridge a gap, rather than having a tenant fall apart financially completely. • Stop the pan-handling on street corners. Someone is going to get hurt, as most pan-handlers are becoming more aggressive in their approach. Someone might understand their action as an attempted car-jacking. Get rid of the tent communities over off Hershberger near the airport and the intersection from Hershberger to Valley View Mall. • Send them to California. I hate them and they my day. • Partner with those in the community and build units • Helping the homeless is unfortunately complex. People think give them money, give them a free place to stay. That can help the few that really want to get out of their situation but the majority don't want to get out of the situation. They just want the next handout so they can continue their lifestyle. Mandatory training and work programs in exchange for housing etc. would be appropriate. If they don't want to do anything for the help then the help will not work. • Do not let them congregate outside businesses if they are lying or sitting on the ground, or partially clothed, or with trash all around them. Gather them and take them to facilities or counseling where they will receive help. Also, please do not allow other Virginia towns, cities, and counties to bus their homeless to Roanoke shelters. This puts a burden on the Roanoke Valley and its residents. • Stop taking homeless people in from other cities ! It's causing issues , especially when we get the worst of them. • Buy them bus tickets to Richmond or literally anywhere else. • Stop handing out things like tents etc and do more to help provide IDs, assist with mental health, drug rehab, employment, permanent housing. • Provide basic life skills education, better health care • -Build more affordable housing-Require proof of past residency in the city/county for access to assistance/services. Too many surrounding counties drop their indigent populations off in Roanoke. - Job training/placement program (must work/live within a certain radius of Roanoke) • There is clearly a direct link between drug problems and homelessness. Those possessing and selling need to be arrested and prosecuted; those addicted need treatment and have to be clean before you put them into housing, especially housing they have to pay for. • Kick them the fuck out of town and quit accepting them from elsewhere. Fuck he homeless. They are the ones with it all figured out. And you just keep giving. • Provide incentives for people who are willing to work/participate in treatment • Make transportation to the DMV a priority. Tear down and expose the rescue mission for providing inadequate shelter during covid and for individuals who are marginalized. Increase mixed income housing. • Build a shelter in a part of town that actually has more positive support and does not force religion. The current mission on 4th st pushes homeless out all day and they have nowhere to go. So they sleep panhandle on the streets or hook up with drug users in the SE neighborhood. Homeless addicts need an environment free from other addicts. The City don't get that. If y'all wanna inspire homeless who are using to do better for themselves you gotta take them out of the element they can easily access their fix • Stop catering to the homeless and making being lazy an occupation. Being on drugs or an alcoholic are more important to some. Now I agree there are those that need help. But the majority take advantage of the system which screws those that actually need help • Additional BH housing is desperately needed • Go out and talk with them ask them what you can do to help them and then take the steps to actually help them. • Build affordable rental units and offer more section 8 housing...when a even a single room studio effieciency apartment is out of reach financially and units being upgraded are put out of reach of low income tenants our city will see more people sleeping under bridges. Attachment A • Lower the rent! Open more shelters • Create no panhandling laws and enforce • Find something for them to do besides hang out at stores and sidewalks in SE. Help them find a job or rehab Provide more mental health counseling. Teach financial literacy starting in 2nd grade and every year • thereafter. Incentive for companies that will build very low to no income housing for the homeless citizens o Roanoke. Even the so called "low income"apartment opportunities are geared to young professionals and still expensive. Build more shelters so the homeless have places to stay until the city gets housing opportunities for them. • Make housing more affordable in the area pers and others to build and maintain more • Change policies and practices to incentivize develo affordable housing units for no and very low income people.Very serious shortage of affordable housing here, and normal rental rates have skyrocketed since the pandemic. • Definitely need more affordable housing. The jobs that most poor people have simply don't pay enough to pay these high rent prices, let alone utilities, clothes, food, etc... Build partial hospitalizations for the homeless to complete treatment as no one wants help people in recovery Arrest the vagrants and panhandlers; then, have Judges convict them of committing a crime would e a great start. The panhandlers have become aggressive and this should not be tolerated. Also, our Veterans should be a priority over someone too lazy to work. There is already a ton of rental housing that folks who are not homeless either can't afford or can barely afford. The elderly with low income and have very{invited resources are very vulnerable if I lost my housing ! would be up a Creek with out a paddle and most likely with out even the boat Not sure how to answer this. The homeless people who are determined not to stay this way have ways to get help in Roanoke already. I just wish that Roanoke would crack down on the panhandlers who are NOT homeless who stand in the median at stop signs day after day. Not have the shelters and entitlements in the actual city move it near the county line. More financial resources for those who really want the help. Rental Asst as well as Mortgage Asst. Affordable housing. I also found utility s 1 was weeks w between.iwas in Funding ndithe gfor those kinds of programs. Last winter I went w/o heat Designated tent cities or tiny housing communities with mandatory job training &job placement. Social workers to assist them with food assistance, rent assistance, social security etc 1 wish I had insight to share. Some of the people who spend their time panhandling get a check each month and obviously spend it on drugs/alcohol. Use that for a couple of weeks at a motel and then stand out panhandling. Food stamps they get are used as an exchange for the above. Many have no interest in changing what they do. A lot of these people are being enabled by the system and the people who give them money. Roanoke should spend their money on the senior population and the truly needy who are struggling with the high cost of food and housing. Some of these people get more in the way of food stamps and money than the truly needy. Some of the people standing out wanting money are obviously able to work but as long as ookRoanoke continues enabling them and it will continue. The city needs to see the difference in needy and simply want. Expand the bus lines and offer more/better public transportation to help get citizens to/from work so • that they can earn a living wage and become self-sufficient. • Enforcement of the no begging law • Send the transient from other places back where they came from • Help to break down stigmas against the homeless population as well as build trust between government/organizations/etc. and homeless population (lack of trust in/fear of those trying to assist them has shown to be a barrier for homeless getting help in other areas such as Utah). The City does not need more luxury apartments or Airbnbs.We need homes to be turned into multi-unit dwellings for rent instead of vacation rentals that limit affordable housing options. The problem is too much low income rental property in Roanoke. Beautiful old houses are being ruined and cut up into apartments. Roanoke has run off its middle and upper middle class. There are few nice Attachment A neighborhoods left to attract young professionals outside of downtown. This shows the focus is in the wrong place. It is time to protect neighborhoods and drive out low income rental property and slum lords. Crime is certainly following the decline in neighborhoods.With good paying jobs even in fast food available, why not help the homeless get jobs not give handouts. • Allocate a percentage of new build and existing housing for rent stable low income housing. Give tax credits to encourage the program. Open more section 8 vouchers. • Work readiness assistance to include soft skills, clothes closet,transportation via bus tickets • Address the root causes (substance abuse, mental health disorders, criminal records etc • Implement programs on how to keep jobs, budget, purchase food, and properly maintain housing. • Make sure all areas of the city are safe with increased police presence in high crime areas • Maybe more programs like rent relief program that helped so but left so many out back.. • Incentivize/make the process of getting a rental and job easier. Incentivize participating in the community in a positive way(cleaning up the streets) • Help by providing free health care and mental assistance to those in homeless areas and help explain benefits that could assist in living in their own feet. Try to help those in need understand how to work jobs that build careers and provide free education • Connect these people to non-profit services who as in getting these homeless back into the working class. That may mean drug rehabs, skills training, child-care while they work, etc. Educate them in practical skills; the number of basic-skill job openings out there probably more-than-out-numbers the homeless. Connect them with child-care options, perhaps subsidized. Provide transportation information. Perhaps increase bus routes. For anything that costs the city money, put accountability in place. Don't give handouts. There are legitimately-homeless people who would gladly take steps to learn how to be self-sufficient if they knew where to took, and had the support of friends and family. Then there are homeless people who would rather stay homeless, keep their free time and drugs, and live in poverty with handouts, rather than to have a home, stability, and an income they could say they earned. • More mental health care • Renovate existing vacant downtown buildings into low rent apartments. • Asses those who need mental health services. • Pay social workers to frequent the public libraries to see who need assistance. • Require more apartments to be rent controlled so people aren't priced out of their homes. Have a daytime shelter so homeless are not wandering through the streets of downtown urinating, defecating, causing fights, etc. Shut down homeless camps. They are a breeding ground of drug use and violence. Enforce the no panhandling at medians rule. Require homeowners of vacant properties to either use them or bulldoze them so homeless aren't breaking in and vandalizing/burning them down. Have an emergency shelter that is not run by a religion so it is more inclusive to all. Right now there is only one, the Mission, and they have very strict rules that prevent people from going there. Expand HAT. They do not have enough resources or personnel to handle the rise in homeless people. • Food people buy property so that they build equity. In the • 1 would like to see Tiny Houses, and ways to help tong run this will encourage responsibility and a way to get out of povrty • Panhandling --the problem with the Call 211 for assistance is that the homeless don't have phones. Is there a physical address downtown or near the airport? • Affordable housing everywhere rent is almost 1,000 for a 3br?! Create more shelters , on where you don't have to be out for several hours • Provide transportation to the homeless to get to shelters! • Create organizations to greater involve the community in helping our members who need it. Restaurants throwing away expired goods, churches, schools, and other businesses can be incentivized to help in some way • Enforce the laws against panhandling and the illegal camping. • Develop wrap-around plans so that whatever solutions are provided to the people who find themselves homeless are sustainable over the long-term. Not a one and done, meaningful, ongoing, sustainable answers that are EASY to understand and access. • Buy and renovate the motels near Williamson/Orange and allow temporary and/or longer-term housing. Attachment A • Develop a new committee or organization to assist the homeless struggling with mental health issues or addiction.The public also needs better information on mental health, addiction, and homelessness. Also, a job center for homeless individuals with a non-shaming atmosphere! Partner with local businesses to hire individuals that need work! Help them with items like hygiene items, clothing, blanket etc • Make rules, such as zero panhandling, and enforce it. Homeless should not be a profession. A shelter where the homeless has to work to stay there. Meaning working to maintain the up keep of the shelter. • • • Which of the statements below best explain homelessness in the City of Roanoke? • Answered: 1,384 • Skipped: 0 0%104/%20°'"0309%4O%50%6O%70%80%90%100% Homelessness is a very... Homelessness exists,but... Homelessness is not a... Housing Needs Survey_Roanoke Residents (0) Please explain your previous response. • Answered: 1080 • Skipped: 304 • Panhandling is getting worse every year. • The homelessness in the city could be worse. Roanoke city does provide some assistance to homelessness people and families. • My brother is homeless and I visit him on the streets. I offer him a room, warm bed and food but he refuses because he likes being on his own and hanging out with his homeless friends. He knows I have rules like the Mission and he don't want to follow them. Most of the homeless feel the same way. Pity isn't helping to motivate them to do better. The City is afraid of enforcing them to get off the streets and that's only enabling them to continue to put themselves at risk of harm, or hypothermia. • The number of homeless has grown since the money for motel space stopped. And there appears to be minimal affordable housing available. • Almost every intersection in Roanke has people panhandling. Abandoned grocery cart spread all over the area as well as garbage. Drug paraphernalia if you look. These are the symptoms of a bigger problem... Mental illness, drug abuse and lack of affordable housing, • People are in a desperate place needing housing and all renting apartments in roanoke have all substantially risen rent to where people working full time struggle to pay for rent. • There are obviously a number of people living on the streets but even most people who are currently housed are only one missed paycheck away from havin no place to go.We're living in rental units that we are struggling to afford and most of us have paid in rent significantly more than what it would have cost to simply purchase a place of our own if we didn't have trouble getting approved for mortgages. • STOP allowing homeless people be bused into our city from other cities when they don't have the documents to prove residency. • One homeless human is way too many homeless community members. Attachment A • As a social worker in Roanoke city I have worked with many individuals who have experienced homelessness or are at risk. The rescue mission does not feel safe for them. Housing is not affordable. • Not everyone feels comfortable in a shelter and the homeless should not be made to feel they have to take any kind of treatment just to obtain a place to sleep. Bring back benches so they have somewhere to sit and day shelters that offer meals would be great. • Has city council and organizations actually talked to or invited the homeless to a sit down conversation to learn what they want, need and why they're homeless? • There is not a lot of help for homelessness unless you are willing to give up alcohol and drugs (while you should) it leaves a lot of people without options. This is huge with the mental health issues. • 1 am answering relatively. Compared to where my daughter lives in Baltimore, homelessness in Roanoke is moderate. I have seen some improvements to services but there are still quite a few men and women with obvious drug, mental health or alcohol problems wandering the streets at night. They are mostly not the dangerous ones who are shooting each other in the market ares downtown but the services they need fo way beyond just a room to get them off the street. • The streets&vacant places are full of homeless people with nowhere to go. Also it's a known issue of homeless children in our schools. • It is a moderate issue, but if we don't get ahead of the curve, Roanoke could begin to look like other big cities.We really need to help the homeless make the right choices. 1.) Save your money 2.)Get treatment. We also need a way to incentivize them to do this. if you keep going to treatment, you will get your disability income. • I'm not homeless currently but may be soon due to lack of affordable housing. Many many people are homeless due to many issues. Talk with TLOT they see it daily. Or take a drive around town • Homelessness has always been a problem in Roanoke but temporary stay hotels allowed most people to work and provide themselves with temporary shelter. Since destroying these hotels, there are less places for people to stay forcing them onto the street. It's ten times harder to maintain employment and stay safe when living on the street or in a vehicle than by staying in a hotel. • Hobos very seriously leave trash and make hobo camps and panhandle and do drugs in public • I work in the substance use treatment field. Unfortunately there is a lot of overlap with homelessness and it is heartbreaking even in my personal life to witness people going through this and being treated as subhuman by so many citizens who simply don't understand the nature and trajectory of homelessness. It's a problem that needs to be addressed with a person-centered approach that preserves each individual's dignity. Anything less is utterly shameful. • 1 agree that homelessness exists within Roanoke. Still, my experience living in Washington, D.C., and Florida would suggest Roanoke's homeless issue is a moderate one fueled by something much deeper, like mental health, substance abuse, unemployment, or a combination of the three. • Some people struggle with paying rent, which has become unaffordable. i • There has been a noticeable uptick in the presence of the homeless population within the City of i, Roanoke. I see it everywhere, and no city should ever say that their homeless population isn't an important issue no matter how many are homeless. • Safety is a concern. Every day on walk to work I'm harnessed by homeless. • The other night I drove into Vinton, there were 20-25 ppl gathered on the sidewalk with their shopping carts; There is someone on every street corner/intersection begging for money • Roanoke City& County Public Schools already have documented the scope and impact of homelessness and housing insecurity on their student populations.Who can study(thereby bring performance that dropped due to the pandemic) if they sleep on a different couch each night?This impacts a generation of students and has the potential to hamstring Roanoke City's ability to meet youth's needs and eventually train and employ them in our local economy. Beyond that, housing stability sets folks up to do things like pursue employment(I'm not a gambler, but I'd bet dinner you can't find a job application that doesn't ask you to list your address), pursue and maintain recovery from substance- use disorders, maintain a treatment plan for other mental health disorders, engage with their community by voting, you name it! Everybody needs a safe place to land and lay their head at the end of the day. • Number of visible vagrants has risen over the last few years leading to more trash and human waste in public areas. 0 N/A Attachment A + we spend too much time waiting in line for showers, food and walking around that could be spent on job search. it's exhausting even to younger people there are more and more homeless ppl in the shelters as well as on the streets + no answer given • I work with the homeless population daily + Homeless population is overwhelming and growing everyday The number of homeless are increasing.They leave trash where they are and It will be hard to attract new businesses if they first thing they see when arriving at airport is the mess created in that area (trash everywhere on side of street) Makes city look really bad. + Homelessness is a serious issue. I collaborate with LOT,RAM,CITY,ETC Crime due to theft of property to sell to support drugs or alcohol use. Increase in car jackings. • Increase visibility to people sleeping in woods etc • I've been homeless in Toanoke city and my own son and wife and 2 granddaughters are homeless now and I've known and still know many more that have been and still are homeless and it's just awful As a home health nurse I see it more every day, and I see all the people facing homelessness. • people begging on street corners is worse than ever and I have lived in Roanoke 61 years + 50 to 100 out of 100,000 is not a problem. Period. At most, it is an excuse to justify the jobs of grant and public funding seekers. + Homelessness is a cultural/society based issue. + people who have lost loved ones in their lives need to know they have a warm place to live and it is a safe environment + did I ever think I would be homeless but I am. I see I see homeless people everywhere in the city. Never homelessness in a different way now. + too many people, not enough resources + they are everywhere homelessness is everywhere in the city • Lack of true living wages creates homelessness. Millionaires became billionaires because of the lack of living wages. Nos, they are about to became trillionaires. Enough with their greed. + You see homeless people everywhere + Homelessness is a real problem in Roanoke + Because if the inflation In rent prices, and the lack of wages... homelessness is at an all time high. • The lack of affordable housing in the area is greatly stressing all our resources including mental health providers, hospitals, shelters, etc. low income jobs no longer afford individuals the ability to house themselves as no affordable housing is available. Homeless are told to go to hospital and mental health centers for housing which we can no longer assist with locating as their is none and so the only recourse is to return them to the streets but they still return and make others who really need the services at risk a as they utilize a bed in the hopes of a service that cannot be provided. ' . There aren't enough shelter options and supportive housing available so there are many who are forced to sleep in the streets. not enough places to go • more homeless everyday • the drug addicts are an issue + people living on streets • I've done that type of work in the past + homeless all over city shelters are full • the homeless continue to grow look around + too many homeless living on the streets need day shelters that are warm- need area to setup tents to stay dry in bad weather- restroomslshowers-we are forgotten jobs don't pay enough + many people are homeless 0 we have nowhere to go and no way to get there Attachment A • there are more people homeless than housing available checking on people will help some many people are homeless its a major issue • homeless individuals are growing • 5 months pregnant-worry for my safety there are more homeless in our area than I have ever seen • they are full • there are homeless people all over the city seriously • I'm homeless nowhere to go during the day-stop splitting up families to many homeless it takes months to get help-turn around time needs to be quicker I support organizations who work to alleviate temporary homelessness (or"houseless"). I have personally been very close to homelessness in my past, as a single working parent, and a lack of affordable housing. I have supported friends who have been on the verge of houselessness due to job loss or illness, and lack of decent affordable housing. In recent years. I also have witnessed the serious issue in Portland OR, and a growing issue in nearby Asheville NC, through my family visits to both cities. It's a complex issue that requires not one solution, but many. There are chronic homeless; then, there are singles and families who are on the edge of homelessness. Roanoke is a caring city with a Council that continues to look at this complex moderate issue for solutions, before it migrates from moderate to "serious." Roanoke's housing costs are moderate, but most of us who rent have received not only increases in rent, but also increases in utility bills,food, and gasoline in the past year. • sleep on streets • sleeping in streets children need safe place • look look around • everyone needs a place to live mental health is a need meth users are out of control • homelessness is very serious • because there are a lot of homeless • very serious • people are homeless due to lack of affordable housing, Roanoke keeps remodeling buildings for the wealthy and leave the little people who keep the city going • walk drive around city the homeless are everywhere rat inside my house mice • a lot of people choice to be here • there are lots of people no-one understands the problem except the people out there and the ones helping them • shelter is almost full there are many people sleeping on the streets Safe, affordable shelter is a human right. No person should suffer the indignity, pain, anxiety and trauma of not having a safe and comfortable place to stay. • Coming from Oregon I feel like the unsheltered (strength based term) is an issue an Roanoke but not to the extent that it is in the west,for example you do not see camping tents in alongside of grocery stores or highway and they are not as aggressive, generally keeping to themselves. • 1 volunteer and see this problem everyday. • Homelessness is a very serious issue to the members of the community and not feeling safe due to homeless people approaching people out on the street or at stores asking for money. Also, it is a serious issue because of the trash and drug paraphernalia that can carry bacteria and disease. The homeless tend to utilize emergency departments excessively in the extreme cold and extreme hot months to get out of the weather which is a waste of resources for the hospitals in the area. It affects EVERYONE in the community. With the rapid rate of inflation rent is becoming too expensive for even the lower working Attachment A class, much less those that are homeless that are seeking shelter to get back on their feet. People that live on fixed income are struggling as the price of rent is DOUBLING and their social security checks only increase enough to cover the increase of the Medicare premium. • It doesn't matter where you live, Every neighborhood has an issue! Homeless people with signs asking for money have spread across the City and County. Areas of camping are now visible from the street since leaves have begun to fall. Without an effective end to panhandling and support for shelters, it will continue to increase. • We do not live in a climate that supports homelessness, and the homeless are not protected in this city. Everyone deserves safe, stable shelter. • I frequently see people living on the streets, greenways, in parks, in woods, etc. Rents continue to rise but salaries do not. • The homeless is a problem in our community but we also have issues such as poverty and lack of skill sets to meet the demands of our job market. • Working in public safety, I believe the underlying causes for homelessness are more dire. There is housing available in Roanoke, but if you are suffering from mental illness and/or addiction, your priority is not going to be finding a home. Our resources should be concentrated toward the causes and not the result of these problems. • There is so much crime from the homeless population including drugs, theft,trespassing, etc. I do not want to live in the city because of it its awful and such a bad look for the city. I don't want my kids playing outside when I have to worry about all the homeless people in my yard and all the drugs/violence here. • Homelessness in Roanoke is an issue, but it's not as serious as bigger cities experience it. Any homelessness is a sad situation, but we can do more, as a City, to lend a hand to those in need by providing resources, not handouts. Often, handouts aren't used to get on their feet, it's used for cigarettes, alcohol or drugs. • Homelessness is an increasing issue in the Roanoke Valley area.Weare the central place where other localities send people for help, as they think we are the city with the most resources. With the increasing price of housing,food, electricity, etc. we are going to see an increase in our homeless population, especially amount our most vulnerable populations who receive SSI and SSDI income. • It reflects a series of overlapping and interconnected issues such as lack of mental health service, luck of addiction services, and more generally reflects that stat of the community's psychosocial wellbeing. Where housing is prioritized for its value as a market commodity instead of its value in providing security, stability, and social cohesion, that society has prioritized the aesthetics over function.What good is the most beautiful and expensive boat if it cannot float? • Homelessness is a result of decisions made, and should not have to effect the city as a whole. I for one wish we would not be so welcoming and accommodating as I am actually jealous of the freedom it brings and think there is a good portion doing just fine off of our handouts with no desire to"better' their own situation. Criminalize the givers to panhandling as well S that is why it is so prevalent in our town. • Perhaps the homeless issue is just more widely publicized and it isn't actually any worse than it has ryI been, but it is still an issue. Roanoke is a friendly city that's grown into a desirable one in which to live. 1 But we need to also can't simply develop for those who have and forget those who have not. • Homelessness affects individuals' ability to work ,maintain mental health and in turn burdens already overwhelmed human service systems/organizations. • I have lived and worked downtown for many years. I've seen first-hand how serious homelessness is in our area. I've watched individuals make their hike with their belongings in a bag back and forth from the RAM house to shelter daily. I watch people wander aimlessly around the market yelling, sleeping in business areas, defecating on sidewalks in broad daylight, and pan-handling for money at just about every single intersection. Most, but not all, of these individuals are sick, experiencing serious mental health issues, and substance abuse issues. Our city needs free and easily accessible mental health and substance abuse services within our community. I lost my sister last year. Jail was the only place she could get sober. As soon as she got out, she became homeless and hopeless, still struggling with addiction. She didn't have the support she needed and deserved. She overdosed on Fentanyl, a drug wreaking havoc on our community. Our police force doesn't have "the resources or staff' to even attempt to fix this issue or look further into it. My sister became just another statistic. Furthermore, I can say just about ANYONE these days is at risk for homelessness. Most are a paycheck away from it. There are various contributing factors to homelessness other than illness-which includes but is not limited to, low- Attachment A income jobs,financial burdens, increased rent prices, and the lack of available/affordable/clean/safe housing. In 2016, 1 paid $710 (with utilities included)for a brand new 1 Bedroom apt(which has since been converted to all airbnb units, but hey, let's talk about affordable and available housing in our City, right?). I now pay$1,150 for a 2 bedroom apt(no utilities included)as a last resort, living paycheck to paycheck. Individuals working full-time jobs and/or multiple jobs should be able to easily afford a home or apartment on their own without having to seek assistance from friends, family, and the government. It's a BASIC necessity. • People are being evicted from their homes because they cannot afford rent. They cannot find anywhere to move to. We will soon see children and families on the street. • The number of homeless folks occupying downtown and the street corners has increased since COVID. There is a safety concern for this population due to winter weather approaching and an overtaxing of resources in medical and mental health facilities, these folks are not getting much assistance. • With the RRP ending, I expect a lot of tenants (if not already)to become homeless or start hunting for housing that is not currently available or affordable if available. • I'm a runner and I see the encampments in several areas along the greenway and previously in downtown Roanoke. Then put by the airport. Simply forcing the unhoused from location to location isn't helping. It's going to be winter. There has to be a safe and warm place for people to seek shelter. • Many people are struggling. My sister is currently living at a hotel and there are many families living in hotels or their cars or the street. It's terribly sad. • Homelessness is always a serious issue, even if it's just one person experiencing it. Coming to this area from a larger metro area, I realized that even though there were fewer people experiencing homelessness, it was no less painful for each person in that situation. As a community, we have an obligation to help those who are suffering. Their success means our whole community benefits. • You can't go anywhere in the City without seeing the homeless,without them begging on street corners, parking lots, or on downtown streets. It's open and obvious. • Not addressing it causes many other problems. Anyone who doesn't know that people without homes in Roanoke need help isn't paying attention Each day I see more and more homeless out and about around the area. I am a former downtown resident and there was constantly human waste all over and tons of homeless everywhere. I think we need more support for these individuals. It's hard to find information on where to go. Then there a long wait to find and get a place to live. It's an issue and a visible one. If you take a drive throughout the city limits on any given day, it is present and prevalent. It is steadily growing. The streets are full of the homeless lying and standing around. midst a rapidly growing number of homeless people. We don't have enough beds, services in Roanoke a The number for people that is currently homeless in Roanoke. there are many homeless people around the city that need assistance. The poor will always be with us and we will never completely eliminate this problem. Helping the homeless is more than housing Homelessness is on the rise, not just in Roanoke, but nationally. When one homeless person becomes displaced and needs medical care that is not met, they grow sicker till finally no one can ignore how sick they are. At that point their care cost 100 x more, and their own mortify and morbidity greatly increases. There are over 300 homeless and more that have housing but are at or close to poverty levels that may put them in a homeless situation quickly. Because I'm starting to see more of them in the area and the trash and they're leaving behind. Especially in areas that's not a good look to tourist like near the airport and such. data support this statement Homelessness is down more than 50%from 2011/2012 levels. Much has been done to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness and there is a strong safety net of providers. There are some well-meaning groups, such as TLOT that are creating a false sense of security for unsheltered individuals which is keeping them in unsafe environments and discouraging them from taking advantage of available resources to help them move to stability and wellness. this is VERY Serious as ALL Product prices (food, clothing, shelter) are going up. Attachment A Haven't seen more recently than previously-appears to be a steady problem While I believe the population of homeless may be a small number, it is certainly a strain on resources, (paying to clean up camps, disposal of needles, public safety responses, etc). If we could give them opportunity and or options for housing, I think the problem could be reduced. In recent meetings, I am hearing that several members within the homeless population have been causing issues for businesses and parks. This could create problems for economic development and tourism. It is hard for a single income earner to afford a clean, safe apartment. To rent a 1 bedroom apartment is not realistically affordable if you are making minimum wage. Anyone spending time in Roanoke in recent years has seen the encampments, ill folks downtown, etc. They are people. They don't deserve to live that way 1 have noticed, recently, more homeless hanging out at convivence stores, libraries, and in apartment complex sleeping in a corner. I believe we need help with reintroduction back into the community . 1 am probably not fully aware of how many homeless individuals truly exist in Roanoke. Only those I see in my path of travel. They are everywhere. I feel unsafe coming downtown. They leave bags outside. They are sleeping outside. They look like they need a shower and a hot meal. I wish they had a support person to go to for help. Some can't read or write and need help with medications and need training on how to get a job. (Resume and interview skills.) There seems to be an ever increasing unhoused population in our city . People would be baffled at the real number of homelessness.The number of young people and older. It's definitely gotten worse since I moved downtown -it's dangerous the amount of drug use, public urination and defecation that happens on our city streets A major part of the homelessness problem in the city is due to the substance abuse issues in our city. We have many resources available for the city residents but many do not want help with their substance abuse. Until they are ready to get the help then need, some people decide to live on the streets to avoid addressing the problem within themselves and haven't hit their rock bottom. However, on the other hand.. rental units are also becoming too expensive and many are unable to afford their homes.We need more affordable rental units and not more high rise, luxurious apartments.. like the ones we are getting off of Hershberger Road. • We have gone from, you see a person experiencing homelessness every now and then to now you see people experiencing homelessness everywhere, at every intersection asking for help, on vacant lots and hillsides, etc. • There are very few streets you can walk on without passing a homeless person. Some areas are so bad I feel unsafe walking to my car alone. • Increased homelessness is exacerbated by increase in housing pricing, rental pricing, and lack of housing stock in area. • There are limited options for those experiencing homelessness. In addition, communal living is difficult for those with a history of trauma or MH issues. I have observed an increase of those camping in certain areas to avoid emergency shelter(s)and an increase in "pan handling." In addition, I don't think criminalizing homelessness or those sleeping on the street is the answer or solution to the root problem of homelessness either. Moving them from the streets of downtown only pushes them elsewhere. However, they are still homeless. Being out of sight doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist. Increase in numbers, families, people with pets and folks who get low income SSI and are expected to stay housed and fed may be more likely to live outside or in unstable housing situations We are seeing more individuals outside. There is a lack of affordable housing. There is also concerns with increase use of Substances. • Roanoke streets are filled with homeless especially IN SE 1 see many people panhandling throughout the city on a daily basis. I have served at least a handful of parents each year that are struggling to afford housing or have been evicted from their home due to lack of financial assistance. I have many other coworkers working with the homeless population that describe their issues with mental health and substance abuse. Fellow citizens are suffering without a way out. Any number is too much. Homelessness is a very serious issue for a multitude of reasons. It is a serious issue for the overall safety and wellbeing of community members, and risks health. Homelessness exasperates other serious issues in the community, such as mental health and addiction struggles. Homelessness can be difficult to Attachment A overcome. Some homeless individuals conduct themselves in a way which negatively impacts the view of other homeless individuals. Certain activities such as begging should be discouraged/not allowed as there are programs available for help. • The pan handling and aggressiveness is frightening. • Because of the drug use and crime rate many people are not housing secure and there are not enough resources for those who have been or are in treatment to have stable living. • There are many people who have not grown up with the appropriate care and have traumatic experiences which they self treat with substances. This causes a cycle of burnt bridges and homelessness. They are living along the rivers and streams, in the woods, and wherever they can hide. • As the mental health docket coordinator what I am finding is more homeless and schizophrenic clients sent from other communities with no financial assistance sent from the community. They expect Roanoke to foot the bill. • As someone who lives in Roanoke city and works directly as a street outreach worker with the homeless, I see many people struggle every day. These people are kind, caring people who hit a rough patch in the road, yet little help is present for them due to limited funding and lack of housing. Waitlists are upwards of one to two years for many properties. Many of my clients are unable to afford housing, even when they receive an income. People do not have a strong understanding of what services that there are for the homeless. There are staffing shortages and limited resources to aid those who are homeless. I witness elderly and disabled individuals who live outside who could qualify for assistance, but there is no housing for them because there is no affordable housing other than HUD properties, all of which still have very long waitlists. • hat there is a lot being done to provide services to We have a fair number of homeless, however, I see t them (shelters, health services, Ambassador program, etc.). If they weren't being attended to, I would consider it a serious issue. This year's PIT report shared that the number of homeless in the region has declined.While I do not necessarily think this is true from what I have heard anecdotally, it is reassuring that this number hasn't skyrocketed since the begin of the pandemic. • Homelessness is a concern, and now is the time to intervene before it becomes a significant issue within the city. • 1 am concerned that there are people in the community who are living unsheltered. It also unfortunately could give the wrong impression to visitors; the reality is that Roanoke is a helpful city who cares in my view, but people on the street makes it look the opposite. • Homelessness is an incredible issue in the city. I currently work with the population and have done so for the last 2 years, of which I have witnessed the issue become substantially worse in that time; especially with the most recent rent hikes, which have actually affected myself and my family. If we are struggling--a two income household with no children--then others are definitely struggling as well. Homelessness has spiked in recent years. Individuals from other areas in Virginia are sent to Roanoke due to lack of shelter in their communities,therefore increasing our homeless population. The pandemic and increase of rent have also added to the issue. • There are people standing and living in woods and on peopled private property daily. The police do nothing to get them off the streets and stop the drug use, and then there are no places to help the ones that are truly seeking the help to get off the streets and stay off. Stop enabling the ones who just want drugs and taking up time for a place to sleep to go back out and repeat the habits. Use the sources for those that ae really wanting that help and are standing outside with no beds due to the ones that are abusing it and dont want the help • They are everywhere downtown, and effect the current daily life of downtown. • Beggars at every intersection. People sleeping downtown on the sidewalks during the middle of the day. • 1 work in mental health and many of my clients are unhoused or at risk of losing housing. • How far can we keep pushing folks out of the downtown area. • Homelessness is on an astronomical rise in roanoke. For a few reasons 1)substance abuse especial 1 dope. People generally turn to using drugs because they have tried and failed in one or more aspects of their lives. 2) lack of resources and help for people that are borderline homeless. Their is no help especially for individuals that don't have children, and below 65. 3)roanoke city has just brushed off these issues. Acting like they will just go away or putting them in jail. Either way that cost more money than finding a solution to the problem at hand. Attachment A + Homelessness is a major issue in the city as we lack resources for it.We need easier resources as some housing resources need clients to reach a "certain criteria"for homelessness. Individuals are scattered throughout the city of Roanoke asking for resources and setting up makeshift areas to live. + We don't have clusters of tent cities but know we indeed have people with significant needs + I'm left enough to call them 'unhoused' instead of homeless, but the unhoused scare me. I've already advised an older family member of moving to a downtown apartment because of the aggressive behavior found there. And I was recently out near the airport, and frankly, that tent city is a disgrace. + There are a lot of homeless people with roanoke. Most are harmless. Unfortunately they seem to not be welcome in Roanoke. They are not allowed downtown and they have no place to go, if they do not want to be in a shelter. They are at high risk + No one should be without a place + I've lived in Roanoke 8 years and the amount of homeless people has doubled yet resources seem to remain the same. + I expect the issue to increase as the economic situation and increasing rental prices to increase, but it's already a serious issue + It's bad and getting worse with the closing of Ramada, Days Inn, and Knights Inn + Tent cities, panhandling + I was almost homeless. + The amount of people homeless or pretending to be taking turns on corners for money has become a serious hazard. + Homeless "cities" are poping up all over Roanoke, including church picnic shelters and wooded areas. Mostly they are eyesores. + Homelessness has only grown in the last few months and it is apparent by what you see and smell throughout the city. Shelters close (but not too close)to the city should be well funded. + City officials have paid very little attention and very little effort to address the issue at hand. Bob Cowell needs to visit their locations and talk with them. + Something many of us fear and my heart goes out to those not housed. Homelessness has increased significantly; however, when anyone does not have a safe place to lay their head at night-the problem is serious. + Homelessness has always been an issue but is not only worse since the beginning of the pandemic, but particularly problematic for the unsheltered homeless population. + To the person experiencing it, it is serious. But, comparatively, Roanoke has fewer people experiencing homelessness than a lot of other places, and the issue is not going unaddressed. + I pass by Orange and Williamson intersection daily where homeless gather and beg • Affordable housing and jobs are needed + 1 do not see large groups of homelessness in the downtown area. I am not sure how much homelessness is in places I do not see. • It is serious and seems to have increased since I moved here 14 years ago. It is definitely more visible and is definitely moving out of downtown and into neighborhoods, shopping centers, and greenways. However, much of what is seen is drug addiction and panhandling to support drug and alcohol addiction. • Homelessness is broader than just living on the streets. Sleeping in car, couch Sleeping, living a period of time in a hotel/motel. There are many who are living in deplorable conditions with no options. + 1 don't go downtown so I'm not aware of it. + Due to homeless individuals being bussed into the city, as well as it being a refugee city and already highly impoverished, there aren't even enough places to live for all the people who technically live here. + It's prevalent and growing. • Daily I see homeless wandering down town, sleeping in doorways of apartments, some even making disgusting comments as woman walk by. I don't feel safe walk alone ever. • The number of homeless on the streets are increasing.As we continue towards a recession it will get worse • Rent in a decent neighborhood is too high 1 have been homelessY foe 4 ears at one point and some od theses people don't want any kind of help they just want drugs and or alcohol by begging on every single corner that has a major Intersection the Attachment A city should ENFORCE THE PANHANDLE LAW AND LOCK THEM UP IN A TREATMENT CENTER OF SOME SORT SO THEY Cn back on track a. W a productive member of society I went I to a mental health facility and in heled me to become independent and productive member of society It is abundantly clear that Roanoke is a draw to human services and shelter from areas in far southeast Virginia and elsewhere, and the city does not have the coordinated capacity to meet the needs . 1 work at the Roanoke Rescue Mission and the needs for homelessness is climbing drastically everyday I don't think people realize that it is not only Roanoke City residents that are homeless, but the outlying counties homeless population often "land" in Roanoke due to the services that are available. The Rescue Mission had a total of 195 guests last night--that's 0.2% of the population of Roanoke. This number isn't enormous, but we still have a duty to help the 300-ish homeless people of Roanoke reach the fulness of adult prosperity and maturity--not to mention safety. Homelessness is becoming a problem. Not only is it being noticed, but it's also getting felt by families who are on the verge of becoming homeless as well.. With the rent hikes and credit checks and "must- haves"to move in, people dont even have what it takes to move in, yet alone maintain the household. unsafe areas theft street sleeping panhandling Homelessness is increases because of bad government policies that is causing rampant inflation and high energy prices. The"will"to not be homeless needs to be improved while not dismissing the current needs of the homeless. 1 have lived in this city for a very long time and never seen so many homeless hanging out in so many areas. I have also seen reports of disturbing behavior like defecating in view of public highways which obviously is going to drag down views of our city.Who is going to want to visit here once witnessing that behavior. i know homeless need help but they also need to moderate their behavior as that is unacceptable. Maybe city needs to install porta pottys and make sure homeless have access to facilities for bathroom duties and cleaning up. To be more specific, the homelessness of homeless individuals and groups who"do not seem to want assistance" is a serious issue. Numbers are increasing at them rescue mission where I am employed. The rescue mission is near capacity with the homeless There are those that are causing trouble and recruiting others that are made to be on the streets. Also, our streets are littered with homeless and addicts being nasty, taking drugs, etc in public and don't care who sees in. 1 have worked with those in homelessness for the past 8 years in Roanoke City. My experience and recent observations personally, through our organization and data reports shows evidence of increase rates of homelessness on the other side of the pandemic. The housing costs and basic cost of living needs do not match pay rates for those able to work. Those receiving SS assistance/benefits do not receive enough to live on. The Section 8 wait list continues to be a long and arduous process. Those looking for housing on tight budgets, cannot afford $50+ application fees for apartment complexes that require them. Some assistance is available for these and deposits, however not all who are in need qualify. now then ever, these people have lost all hope and need the help There are more people on the streets of there community. The landlord of some of these people should be able to get help so these can stay in there HOMES. Over the pandemic the rate of visible homelessness and panhandling has increased exponentially. I believe that emergency shelters should be more accessible and have more options for sheltering the homeless community. Perhaps further resources for the emergency shelters in the area to refer their guests/clients to resources/long term treatment/mental health support/group homes etc would be vital to ending the cycle of homelessness. People are setting up camps, have no where to go, sleeping under bridges and around building and allies downtown. nsive, people on fixed incomes have no housing. The"under- Housing has gotten ridiculously expe employed"cannot afford housing at their current rates either. Our homeless population is growing Working at the Rescue Mission, I see homelessness and the need for housing on a first hand basis Attachment A I work at a homeless shelter. Some people are homeless but refuse to come inside to stay because they aren't allowed to drink or get high inside our facility. They sleep under bridges with their friends and use substances. There are homeless people standing on sidewalks and at the median by stoplights begging for money. Most say they are homeless, but the money they receive from this, does not go towards housing. It goes towards illegal activities and alcohol. Often times citizens are harassed by the homeless while sitting in their cars. Many of the homeless do not want to work. Maybe they don't have job skills. Regardless, it's more than a housing issue. It's a dependency issue as well, and until we can target the underlying issues, our homeless population is going to continue to rise. Unsafe for the homeless, unsanitary for all residents/visitors, unsightly for Roanoke reputation and appeal as travel destination and economic impacts of that We have a homeless issue, but the root causes are the more acute issues- i.e. Mental Health and Substance abuse. Leave those unchecked and we have no chance. Due to the economy, the homelessness issue is turning out to be a serious one. They are everywhere and are intruding on safe communities making them less safe. They're impacting business owners, especially downtown.We want our downtown back! There are increasing numbers of vagrants- I see them doing hard drugs, committing crime, littering, and spreading disease. They need to be stopped- I'm not letting Roanoke become like California I have many clients that are living in hotels or staying with friends and family. The prices of apartments in the area have tripled for most areas especially areas that are somewhat considered safer parts of Roanoke, leaving people like myself(single female living month to month in a rental apartment,working 2 jobs and worried the rent will be raised again soon)very worried about the landlords bumping up rent and not being able to afford a safe space else where. I don't want to move away from Roanoke but smaller cities outside of Roanoke with a longer commute to work are looking a lot more appealing the more crime and poverty goes up. Large number of homeless people seen and known in Roanoke.An increase in panhandlers and people at stores asking for money or food. 1 see homeless people and begging all over the city at all times of day. They are constantly begging in the medians as well. While serious, it is less so than some cities. So many close to homeless create a substantial risk for families and the community. Services need to be more easily accessible. There are people just about on every corner in Roanoke city. I see them begging everywhere now I am not sure how many people are actually homeless/housing insecure...or if it's more substance abuse or mental health issues. Homeless individuals have mental health issues 1 work in southeast and see it getting worse and worse. Setting up camps by the streets, sleeping on the curb, panhandling- it's out of control. Lack of affordable housing and mental illness have been what I have witnessed as the root of rampant homelessness in this area and others Should be self-explanatory but sure;we have many people who are homeless through no fault of their own,they need greater, non-police related assistance especially with the growing population. Homelessness IS a huge issue in Roanoke. There are multiple camps in the city, and someone on most corners, begging for money. 1 work in SE Roanoke. The problems from homelessness had increased 100% in the past 4 years. I see it everyday. I work for a non profit that is trying to offer assistance but housing is too expensive and unacceptable living conditions. It is a very serious matter but the city needs to do something rather than putting in money in construction work. 1 feel that we just keep moving the homeless from place to place. Let's find a solution, not move the problem. All you need to do is drive around the city or set in a parking lot in some areas and you will see them...They set up camps and go into abandoned or empty homes and start fires. You can set in some parks and along about dark, you will see them going and coming from the woods....where they stay. Attachment A • You can go into any section of Roanoke city and see someone that's homeless. Many main streets you'll see panhandlers and if you walk through the heart of downtown, there's homeless people on just about every corner. • I see homeless people in all areas of the city. Most are panhandling and "camping" near businesses and busy intersections. Similar to last response. There needs to be outreach, going to those in need rather than expecting them to come to the resources. • Especially as winter approaches, at a minimum, physical needs have to be met. Ideally, additional services would help after that. • 1 work at Carilion as a peer recovery specialist and community health worker meaning that I work with families, those struggling with their mental health, and individuals that can't gain access to resources every day. If I meet with 5 clients in a day at least 2 of them are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and this increases monthly. The Rescue Mission will not take every individual, the HAT team has limited hours/resources, and people are constantly living on the streets • It's a serious issue because you have hundreds of children without permanent homes setting them up to fall behind in school and repeating the viscous cycle. You have people living on corners in fields and on the street. You have places that offer shelter at night only....where are they supposed to go during the day??? Especially when it's freezing outside or 100 degrees. • I been living in Roanoke City since 2012, and over the last 2 years Homeless people have double maybe triple. • They take over all public spaces. They literally live in the breezeway from the Hotel Roanoke to downtown. "Welcome to Roanoke". • Inflation, access to resources, unclean shelters and people not willing to actually help • Compared to other cities, Roanoke's homeless problem would be considered moderate. However,the problem seems to be increasing and those that are homeless are becoming more visible which is what is disruptive to citizens. • l worked in various parts of the city rehabbing old homes. Everywhere there were homeless people wandering & evens squatting on these properties. I was amazed that there were so many. wand 9 9 q • There is much more homelessness in city than what is seen in the downtown area. it has infiltrated all neighborhoods including the surrounding towns and counties. Much of it unseen. • We have homeless people everywhere in Roanoke • Every intersection is littered with homeless people panhandling.They also have multiple camps such as the one off hershberger. It truly makes our city look awful. • Homelessness in Roanoke is as its worst • Because their are very limited housing for low income families resulting into homelessness. Too many children sleeping cars. Everything is going up and government assistance like tanf is not enough to cover bills. Another of low income families are facing homelessness. • Roanoke has created this issue . Stop allowing people to live outside. Roanoke county does not have this problem and neither does Salem . The city needs to clean up . • When those with mental health challenges that are left to his/her own devices their behaviors escalate, thus creating increase crime and substance abuse issues. • Just based on what I see • Under-housed, homeless, and not homeless but panhandling, leave trash and blight in areas where they congregate. Not all have addictions, mental health issues, however there needs to be enforcement of existing laws related to panhandling, standing on curbs, littering etc. Being homeless should not be comfortable. Encouraging people to be better and do better may mean tough love. • Structural factors that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic has caused homelessness/housing crises to increase in the community. Addressing these structural issues (lack of affordable rental housing, increasing income inequality, inflation, increased untreated mental illness, substance use, etc.)will be critical in our community's ability to address homelessness in a sustainable way. 1 am not homeless, but I live near the city's homeless assistance office, and see and encounter large numbers of the city's homeless population on a daily basis. Attachment A • 1 think that homelessness exists and is a very serious issue for those that are experiencing it. I think that there are more individuals thought to be homeless and panhandling that are more visible that make the serious, but moderate issue, seem even bigger that are a larger issue. • It's a moderate issue that's becoming more severe. There are a lot of homeless people in Roanoke. You see them almost everywhere now. • Homelessness has always been and will be, 1 think a lot of them are not from the Roanoke area.What I have learned is Roanoke has the best services and that's part of the reason they may come here. • homeless population is increasing into camps; i understand the necessity of community • What do you mean explain if you have eyes you see the homeless in our city everywhere everyday. • Homelessness crisis in Roanoke Valley will continue as there is little rehab options and lack of transitional housing to help learn life skills. Lack of affordable housing and access to transportation buses need to be 24 hours and have access to employment areas in the valley. There are homeless encampments all throughout the city. It seems like the homeless population has tripled in the last 3 or so years. look about if you're not seeing it then you're ignoring it • Just as stated—all people would benefit from a solution to this problem. • If we stop letting homeless people come in from other states and help the ones that are losing there housing in the Roanoke area get help away from drugs it's a start Any one homeless is a very serious issue. i see it everyday • The cost of rent in the valley has risen substantially, making it very hard to afford. • I see homeless people all over downtown and the surrounding areas. They beg for money. • There are homeless or almost homeless people in just about every area of the city. A lot of these people have jobs but can't afford the massive rents that are on so common now. • The reasons I have been homeless in my life are: being shunned by my Evangelical religious family, domestic violence at the hands of men that I had to live with because I was homeless, inability to work due to mental illness, and inability to get help from church communities because they think it's not their duty to help they think it's the government's duty • It's gotten worse homelessness is ignored in Roanoke • Since the pandemic the homeless has tripled. Panhandling is at an all time high. • The pan handling needs to stop and the homeless that sits at the store on 9th Street the tent cities near the ramp getting on interstate at Elm and Hershberger at Lowes. • Everywhere you turn and look there is someone homeless. They have taken over areas on sidewalks and woods. That is no way to live. You should be able to walk down the street without stepping over people. Also the drug use is awful, there are needles found in parks and other recreational areas that kids play in.We need more drug rehab places or mental facilities to help with the drug abuse. Times are hard for everyone and we all have moments where we struggle. I feel for the homeless population because I know some of them have lost their way, others are on drugs or in bad situations and choose to be that way. • I have lived in s.e. Roanoke for 73 years and never seen so many people on streets in need of help • I've seen people living in tents on sidewalks throughout the city. It's very disturbing, Children getting on and off of school buses in front of hotels. I'm appalled that city officials don't see what I see and not be bothered by it. • Every city after Covid and the housing crisis has an uprising in homelessness. • it needs to be addressed. The city is suffering from it. They are sitting up cam o s all over causing fires in abandoned houses. Leaving trash all over. Ean the city up. 1 am raising three of our grandchildren and our daughter and her boyfriend are currently homeless • We now have"homeless camps". Half of which leave unsightly& unsanitary messes with no regard towards anyone else. nomy, lack of affordable housing and or opportunities • Homelessness is a serious problem due to the eco for those with bad credit, mental illness, etc. • 1 hate being harrassed by vagrants for money while on my commute to my job 0 Everywhere I go in Roanoke I see homeless camps. They seem to be popping up everywhere. Attachment A • Everywhere you go in Roanoke there are homeless individuals and the downtown shelter available is atrocious • I'm a homeowner in Southeast. I see them all time, in our yards, the back alleys, we find needles on the streets and parking pads. This is a problem that cannot go away unless we try to help. • People on disiblity can't afford rent. Need more places that cater to those on SSI and disiblity. Maybe try cracking down on pan handling • Again you see it throughout the city and it appears to be a growing problem.There is drugs and alcohol involved. You can see that all over the city too among the homeless or those portraying homelessness. • To many people in southeast streets too many drugs and alcohol pill poping people at res mission selling there snap. Card for drugs .too many people selling there pain pills for money drugs close down res mission that house men moved them to a other places .moved the family with kids to other places .for the kids safety.take land build tiny 0 for the people living in the woods streets parks stop building rich to do homes and apt for the rich .do more for the poor people on this earth. • Housing is unaffordable for low income and those who cannot obtain work. There aren't any programs and resources actively trying to help people with mental health issues or drug addiction to seriously heal, restore, and obtain work and housing. 1 have lived in places with significantly worse homelessness and I'm fortunate to live in a part of town where I am shielded from extreme poverty so I am a poor judge on the true extent of Roanokes homeless population. • I'm currently homeless and struggling with my partner and child • Too many people begging for money. You see one on every corner. If they can stand there„ they can work. Make them work. Quit handing them stuff. MOST of them are capable of working. Help the ones who really do need it. N/A • The streets and alleys in the city are overrun with tent cities , people stealing , drug use in plain sight on the streets. People sleeping on the sidewalks. • Elected officials have done nothing to help this for far to long. Now it's out of hand. You can't go anywhere in the city and stop at a light and not have them staring you in the face holding a sign for help. I can barely keep myself going with 2 jobs. I get sick of it and avoid going places in the city if I can, it has gotten ridiculous. Camps on the side of stores. Moving into neighborhoods because they were ran out of downtown. It looks like the city just doesn't want to see them. Now that they aren't downtown sleeping they don't care. • 1 see them in tents • There are several homeless camps. I have seen many sleeping on sidewalks , in front of stores. • People quit giving money to these low life's they will move on to another town • just look around • A majority of people"begging" claim to be homeless but they are not. They are often grouped together in homes and come out to beg because when you don't have to pay taxes on your income collected by passerby's, it's plenty of money to live off of. And let's face it, drugs are the real problem. Not a lack of jobs or a lack of income for housing. If you sit in the parking lot advance auto on 13th street for 2 hours, you will see drug addicts with HUGE wads of cash.They will then go to the side of that gas station and literally shoot up drugs on the sidewalk,then return to the corner the next day. I'm sure this varies from different parts of the city but this is what I see. And I see it daily. And this is why I've been looking for somewhere else to move my residence and my business. The"homeless"community in SE has gotten significantly worse since the Ramada has been torn down and it feels incredibly unsafe living within 10 miles of the area. It feels unsafe DRIVING through it! Homelessness is not a huge problem in the city. Drugs are. And if you want to prevent people from being homeless, you Need have to slow down the drugs. 13 years ago I was on the verge of being homeless after a divorce. I started a landscaping business with nothing but a few hand tools. I didn't even own a truck. I now have 5 employees, 3 trucks, 5 trailers, 2 million In equipment and work for 12 months of the year. AND I'm a female! So I KNOW you can make it happen. People are CHOOSING to be homeless because of drugs and because we enable them. Obviously not all of our homeless community are doing this but I can tell you the ones in SE are. I've ASKED them! They will openly tell you they choose this life because we make it easy for them! 1 see homeless people sleeping literally everywhere. Panhandling at many intersections and homeless camps, next to the Sheets off or orange, off of Valley View Blvd., and over near Elm/ 181. Attachment A • There are far too many unsheltered Roanoke citizens and the number is rising. There are encampments throughout the City and in residential neighborhoods which creates public health and safety issues. • There will always be homeless people. Some do not want to be helped. You have to work on the ones who are willing to work to help themselves and put your efforts toward them. • Homeless congregate everywhere you look around the city.There are extreme amounts is panhandling and encampments of homelessness most places you look. • I live near where a camp was setup and I see pan handlers more now then before 2020. • There are multiple camp sites and areas where the unhoused are living that are a public health concern and are a danger to themselves and others. • Because there is a housing increase that people can't afford to live. • Mental instability is causing much of homelessness. Too many panhandlers. • Worked at kk for 7 years it kept getting worse. • I've had to live in a crappy motel called Kingston inn that 1 barely afford barely as a person on ssi. I can't afford a reagalur apartment in my city. 1 bed room apartments are going for 800 an up then you have light bills, food an expense after that . • The backpack bicycle people in city are a problem. I live in an area where a homeless shelter exists and everyday I witness the homeless first hand. Sleeping in yards on sidewalks and loitering at business establishments in the surrounding area. There are so many families without hosting dues to a variety of unforeseen circumstances. It is not just drug addicts. It is middle class families without means to get a mortgage but due to rising rent prices and limited vacancies they are unable to find permanent housing. Understand big the diverse needs and backgrounds of those experiencing homelessness will allow you u to reach more people. • Homelessness is a worsening problem, but is at a stage now that is actionable.The city needs to count people staying in the motels in their homelessness count. The closure of 3 motels this year is a very big concern to me going into the colder winter season. • Too many people/family's are homeless and the city needs more emergency funding to help them • It's getting worse. • Local shelters and programs do nothing to help homelessness. There have been the same people at the Rescue Mission for over 10 years. If they were helping people, they wouldn't still be homeless. The Homeless Assistance Team takes their time getting people the things they need. It shouldn't take a year or longer for them to get someone an ID. The RAM House is also the same way and so is the Salvation Army. • They cover the streets in downtown Roanoke. • Housing is too expensive and difficult to find affordable housing. So many end up homeless at ni fault of their own We have people in all areas sleeping on the street. We have pan handlers on every corner. I can't go to a grocery store with out someone asking me for money, or cigarettes. • 1 see a lot of homeless families now and more children • with all the persons on street comers and students (families) in our schools- it is SERIOUS • Every street corner has someone holding a sign asking for money. Ride thru southeast around the D&G Mart, this is a hang out for the homeless and drug users • 1 see homeless or panhandling at many busy intersections and evidence of the homeless around the city (errant shopping carts, sleeping bags, etc.) • We definitely have a homeless problem, I know alot of elderly have issues getting jobs but these young people I see out there bumming need to get jobs and can get a job if they wasn't so lazy. • Shut the Rescue Mission down • Everywhere you look there is a person on the corner begging for money 24/7 • People are breaking into cars and stealing and messing with properties and sleeping in allies behind houses that have families inside the home. It's unsafe. Most aren't in the right mind. • Downtown Roanoke is not as safe anymore due not only homelessness but even dangerous for them being down there with traffic and going into public buildings 1 am comparing visible homelessness in Roanoke to similar sized cities only. • There is a great deal of homelessness and due to hostile architecture and laws and policies that penalize poverty, poor people have no where to go. Attachment A Although Roanoke may not have an insurmountable number of homeless, the fact that many people are living in horrible conditions because there history of frequent unemployment/eviction has forced them to rent from "slumlords."While not technically homeless, it is unsafe, unhealthy and the state laws are on the landlords' side. Restoration Housing uses a wonderful model to restore these properties and then rent them according to the federal guidelines for affordable housing. Nonetheless, this nonprofit can only restore one property per year. Similar models can be used by the city. More Habitat Homes need to be built. The goal is to move toward home ownership. • Any homelessness is a serious problem no matter what time of day or route I take there are always homeless on corners/intersections asking for money. • when people are sleeping in my backyard then theres a problem for sure • It's not as bad here as in other cities, but legal action should be taken against other towns and cities who bus their homeless population to Roanoke. • I'm an Uber driver right now while I'm in school. I see a little bit of everything. It is a very serious problem in certain areas. There are stores that I will never stop at again just because I know that I will be accosted for money. My 12 year old son was even harassed for money when he walked to school. There is trash building up a lot in spots where they hang out. I personally have a friend who lives downtown who has had physical altercations with some homeless men trying to mug him. They are still sleeping out downtown and other areas. I've had them come up and bang on my window at interesections wanting money which scared my youngest child. I couldn't go into the post office one night because there was a man camping out in front of it and I didn't feel safe. I feel like no one takes it seriously and it'll eventually become as bad as it is in DC and California with tent cities and drug needles everywhere and the constant smell of urine etc if things are allowed to continue the direction they are going now. • Because it's homeless everywhere you go in the city if we want more ppi to visit we have to keep our city clean and more ppl off the street sleeping • One on every single corner in my neighborhood and my 16 year old daughter can't check the mail with out being asked for a dollar or being whistled at. • People are homeless and not being able to get out of their slump regardless of how much they are trying be of the way nothing is affordable for a large percentage of people • The homeless population has increased dramatically over the past decade • I live in Southeast where I have watched the homeless population explode in the last couple of years. It is disheartening and scary. • 1 know dozens of people who have gone homeless or experienced homelessness in the last few years. I myself have experienced it. Roanoke decided it was a good idea to ban camping on sidewalks, but, nothing that I see was done to offer housing solutions at the same time. • I've never seen this many homeless in one city the city needs to do more to help! • Increasing number of homeless individuals on street corners, living in tents/cars, or sleeping downtown near businesses. • The situation seems to have gotten worse and worse over the last several years as a direct result of the city's policies and decisions. • Homelessness does exist in Roanoke, however I believe in order to prevent homelessness there needs to be more affordable housing and financial aid. • If you build the facilities and make them comfortable they will come. Stop enabling the problem. • There are some individuals who want to remain unhoused. The issue ultimately is 1)the community's response"get out of my neighborhood" mentality, and 2)the individuals who are likely in need of mental health and/or substance abuse services. Neither have an easy solution because in both cases there has to be the"want"for change. • Quit letting other cities bus their homeless to Roanoke • Lower taxes to encourage job creation so people can afford housing. Lower taxes so current homeowners don't become homeless. Encourage people to work, not receive free housing_ • People are standing at the intersections more than ever. Bags of trash and furniture built up in the wood or any area they congregate. • Because a lot of people are homeless right now be they don't have a home to go to and it is a serious issue because they have nowhere to really go Attachment A • I have a niece who is homeless no where legally for her to go other than rescue mission • Where I live, I've had several neighbors in the 7.5 years I've been here who were previously homeless, sometimes for decades.Through them, I met many other long-term homeless people. In talking with them, I observed that they are that way because they want to be, e.g., they don't want responsibility and/or choose to be illegal drug users. I also had several neighbors who had their rent and food paid by the government every month but spent frequent time on street comers with signs asking for money because food stamps can't be used to buy alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs. I'll never give a penny to one of those liars holding their cardboard signs. This city has unbelievably good benefits for the homeless (including short term, like my friend who needed to be a woman's shelter coming out from her abusive husband), the rescue mission,financial support for helping people pay utilities and rent to avoid becoming homeless or to help them work into new apartments, extensive mental health resources, etc. I've had many neighbors also get evicted from not being able to pay their rent. I've given them rides to shelters and other places. • They are all over the street corners, hanging around the gas station, on the medium strips, and walking around my neighborhood looking for things to steal and places to break into. From the highway at Elm St. to the train bridge going into Vinton. • It is a extreme problem, and the government of this fair city spends too much time turning a blind eye, or underplaying the issue.We have one shelter,which is more a for profit business, like our so-called not for profit hospital, the largest employer in the valley, who spends more time buying up property in this city and calling the shots I do see the largest employer making a effort to help. They just shuffle the homeless to Southeast, like we welcome the influx of people, sleeping on the sidewalks, the trash,the being harassed going into local stores, the drug traffic,the police who don't respond because after all "it is Southeast". • Help the homeless who are physically and mentally ill. Give the rest enough help to find a path out of homelessness. If they refuse help or continue to fall into drug and alcohol abuse then convince them to move along. • There is a homeless person panhandling at every stop light and it's uncomfortable They are sleeping in public parks all times of the day. Exposing themselves while urinating in the view of children and the elderly. And they make people all around uncomfortable. • 1 myself have experienced homelessness • If no action is taken now, it will become a much more serious problem in the next 5-10 years Many of these folks have nothing to lose which can make them dangerous • No one should be living on the streets in America. If we can give tax cuts to the super rich and send w money to other countries we can provide housing for our citizens. No one should be on the street How can we talk about other countries and we are just as bad People walking up to cars and asking for money etc • When they don't have a job and draining financially, it would cause problems and wanted to stay off the street to be safe. • I live in Old Southwest and the streets are full of homeless people. I have seen tents in highland park, that are taken down every morning. Neighbors in multi apartment buildings regularly find homeless people sleeping on the porch.We are all aware of some that sleep in abandoned homes. The homeless addicts and those with mental health issues scare me. I have been followed, yelled at and harassed because ! don't have money to give them. I now carry a whistle and pepper spray when I walk my dog. I don't want to see anyone homeless, hungry or suffering mentally. I also don't want to see one of neighbors afraid to leave their homes. • It's extremely serious because of drug issues, panhandling, and the fact that it's difficult to remove the homeless. Many want to stay where they are. It exists, is not serious. My lack of"personal experience"does not make my opinion less valid, particularly when it is my tax dollars that funded ARPA to begin with. • 1 have lived in Roanoke 15 years and used to work downtown daily.The number of encounters with homeless people has increased. The number of people openly using illegal drugs and damaging property has also increased. I think the cause is addiction and mental health. The only way to solve the problem is to address the cause. • There are rings available most nights at the rescue mission, but homeless people choose not to follow the rules and stay outside begging for money Attachment A I work in downtown and it is becoming terrible. The park is filled with homeless any given day. Many folk living outside There are homeless people everywhere. Lots of street corners, underpasses, etc have people standing there begging for help. People don't want to get up and go get a job. They want a handout.They want free living,free food stamps, a free phone. Someone has to pay for it. I'm tired of working my ass off 60 hours a week just for people like this to be given shit for free. Start cutting out salaries from the city of Roanoke. stop wasting money on stupid shit. Buying city vehicles just for people to drive around in. Roanoke city has a spending problem. Responsible home owners deal with and pay the price due to drunks, addicts and the mentally ill living in, trashingand stealing in our neighborhoods homeless are all over the city, near downtown, near kroger/lowes/airport, all over Every major intersection in town has at least one beggar, if there is somewhere they can post up • Although I believe there is a rise of homeless people I do still believe that there are other issues more pressing • Many people are one paycheck from homelessness and with the rental companies working together getting housing again is almost impossible. • I live by the hospital in downtown and the homeless encampments in the woods along the Roanoke river are scary to see and live near. These homeless pollute the river and the woods and are doing drugs and having sex as though they are allowed to camp there and do whatever they want. Numerous times the homeless are disturbing the peace screaming and yelling on the greenway threatening people and alarming the residents. • Literally everywhere I go in Roanoke there are homeless people camped out, walking around with all of their belongings, or begging for change on the corners. They're in the parks even though they aren't supposed to be. • There are so many homeless already, many people just barely hanging on at the brink, & housing in Roanoke is way too expensive. The wages here don't support the housing prices. • Visitors to our area always mention the homelesspopulation. • Homelessness is very very serious. They are everywhere. The gardens in the neighborhoods have stands. You see the Homeless sleeping everywhere. • They are everywhere and I believe some people are just begging for money as there employment. Some have more than you and me put together. • Roanoke is on the edge of homelessness becoming a very serious issue, even in the past 2 years I have noticed more people and it has begun creating additional problems in communities around downtown because of the lack of support. • Homeless populations are rising and ruining the city • The encampments appear to have increased over the past several years. It is rare that I am downtown without someone appearing to be homeless asking for money. People with homeless signs asking for assistance are at many intersections throughout the city. The homelessness in Roanoke is not invisible, over 300 children homeless and that is expected to grow, this sanctuary city is failing Answer based on percentage of homeless population in the city. It is a serious problem and makes Roanoke look out of control of helping with these people's needs. Plus it's dangerous for its the residents. It needs to be addressed with compassion These people need help. There are a lot of homeless living in city parks and Greenways. People standing on intersections as well. na Most of the ones that claim that they are homeless is not they just is too sorry to work or just to use the system and want to make folks feel sorry I've done seen some of them that be holding the little signs without the signs and they be dressed better than some people that works every day. The streets are flooded with people who are homeless Attachment A 1 see individuals every morning laying in the grass st Elmwood Park. The gathering of individuals beside the gas station on Elm Ave, the tents and make shift shelters beside Krisy Kreme/behind Lowes are a few examples Vagrants wander the streets at all hours, harassing and threatening anyone they see. The screams of the mentally ill can be heard at night throughout the downtown area. Our public areas are overrun with vagrants sleeping or simply wasting away. Drug use is rampant among their vile populous. Action must be taken to bring our proud city to a glorious new age. Someone is on every corner. It cost more for a homeless to stay on the street than it would cost the city to house them. There is A LOT of Homeless people and almost homeless people in the city of Roanoke. It's even more now with the cost of living and rent/mortgage going up and no one can barely afford it because the pay rate isn't changing. There are dozens of people panhandling every day Drugs and such have blown up In our town...alot of them don't want to work.. There are homeless people everywhere Everywhere you go they are asking for money the city looks bad from all the litter from them living in bushes on sidewalk. You find drug paraphernalia all over the place. People in a drug nod from taking heroin from them going in stores stealing and nothing is done. It is creating an opportunity for elevated crime and an overall diminished experience living in Roanoke. Homeless is very serious in Roanoke Va. I am homeless myself. I can't afford the rent or someone else have the money faster. I am on a fixed income, eith no where to live.And motels/hotels are too expensive Homelessness is a very serious issue for those who experience it. Have you seen downtown? Homeless literally camp out in front of the city economic development building on church ave • If you think it is less than very serious, you will see how serious it is, go downtown, se roanoke, elm street, taubman • Roanoke helps everyone get appropriate housing, expect for disabled people. • Homelessness has increased in Roanoke since the pandemic • People wouldn't be homeless or going to be homeless if Roanoke landlords and corporation wouldn't make rent and mortgage so high that nobody can pay • No one needs to be homeless with the help of welfare assistance, fee medical,job training, SNAP, counseling, etc. • Go to Sheetz. Drive down Williamson Rd. Take a trip to the airport. There's homeless camps everywhere. They sleep on sidewalks and sadly they look like corpses scattered across parking lots and medians. There are not enough resources that help with underlying causes of homelessness (mental illnesses, drug use, or finance issues)the resources we do have are limited. Roanoke does carry a disproportionate amount of the regional burden, so coordinating our efforts as a community to help in evidenced based ways is wise It seems worse than it is because there are no homeless safe spaces and a lot of trash. I don't agree that homeless people want to be housed. Read it. Elder Abuse 1 see people begging for money everywhere I go because their homeless, especially underneath a sign that says call 211 for help with resources. Homeless? Beggers? Either way it's a problem. You can't go 5 feet without seeing homelessness and it's sad because they are veterans and mentally challenged and just need help 1 see homeless often. But really a lot of cities I been to has the issue Because of the lack of help for those does not of wealth they turn a blind eye on people that is struggling to survive they're not even willing to help people get identities to try to get a job once you get a record you are thrown out like trash and not considering an equal and if you have a poor education you have no chance Homelessness is getting worse by the day Every corner, underpass, parking lot, etc,there is a gathering of homeless people. 1 out of 5 homeless die every hour. This is a very serious situation. Attachment A • They are on all corners, sleeping in woods and crime continues to increase • As a social workerwho often has vulnerable people as clients, I see the effects of high rental costs frequently. Homelessness is a desperate situation. • A lot of people come for the mission but there is no safety net to help people that can't stay at the mission. It's either the mission or the streets. • Homeless keep breaking into our basement for rest or other reasons. • I have a family who lives in the hotel drogo's tried to pay the hotel room your family and make sure your teenagers don't even get Christmas Veterans ADM. needs to step up&help Veterans • It's sad to see homeless is happening in Roanoke and every where else • The onset of new and older populations experiencing homelessness in Roanoke has always been visible/known. We cannot provide safe mental health services. Most people in need of mental health calls in Roanoke are met with degradation from the local police before receiving the care and help they need. financial assistance is another less seen form of aid in the community. • 1 work in roanoke and have been threatened by homeless individuals while walking to lunch. One cannot walk downtown without passing several homeless individuals. The stairway of the pedestrian bridge to the hotel roanoke reeks of urine. These occurrences have been on the rise in the past few years. • I see people panhandling in a lot of places. I hate this! Also, I've seen sleeping on benches and laying around at several Dollar General stores especially in SE. I feel I have to keep my car windows closed and won't shop stores where people are just loafing around. We don't have tent cities yet.............. • The lack of mental health care and resources for the homeless is embarrassing • The homeless population is increasing consistently over the past several years.This is evident when seeing pan-handlers and people sleeping in the streets as well as taking over run down motels. • homelessness is not a welcome sight. it is not good for business nor the community at large to have this cast number of homeless people in the community. High rate of unaccounted homeless and those at risk for being homeless. • Homelessness is a problem but Roanoke City's approach banning people from tables on the market or park benches and the like just penalizes the poor. It does not help them. • 1 may not be as knowledgeable, but I feel it is a very important issue as anyone homeless is an important issue. • I've seen more homeless people in the 5 years I've lived in Roanoke than anywhere else In my life I think it is an issue that deserves serious attention. It is not yet at crisis stage but that may change when the weather changes. • e homeless standing in front of a store or restaurant Too many homeless that are not willing to work. I se with signs showing they are hiring but instead the homeless still stand with a sign asking for help. You have to be able to help yourself to make the right steps in the right direction. Too many abusing the system currently that we have in place. Sad to see in the city i live in! • When driving up Mill Mountain within the last year, I saw those the unhoused population being roused from their hidden enclave. It brought me to tears-not only because of those being removed but by those City employees being charged with this task. On a related note, working off of Hershberger Road I see shifts of regularly rotating panhandlers.There must be other options for a community with such a visible presence. Perhaps those experiencing homelessness should be consulted in this process! • 1 see homeless people daily, but it is not a worrisome amount, and I rarely feel threatened by any of the people No one in the civilized country should be homeless. The people with mental issues should have a place to go. bout in the city of Roanoke without being harassed by a drug • It is nearly impossible to be out and a addict. • Homelessness is prevalent but the homeless population isn't being a disruption. • More and more people are seen sleeping on sidewalks, or creating small 'tent cities', Panhanling, etc and it's impacting area businesses and/or certain residential areas that need safe neighborhoods for children. The problem will grow and we need to choose proactive strategies to get ahead of it. Attachment A 1 see different people on my local corner every day, asking for money. People I've seen sitting there for over a year now. They stay poor, they stay homeless and they stay jobless. They need more help than passing cars can give them. • Many homeless people are not there because they want to be. All of their lives or different, people have so many problems. Can't pay rent.drug addition,lost their home, mental health • Too many individuals are without permanent shelter or the wherewithal to obtain such shelter. Many of them also have mental health or substance abuse issues that aren't being addressed. • There are so many people either homeless or very close to it. Domestic violence victims almost always leave with nothing and need help getting on their feet. Considering the drastic increase in domestic violence,this is a very important issue. • From the looks of things we are experiencing more homeless individuals than ever.As well as a lot of vagrant individuals mixed in. • There are areas downtown that feel unsafe at times when homeless people ask for money, at times aggressively. • 1 regularly see homeless people on street corners, downtown, and in sections of the greenway. I also work with many clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. • 1 constantly see people experiencing homelessness everywhere I go. For a city of our size, this is by far too big of an issue. Instead of spending funds to build an unnecessary bridge in Wasena, why don't we help those in our city who are experiencing homelessness? • There are many people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and little support. • 1. It's morally wrong not to care for the homeless 2. Having homeless people around is bad for business and tourism 3. People living outdoors end up costing the city a lot in terms of avoidable medical expenses and crime • The homeless stay in groups and collectively leave trash wherever they go. • Since moving to Roanoke 5 years ago, I have seen the number of folks experiencing homelessness skyrocket and beyond seeing signs in the medians and seeing tickets being dished out, the response seems slow, and ill-informed. There are homeless people soliciting at every major intersection in the city despite signs saying this is not allowed and giving them a phone number to call to request assistance. They don't want assistance from the city or churches,just enough cash from commutors to get their fix. It also seems that a lot of them aren't even homeless,just hustling and grifting people out of their money. • The residents see homelessness more often now as they are in the median asking for money in high traffic areas. Homelessness is a moderate issue for residents but it is a major issue to those affected. • It is a serious issue because it is affecting the quality of life of both those who are homeless and other residents. • It may be moderate now. However, winter is coming as rents have exploded. The PIT count will go through the roof. Richmond has already seen this with their Summer count. • Many of the cities residents live at or below the poverty line, and all it takes is one unfortunate event to become homeless. Everything is so much harder from there. • It is apparent just by driving on any block in Downtown Roanoke how serious of an issue homelessness fi is. In light of Covid, the city needs to do more to provide resources to these folks to get the help they need. Rent rates have become so astronomically high that it has become nearly impossible for a single person working afull-time job to be able to afford a 1 BR apartment on their own. • I'm tired of being harassed by homeless every time I go downtown. Roanoke seems to be doing nothing about it. • Homelessness in and of itself is a serious problem. However, having lived in cities across the southeast, Roanoke's homeless issue doesn't seem as severe as other cities. • Homelessness frequency rates have increased in the last few years. The"hard to place" , oppositional homeless is more of a concern than in the past. • 1 live near where the Ramada is, and there is a very apparent issue with homelessness. Many of the homeless have to turn to panhandling in the area. The destruction of the Ramada only dispersed the homeless community • The fact that anyone has to sleep on the street(especially with winter approaching) is unacceptable. The shelters and agreements with hotels and motels are just paying the irresponsible owners of these establishments who have strict rules and often drive people away, right back to the streets. Attachment A + First, everyone doesn't want to move to Lincoln Terrace, The Hunts or Indian Village!!! It is serious because our youth cannot afford their own space once of age. Our youth is leaving Roanoke City. These people are leaving in Roanoke City because there is not anything to offer. No job, no home. Living with the parent or other relative IS NOT what most young adults want to do. + How does one confront the attitude of people who do not wish to be homeless, but do not wish to participate in society in a way that prevents them from becoming/remaining homeless? • It is dangerous for people to live on the street- it's a physical health risk due to lack of access to clean water and a place to shower, use the restroom, wash clothes and bed linens and wash any reusable food items. Bacteria is more likely to grow when people can't wash themselves and their things, putting them at higher risk for infections. Extreme weather(which Roanoke definitely gets) puts folks at huge risk for heatstrokes, dehydration, heat related illnesses as well as frostbite, freezing, pneumonia, etc. Being houseless is also a mental health issue-safety is one of the most important factors in a human's life. A safe and secure home is the basis of our survival, and without that, a person's psyche is in constant survival mode, unable to regulate and focus on anything besides putting one foot in front of the other. Beyond all of that, it is highly demoralizing and isolating. + Tents, garbage and people sleeping in woods along main roadways and on sidewalks. People actively using drugs while you're waiting at a stoplight. Pan handling is worse. + Many of Roanoke's homeless community lives in the shadows and is stigmatized for being addicted to drugs. There are also many people who are stuck in a perpetual cycle of living in motels, paying day by day and are unable to save up for a deposit for an apartment/car/or other basic necessities. The issue extends outside of people who are sleeping outside downtown or camping on public land + too many people panhandling + Once it starts to get chili and son starts to go down you see all the homeless people coming out of nowhere laying on the side of the street doing drugs on the side of the street kids are seeing people drugged out walking up and down the street selling them self for a place to go + Humans that live in our city should be cared for as best as we can. • The number of homeless individuals in the city has skyrocketed.With it,too has the number of overdoses, break ins,vandalism, indecent exposure and other crime.We need rehabilitation programs, housing,job training and some way of holding individuals accountable for trying to improve their situation. I believe the more we encourage and provide assistance to those wanting to do better, the faster we can begin to make a dent in getting people off the streets. • People should not be forced by any combination of circumstances to live without shelter, water, basic medical treatment, food. Our society should be judge by how the hardest hit amongst us are treated. Only when when no one is deprived of basic rights are we successful. • Many that could afford to rent or have mortgage, pay—$300 a week for hotel rooms. + Increased number of homeless individuals in my neighborhood and on Greenway areas. Its getting exponentially worse every month. More and more beggars sitting outside anywhere they can find to harrass people. I don't feel safe walking my Round Hill neighborhood at night because its filled with wandering zombies now. You call emergency services and they state they do not have the staff to enforce the law or keep citizens safe. • Many people are one paycheck away from being houseless. It can happen to anyone. It's happened to me. • Homelessness is always a serious issue, the community itself should try to help. • The rising costs of housing and utilities, paired with lack of enough housing units, is at a boiling point. More low-to moderate-income families and single-households alike are at greater risk of housing insecurity or homelessness. The City needs more housing units, and more affordable units, immediately. This is the perfect use for ARPA funding, since some of these housing pressures are directly due to the pandemic affecting supply chains, unemployment, and housing insecurity. There was already a lack of adequate housing supply since development of new units declined after the Great Recession. Are there also opportunities to repurpose vacant industrial or retail buildings for housing in the City? + The best thing to do is screening for drugs and alcohol because most of these people or seriously addicted to drugs and alcohol and they'll never come up out of the hole unless they are rehabilitated and if they don't want to do well they have to be on their own + Every corner on Roanoke has a pan handier and some of them are aggressive. Some parts of the city are becoming more dangerous as a result of poverty and the issues that stem from it. Attachment A Everyone needs a safe place to stay. And no one should be sleeping in the cold or starving. I see homeless panhandling all the time in the city and see them congregate outside businesses in wooded areas to set up camp As I mentioned before, I have been homeless three times since moving to Roanoke. The lack of affordable housing will only increase this issue for the foreseeable future. The fact most jobs will not pay a living wage only compounds this problem. Every day there are more and more people on the corners and in motels. I've seen it directly linked to the amount of illicit drug trafficking and black market activity.These people need a system that gives them more than what they are finding in the streets. There is homelessness but most homeless don't necessarily want to live according to the social norms. If you've never been to nor lived in a larger city then you would not understand what a real homelessness issue looks like. Truthfully that's all the more reason to provide aide in combating. It could be much worse. Roanoke has enough concentrated wealth to do this. It is a serious issue because I've seen homeless people high on drugs about to fall in the street. They also go up to cars and harass people constantly. Roanoke needs to stop encouraging it and stop attracting more of it. I recently moved back to Roanoke and homelessness is a much more visible issue than it was <10 years ago which suggests that we lack the framework in our city to help/support folks at risk or experiencing homelessness. • Too many homeless are having a negative impact on livability of citizens and businesses that are paying the already high taxes. Homeless number need to be reduced not expanded. Stop making this area an attractive destination for them. • Homelessness is a result of poverty, which makes our city look like it doesn't care about its people when it's a relatively simple case of money management. • You are chipping away at your tax base downtown. Enforce the rule or law to keep panhandlers out of the median. It's a safety issue, it's so common to see fights over"the best corner". Not to mention how horrible the first impression people see when they get off on elm ave is people panhandling while standing in a literal pile of trash. Also the massive amount of drug use, intoxication, and violence that runs rampant in the homeless population. The sleeping on the sidewalks improved briefly but there are not enough police to enforce it. too many people are homeless You can't go anywhere in the city and not see signs of homelessness.We can't keep looking the other way. I have been homeless now for 2 years and have been to the HAT team for assistance and because 1 had a car and slept in my car I was not considered as home less?? No help at all from any of the programs that I have been referred to! 1 feel the majority of pan handlers are not homeless. There's a handful that I believe truly are, but I rarely see them on the corners. It's hard to estimate (for me)how many/how serious roanoke homeless population is because I don't see them often There's a few that I've personally spoke to, they don't pan handle they're walking around trying to stay busy, looking for a job. • Gang issues and crime are bigger issues • They're not homeless. They are panhandlers who are addicts. • People are everywhere!!! • Having semi-recently moved to Roanoke, one of the first things I noticed was an overwhelming amount of homeless people, panhandlers, etc. I see these people daily, regardless of the neighborhood I'm in. It is a visible issue.What makes it worse is everyday citizens' outlook and opinions on these people, often paying no mind at best, or being judgmental or prejudiced at worst. Having been homeless before as a young child, its a situation to look at with empathy and compassion and a lack of judgment. And in all honesty, even one houseless person is too many. I personally believe it is a human right. Over the last few years it has become more common to see more homeless people throughout downtown.With the rising prices and low opportunities, way of life has been been extremely construed. It has become more common to see crime and violence in the downtown area. Times are getting tougher, but we need to do more as a city and a community to help each other through these awful times. Homeless people can be found in most areas, the shelters can fill quickly, and the ones with congregate rooms are not always safe. Attachment A Help them to help themselves 1 have slept outside for the better part of a year • There are a lot of invisible homeless people and hardly any support for any of them. • The worst aspect of homelessness is it takes a blight of humanity and ostracizes people for a lack of resources stemming from the society we live in. I am fortunate enough to have a safety net, and be privileged with wealth while 90%of others are not afforded those same luxuries. • The homeless population has increased tremendously recently. It's a difficult issue, as these people need help but it's also no fun to be harassed when you're trying to walk to work daily. • You can't go walking anywhere in the city without being asked for money. Home prices have skyrocketed so much that locals can no longer afford housing in our area. I am a psych nurse and a large amount of my patients are homeless Any casual observer who has lived in the Roanoke area for more than 5 years can see that there has been a huge influx of homelessness in our area • They are out and about at all times. I am not speaking on the panhandlers which the city needs to address either. They are all around Valley View mall area and some of their stories are incredibly heartbreaking. As I stated previously some that are homeless don't have to be it's of their choosing. However whatever the reason it is a problem when they take up residence on city streets and it's not fair to homeowners or renters to have to deal with it. Roanoke has come so far in the last few years to bring in tourism. I've noticed the up tic in people panhandling and the trash they leave. It trashes Roanoke up. • There's a homeless shanty behind Kroger's by the Airport and I'm sure elsewhere in Roanoke The amount of homeless seems to have tripled in the last few years. Everywhere you go in town or along major roads you seem makeshift campsites or homeless panhandlers. No one should have to live like that. 1 have seen homeless people nearly freezing to death in winter. It's a very serious issue that needs to be addressed. No one should have to fend for themselves on the streets or the wilderness around the shopping areas because rent is too high. They're fucking everywhere and ruining our parks with feces and urine. You truly cannot go far in the city without seeing a homeless person so it is a huge issue. As a resident it is not that I am bothered by seeing a homeless person, but the type of behavior and risks that come from a lot of them. 1 believe that the amount of people that are currently homeless in Roanoke constitutes a serious issue. See previous comment about Roanoke being the beacon for the transient population of a third of VA. Stop the exportation of homeless to Roanoke. SW Virginia counties have been doing it for decades. 1 see more people panhandling in the city and rents have skyrocketed in the city. Folks are struggling to make ends meet. My rent when I arrived in Roanoke was$365.00 a month. Now it is nearing the $1200.00 mark for folks who do not own a home now. Notice there are lot of homeless people Their are homeless in every area of roanoke All humans deserve a home. 1 see a large number of homeless individuals. It is a problem, not because these individuals are dangerous, but because they need to be provided with resources to help them get back on their feet. There are people who would rather sleep on the streets than go to the misssion that's full of drugs. There's not enough resources for the people that need it. Walked along Walnut Ave under the 581 overpass and there were 3 homeless people and the area was covered in trash. It is a quick turnoff to the area. There are also a number of homeless and panhandlers near the off ramp from Hershberger merging onto Aviation Dr. We've seen this be very high profile recently in the downtown area. Generally homelessness is going to continue to be an increasing issue as long as income inequality increases and housing costs also increase. I see no signs of those trends slowing and we need to get in front of it now. Attachment A Too many homeless are ones that want to be living on the streets. They love it. Education is needed. For all of us. How to react to them. How to get them flowing back into society doing a job worthwhile. Even more police needed. Panhandling should not be allowed. Does not impact our daily lives You see people everywhere sleeping in parks and in areas with trees Roanoke being revitalized and getting a facelift has been awesome, but I worry that that means big rent increases and less housing options for lower incomes. • Have been homeless for 2yrs now https://oecdecoscope.blog/2021/12/13/finlands-zero-homeless-strategy-lessons-from-a-success-story/ Homelessness is always an issue. • There are unsheltered camps on roadsides that leave many vulnerable. Not everyone can access the Rescue mission. Any houseless people in a city shows a failure of that cities leaders to provide I have been seeing more and more people on the streets with housing vouchers but can find a place still 1 work downtown, live in Old Southwest, so I either drive, bike, or walk downtown every single week. I deal with transient folks and talk with them on my way and at work. I offer DRI's homeless resources map at work. Downtown Roanoke is a particular eyesore in some areas and has spread its grasp to outlying areas with homeless encampments in tree lines or by the river. There are men women and children homeless throughout every part of the city. And I consider the people living in hotels and cars to be homeless. There are homeless asking for money on every corner. They congregate in areas, leaving behind trash. There is nowhere for them to go during the day. The cost of living vs incomes have gotten out of hand forcing many people on the street. I know many individuals homeless from such an issue 1 see it everywhere. No one should have to explain it. Get in a car and ride around the city. 1 and many people I know are at risk of being homeless. Most of Roanoke is a layoff away from loss of housing. 1 myself am holding on by my nails because I make 1057 and 700 is rent Any day of the week you could walk through downtown and see around 2-5 people in need of support (shelter,food, mental health, healthcare)that have no path forward. Roanoke is much better than many cities, though an approach of shelters, food and targeted public mental health assistance could likely help in a big way for both those individuals needing assistance and the comfort of people experiencing downtown Roanoke. There are a lot of homeless population or panhandlers My understanding is that we have the only shelter on our coast that doesn't do background checks, and it's well known in homeless communities across the country, causing people to come here and communities to mass transit homeless folk here. It's a moral imperative. Our city only excels when EVERYONE is working to make it great. Humans need basic housing, healthy food, help finding/keeping employment, medical treatment, social education and specifically with government and/or secular means. The many homeless I've encountered working on williamson scarcely had a substance abuse issue, they a never asked me if we were hiring either unfortunately. Anecdotal evidence sure but there were dozens daily. In the supposedly most advanced, freest, richest country on earth, it is a crime beyond belief that a single person sleeps outside not of their own choice. Full stop. Homelessness is increasing and evictions or non renewal of leases are also increasing. The rental market has few to no affordable units. Many people are one pay check away or one traumatic experience s away to being at risk of homelessness. Stop making it comfortable to be homeless in Roanoke. A life long resident of Roanoke city I have never seen such a large number of panhandlers and people living in tent cities. Unfortunately I believe some of the panhandlers are scam artists. Attachment A • There are many homeless people located throughout Roanoke. A lot of them stand in the middle of intersections asking for money. I encountered one person downtown while I was going to a museum and helped them out by giving them money and bringing them food and necessities. These people really need a place where they can stay that is safe, and have access to resources such as healthcare, mental health services, and employment assistance. • There are homeless everywhere you look in Roanoke.We really need to look into providing more mental health services. • Roanoke has always been a dumping ground for other cities so this is nothing new. Especially now however there is a much larger population out of covid • Homeless people harass me every time I go downtown. • I have and am on my way to being homeless. Rental criteria is too strict. Regardless of credit score we need places to live. • 1 have lived in both urban and rural areas. I have never seen the amount of homelessness for such a small area as I have in Roanoke. I don't think I have gone a day living here I haven't encountered a homeless individual. • If anyone is homeless, we have a very serious issue. • We see it on every street corner and empty lot • Anyone who thinks the homelessness in Roanoke is"out of control" has never been anywhere more populated than Roanoke • Need clean up areas within the city. As a parent of a 5 year old. there are times when I do not like my daughter or my wife out and about because of the folks. Folks need a curfew or something with in the city. • There are people everywhere downtown,they may not be asking for anything but it's bad Roanoke seems to have higher percentage of homeless than most cities. • The homeless need places yo stay during the day. They are scattered about in the city • 1 work at lowes by hershberger.We have an encampment behind the store. People flying into roanoke see the homeless city as they land. The street corners are filled with panhandlers, parking lots are patrolled by people asking for handouts. • Shelter should be a human right • During these economic times, no one should be without! No matter the age, the race, the education or any other situation should human beings be lacking adequate accommodations. • It's 2022. No one should be homeless. • You cannot stroll downtown without being solicited aggressively. This drives some percentage of business away, by default. • EVERY STREET CORNER IN DOWNTOWN, OUT TO VINTON AND GOING TOWARDS SALEM AND BACK OVER INTO ROANOKE COUNTY NOW HAS SOMEONE HOMELESS HOLDING SIGNS. • It's a very prevalent issue • You all used to have an apartment building located across from the community hospital for the homeless now the elder lives in it. • It's as if it's an invisible pandemic and we treat them as they are not part of our society. • The city criminalizing sleeping on the street downtown coupled with the closing of the Days Inn has sent the homeless population into SE.When the police are called to help with the resulting disturbances, they don't come. • Most of the"homeless" asking for money are being bussed into the city. • Rental prices are going up but the job market is not raising salaries. Homelessness is going to continue to rise without proper and easier assistance to remain in a home. • I see individuals who are homeless on a daily basis when driving around town. • 1 live in southeast I have for 21 years this December and for the first time about 6 months ago I began to worry about my safety in my home. There are people visibly drugged out walking up the street you can't leave anything outside for fear of it being stolen. • they are everywhere you turn. it is especially becoming a problem on the medians at the street lights • People are suffering out on the streets every day while rich people pay little taxes. Where is our humanity?We must help them and stop being so selfish. Attachment A • Homelessness is a serious issue in every city. I don't feel like Roanoke is worse or better than other comparable cities. All People deserve safe, stable housing. • Any amount of homelessness is absolutely unacceptable and should addressed with immediate care and concern • Homelessness exploded during Covid, and I have only seen the amount of people in the camp by the mall increase and those who hang out around the Rescue Mission as well. I do not believe anyone should be homeless It's important because it's completely unnecessary. The money is just going in the all the wrong places. There are homeless people everywhere and they get little to know help. Part of this is because they don't know of the services that can help them. This can be fixed. I see them everywhere As an underpaid single mother with 2 jobs in the 1970's, I was very near homelessness when I was unable to meet my mortgage obligations and my home went into foreclosure. My depression led to a suicide attempt. There are certainly homeless people in the city. I do not know their circumstances, so it's hard to say why they are homeless. But it would be nice if they had access to free/low cost housing that is also well connected to public transport to help get them back on their feet. • The amount of homeless folks is disproportionate to the size of the city I work in law enforcement and routinely make contact with individuals that are homeless. Most of the time they set up camps in the woods or under bridges but often hang out near buildings downtown. There are homeless people in the area who are truly a victim of the system.They are good people who try to live their life the right way but with limited income, being elderly and also possibly with mental health problems,they don't have the resources to find a home. The process to even qualify and possible find something is so extensive that it leaves many feeling hopeless and they give up. 1 wouldn't say it's very serious but on its way there. There are plenty of areas in the city that people just fiat avoid to keep away from the homeless, especially at night. Examples are the towne centre area around the airport, downtown near the former Campbell court over to the new bus station, and near almost all the highways exits. It's a very serious issue no matter how many people are homeless People who are truly homeless is a problem but the people who need mental health treatment, addiction treatment, and less monetary assistance so they are not lazy and easily become dependent on the system. While we have homelessness we don't have the gigantic city problem of infinite homeless people many of whom who were dropped there from other states. It's still an important problem that needs addressing, especially with current inflation rates making it harder for people to find a place to stay. You cannot go into the market without being harassed by panhandlers and addicts. There are many shanty towns all around Roanoke filled with litter and little care for the surrounding environment. To say it's not an issue is an egregious understatement. The majority of these people are not the mentally ill, but people who refuse to participate in society and still want to reap the benefits. 1 am not homeless but I assume homelessness is a very serious issue for people who are. Homelessness is around and many people is in the edge of turning homeless. Rent prices are getting higher and higher It seems like more people than ever are struggling with homelessness or risk of homelessness, and there seem to be very few programs in place that can help them. Those experiencing homelessness are left with nowhere to go, and this can be seen all over the city. Everywhere you look in downtown Roanoke you can find someone homeless.We need to create more affordable housing to insure they can pay their rent each month.With the cost of living increasing its even hard for me to pay bills and buy groceries or even gas to make sure I can keep my job just to get to the next paycheck and I make$20 an hour. Being a single mother or father is a struggle in itself with childcare expenses. I could keep going with what is wrong with the government and give my opinion to how to help, but who will listen to a person that works paycheck to paycheck. If you're homeless, it's a very serious issue for most people. No human should ever have to sleep outside. Shelter (with heat), a bed, and running water are basic human rights, especailly for those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse. Attachment A Can't go anywhere without being accosted by homeless drug addicts. Roanoke is not a safe place Homeless people are everywhere in the city and surrounding areas • While the total number of homeless individuals is not at a level I would consider to be severe, it is clearly a problem in this city. + City Council has done nothing to help or prevent homelessness in the City. • Homelessness affects the whole community,from home value to environment health to tourist opportunities. Everyone is affected as it causes strain and financial hardship on our society. + People don't want to be homeless but what nowhere to go + I used to live on Kirk, rented the parking garage and never felt safe after dark. The trash, and human waste is appalling. Why + Homelessness is a policy choice on the part of local and state governments.The City of Roanoke has enough money and resources to solve the problem, if these resources would be directed appropriately. + They are humans that need help, not enabling. It's only a matter of time before one of them is blamed for something awful. + I see them every day as I go to work and drive home. Drugs, sex trafficking, human waste on streets, &other public health issues are SERIOUS. We have a large visible homeless population, those of whom clearly need a lot of help. It's extremely serious for those that are homeless in our area and it's an incredibly difficult thing to recover from once experienced Freaky, there are homeless everywhere in Roanoke. + A single person living on the street is a community issue and requires a community response.We are failing our neighbors. Our kin. + 1 feel unsafe around the amount of homeless people in the city. A lot of time they harass me for money while downtown and it makes me not want to be there especially after dark. + Homelessness is very serious for those who are living through it. They suffer with the insecurity of health problems,joblessness, etc every day • 1 visit other larger cities frequently and they don't have close to the level of problem as Roanoke. Also, I don't want to take my kids to places like the city market because of all of the creepy people who hang out in the front. I stopped working downtown partially because the parking garages felt unsafe and I saw someone defecate on the steps of my office building at 9am on a workday. It just seems out of control here. • Homelessness continues to increase in our city. Roanoke is a great place to live but especially if we take care of ALL our citizens. More and more tents are popping up around the city and that shows people are struggling.We need to find ways to help these people effectively. + This city is too small to justify having a homeless population that is this large. + People exaggerate how extreme homelessness is in Roanoke. • Any homeless existing is a serious problem. Many claim America is a "Christian" nation while turning their backs on the homeless. Speaking from the perspective of someone who is middle class and has not been at risk for homelessness.... It is just depressing to go anywhere in Roanoke now. There are panhandlers at every intersection, people passed out in the grass outside of Chic-fil-A or the park, strangers sleeping on the 4 porches of abandoned houses, garbage everywhere, people approaching you to ask for money outside of every convenience store. It is damn near impossible to exist in this city without seeing or being j affected by these things. I live near some of the poorer households in the city. Just living in this neighborhood puts folks at a higher risk of being a victim of certain crimes, regardless of their income. Random people walking the neighborhood at night are perfectly happy to come on to your porch, kick down your door, or break in to your car to take your stuff. The longer our government allows this to go on, the fewer high income people are going to want to buy houses here. As much as I want to purchase a house in the city in the next few years, I don't want to spend the rest of my life being a victim of petty theft, breaking and entering, or begging/panhandling. While most homeless I've come across (downtown mostly) are nice and just trying to get by, I'm also tired of being yelled at, followed, and scared to step on needles at this point or exposed to other drug paraphernalia. I always wanted to exercise on the greenway until I heard the horror stories of how some homeless act around there and what they leave after they're done. I decided it wasn't worth it before I Attachment A even began, so I've just never stepped foot there. People shouldn't be afraid to go to public parks because of things like this. I feel for the homeless, but it's also incredibly off-putting that the rest of us can't just have a nice day anymore and have to go out of our way to find somewhere else. There are people living on the streets, sleeping on the streets. Drugs play a huge part. • There is insufficient mental health assistance in the Roanoke valley. Now, Caroline is postponing the rehab portion of the project, which proves that no one gives a darn about the mentally ill. Come on over to SE ROANOKE streets, hang out, really take the time to look and listen to the pedestrians and maybe you'll educate yourselves on schizophrenia, bipolar, drug addiction, etc. I have lots more to say, but I'll refrain as I am wasting my time because I live in SE ROANOKE and not South Roanoke. Anyone not having shelter, especially during extreme weather, is a serious issue. • The homeless try to hide as best they can, it's not their fault. How many of us are one paycheck away from being homeless? I'm at risk myself. I'm selling all material possessions to move into a tent or sleep in my vehicle. The odds are stacked against the common folk, I'm done paying taxes against my will and getting nothing in return. • There are very few homeless shelters/programs in the city. Very few organizations who are actually able to help. Mental health and substance abuse is a major issue that contributes to the homeless issue. 1 think it's serious as there are no good shelters here. • Agencies are seeing increases in clients ready to lose their housing or on the streets. We are seeing increasing numbers of people who are hungry.We are also seeing increases in tents and outdoor homeless due to substance abuse issues, mental health issue. Fixed income and disabled individuals are unable to maintain their housing due to inflation. • Since the Ramada closed my neighborhood is full of homeless people • I know a lot of people that refuse to even come downtown anymore due to being harassed, yelled at from across the street for money. When telling them sorry or only have my card, they tell you where the ATMs are. Some are very aggressive. Some ask for money for food, when offering to buy them dinner/lunch often a vulgar sometimes a vulgar response is given. Since being mostly removed from in front of the Church Ave Garage, they now are over by the MLK Bridge (on and under)and when walking it you see signs of drug and alcohol use,feces and signs of drug use in the stairways of the Gainsboro garage. Also more recently on First, Kirk, and Church. • We have a rapidly growing homeless population in the area do to limited access to mental health resources, rising housing costs, and limited "safe" housing. • Homeless are everywhere. Crime is up, drug use is up. Other citys dont let homeless camp out all ove 1% the place like Roanoke. Cant even go to center in the Square with out beggers all over. I All homelessness is serious. This is a failing on our society and we should be helping those who need it the most. • I've been homeless 3 times in the past. • See the camps all over. People living under bridges etc. Shameful . • We have the means to help people.We instead choose to punish them. Just based on their presence. Not*everywhere*, but enough that they are noticed. • We work full time jobs, and we are 1-2 paychecks away from being homeless at any time. • There are homeless people EVERYWHERE. They have no where to go and sit on the sidewalk and do drugs during the day. • Seems like it's increasing weekly • I've seen more people creating their own shelters around the city than before the pandemic. • By day they can be seen at every major intersection in Roanoke and in the evening they litter our street with trash and drug paraphernalia. Every week when I mow my yard I find everything from discarded clothes, alcohol bottles, and used baggies of drugs. • Homelessness is a very serious issue in Roanoke. It is evident by the amount of people carrying everything they own throughout the day-very obvious in SE and Downtown. • These people need help and they aren't getting it • 1 have seen a couple individuals sleeping on the sidewalks since moving to Roanoke in April, but compared to other similar sized cities the problem is not as prevalent or maybe not as visible?? i don't see"camps"around town either. Attachment A • 1 see them camping out in the woods and trashing up everything around them. Our neighborhood had some relocated there recently and theft became rampant.We were the ones who needed help to install anti-theft devices around our property. They were given a free ride by the city and what happened to the property they were allowed to live in. They destroyed it! • 1 grew up here in Roanoke, but have lived in cities, like Boulder CO and Knoxville TN, and the homeless population is much higher in those cities than here. However; the homeless population has grown here exponentially in the last 10 years. • The amount of people who live in squalor rather than become unhoused is massive. There are young professionals crammed into tiny apartments to reduce the skyrocketing cost of rent. Landlords are cutthroat and sometimes charge extra for appliances like refrigerators and stoves. As long as this keeps happening, the unhoused population will continue to increase. • It is a major concern among citizens, I hear people talking about it all the time. Also, the increase recently has been dramatic. No matter what part of Roanoke you are in, you will see signs of homelessness, it is not contained to downtown or near the Rescue Mission anymore. • 1 see homeless people and/or their belongings around childrens parks regularly. Tents set up all over, sitting at intersections panhandling. The homeless people congregating along Jamison and Elm ave. • I travel a lot and our homeless issues are not as bad as some cities but is better than others. • Environmental safety • 1 live at Gramercy Row on Williamson and Tazewell. I have experienced a significant increase in the homeless over the past 6 months. It is very obvious that they are on drugs and some are even hostile. I am a young, single woman who leaves for work very early and comes home late. The amount of confrontations I have experienced are scary. Anything from asking for money, commenting on my appearance innappropriately to verbal assault. I cannot even throw my trash out without a confrontation anymore. It is going to be DANGEROUS if these individuals do not get the care and support they desperately need. • Everywhere I go, I see panhandling. SW county, Roanoke City, NW, SE and NE. • I'm not sure if our rates of homeless are higher than other cities, but I see and interact with people who are homeless every single day. Not to sound heartless, but I don't have the ability to help every person. I get asked for handouts often three or four times a day. I already run a food pantry and soup kitchen at my church. So, I'm at a loss for how to be a bigger help.We need more programs that actually help individuals find mental health specialists, rehab facilities,employment, and housing so that the problem can actually be solved. • The communities they build are not sanitary and spread disease • There is constant panhandling. They gather on the streets at night. • City policy appears to be "Othering"those that are homeless. Making it easier to impose harsh laws and regulations upon. The policies are not helping but perpetuating the current situation. • The amount of homeless that congregate in public areas, especially ones openly doing drugs, seems to have increased massively in the past few years. • One of my friends was homeless for over a year,the problem is appalling and its hard to get out of it • 1 see homeless every day. The drug problem in this city doesn't help, and these people need help. • You can't drive 2 blocks in most parts of town without seeing someone in need. • A city resident cannot drive down any major street without someone standing in the median or at the corner with a sign asking for help. It is dangerous for the homeless person, it is dangerous for the city resident. • Roanoke is ass backwards on this like many other things. Unless you are a woman with a child, real help is not there, and even then it's a struggle. • Those who are unhoused deserve to be appreciated for who they are. • Families and single people have been going through extremely difficult times right now in the middle of this pandemic numbers of homeless people have gone way up from when I was growing up here and it's a shame people need help and for the most part everyone turns a blind eye to these people. • Been homeless in Roanoke.Was not fun. • 1 don't really see too much of it, but I know at certain areas it can be a problem. • From the current appearance of the city, there should be a billboard on 581 that says"Welcome to Roanoke.....Home of the homeless' Attachment A The economy continues to fail the lower class, rent continues to increase with no increase in provided services or security of home access Significant increase in Unsheltered across the City People has got to want to work Allowing people to suffer unsheltered and unsupported is cruel and depraved.When there are empty houses on every block, it is shameful to turn your eye from the pain homeless Americans face. Too many folks sleeping in doorways, public areas, etc. People are losing their homes and having to figure stuff out because there Is no where to go 1 see people being evicted and becoming homeless. I see homeless people every single day. I see people begging for food and cash every single day. This is a HUGE issue in Roanoke! I personally am disabled and live in a run down trailer with a hole in my roof. Rotten walls with black mold. No money and no help to fix things. I am personally very close to homelessness myself because of these issues. there are homeless people all over Roanoke. having recently moved here from a bigger city with apparently less of a homeless population, it's hard to see the amount of homeless people wandering around as"normal" now from experience. erience.p When need to know how many of these people actually want help. Besides seeing camps set up along the roads in the city and pan handlers on every corner, there are very few affordable housing options anywhere. Even employed people can't afford a place to live here. Many ae one paycheck away from a friend's couch. You can't drive anywhere without panhandling or seeing someone sleeping on the side walk or off in the woods I've lived in Roanoke for 20+years and never seen it so bad. Rents are out of whack compared to wage levels. • 1 see the homeless everywhere It's embarrassing how little it seems like Roanoke is doing to address the issue. Every few months,the city is tearing down a building being used by the homeless, breaking up camps, etc. But there are no solutions like new shelters, modifying zoning laws to permit multifamily housing, encouraging the development of low-income housing, rather than luxury apartments. More and more people will begin experiencing homelessness as our economy worsens and prices increase, and there are already a lot of people struggling. The safety of everyone is an issue. I take an early morning walk on the Greenway a few times each week. It is not uncommon to find people sleeping, under bridges, in picnic shelters, or on benches, even on cold mornings. I have had experiences with no fewer than 3 on the Greenway that were emotionally unstable. I have even been personally threatened for just walking past them. The city parks are scary some mornings. Many of the city and county intersections have panhandlers despite the signage. The panhandlers are in high-traffic areas that pose a danger to themselves and drivers. I regularly see police I cars in traffic at these intersections but the homeless population must be too large for them to make an 1 impact or police presence is ignored. The wooded areas around shopping centers are visibly trashed where they congregate. • A significate portion of the homeless in the city are not from the roanoke area. Homeless people push away tourism and shopping in the downtown area and add that to businesses recovering from COVID it, homelessness adds to pushing money away from the city. The homeless aren't a monolith. There are a variety of factors that contribute to the reasons behind their homelessness. Some choose to be homeless, others are because of economic reasons, others because of health or mental reasons, and others due to a combination of all these and then some. It's important to understand the root causes of the majority of the problems and address those. As we cultivate our downtown areas and redevelop old buildings into new and exciting places for people to come and enjoy and stimulate the economy, it can be a hinderance to those efforts if it seems that the very places we are developing seem unsafe to go to and/or cause worry in customers that they will be solicited by the homeless. How do we treat the homeless with respect, give them the services they need, while not enabling or perpetuating the problem so as to continue making Roanoke a place people will feel comfortable visiting/living in at any time of day and in any area? Living on the streets creates risk for the unsheltered as well as citizens who come into contact with them. Citizens have been attacked or harassed by the mentally ill who reside on the streets and have not Attachment A received treatment. Homeless people have been attacked and preyed upon by others due to vulnerability and lack of security. Allowing people to live on the streets creates the impression that the City is okay with ignoring and neglecting people in need. Roanoke offers very little affordable living. Homelessness is visible to &anyone who travels around the city/surrounding area.. Everyone deserves a place where they are safe and treated with dignity. Anyone living without shelter, should have resources available to them to get them into clean safe housing. Those with mental health and drug related problems should be able to get counseling and treatment that will provide hope in order to break the cycles they are stuck in. People with disabilities should not be forced out onto the street because they cannot work. • Most every quadrant of Roanoke and Salem now have intersection and traffic light beggars and shopping cart encampments. We just moved from NW to SE and the amount of homeless individuals is INSANE. No one should have to go without shelter. It's getting colder and I can't imagine having to find shelter in the street or in an abandoned building. We need to help people who are homeless due to no reason of there own. It can be a temporary issue that can be solved. Homelessness is a serious issue in California. We are not there yet but we do need to take control of the situation so it does not spiral out of control 1 work with many people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Once they find what seems like "stable" housing, it seems that they are once again at risk of losing their home and this causes significant trauma, anxiety, depression, and multiple issues layered on top of the homelessness issue. It's sticking to see them begging for money& if you try to help & it's not money they get angry. We don't want this in our city. it's common knowledge people move to Virginia because it's easier to get their SSI and Medicaid as compared to other states. And since Covid there has been such an influx of Non-residents moving here because it's easier to Panhandle because we have no real plan to address it Noticed more and more over past 4 years, camps everywhere and people sleeping at parks, on benches, on the ground' I come from DC, per capita there are less issues here It is dangerous to be homeless. It is bad for your health. It is frustrating for all citizens. It's a vicious circle to get caught up in. It's dangerous for everyone to live on the streets. The homeless are not living in safe, clean environments. They do not readily have access to necessities. They get turned away and written off as drug users. 1 have experienced homelessness first hand 1 come from a large city with a nearly 10,000 homeless population. So Roanokes doesn't seem too bad, but it will become an issue if it isn't continually addressed. Panhandlers are more of a problem to me personally. Homelessness will always remain a serious issue as long as someone is sleeping outside without stable roof over their heads. Homelessness has always been downplayed and neglected in the community by the general papulation due to comfort of residents.When attitudes and actions from the general public change to become a majority where everyone is acting to help, this issue will begin to progress to not a serious issue. Roanoke has become overrun with homeless people. They are EVERYWHERE Walk around downtown roanoke and see how many used needles you can find just laying on the ground. Elm Ave beside the Exxon, the wooded area has been taken over.The property behind lowes on Rutgers is known as"The Hobo Hilton". Hell, sheets is going to tear down the store at Williamson/Orange because of theft and beggers. I've lived in Roanoke for 50 years and never seen it so bad. A ride through South East goes a long way to explaining how this is a very serious issue.We're dealing with medieval conditions out there (public defecation/urination, drug use, etc). We have a serious homelessness issue that is disproportionate to how small our city is. I am a community health worker. I am seeing this problem getting worse as rents Attachment A • 1 feel like the homeless population is being pushed to sleep in more dangerous spots due to closing places some could afford + The city needs to help f and the Rescue Mission... they do such a wonderful job- efficient, and organized and rehabilitating. + People that work hard have to suffer because of people that are lazy. + There is lots of homeless and they are at the gas station begging for money and at grocery stores also and they get mean if you say no Tent etc are everywhere downtown, SE and is spreading. Panhandlers are on every intersection city and county wide and is dangerous + The number of homeless encampments has increased and also there seems to be a numerous amount of people begging for money a lot within the city. Not sure how many of these people represent the homeless community but noticed this has increased tremendously. + We have a lot in the city, but not as bad as larger vitiates. + Everywhere in Roanoke, especially Valley View Blvd, there are always homeless people living in a wooded area or begging for money. There is not enough help for the homeless and I feel like the the government does not want to help or care. + Too many people begging at stop lights in the median. The Crossroads area and area near the airport and Sam is devastated. Full of trash and food carts and clothing and plastic bags. • 1 see people walking in my residential area at 11 pm and later with backpacks or rolling suitcases even a guy pushing a trash can. Sometimes there on bikes with a cart behind. More than once there seen at the church pavilion down the street sleeping on the picnic tables or the ground. • The panhandlers are dangerous. The homeless make a mess anywhere they camp. They steal and j leave their drug paraphernalia everywhere. Who would want to call this home? • Homelessness is a serious issue. I have been a Social Worker for 30 years . I have seen people with disabilities that have no income or get SS disability that make 735 a month . There is not enough low `s income income housing for anyone that lives on that amount a month . The housing for these people living in this income bracket is a lot of times not suitable to live in. Then you have the population of people with no income that do not qualify for disability or have background issues keeping them from gaining employment and housing . People that do work often can not afford housing due to their incomes. If people do not have a place to live to get proper sleep and a shower/food how are they going to find gainful employment and move forward. The people with Mental Health issues often can not stay in the shelters due to their Mental Health which puts them on the street. We need to create more temporary housing and provide better assistance to getting services so that they can find employment or get the other needed services. This population does lack family support sometimes due to their Mental Health or their past choices. + There are increasing numbers of unsheltered homeless people all around the Valley. Income inequality and high rents continue to make the problem worse. Lack of rental units for low-income households is a huge problem. • 1 see families everyday with nowhere to go. Children need a place to stay. People in dumpsters, crimes being committed because people are hungry and have nothing. + There are people here who don't have homes- anytime that happens, it's a very serious issue. • There are homeless camps all over the city. If we were able to provide more assistant these would go down • There are people coming to Roanoke from other localities. Once they arrive, they learn that the area shelters have rules they don't/can't/won't follow, so they begin living in one of the numerous encampments throughout the valley. They will tell you they took a bus from x location. Roanoke should not bear the burden of a lack of services in other areas. This needs to be addressed. Turn off the spigot and help area families who may be experiencing homelessness or are at risk of experiencing homelessness. • While there has been some success in getting many into permanent stable housing, the need continues to grow in the community from those needing help. Some come from other areas to Roanoke for the opportunity to access more services. Any time we have a neighbor who has nowhere to go for shelter or perceives that there is nowhere to go, it is a serious issue which is not entirely defined by numbers. + 1 lived in Southwest Roanoke and witness many homeless individuals living in abandoned buildings. Working in Human Services and seeing this daily it is a big problem. People cannot afford to live Attachment A The thing is some of the homeless don't want to use their money who get a check a month for shelter they rather have drugs and alcohol • We see apparent homeless people every day and in large numbers. Every person deserves some place to live. • See my comments above and below • It is getting worse around town,the camps are getting bigger every year. • the streets are populated with the homeless • I've been working in homeless services for ten years. The rents are through the roof with no end in sight and no incentive to keep them lower. The one shelter is private and we need a city run shelter that does case management. • Roanoke seems to have a very high amount of homeless population that come from surrounding rural areas • Even before the C Pandemic, there were many encampments of unhoused people in Southeast Roanoke. Albemarle Ave. SE is one route often used to get from 9th St to downtown. The numbers of congregant unhoused people were and are staggering. Now that(COVID)rent assistance for under employed persons and families has ended, more are on the streets, with rising rents as well. Even one person without a secure place to stay is A SERIOUS ISSUE! • It is devastating to anyone. It can easily kill an old person. Anywhere in the country we have people and families living on the street or in their cars, homelessness is already a serious issue. And with rising prices on everything, the expense of college and limited jobs/companies not paying workers living wages, homelessness is on the rise. This problem is only getting worse. • Homelessness is created by bad government and government is not doing the job it has been elected to do • Finding out what are their challenges. Finding out what will help them start their recovery process. • 1 just see more people begging on medians and growing camps around the city • I've witnessed firsthand an astonishing number of people living under bridges and in the tunnel across from the hospital. The numbers were really mind blowing. • There's a homeless person every time I get in car, on corners, under bridges, in the bushes, at street lights for help and change, all surrounding the mission and they suppose to help but everyone is always crowded out front, starting to see family's even with children who helpless, Roanoke has always been a team of support but there isn't any yet. Help these people so there will be cleaner streets air and places people will not mind stopping by • Businesses are being impacted. Residents Security and Safety are compromised. • 1 feel the severity of the problem fluctuates fully, but wherever people have despair or peril from their situation, it's utmost in communal priority. • You see homeless people everywhere, almost every vacant house in SE has squatters. • Housing is a human right and basic need • Whenever an individual is facing housing/food insecurities and basic healthcare, it is a serious issue. • And I see people on the street now next to Valley View in the airport sleeping out there in the woods down here in Salem we got him sleeping now along the creek gall need to wake up and check things out • Most homeless have resources if they aren't too addicted, mentally ill to access them sadly policies of harsh punishment from Fed level downward has left the poor, low middle class unable to afford decent housing esp over last 2 years. 1 see more people that are homeless walking around on the streets and asking for money than I've ever seen before in Roanoke. 460 is especially bad near the Civic Center. Not only do homeless people need to have somewhere to go, the large population makes our entire city look messy around key areas that people visit like the Civic Center • Our culture has incentivized reliance on the government by the abdication of the role of the church. The government has filed that vacuum, resulting in more fatherless homes, out of wedlock births, and a basic expectation that government"grants" rights rather than protecting them. People treat the government as God. This, with the rejection of Jesus as Lord, causes homelessness. It's a mental illness that culture has exacerbated. Attachment A I've lived in high homeless areas as well as small towns with very little. Roanoke has a problem, yes, but I wouldn't call it to big for the city. That said, affordable housing is a very serious need. I'm watching people slowly waste away on the side of the road Downtown, people are harassed on a daily basis. There are also assaults, theft, trespassing, and other small crimes that police and the prosecutor will do nothing about. • These are human beings, not an "issue" that needs to be addressed. If it were you, or your family member, what lengths would you go to to make sure they were clothed and fed and cared for every night. If you couldn't afford to take care of them, wouldn't you be grateful to have someone else help you protect and provide basic necessities and help them potentially get a better quality of life? • h borhood and often through it. the edges of our neighborhood 9 There are homeless people roaming around g 9 Sometimes they congregate in large groups. Many look and act like they are abusing substances. I have kids and don't like them riding around the neighborhood on their bikes and such due to this. • We have many people sleeping on the street&camping in public places • Because of cost of living,and Rent being so High, everywhere..It is getting harder and harder to feed ourselves and our families.. And the price of Rent going up everywhere.. Most people will choose to feed their family first.. Knowing their rent is due, and They will be kicked out.. If things don't change soon, all of us are going to be Homeless.. • The issue of homelessness is one that has been ongoing in the City of Roanoke. It hasn't really been addressed in a proper way that is beneficial to those experiencing homelessness or to residents as well. You see it everywhere.When people are allowed to build tents under the bridge at Taubman with recliners and etc you know the problem has reached pitch fever and the City caused this by looking the other way instead of addressing the problem head on. Allowing these homeless populations is not compassionate. It's the opposite. A large percentage of this issue is drugs so law enforcement needs to be doing its job. There is also a racket to this panhandling issue. 1 watch pimps trade out panhandlers so this isn't just individual homeless people. Have u driven to Vinton lately? I actually saw a homeless man peeing off the curb into the street We treat the homeless inhumanely A lot of people are getting evicted this year compare to any other year. Unfortunately the homeless are all over Se to the Vinton line-They set fires and destroy others property . I've had several encounters with the homeless population make me feel unsafe. 1. 1 had a pedestrian charge my car while I was driving 35 mph and had kids in the car. I almost hurt him. Other issues like this continue. I don't feel safe. Shelters exist but there isn't motivation to get clean which is the requirement. Homelessness is creating a scar on the Roanoke experience when folks come into the city. I reroute my travel many times to avoid having to see the liter and mess being created. For example, I avoid the intersection of Orange and Williamson. I live in southeast there at the homeless problem is a very serious. This is about agencies receiving money to spend on themselves. 1 work in emergency services for the city and have to deal with both the public complaints on the homeless community and the homeless that are continuing to be abused and left on the streets some times to be found in need of medical care. It seems that it's more families struggling ending up in this situation Its not a good look around on the streets They end up in the ER, or Psych hospital just for a place to sleep and eat. Then cause problems where actual sick patients need help. Continuous problem When there are people on every major intersection begging for money, its an issue! Homelessness decreases property value, Increases crime and attractiveness to the city. There are camps all over the city and homeless people stand on every corner, they are the largest drain on the 911 and emergency services in the city. The amount of litter,trash, and waste that is improperly disposed of in these camps is terrible not only for the environment but for the city and the citizens. Imagine all you have is a backpack and maybe 2 pairs of clothes and be told to function normally It needs to be addressed, yes, but there are far more important issues right now Everywhere you look you see it • There are always many people wandering the streets at all hours, panhandling at intersections, begging at gas stations, and approaching people in a hateful manner when turned away. Attachment A Around Williamson road and the airport area Because they want to be homeless alot of them riding the program because you keep helping. Homelessness isn't taken seriously enough and the stigma it has ensures people don't get the help they need. Homelessness is an issue, as is panhandling on the streets and at intersections. I have lived in Roanoke for almost three years. I moved just prior to the pandemic and it's worse than what I saw living 14 years in New York City because it's not as spread out. Drugs-we have to do more. Housing is a basic human right. Everyone should have permanent housing, Once someone becomes homeless it is extremely difficult to change their situation. I'm seeing more homeless people than ever before. Tents are popping up in our area. There is a couple in a rental unit close to me. They lost everything 4 years ago due to drugs, but are still doing drugs. I guess some people never learn. Its worse in some areas but overall I'd say affordable housing is the larger issue A municipality who outlaws sleeping on sidewalks has a huge problem -- both with numbers of unsheltered persons and with public perception of the problem. Homelessness is a serious issue. I have personal experience with the homeless population through former employment and ministry outreach. There are too many incentives for homeless in Roanoke to stay in their situation. They need incentives to return to a productive life and participate in society. One person is too much, but Roanoke is a hub for those with mental illness in the area. There are opportunities for work, but not many people are all there mentally. It's hard for those individuals to keep a job and budget well. I see too many homeless on the streets, compared to other cities like LA and New York where there are a lot of homeless, I think the ratio is worse in Roanoke. 1 work in an area where 1 interact with homeless people often. I feel pain for folks on the medians with signs almost daily. It is a sign of failing systems. 1 live in southeast roanoke. Thre are tons and tons of homeless people in my area they slepp any and everywhere Too many pan handlers on street corners. Too many laying around city. 1 see them on the corners at intersections all the time. I want to help them but I'm only one person. I know cold weather is coming in soon and I hate to see people suffering. You can see the homeless sleeping on the sidewalks and asking for money on the streetlights. And begging for money in front of Sheetz. With rising costs in the city seem housing instability is also on the rise. There are seems to be a steady upward trend of homeless encampments and road side panhandleing. Seems to indicate the problem is in a growth trend. 1 think anyone with open eyes in Roanoke would be able to see how homelessness has affected our community. No person should be forced to sleep outside. If you are around downtown or along lower income areas, one sees the problem. Brings crime, drugs and filth to the city. So many people are without a place to live, elderly, children. Young and old. Drugs are the main cause of what people of Roanoke are going through!!!!! You can't drive down most streets without being asked for money. I have a small businesses and homeless knock on my customers doors. Scaring them or making them give homey they don't have to give. While I'm working hard to keep my head above water. I understand there are some who have issues but each homeless person should be evaluated and it determined of there issues by a professional, then after assessment provide help. But if it is given and that person does not do what's asked we need seriously think of other ways maybe not jail time but community service. There are camps in our beautiful trees alongside roads no one wants to visit and see that it's trashy they don't even clean these. Thanks for listening 1 moved here 10 years ago and it was rare to see homeless people in the city. Now they are every where ,crime is out of control Roanoke city has went very down hill There is currently a homeless man living in the alley behind my house. Rents are skyrocketing and evictions are climbing after protections expired. People that weren't unhoused before are much more likely to be. Stop investing in"luxury" apartment complexes at the expense of those that can't afford them.There also need to be more behavioral health crisis stabilization Attachment A units, detox housing, and transitional homes for those suffering from mental and substance abuse disorders. More transitional housing options for newly-released inmates. • 1 live downtown and see it outside my building every day. For a city this size there is an impeccable number of resources. Many choose homelessness to continue with substance use • Being homeless does not necessarily mean living on the street. Due to the pandemic families are living w other families to survive • It seems like you see them everywhere now. It's a very sad situation. • Being homeless marks the culmination of many bad outcomes, likely across several variables, in one's life. This is likely Not a chosen result for most. I am just as concerned about the individuals who deal with it(and what got them there) as I am about property values and related criminal activity. The human and financial costs of homelessness are ongoing and difficult to escape. I have had skilled, motivated high school students who were on track for a stable career lose their homes and choose incarceration over remaining homeless. • Homeless people are seen but there are so many more you don't see. It's sad. • We are fortunate to have the Rescue Mission etc that provides shelter. "If you build it they will come." Cities that don't have shelters don't have homeless cuz they don't care. If ppl don't want to help the homeless, then Roanoke is not the city for them.We care about those in need. • There's tons of homeless and more arriving every day • There isn't enough affordable housing in Roanoke,Va. Alot of the requirements for income isn't realistic for many to secure housing. • I was evicted because my apartment was sold during the pandemic • You can't swing a dead cat by the tail without hitting a hobo in roanoke • The homeless is everywhere. Downtown, at mall, towers, on street intersections, neighborhoods,etc. Such a shame. Image of city is going down. They are at grocery stores, food lion and kroger. Witness one homeless man ride a cart(provided by kroger for their shopping customers) use it to beg for money from patrons entering the store. This was an able body man. Another group of homeless hangs at the Claytor property and hangs across the street from the hotel Roanoke day and night. They literally stalk our homes and in the alley ways. 1 cN go on and on. • 1 was homeless 5 years ago and used the resources I had to get out of it and stay out of it. A big part of why people stay homeless is the resources don't encourage self reliance or promote progressing beyond the resources they have at hand. • They're everywhere They are on every street corner, tent cities around Valley View... • Even if it seems moderate it will get worse if neglected I live in SE. Our safety is at risk because no one cares enough to rectify the situation. • The rescue mission accrues a lot of homeless people which causes more theft and crimes in Roanoke. As a downtown employee it's sad their are multiple homeless out here eveyday on every block.They are at intersections and half of them have some kind of mental capacity/problem or a drug habbit. • 1 work on Franklin road. We have homeless people come in daily to use our facilities. Also one of my co workers just went through a period of homelessness. She stayed at the mission for over 2 months. She had to move from her apartment because it was condemned unfortunately for her several affordable options in the area were going through new ownership and evicted their renters to remodel. This created a rush of people trying to find affordable options. She finally found something last minute but it ended up not being available right away do to renovations and time delays because of product availability. She is finally in her apartment. • We have a lot of places that could be rebuilt and be shelters for the homeless and in the colder months still see them outside trying to make it while people are being hateful.1 am about to be homeless soon and have looked everywhere and no where I can afford I have no job no car nothing and being kicked out in the cold. • There's no good reason why anyone should be homeless in Roanoke other than this city only cares about the money they can make by putting addicts and mentally unstable people in jail. • Some people do not want to work, they make more standing on the corner. • Homelessness has drastically increased everywhere in Roanoke. There are very few intersections, parks, or practically anywhere downtown without a homeless person asking for money. Attachment A • There are homeless encampments everywhere. There are beggars on every corner. It's unsafe for everyone. It also can hurt businesses. • Too many out there needing help. It takes kindness, patience along with resources. Most are in fear. • Due to the programs we have and our lack of enforcement for loitering, panhandling, etc, we are quickly attracting homeless from other areas. • Homeless people are sleeping all throughout the city. Under bridges, in wooded areas,fix this issue. • More and more people are becoming homeless because of the rent increases. • Because I see them everyday begging • Roanoke has a significant amount of unhoused people, and it is causing other issues such as litter and makes our city seem unsafe to visitors • The city doesn't do anything about it,just relying on the Rescue mission • Maybe I don't see it enough, but I know it's there. I know about camps in town that are kind of well kept secrets, and I'd rather those people have proper shelter rather than out in the open. • It is an issue but not one that will be solved by the government and is only made worse by throwing money at it • Roanoke has a lot of homeless • I am currently homeless. My social security check is only$675. There's nowhere to rent for$400. Also, I have a domestic violence felony and misdemeanor drug possession that prohibits me from qualifying for public housing or section 8 • Roanoke City is the Homeless capital of Southwest Virginia. Build adequate shelters in other Virginia cities • I see homeless people every day. I've sadly just gotten used to it. • Just ride downtown or out Williamson Rd. or down Orange ave/Challenger ave. • I'm on the streets as I type this and my main concern is why there's so many young lives on these street why no one is out here trying help them it's sad seeing these young people out here • We see them! And they need help! • Homelessness is serious for those affected as well as the public image of Roanoke. The more homeless people who are visibly on streets, the less safe residents and tourists feel in the area • Homelessness of any level is a serious issue. • You see them everywhere. • People are on many corners with signs. They even approach us in parking lots and in stores. We offer to buy them food, etc.; but that is not what they want. We know of some who even throw food on the road or sidewalk when gifted to them. They more often want the money for booze and/or drugs. • There are homeless people everywhere. This was not the case several years ago • It's horrible. It's also not the governments problem to spend my tax dollars on this issue. Make them leave the city because the city will not cater to them. • It's seems largely prevalent in Roanok Cityy, there seems to be little support for those facilities that attempt to reach out and encourage those at risk. Local businesses have little support from the city to deter panhandling. • Lack of low income housing, scaming landlords, and the closing of the cheaper motels in the area as well as drugs and unchecked mental health has bred homelessness to a severe point and it will only get worse. • You're homeless camps all over Roanoke and they leave trash everywhere in the trash or parks they're not accountable if they could get help with drug alcohol and mental illness problems like the rescue mission offers they could get off this cycle of self-destruction • I work in an area where the homeless sleep on our porch.We find needles etc • I take my granddaughter and neice to the bus stop in the mornings and we see a elder lady wrapped up in a blanket with a pillow just laying on the sidewalk it was very sad to see that • There's not enough resources to help people in need • Homeless people are sleeping on sidewalks and next to stores down Jamison Avenue. They are piling up thrash and making Roanoke disgusting. They are making me want to leave Roanoke. • The homeless are approaching individuals asking for money with the Covid it's very scary it's making the city look bad I have the homeless hanging around sleeping on the side of the curbs and on the benches which is for the public Clean up the beer cans alcohol bottles and needles that are left around Attachment A + 1 believe that any homelessness with inadequate resources to address them is a serious humanistic problem. • There is a noticeable amount of homeless in Roanoke which has caused for buildings to be torn down and relocated. There is a huge need to address this issue. • I work in social work and the most common issue the we see is housing needs • Working with the homeless as I do, there are many new faces whose names we don't know, who've arrived in Roanoke and come to our shelters • The homeless population is significant for a town of our size. People are constantly panhandling all over the city. • There are people homeless and at risk of homelessness. Jobs aren't paying enough to survive on to pay all bills, groceries, personal care products, and try to save as well. Then you have children making it more difficult because they need items as well. • It's only a problem if you enable it. • Would you need this survey if we didn't already know it was a problem • I'm approached by homeless individuals on a daily basis downtown asking for money for food or drinks. I've had them sleep on the sidewalk outside my downtown apartment. • 1 have homeless sleeping in the alley behind my house, camping out at my side door, and find used syringes in my yard. Public urination and defecation, threats from panhandlers for not giving money. • Homelessness is all over the City. I have seen people sleeping in the Poff Bldg at night when I worked at Verizon. That was before it was changed. I found it rather disconcerting when I would go somewhere and these people would be laying on the floor, looking dead. • The amount of people that are in need of assistance can be seen everyday, in all areas of Roanoke. This is not an issue that is part of a certain area. It feels like the city and the county have tried to compartmentalize the issue for a number of years, and now it is too big to fix. • There are people in need, but there is a majority of people who do not want to work. They do not want to help themselves. It really isn't a problem for the city, it's a problem for those who want to milk off the government and live off of others who work. There is a population on hard times. They cannot make it and need assistance. But, those people want to get off the government dime. Those people want to be self sufficient. Assistances should be temporary and not a permanent solution. • Panhandling is rampant. The existing signs do not detour them at all. People sleeping where they shouldn't. Their mental health issues are not addressed long term.The motel near Williamson Rd and Orange Ave. Days Inn I think is a disaster for drugs, alcohol and prostitution. Some homeless people have died there. + Drugs also feed into this but you won't address this issue + There's many homeless encampments throughout the city. + Ive worked downtown for 10 years. I recognize many of the homeless. + Homelessness is dangerous for the unhoused and the community at large. Housing lends stability which in turn leads to jobs. • We have many homeless people who take advantage of several of the benefits of the Rescue Mission but who do not"graduate"into self-sufficiency. Some of these recipients remain in the community as squatters and participate in petty crimes (i.e. burglaries, larceny, trespassing, drug violations, etc.). We should not include this segment of the population in the homeless category. These people become informal "residents"who become chronic neighborhood problems, primarily in the Southeast part of town that deteriorate the quality of life for everyone who is trying to raise a family and exist peacefully there. • The camps along the greenway/river(along with other areas) are unsettling. These are supposed to be comforting, family areas • We have known several homeless or at risk of being homeless families with small children even in our short 5 years here in Roanoke. Homelessness in any degree is a huge issue. + I am homeless and nobody will help me + The city allows vagrants and homeless to do whatever they want. So they congregate here because there isn't any reprisal. • There are homeless everywhere you go! In Roanoke it is becoming more of a problem because there are so many homeless it is overrunning into neighboring towns!! The homeless also like to stand in the streets and be rude to those who will not/can not help them. Attachment A • Know there are people that are living on the street • Drive through southeast, the number of people sleeping on the sidewalk or side of stores is shocking. • Indigents are on every corner in the city, throwing down trash, begging for money but won't accept work or food. I'm embarrassed to say I live here. • It is a multi faceted issue. People who fall on hard times should have the resources available to help them get back on their feet. They should not be allowed to aggressively pan handle and create disturbances with people who live here and visitors to our city. Resources and enforcement would be a great start. • Homelessness relates to marginal ization, in that it is possible to become invisible in plain sight. When this happens, unless meaningful intervention occurs, people can lose hope altogether, even become desperate, and even those attempting to reach out tend to miss this transition. People become at risk for human trafficking and exploitation while homeless. And no one knows. It's easy for transient people to disappear from their home base. • Many homeless would rather live on streets. They need counseling and health care. Some are addicts. Many will not work and some are in need with their mental health. They often do not bathe or use hygiene. Not sure hotels would want folks that may carry vermin on them. Maybe another Open Door Mission would be helpful along with free food and medical. If there are those who want to help themselves and get off the streets and have a better lifestyle then I am all for that. • 1 feel the homeless begging on the corners make our city look undesirable to tourist. This affects our tourism dollars. The homeless population need to not be give free money, but have requirements to meet to receive money. For example, unemployment money is available to people who are actively looking for a job. • Many visibly homeless and even more that are housing insecure. Homelessness greatly impacts many and that issue then broadly impacts individuals in many other ways. By better addressing the homelessness issue we will have a better city for all. • We cannot keep renovating areas that are homeless Hotspots and expecting them to magically have a place to go the problem will not be fixed by simply pushing them from one community to another without a place to go. Our one homeless shelter is not nearly enough! • Every day I am heckled anywhere from 1 to 4 times a day by homeless individuals throughout Roanoke. It is not safe to be un armed in the city at night with the rampant homeless drug usage, which had led to wild behavior amongst several I have seen. This includes shouting matches in the middle of the night around my car, as I wait to pick up my fiance from work late at night. Often I've been un wantedly approached and vocally pressed for money by a stumbling person who wakes up on the asphalt from a drug induced sleep in the night. This is a saftey and human endangerment issue. • South East seems to be inundated with them • Homeless people are all around our city. Sleeping in doorways, our local parks, along the greenway • The city streets and store fronts are loaded with homeless and panhandling. You can't safely drive or shop with out them stepping in front of the cars harassing you. Or getting mad if you can fill their financial needs. There are some that legitimately go out and work and are trying. Help them. Theses sitting on our property and destroying our things stealing everything from our city trash cans to using the restroom on our property. Leaving piles of trash on our streets. They need to be put to work or if caught punished. It is the worst it's ever been. • Homeless is stealing and trying to live on public land and private homes and land, it makes our city looks trashy • Roanoke has a large homeless population. For goodness sakes" Sheetz at will/orange" is relocating because of the issues associated to hornlessness. The intersection at orange and williamson is disgraceful. Litter everywhere, always 3-4 people holding signs begging. Small crime is bad in the area. Where is the affordable housing for adults with addiction issues. Most homeless addicts have some criminal background. When the person or if the oerson is assisted with housing it is too expensive, in the middle of a drug infested community(which prevents the person from beating the drug habit)or the social security they have is not enough to provide them affordable housing if they can pass all the requirements needed for housing. I could go on and on. • Across the Roanoke area you can see evidence of homelessness. This can include camping sites, shopping carts lying around, trash build up, etc. Also homeless individuals are walking into the suburbs. There is increased begging for money. Attachment A • The homeless people are everywhere in Roanoke City. I am an old lady driving to work every morning at 5:45, it's scary to have them wandering around or approaching my vehicle. I try to have compassion for the homeless that are there through no fault of their own, but the ones that seem to think that you owe them are growing in numbers. This is not the way to attract people to come to our wonderful city. • No one should be homeless. • Being in grocery retail I see and deal with the homeless on a daily basis. There are so many homeless just on the northwest quadrant let alone the rest of the city. It is inhumane to not provide for those in need. • The democrats feel that give them more for not working and now it has gotten out of hand and when government fails. The police and prisons have been the answer. Quality trades training or college if they can show profiency for it. They will survive. Life is not for everybody. But as people we should show brotherly love to all. Not hate and bigotry. We as people are about to learn these lessons. • Having the largest homeless shelter in the state, and from what I understand the largest on the east coast, individuals are bussed in from all over. The shelter has strict guidelines for individuals to follow, and many haven't measured up to the expectations and have been banned. • Panhandlers on every street corner. • Roanoke doesn't see the volume of homelessness that some other cities have though it seems to be growing. • They are here for free stuff. Stop it. • I work in a public library and see first hand that this is a serious issue every day. • Homeless people can be seen camping everywhere in Roanoke along with panhandlers on every median at major intersections. Older hotels are turning into crime havens and unsupervised and unmaintained facilities. The irony is that the owners charge market rates for less than acceptable accommodations. • I do not believe that homelessness is an overwhelming issue in the city. • They're are more obvious homeless in the city and surrounding areas. The cost of housing, substance and inefficient mental health services are a major contributing factor. • It's makes Roanoke look trashy by having numerous individuals begging for money at an intersection. There are many intersections where this is a problem. • 1 see this every day throughout our city. In my job as security, 1 find them on our properties most every day. • Drug use, crime and abuse of the police,fire/ EMS and hospital. • It is obvious regardless of circumstances whether is housing or mental issues You can clearly see any time of the day on any busy corner people standing needing help sitting under bridges with everything they own all you have to do is drive around the city of Roanoke'l and you canYou can clearly see any time of the day on any busy corner people standing needing help sitting under bridges with everything they own all you have to do is drive around the city of Roanoke and you can see tent cities. For people who live near these areas it is unsafe • 1 see people without homes on every street corner. I can't go to certain parks after dark for fear of what might happen. I was at the Greenway a month ago and there was a naked man on the Greenway. I can't go to Elmwood park without seeing 15 homeless people all around the park and being sexually harassed. • 1 have worked with several homeless youth in the past. I see the guy sleeping up against the curb near the hospital. I know the rescue mission is likely full every night. The socioeconomic disparities in Roanoke are no joke. How can we be a community of such plenty and have so many suffering? But I also know we are not unique. • They are everywhere. • You see people living in tents in the woods. I'm sure they are in my neighborhood behind the bar on 460 and 24th st ne • Currently more and more homeless are becoming more visible in city • the city literally made it illegal to sleep outside in the city. You didn't help homelessness, you just made them move out of sight • 1 can walk less than a mile in my neighborhood and see multiple homeless people sleeping or camping in sidewalks. Attachment A • There are more pressing issues affecting Roanoke City than homelessness. While mental health, crime and homelessness often go hand in hand, mental health and crime are bigger issues. • Out of some 100,000 people, the homelessness of a couple hundred or so is negligible. The tail need not wag the dog here. Just as with gun violence. Most people involved in gun violence(including victims)are engaged in illegal activity that is dangerous to the community. Play with fire, get burned. Not the problem of the vast, vast majority of Roanokers. • 1 have worked with a ministry in Roanoke for years that works to serve the homeless and meet their immediate needs. • Obviously!!! or this survey wouldn't exist • I enjoy walking outside and hiking, I see them camping in the woods, under bridges, in alleyways... it makes me feel unsafe to walk by them.This is a problem when citizens feel unsafe. • Homelessness is growing in Roanoke City, with little to no intervention from City government. Funding allocatiin must be focused more on SOLUTIONS. • I live next to the Elmwood Park Garage (right next to the Rescue Mission)and I see homeless people constantly. I see when they leave, when they go to the shelter, when they have to sleep on the patches of grass downtown or in the garage. • The problem is they will continue living wherever because they won't follow rules to help them, there's alot of drug issues • I work in downtown and see first hand how bad it is. • Right now I have 3 homeless people in my home. All are handicapped. They help me out by doing my grocery shopping since I can't walk that far. They are also trying to make an effort to find employment. They have been here since the covid outbreak. • No one should be having to live outdoors. There are homeless living in shelters, motels, tents, and in the woods.There will be a lot more in the coming months as evictions move forward and little to no affordable housing available. a humans life and well being is very serious, and no one should ever fall that far down. most people choose to ignore it rather than fix it. the city banning people from sleeping on sidewalks was such a farce. thats just an excuse so cops can kick homeless people away legally when they want to. but people still sleep on the side walks all the time. • Some of the homeless population are dealing with a ton of mental health issues and substance abuse • Violent crime is a very serious issue • Homelessness has been increasing and becoming more widespread in public areas. • There are homeless individuals sleeping outdoors throughout our city. The cost of rental property is extremely inflated and the criteria being required by landlords to make 3 times the rent is almost impossible to attain for some people. Especially those living on disability or those making minimum wage. In addition, many are mentally ill and not suitable for standard housing due to the lack of independent living skills. More"affordable housing"won't address this issue. • Standing in medians with signs. I thought there was an ordinance against that. Enforce it. • There are people living with family and friends because they can't afford these high priced rentals. even if the affected population is small, it's still a very serious issue • I live near highland park. One day last month was out playing in the tennis court &a rent was set up under a tree. Needles all over the court. • Homelessness exists in cycles that can be difficult to break, and greatly impacts people's quality of life in all areas. • While we are not overwhelmed by the number of homeless people, there are enough to impact businesses (Church Ave, Market Square)and several residential areas. The problem is not dire yet but could be if not dealt with. • I have had the opportunity to work with the homeless population and it continues to grow. They need a safe place in the City to live while they seek and obtain services and stability. I've also worked for Social Services in the past and recognize that trauma triggers affects a client's ability to safely be around others in a shelter—thus the need for a tiny house village. • I've seen worse in other cities • Homelessness reflects badly on the city of roanoke There is help ,but the city fails to work well with outside groups that would like to help Attachment A • At this time, I don't see it being serious. But with inflation, we could see more and more individual homeless. The cost of living in Roanoke, particularly renting, is increasing. Those who work 40hrs per week are starting to struggle. • Other cities encourage homeless people to come to this area because there are better resources here. • A couple of hundred homeless is not as bad as most areas of this size. But it still needs to be dealt with before it grows to more. • One need only look around to see it's a serious problem. Quotes are often given that other cities have a more serious problem-but the"their hell is hotter than our hell"argument doesnt cut it. They need help. • The tent encampments as well as the panhandling do not look good on the City. The only city I have ever seen more in 1 place is Washington DC. • The homeless people yell at me, they are worse than trash, and they make living in Roanoke an embarrassment when I bring people in from out of time. CLOSE THE RESCUE MISSION!! • Homeless are seemingly everywhere now as compared with just a few years ago. • More homeless individuals everyday and more at risk of homelessness everyday, yet our affordable housing stock remains the same • Homelessness in any form is a "serious" issue but comparatively to other cities we are not in nearly as serious situation but we certainly don't want to get to that point. • Children in homeless families suffer in many ways through no fault of their own. They are disadvantaged from their peers in public schools. Those who are homeless by addiction and/or mental health issues need services to aid in their recovery. Those who are homeless by choice place a burden on Roanoke Citizens. Homeless folks are all over the valley. It is very sad. Homeless encampments are unattractive and detrimental to economic growth. The one near the airport is a source of embarrassment to businessmen and guests flying into our city. I have been harassed by homeless on the sidewalks in downtown Roanoke. I have witnessed homeless women squatting and urinating in public on city sidewalks. Today I viewed a partially dressed homeless man passed out on the sidewalk near Target. This is so very sad. It also makes me want to avoid the areas in Roanoke where I see so many homeless in that state. If I am alone, I rarely frequent a business in downtown Roanoke due to encountering numerous homeless. It does not always feel safe. I have witnessed homeless with mental health challenges, shrieking and screaming to no one in a state of agitation. • A homeless person who was convicted pedifile prayed on a friends child, and there are more coming in!! Get them out of here ! • The numbers have grown despite adequate resources because they do not want help, and prefer to get high and sleep/go to the bathroom outside. • Homeless people have used my house as a restroom, my water house as a shower, slept beside my house. Drug transactions and sex acts conducted beside my property. It is impacting the city's perception and property values, and the number of people willing to live/work/visit downtown. • I've seen worse in other cities. • Number of homeless individuals has increased dramatically over the last decade • Travel and run around Roanoke frequently. I see more and more homelessness that impacts the city in various ways. People sleeping or passed out in the road and on sidewalks, aggressive panhandling, and encampments in woods and in open spaces. • They are everywhere and you dipshits keep welcoming more. Start arresting those giving to panhandlers. They are the real problem. • Aggressive panhandling. Being cursed at when declining to give money at red lights and parking lots. People standing right beside car windows, staring inside at red lights. City wide, not just limited to one area. Lack of consequences for panhandling/break ins. People"camping" in woods 100 footsteps away from my front door on Parkway. Parkway won't do anything either. Some good friends who were raised here and then raised their children here, moved to Bedford,just last weekend, because of the panhandling and a break in to their garage. It has become unbearable. • The problem is affordable and SAFE housing with adequate supports within each neighborhood • Homelessness exists everywhere but they shouldn't be allowed to camp out wherever they want to. That's more of an issue that being just homeless • Because the city caters to people. It is well known that you go to Roanoke city and they will give you everything that is needed and you don't have to do a thing • I'm a social worker in Roanoke and see this issue almost daily Attachment A + I see it but it does not affect be directly. • Don't arrest them for sleeping on a bench or a sidewalk. Be a part of the solution not a part of the problem. • 1 am disabled and unable to drive, or fill out forms and the process is too complicated to access all resources when there is no one to assist or consolidate the process- housing, EXPEDITE and simplify the process of disability/mental health accessability !!! + The cost of living is so high many people are becoming homeless even working full time. This is ridiculous. Lower the rent and let things be normal again + They are sleeping on the sidewalk in downtown Roanoke • You cannot walk a block in Roanoke city without bypassing a homeless or transient person. There has been what also seems to be an increase of crime as homeless numbers rise. There is also a very gross lacking of mental health services available and most are constantly revolving in and out of the mental health care system + 1 see nothing being done to help them, if they go to the rescue mission they are allowed breakfast and then turned out on to walk the streets or sleep on them. Doesnt matter how hot or cold it is outside. • Most homeless people are making the choice to live outside. • Drive around and actually look at your surroundings- in NE, SE the camps are everywhere. These people have nowhere else to go. This city desperately needs home or apartment complexes for no income people. Take a proactive stand against other cities busing in homeless people to our city. • These people are in dangerous conditions and choose not to go to homeless shelters due to lack of help • Bums are everywhere in Roanoke + Beyond the simple inhumanity of not having adequate shelter, the homeless create public and environmental health problems by not having access to sanitary toilet facilities, and also with their solid waste/litter, and in many cases used needles. Further, those same factors create neighborhood and community nuisances that can adversely impact local businesses and quality of life. Their presence within and adjacent to roadways creates traffic and pedestrian safety concerns. • There are way more people on the side of the road now than in the past. • It is so sad !!! + Drugs and gang violence are a more pressing issue. • Homeless individuals are panhandling almost 24/7. • Unfortunately, it appears homelessness is everywhere in Roanoke and the rise of people begging at every stoplight is heartbreaking and shocking that it has gotten so bad. + I have seen the homeless pushing their carts or hauling their things around. I have read about studies done. And lastly I have worked over nights in hotels and had to turn homeless people out of the lobbies in places I have worked. + It is a problem, but at least we aren't San Fransisco or Los Angeles • Driving around town, all you see is makeshift tents and trash. • Those homeless need a place to go 24/7. They need programs to improve their situation. And more mental health facilities available to assess the problem. • There are many homeless people on the median throughout Roanoke every single day asking for money. They are trashing up SE WITH THEIR roadside campsites, sleeping on sidewalks. • There are hordes of homeless on every street corner in the city begging for money. • It may not affect many people, but it seems shameful to allow people to suffer. + See above • I work downtown and there is a very visible homeless presence. It impacts our level of safety as well as we have had issues being approached by homeless people asking for money and getting very aggressive. I don't feel safe leaving work when it gets late or even coming in early. I've even had friends being approached by men on the greenway while running. They've shown up out of no where and have exhibited very rude, crude and inappropriate behavior. • You see it on every corner • Homeless are coming to Roanoke because we are too lenient on crime + As a Roanoke resident for 25 years, City resident for 3, and Downtown (Old SW)resident for 2, 1 have noticed an increased presence of individuals who are homeless in the City and Downtown Roanoke neighborhoods. Poverty has increased since the start of the pandemic and current inflation is putting Attachment A even more people at risk of homelessness. Large apartment complexes are being renovated (i.e. Grandin Road), limiting affordable housing options even further. • It is a problem but there are far more serious issues. • Homelessness is an issue in that it effect those without homes. It's not a blight on the city. People stay in jail longer without housing. Peoples mental health gets worse without housing. The city is healthier when affordable housing is available. • Even though I don't see as many homeless people sleeping on benches as much as I used to. However I do sread it however I do see a lot of homeless people with signs asking for money. • Definite increase in the homeless population over the last few years • The population is growing and more and more people are landing in Roanoke for services. • Too many people seen on the streets and on abandoned properties • You can see it everywhere around city.. trash clothes carts everywhere because shelters don't have enough space.. we need multiple places for people homeless, mental health people, people coming out of unhealthy relationships etc.. • ased on observations at major intersecrions I can only conclude homelessness is a serious issue. • I am impacted by homelessness every day. Destitute people creating chaos throughout Roanoke is blatant and disruptive. • We have so many homeless in and on the streets everywhere • I believe the"homeless"that we see on Roanoke street corners are mostly a subset of people who either have a place to live or don't want the accountability of services offered. Social media channels abound with reports of people tracking them back home, etc. These people need to be fined and/or arrested, and they make it harder for the real homeless people. My guess is that"true" homelessness in Roanoke is mostly single moms or refugee/immigrant families, and that another portion are people with substance abuse addictions. • They are on every corner • 1 work downtown, and every day I come into town to work I see more and more homeless people sleeping on the streets, under bridges, and walking the streets. they are always asking for a handout. • Homeless shelter isn't the only solution. • Homelessness is a serious issue everywhere. • There are homeless camps everywhere and it makes it unsafe to do many things outdoors. There's one right on the side of the road on elm that nothing has been done about. Ever since the no sleeping downtown rule was established, they have been branching out everywhere. I have been harassed by obviously high or mentally unstable homeless people on Tinker Creek Greenway and the one that goes under the memorial ave bridge with the houses murals and no longer feel safe using them. My dog has gotten drug paraphernalia lodged in his paw. My daughter has seen a naked from the waist down man run across our path while walking greenways. They set chairs up under the overpass of 581 right by the Mission and the by the cemetery(and many other places)and leave trash everywhere and wander into the street constantly with no regard for oncoming traffic. I have almost hit a homeless person multiple times. I have seen homeless men urinating right out in the open on many occasions. I have witnessed several homeless men break into a fist fight, once in the middle of the road while my daughter was in the car with me. Ever since the pandemic it seems like homeless people are no longer being addressed by police and therefore they have become quite brazen and outspoken and have no regard for any person or property around them. Instead of closing the hotels they used for shelter,forcing them to spread farther into the suburbs of roanoke, something needs done to get them off the streets. All the city has succeeded in doing thus far, is pushing them out of downtown and into our backyards literally. • look around......getting colder out • I am seeing a lot more homeless encapment. • I work at Lowe's near the airport and I see a lot of homeless people in our parking lot. I also see lots of panhandlers near Towers Mail and at the corner of Franklin and Brandon. • Homeless people have camps behind stores , on side walks . I can't even be at a stop light without someone staring at me with a sign • There are many people living on the streets on in their cars! • Homelessness is a major problem which we've so far addressed by criminalizing and filling our inhuman jails further with people who deserve to be treated with respect.When the least of us thrives, our Attachment A {i 1 community will thrive all the more. Create an income maximum tax, say, anything over 300k/year gets taxed at 95%. Use that money to build the middle class and lift our fellow citizens out of poverty. • There are homeless people all over the valley. You can't drive without seeing panhandlers on every corner. There are also disgusting encampments on several locations. Most are within walking distance of the Rescue Mission. • It's everywhere and if you don't think so, you are in denial. It is not a downtown problem, a Valley View/interstate problem. It is everywhere and it's in your neighborhood if you are willing to see it. • You can't just shoo the unhoused away from downtown and call it done. • The homeless are in need of help. There are various reasons why someone is homeless and they deserve assistance. • There are far too many homeless folks in our area that are in dire need of help, non judgemental help. • Homeless camps or camping are everywhere. Many steal what they cannot procure elsewise. • Homeless is bad in Roanoke. They have no outlet to keep one busy. The city and give them bags, and brooms to clean up the city. Thus in return, have a shelter for them to sleep and eat. • We are seeing more and more homeless people, people living in the woods and along the river. What we see is only a small percentage of the suffering. Attachment B R THE RAMSAY GROUP NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND GAP ANALYSIS for HOME-ARP FUNDING Roanoke, Virginia Effective Date: January 3, 2023 Prepared for Keith Holland City of Roanoke HUD Community Resources Division Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue Roanoke, VA 24011 Prepared by:The Ramsay Group,25350 Magic Mountain Parkway,Ste. 300, Valencia,CA 91355 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group Summary This document highlights key data, analysis and findings as they relate to the City of Roanoke, VA Homeless Needs Assessment. The intent of this report is to provide demographic and housing data and analysis that demonstrates the housing needs of the area's lower income households (generally those earning no more that 80% of Area Median Household Income, or AMHI), with an emphasis on the specific needs of the homeless population. This attempts to comport to certain data requirements for funding requests under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) program. This needs assessment and gap analysis uses several current and past research and reports listed below in order to create a foundation for future implementation of the HOME-ARP program: RKG Associate Inc. Regional Housing Study, 2020 PIT/CoC/HMIS Homeless Statistics, 2020-2022 • Blue Ridge Interagency Council on Homelessness (BRICH) — Community Engagement Report and Statistics • City's Analysis of Impediment—Consultation Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP) Report • The Ramsay Group (TRG) research, surveys and consultations with service providers, city staff, housing developers and the public in 2022 Summary of Findings from Existing Reports Overall Population and Household Growth is Projected to be Positive—The current population in the City of Roanoke, Virginia is approximately 100,000.The population and total households within the region have grown slowly over the last 50 years, with the percentage of the elderly population increasing (RKG Associates, 2020). Households with one or two persons are the largest household groups in the City of Roanoke. In 2018,the city had 42,037 households, and 2025 projections show the city could add 2,162 families to the City Population (44,119 households). Approximately 83%of households have only one person. Nearly 20,000 People Live in Poverty — Persons experiencing poverty are often the most vulnerable to experiencing housing challenges including homelessness. Poverty is often a reflection of financial issues that can contribute to housing challenges. Nearly 20,000 people in the City of Roanoke endure poverty, representing one in five residents. This data stresses the importance of affordable housing alternatives for people living in poverty. Most Low-income Renters are Cost Burdened or Unable to Find Affordable Housing- Rent has Page 1 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group increased 14% over the last five years. The average rent for a single-family home is approximately$900 per month,while rent in multi-family dwellings averages$1,300 per month (RKG Associates, Inc., 2020). At 30% of their income, a household of one at 30% AMI should pay about $412 per month for rent. The number of renter households that qualify for affordable rental housing at the 30%of AMI level exceeds the number of units available at that price point.There is a projected deficit of 3,569 affordable units, meaning many extremely low- income households are having to spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. This further exacerbates housing affordability and cost burden challenges and heightens the risk of low-income households experiencing homelessness. Persons Experiencing Homelessness Need More Than Housing — The majority of people interviewed and who completed the survey stated that people experiencing homelessness need supportive services to assist them in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing, case management to work on indicated interests and strengths and navigate systems and resources to not only survive but thrive. Based on these findings combined with the feedback from the community, it is recommended that the City of Roanoke focus its HOME ARP strategies on providing housing opportunities and supportive services for the homeless, particularly those with extremely low incomes. This can be achieved through rental assistance, supportive wraparound services, and support for the construction or preservation of affordable housing. DEMOGRAPHICS The current City population is approximately 100,000. Between 2010-2022, the population increased by over 3,800 residents.The population of Roanoke is projected to increase by about 1.2% between 2018 and 2025, or about 1,100 residents. Based on current data, the city is projected to continue to grow slowly in the future. Also, the city is experiencing an aging population with an increase of 13% of residents over the age of 65 in the last five years. The growth in the senior population will impact the housing supply as many seniors may like to age in place so long as an adequate housing supply is available that meets their needs. Table 1 HouseholdsProjected Total Percent Community 2018 Estimates 2025 Projections Change Change Roanoke City 42,037 44,119 2,162 5% Region 137,942 142,643 4,701 3% Source: ESRI, 2020—RKG Page 2 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020), the current racial makeup of the City of Roanoke is as follows: • White: 61.47% • Black or African American: 29.38% • Two or more races: 4.73% • Asian: 3.35% • Other race: 0.79% • Native American: 0.22% • Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.05% The city's Hispanic/Latino population rose by 13%from 5,406 residents to 6,104 between 2013- 2018 (Citywide Housing Study, City of Roanoke, Virginia, 2020). The City of Roanoke has a significant portion of its population (47%)with a high school diploma or less. Educational attainment is often associated with higher earnings which can translate to a greater ability to pay for housing costs. In the City of Roanoke, 15%of the population has one or more of the Census-defined disabilities, translating into 14,461 individuals. The senior population in the City of Roanoke shows many disabled individuals,with 5,780 residents having at least one disability.The aging population is of particular concern, as they tend to live on fixed incomes and have higher healthcare costs which may limit the amount they can spend on housing. Disability, in particular mental health disabilities, can make it challenging to earn enough to afford adequate housing. INCOME Household income directly influences the ability of residents to secure housing that is affordable and available to them. Household income can affect housing prices if an influx of higher-income households enters the market over time or, conversely, leaves the market over time. As of 2020, the median household income in the City of Roanoke was approximately $40,000. It is important that over time incomes are compared to housing costs to ensure increasing price points stay manageable for low- and middle-income households. Cost burden, a circumstance where a household pays more than 30% of its income toward housing costs, is a reality for lower-income families across the city. About 42% of city households earn less than $35,000 annually. The higher percentage of lower-income households requires proactive measures to ensure safe and affordable housing for families at Page 3 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group all income levels. Table 2 HouseholdProjected Median Incomes Community 2020 Estimates 2025 Projections 1C hange Percent Change Roanoke City $40,593 $42,357 $1,764 4% Source: ESRI, 2020-RKG Between 2010 and 2019, employment data for the City of Roanoke shows that the top 10 employment subsectors have added jobs with an average wage of $55,000. The sector which experienced the most significant gain was Healthcare,adding 1,576 jobs over the ten years with an average salary of $72,900. One interesting trend in the city is the growth in high-wage and low-wage jobs. Sectors like healthcare, finance, insurance, and manufacturing are all growing and have average wages between $73,000 and $88,200. At the same time, the city is experiencing growth in the accommodations, food services, personal services, and arts and entertainment sectors.These sectors have average wages between$21,150 and$29,000, much lower than other sectors, which directly correlates to what a person or family can afford for housing.Table 3 shows the affordable home price and affordable rent by industry sector based on the average earnings within each sector. Table 3 iHousing Affordability Based on . . 10 Industry Sectors,2019 Industry Average ffordable ffordable Jobs Earnings Home Price Rent Industry Health Care and Social Assistance 12,992 $72,853 $268,949 $1,821 Government 8,647 $68,237 $251,908 $1,706 Retail Trade 7,636 $33,689 $124,369 $842 Accommodation and Food Services 6,319 $21,154 $78,093 $529 Construction 4,485 $62,851 $232,025 $1,571 Transportation and Warehousing 4,222 $56,664 $209,185 $1,417 Other Services(except Public Administration) 3,933 $28,968 $106,940 $724 Manufacturing 1 3,898 $74,083 $273,490 $1,852 Page 4 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Finance and Insurance 3,221 $88,231 $325,719 $2,206 Administrative and Support Services 2,941 $43,552 $160,779 $1,089 Source: EMSI, and RKG Associates, Inc., 2020 Note: Rent payment accounts for utilities. Home price accounts for mortgage, taxes,and insurance. The hospitality and food services sector offer income enough for a monthly rent of $529 compared to the finance sector, which provides a salary that can afford monthly rent as much as$2,206. Persons with disabilities often receive SSI which is $841 per month (Social Security Administration website, 2022). 30% is approximately $252. With the average rent in a multi- family development sitting at approximately$1,300,a person receiving SSI would need monthly rental assistance of$1,048. RENTAL HOUSING SUPPLY ANALYSIS The City of Roanoke has 47,056 housing units, of which 42,037 (89%) are occupied, and 5,019 (11%)are vacant. Of the occupied housing units, 52%are owner-occupied, and 48%are renter- occupied. Table 4 Housing Tenure,Rental Renter Occupied City of Roanoke Region Single Family 42% 44% Multifamily 57% 52% Mobile Home/RV/Other 0% 4% Source:ACS 2014-2018—RKG The rental housing stock across the city is old, with 80% of rental housing units built before 1980. Half of all rental units in the town were constructed before 19S9. Older rental units tend to require significant maintenance and possible rehabilitation, sometimes resulting in less-than ideal conditions for tenants. In 2018, the median gross rent in the city was $799, an increase of 15% from 2013. In 2020 rental listings reveal the average rent for a single-family home is $907 per month, while rents in multifamily buildings averaged $1,308 per month, a 12% and 39% increase, respectively, in Page 5 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group two years. Rental prices in the larger apartment complexes vary significantly depending on the location, quality, and amenities offered but are about $400 higher than the average rent for a single-family home. To accommodate new population growth, RKG Associates developed a methodology for calculating the number of new households based on the increase in population, which then translates into estimates for future housing demand. RKG assumes that future household composition and housing tenure will follow a similar pattern today and uses household sizes and tenure splits to allocate future household growth. To accommodate the projected population for 2025, the city may need to produce at least 2,162 housing units above what exists today. The RKG study assumes current housing vacancy rates continue to hold steady. It also assumed that the split between owner and renter households would remain at 52% owner-occupied and 48% renter-occupied. Under these assumptions, RKG projects the city would need to add another 1,120 owner-occupied housing units and 1,042 renter-occupied units. It is worth noting that between 2013 and 2018, the city lost 457 housing units. Given that loss of housing units, the city would fall short of the target needed to accommodate the projected population and household counts if current trends held steady through 2025.This is particularly true for households at or below 30% of AMI, which currently experience a shortage of affordable housing. Page 6 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table 5 12025 Projections1 • . • Composition Held Constant Household Size Households % of Total 1-person household 809 37% -person household 711 33% 3-person household 314 15% -person household 170 8% 5-or-more person household 158 7% Total 2,162 100% Source: ESRI,ACS 2013, 2018, RKG Associates Table-5 reflects the allocation of households by household size for the projected new families across the city. This allocation assumes that trends will remain constant out to the year 2025. For example, in 2018, 17% of all households were 1-person, and 20% were 2-person. These percentages are applied similarly to the total households projected for 2025, resulting in 1,520 additional 1- and 2-person households over the next five years. Since 3, 4, and 5+ person households comprise a lower percentage of the city's household composition, those percentages are lower than 1-and 2-person households. Table 6- 2025 . i •ns ff 2018 Household Composition Household Size Owner Total% of Renter Yotal% of Households Owner Households Renter 1-person household 372 33% 437 2% -person household 424 38% 287 8% 3-person household 165 15% 150 14% -person household 92 % 78 % 5-or-more person 68 % 91 % household Total 1,120 1000/0 1,042 100% Page 7 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Source: ESRI,ACS 2013, 2018, RKG Associates Table-6 breaks down the number of owner and renter households by household size. With housing tenure held at 52/48 split based on 2018 data, there is a projected need for an additional 1,120 owner-occupied housing units and 1,042 renter-occupied housing units through the year 2025. The new households are skewed toward one- and two-person households are the two predominant household size categories in Roanoke as of 2018. Based on the projection data,the City of Roanoke needs to consider increasing the production of smaller units to accommodate the increase in 1 and 2-person households. In addition to housing production, the city should consider implementing rehabilitation programs to bring older owner and renter housing units up to the standards. Table 7 HUD Income Limits Persons in Family Income Limit ,Category 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 L (301ome Limits $16,100 $18,400 $21,720 $26,200 $30,680 $35,160 $39,640 $44,120 %)Income Limits ($) $26,850 $30,700 $34,550 $38,350 $41,450 $44,500 $47,600 $50,650 Income Limits($) $42,950 $49,100 $55,250 $61,350 $66,300 $71,200 $76,100 $81,000 Table-7 shows the HUD low-income persons in a family. Low and moderate incomes are based on percentages of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Area Median Family Income (HAMFI) and adjusted for household size. Growth in housing prices coupled with slower or stagnant income growth contributes to a housing affordability problem known as the housing cost burden. HUD defines housing cost burden as the condition in which households spend more than 30% of their gross income on housing. When low- or moderate- income households are spending more than SO% of their income on housing costs, they are severely housing cost burdened. Page 8 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table 8 Overview,Table 8: Housing Cost Burden i i Cost Burden Owner Renter Households Total Households Households Est. % of Est. % of Total Est. % of Total Total <= 30% 16,235 73% 10,225 50% 26,460 62% >30%to <=50% 3,490 16% 4,555 22% 8,045 19% >50% 2,235 10% 5,030 25% 7,265 17% Cost burden not 190 1% 580 3% 770 2% available Total: 22,155 1 100% 20,385 100% 142,540 1 100% Source: HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy(CHAS) Data; Note: Totals may not sum due to statistical error in CHAS data; and RKG Assoc. Nineteen percent (19%) of the households pay between 30% to 50% of their income for housing. The table also shows 17% of the households pay more than 50% of their income for housing. This is an indication of severe cost burden. Table 8 also shows 47 (22%+25%) percent of renters in the city pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing. Table 9 Table 9: Renter Price to Affordability Comparison Category Income Renter Threshold Households Percent Monthly Rent Rental Units Surplus/Deficit 30%AMI $21,720 7,565 37.4% $543 3,996 -3,569 50%AMI $34,550 3,859 19.1% $864 7,530 3,671 80%AMI $55,250 3,585 17.7% $1,381 7,416 3,831 3 { Table-9 shows at 30% of AMI, there is a 3,569 unit deficit between the available units and demand. This shows that people with 30% of AMI must pay more than 30% of their income for rent. People that make 0-30%AMI are facing a significant shortage in housing that can contribute to putting this segment of the population in danger of homelessness due to affordability. Page 9 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group Future Developments Figure 1 (below) shows the locations of the selected potential development sites (with yellow lines). Areas of higher suitability are concentrated closer to downtown Roanoke and extend east and west between the two main railway corridors. Neighborhoods between Orange Avenue NW and Route 581 also showed high suitability. The lowest suitability areas were generally located closer to the city's perimeter,around the airport and existing industrial parks, and in areas with slope or infrastructure limitations(RKG Associates). Figure 1 PolontWO DOW.1op—M Areas Land Stf UWIIty -411 .^ ••. `'t F- Fmnk4n CouMY ti�- ria�G�savncxn iwni .. J- 3NaMr Bedws ROltok®L`+4y ivW .. .,. R—kr 0r—ty 4 G a F Page 10 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group Barriers to Redevelopment Lower Household Incomes.—With a median household income of$43,028 and 30%of households having a median income of less than $25,000 a year, spending power on housing purchases or rents is limited for many. As housing prices and rents continue to climb, the need for affordable units grows.The lower incomes of many households in the city can be a market barrier to producing housing in a city environment where costs are often higher. Housing Prices and Comparable Units — With a citywide median sales price of $147,000, the construction of new single-family homes or significant rehabilitation of homes in existing neighborhoods with lower housing values could be challenging for some developers/builders. Combining the purchase price of the house/land, demolition of the structure and construction of a new home could put the new home's sales price above localized comps in the neighborhood. Acquisition and Rehabilitation - There are also challenges for potential buyers of homes that need rehabilitation work. In areas where housing rehabilitation has not occurred,and home values are lower, it can be difficult for lenders to find comparable properties to justify a combined rehab and acquisition loan. Design District Regulations — The city has designated specific neighborhoods for priority conservation areas or targeted rehabilitation. Neighborhoods like Melrose- Rugby, Washington Park, Evans Spring and Morningside fall under the city's Rehabilitation designation but are also covered under the Neighborhood Design District Overlay. This overlay district was designed in response to neighborhood concerns that new construction was incompatible with the design features of existing homes. The city may wish to audit the Design District standards and determine if any create a financial barrier to either significant rehabilitation efforts or new construction. Adaptive Reuse and Code Compliance — Adapting older buildings to meet today's building codes and accessibility requirements can be very expensive, particularly for those buildings that could host a mix of uses. Improvements such as adding sprinklers, providing elevator access to upper floors and making accessibility improvements often require a large amount of upfront capital that may take along time to recapture in an area with lower residential and commercial rents. These required improvements can sometimes force property owners to keep upper stories vacant or limit the ability to fit out spaces for a different mix of tenants. Page 11 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group Proposed Housing Solutions The current and past research (including recent study by The RKG Associates) proposed the following solutions among others: Developer Recruitment - The City and local partners should create market materials advertising the preeminent development sites to the development community. Leverage City Land for Housing Production - Disposing of available City-owned properties to support housing production, particularly mixed- income or affordable housing, can be an effective way of partnering with developers. Preserve Existing Affordable Housing - Housing production is not the only way to advance housing goals in the city;a successful housing strategy also relies on the ability to maintain the affordable housing that exists today. One way the city could take a more proactive role in housing preservation is to require property owners or managers of deed restricted affordable housing units/buildings to provide advance notification to the city if affordability restrictions are about to expire. Consider Inclusionary Zoning - Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) is a policy used to create affordable housing by requiring developers to include a specific percentage set aside of below-market units as part of a market-rate rental or ownership development. • Encourage Universal Design - Given the increases in the senior population, the city and local partners should encourage (at a minimum) some percentage of new units to include universal design features. Universal design focuses on making the unit safe and accessible for everyone. Residential Rehabilitation Program - In many parts of the city there are older homes with lower values that have likely not been kept up or invested in. These homes may need minor or major rehabilitation, and if owned by low- to moderate income householders, may not have the funds on hand to maintain the structure. Heavily-subsidized Housing - The city must plan for the creation of approximately 3500 heavily subsidized housing/SRO for people with 0-30% AMI and also provide tenant-based rental assistance to fund these units. Page 12 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group Homelessness Overview Based on PIT Count The Point-in-time (PIT) count data is presented in aggregate. Stakeholder interviews focus on the City of Roanoke's needs, capacity, gaps, and solutions. The following section will review previous research and statistics based on annual PIT counts from 2020 to 2022 (Blue Ridge Continuum of Care, 2022). City staff, housing providers and service providers in the city believe the PIT count underestimates the true extent of homelessness in the city and surrounding areas. The TRG study of homelessness in 2022 confirms this view. The more accurate Continuum of Care (CoC)/HMIS data will be presented later in the report. Characteristics of People Experiencing Homelessness In 2022 there were 28 chronically homeless individuals counted. Chronic homelessness refers to an individual or family where the head of household has a disability and has been continuously homeless for a year or more or has experienced at least four episodes of homelessness in the last three years. The combined length of time homeless is at least 12 months. Chronic homelessness is challenging because individuals and families in this category typically have a mental illness, substance use disorder or other underlying barriers resulting in their homelessness and requiring intense service interventions. Reducing chronic homelessness has been a priority for the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care. New strategies and targeted resources have been introduced as part of the system's transformation that started in 2012.One such approach is using a "by-name" list where case managers from various service providers come together regularly to identify the needs of the chronically homeless and prioritize housing placements utilizing objective scoring tools designed to measure vulnerability and level of service needs. Individuals with the most severe conditions are prioritized for housing and services. The number of veterans experiencing homelessness in 2022 decreased by 29.6% in the past year and has declined by 73.6% since 2012. The efforts to end veteran homelessness and Roanoke's participation brought additional attention and expanded resources to ending homelessness among the veteran population. In 2022 there were 19 veterans counted, two were unsheltered and four were identified as chronically homeless. The impact of rapid re-housing strategies on families has been somewhat researched and shows effectiveness. The Family Options Study published by HUD in 2015 showed that rapid re-housing reduced episodes of homelessness in emergency shelters and that both housing subsidies and rapid re-housing services were cost-effective.Throughout 2012 to 2022,the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care's efforts to reduce family homelessness through rapid re-housing housing and other interventions have shown both cost and program effectiveness. Since 2012, homelessness among households was reduced from 50 households in 2012 to 10 families in 2022, an 80.0% reduction. The number of people in families with children experiencing homelessness has declined by 77.3%over the same period (from 132 in 2012 to 30 in 2022). Page 13 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group Homeless PIT Count Characteristics According to Point-in-Time (PIT) data (Table-10), in 2022, there were 216 homeless individuals in the area, which includes Roanoke County, the cities of Roanoke and Salem, and other localities. Table-10 also shows 38 unsheltered people. We will see later in this report that this number underestimates the actual number of homeless. Table 10 TotalW5 1W Number of Number of individuals in Number Number of ProgramNumber . . of youth in families without veterans homeless individuals children ARCH BRBH 0 0 0 0 0 0 ARCH Families and 0 9 0 5 0 9 Sinale ARCH Veterans 0 9 9 3 0 9 CCS 0 19 0 0 1 19 Isolation Family Promise Housing for 8 0 0 0 0 8 Families with Children Rescue Mission 0 21 1 4 0 21 Men's Shelter Rescue Women & Children's 8 45 2 11 5 53 Center (WCC) Rescue Mission Cold 0 43 5 2 1 43 Weather Safe Home 0 1 0 0 0 1 Systems TAP DVS 5 0 0 2 0 5 Turning 9 1 0 1 1 10 Point Unsheltered 0 38 2 11 2 38 Totals 30 186 19 39 10 216 Page 14 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table it Homeless Categories Emergency Unsheltered Total Shelter Persons in households without children 183 30 213 Persons in households with at least one adult and one child 63 0 63 Persons in households with only children 0 0 0 Total Homeless Persons 246 30 276 Source: BIRCH Point-in-Time Date, 2020, RKG Table-11 shows there are 183 persons in households with only adults. Persons in families with children accounted for 63 persons.There were 276 persons experiencing homeless in the 2020 PIT count. Table 12 . d Sheltered Unsheftered 2022i Persons(Adults and Children) 178 38 216 250 Children under 18 20 0 20 35 Young Adults 18-24 8 2 10 4 Adults 150 36 186 211 Table-12 shows for 2022,there are 178 sheltered homeless and 38 unsheltered individuals.The total number of homeless is 216 in 2022.The total number of homeless is 250 in 2021. Between 2021 and 2022, the number of people experiencing homelessness in the Roanoke Region decreased by 13.6% (250 in 2021 and 216 in 2022). There is also a decline from 2020 (276) to 2021 (250). Ten unaccompanied homeless youth between 18 and 24 were counted in January 2022. Two of the ten individuals were unsheltered. Page 15 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table 13 2022 2021 Change Female 73 11 i i 84 82 2.4% Male 100 27 127 166 -23.5% Transgender 2 0 2 0 200.0% The 2022 PIT data shows an increase in women in shelters from 82 (2021) to 84. This table shows a total of 127 males and 84 females homeless in 2022. Table 14 Veterans Sheftered Unsheftered 2022 2021 Change Household# 17 2 19 27 -29.6% Persons 17 2 19 28 -32.1% Veterans 174 2 19 27 -29.6% Table-14 displays veteran counts. In January 2022, 19 veterans were experiencing homelessness, representing a decrease of 29.6% over 2021 (27). All nineteen (19) veterans were homeless in households without children. Four veterans were chronically homeless, and two were unsheltered. Table 15 Race Sheltered Unshettered 2022 2021 White 102 18 120 150 -20.0% Black 60 10 70 77 -9.1% Asian 6 0 6 2 200.0% American Indian 0 1 1 4 -75.0% Hawaiian 0 0 0 0 N/C Multi Race 4 0 4 10 -60.0% Do not know 1 0 1 0 100.0% Missing 5 9 14 7 100.0% Table-15 provides a breakdown by race. The data shows that most homeless are White (120). The number of homeless among the white and black populations has declined from 2021 to 2022. Page 16 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table-16 Chronically • Unshettered 2022 2021Change Homeless Households 1 21 11 38 56 1-32.1% Persons 1 28 139 56 -30.40% Table-16 data shows there were 39 individuals in households with chronic patterns of homelessness. Chronic homelessness decreased by 30 percent between 2021 (56) and 2022 (39). Chronic homelessness has decreased by 73.8 percent since 2012 (149). Table 17 Sheltered 2022 Unsheftered2022 Adults with a Serious Mental Illness 52 15 Adults with a Substance-use Disorder 27 7 Adults with HIV/AIDS 0 1 Adults Survivors of Domestic Violence 38 8 Table 17 provides a breakdown of those experiencing mental illness and substance use disorder. Mental illness, substance use disorder, and domestic violence are among the leading issues affecting adults experiencing homelessness. Page 17 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment 8 Prepared by The Ramsay Group The primary reasons for homelessness in the Roanoke area, according to 2022 PIT data, are the following: 1. Relationship Conflict (17%) 2. Domestic Violence (16%) 3. Loss of Job (10%) 4. Lack of Affordable Housing (9%) 5. Underemployment/Low-income(8%) 6. Substance Abuse (7%) 7. Conflict with Landlord (6%) 8. Release from Institution (5%) 9. Mental Health (5%) 10. Death of Family/Friend (5%) 11. Health/Safety(3%) 12. Doubled-up & Must Leave (3%) 13. Medical Condition (2%) 14. Loss of Housing Subsidy (2%) 15. Criminal Activity (2%) Page 18 Roanoke Gap Analysis Attachment B Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table 18 10 Year Trend Boa- SOU- i 400- 500-- 526 00500- 5266 3d) 43) 200-- V4 00- 32 306 30'. 100 243 ?38 Y78 0- 1013 701= 1015 IC)k5 7(:Q"J 7!a Fi l'7 1010 2021 2022 f Between 2012 and 2022, the number of people experiencing homelessness has been decreased by 61%from 561 to 216. Table 19 Number of Number of individuals in Number of individuals households Number of Chronically Number Total number Pro ram in eless ARCH BPB- a 1 cof Youth of individuals ARCH Famtles and Srngle Women 0 5 1 0 5 ARCH Veterans Housing/GPD Contract 0 12 12 5 0 12 Far,ily Dromise Hous+ng for Far f-s with Children 7 0 0 0 0 7 -_ .,—!s Shetter 0 62 7 14 0 62 e5.odl �4`Onlen& en's Center(WCC) 14 31 2 9 5 45 Safe Home Systems 3 0 0 0 2 3 Turning Point 13 4 0 1 0 17 Unshettered 0 46 4 0 1 46 Totals: 37 161 26 30 8 198 Page 19 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table 20 "untwof Number Of 4Numberd ; ARCH 6RBH 0 4 ARCH Ha1 Bed o 1 0 ARCH Famines anc SITKie WU"_ ,, 0 10 2 1 2 10 ARCH veterans /GPD Contract 0 to 10 0 10 Famy prAntrse H� Or 0 {) 0 9: mJ.as with Ch#dten 1 0 Rescue M sCtt Merl`S SheAter 0 V 1 Rescue MISSW women& , g 70 Ct en's Center MCC) Safe Homes ferns 7 1 a Turn Pant 2 1 0 0 1 Unsheltered o 1 Totals: 210 1 Comparing the PIT count of 2022 and the Summer PIT count of 2021 (Tables 19 and 20) indicates the PIT counts were higher in the winter (198 in the summer of 2021 compared to 216 in the winter of 2022). The PIT Counts in 2019 and 2020 also reflect higher counts in the winter. count of 2020 (276) to the summer PIT Count of 2019 (267). This is different from the widely held belief that PIT Counts are higher in the warmer months.The current PIT Count data reveals an increase the number of unsheltered homeless people. The 2021 summer PIT count shows 46 unsheltered homeless. Table 21 Total Adult- Child- Year- Overflow Family Family Only Only Seasonal Unit Types Units Beds Round Vouche Beds Beds Beds Emergency, Haven and 26 161 288 0 449 0 2 Transitional Housing Emergency Shelter 26 161 288 0 449 0 0 Permanent Housing 29 48 133 0 277 0 Permanent 17 8 94 0 198 N/A N/A Supportive Housing Rapid Re-Housing 12 40 39 0 79 NIA N/A Total 55 209 421 0 726 0 2 Source: HUD Housing Inventory County Study,VA-502 Roanoke City& County, Salem Continuum of Care(CoC), 2019—RKG Table-21 is a homeless housing inventory for Roanoke and surrounding areas. It shows the total of 726 total beds in the inventory of CoC in 2019.The data shows more capacity than homeless persons, with 276 homeless in 2020 and 250 in 2021, compared to 726 beds in 2019. However, this is misleading. There is a mismatch between capacity and homeless. Most homeless need Page 20 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group one- or two-person accommodation, but sometimes capacity is for 3 to 8 persons.This creates extra capacity (empty space) that is not useable by other people. Based on data provided by CoC 2019, there were a total of 726 beds available for homeless individuals, with 62% (449) of beds found in emergency shelters and 38% (277) of the beds located in permanent housing facilities. There are 421 adult-only beds in the region. Table 22 P19 Mim Total Adult- Child- Year- Family Unit Types Beds Only Only Round Seasonal Beds Beds Beds Emergency, Haven and Transitional 163 339 0 507 41 Housing Emergency Shelter 163 339 0 507 41 Permanent Housing 43 173 0 216 0 Permanent Supportive Housing 9 126 0 135 N/A Rapid Re-Housing 34 47 0 81 N/A Total 206 512 0 723 41 Source: CoC inventory 2022 Based on data in 2022, there were 723 beds available for homeless individuals, with 507 beds found in emergency shelters and 216 in permanent housing facilities.There are 512 adult-only beds in the region. The total capacity has remained the same between 2019-2022 (726 compared to 723). Page 21 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Homelessness Challenges Table 23 - 2022 Length of Time Persons Remain Homeless Universe Average LOT Homeless i Median LOT ♦ nights) SubmittedSubmitted Submitted FY 2021 Ds" ce FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2020 FY 2021 T}itfeie -rice FY 2020 1.1 Persons in ES and SH 1398 992 60 8.1 2.1 33 3q 1.2 Persons in ES, SH, and It 1398 992 b() 8.1 2.1 33 39 6 Increase in lengths of homelessness-the average length of time individuals spent homeless in the area increased from 2020 to 2021. CoC believes due to pandemic-related shutdowns and low turnover in rental units, it was difficult for individuals experiencing homelessness to locate and move into housing. Access to affordable rental housing continues to be a significant challenge for low-income people. This is especially noticeable for people with 0-30% AMI. Lower staffing among homeless service providers has also contributed to this increase. Table 24 - 2022 Retention of Permanent Housing r R R z R ..,R. FY 2421 Ilk 3t kVM !`crr5 FY 2021 ; owt3:fF♦e k=:sYas from So 200 4, 22% 11 6% to 5 a5 Ext was from ES 289 39 13% 24 8% 15 5 7E EX t was from TH 0 0 0 0 Ex=t was from SH 0 0 0 o y' Ext was from PH 165 16 lob 8 5% 4% 31 TOTAL Returns to 4 174 651 9-1 " st�^essness Returns to homelessness increased — return rates to homelessness increased from 23.1% in 2019 to 27% in 2021. Inflation, rising housing costs and the overall financial impacts of the pandemic were likely contributors to these numbers. These factors have created unprecedented challenges for those with the least financial resources in the community. The City should continue monitoring this issue to see if there are other causes related to this problem. Page 22 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table 25 2020 2021 Change Exit to Housing Universe—person who exit street outreach 487 380 -107 Of persons above,those who exited to temporary and some 38 30 _g institutional destinations _ _ _ --- --- Of persons above,those who exited to permanent housing 161 89 -82 destinations Successful exits 41% 31% -10% Table 2S shows that the number of successful exits from homelessness to permanent housing declined between 2020 and 2021. The PIT Count data shows that the area is making progress in reducing overall homelessness; however, additional information in this report will be provided regarding the size of homelessness in the city.The following are the areas the city which showed improvement: Permanent housing placements from street outreach increased— permanent housing placements from the community's street outreach programs have increased yearly since 2019. The percentage of unsheltered individuals exiting street outreach programs to permanent housing destinations risen from 13.1% in 2019 to 28% in 2021. Increasing Street Outreach Capacity—the City of Roanoke is hired two new, full-time HAT case managers using CARES Act funds through the City's Emergency Solutions Grant(ESG-CV).These two new case managers will increase the number of case managers with the City's Homeless Assistance Team (HAT) from three to five and will significantly expand the capacity of the community to provide housing-focused case management services to unsheltered individuals. Medical and Mental Health Street outreach through the Fralin Clinic— the Roanoke Rescue Mission has begun street outreach through its Fralin Free Clinic to bring medical care and mental health services to clients in the field. This outreach work has also built relationships between Mission staff and unsheltered individuals, resulting in additional individuals choosing to access shelter services. Fralin Clinic staff also participate in the community's unsheltered case conferencing meeting with community partners to coordinate housing solutions for this population. New Housing Resources for Individuals Fleeing Domestic Violence—Total Action for Progress (TAP) Domestic Violence Services (DVS) implemented a new transitional housing program for individuals fleeing domestic violence. With funding secured through the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women, the project has provided transitional housing services to 38 high-risk families since the program began in 2019. Thirty-six (36) of these families exited the program to permanent and non-permanent housing destinations, with only two returning to their abusers. Page 23 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Homeless Preference implemented for Voucher Programs— in 2020, the community worked with the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority (RRHA) to implement a "homeless preference"for the RRHA's Housing Choice Voucher(HCV) and Mainstream Voucher programs. CoC partners can now make referrals at any time, regardless of the status of the RRHA's public application process, to the voucher programs through our community's Coordinated Entry System. CoC partners developed prioritization criteria for referrals that help ensure these resources are utilized by those most vulnerable and in need. Extent of Homelessness Based on CoC, HMIS, and Interviews The following section shows additional and more accurate statistics related to the homeless issue from HMIS. The RKG housing study and TRG homeless findings are compatible. The lack of adequate, affordable housing for people with less than 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) increases homelessness and the risk of homelessness in the City of Roanoke. Table 26-PIT Count • OF 777776" NESS TOTAL 2_021 PIT I 238 685 �y 2022 PIT 178 717 (NOTE: At-risk of homelessness is not collected for the PIT report.These numbers were generated by pulling how many active clients were receiving homelessness prevention services on the date of the PIT count.) The table above and those below show the number of unsheltered individuals according to PIT count and HMIS data. The HMIS data shows a much more accurate picture of the extent of homelessness in the city and surrounding area. The data shows 858 unsheltered clients were served in 2021-2022. The PIT count indicates the number of unsheltered homeless at 38. While the PIT Count represents a snapshot of homeless individuals on a specific date, this number would represent how many clients the Street Outreach programs made contact with over the course of an entire year. Page 24 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table 27 - HMIS Unsheltered NUMBER OF ' CLIENTS SERVED - Y STREET OUTREACH• CAPER(NOTE: These client totals were generated using a Report—a reporting by the HMIS System) FY 2020-2021 FY 2021-2022 LBRBH PATH - Streetch 3533 Roanoke - HAT 612 825 TOTAL UNDUPLICATED 647 858 While the PIT Count represents a snapshot of homeless individuals on a specific date,this number would represent how many clients the Street Outreach programs made contact with over the course of an entire year. Table 28 NUMBER- _ SHELTERS • ' ' rt-a reporting format provided= (NOTE: These client totals were generated using a CAPER Repo by the HMIS System) Fiscal Year(FY) -July 1 -June 30 FY 2020-2021 FY 2021-2022 VARCi- ES - BRBH Beds 0 7 H - ES - Families and Single Women 4 49 ARCH - ES - Veteran Housing (Contract) 10 63 Family Promise - Housing for Families with Children (FPGR) 61 40 Quarantine -Trust House 18 1 Temporary Placement- Motel 6 169 0 These were all 0 temporary shelter Temporary Placement- Ramada Inn 1 programs used in the Temporary Placement- Super 8 28 0 emergency response to CHRC - DHCD - CHERP - COVID COVID-19 Quarantine Hotel 0 g472 Roanoke Rescue Mission - Men's Shelter 317 Roanoke Rescue Mission - WCC 322 Roanoke RescueMission - Cold Weather Shelter 215TOTAL UNDUPLICATED: 1145 Table 28 shows the number of sheltered homeless at 1095 in 2021-2022. The HMIS indicates the number of homeless is much more significant than captured by the PIT count (216). There is a total of 1953 homeless in 2021-2022 (sheltered and unsheltered). Page 25 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table-29 Risk of Homelessness FY 2020-2021 FY 2021-2022 CHRC - CDBG—Prevention 9 79 CHRC-CDBG - Prevention- CARES Act _ 0 19 - CHRC - DHCD—Prevention d� 102 63 CHRC- DHCD- Prevention - CARES Act 87 0 CHRC- ESG - Prevention - City of Roanoke 34 61 CHRC - Housing Assistance- Short-Term 80 76 lfarnily Promise—Prevention8 30 Family Promise- Prevention - EFSP (FPGR) �~ 21 9 Legal Aid ESG-CV Prevention 2 0 TAP-HP-CDBG-CV Prevention Roanoke City on 0 59 TAP-HP- ESG-CV Prevention (Roanoke City only) 98 93 TAP-HP-Virginia Homeless Solutions Program 328 321 TAP-SSVF - Prevention (TAP) 76 39 UW Safet Net TAP 3 3 TOTAL UNDUPLICATED: 848 852 (NOTE:These client totals were generated using a CAPER Report-a reporting format provided by the HMIS System). The data in Table-29 shows the number of clients at risk of homelessness at 852 in 2021-2022. The number of unsheltered (858), the sheltered (1095), and the number of people at risk of homelessness (852) total 2805. This data supports the RKG housing study suggestion that the city needs 3569 additional units to help people with income below 30% area income. The homeless research and interviews by TRG show that these units should be rental. Page 26 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table 30 SHELTER BEDS AVAILABLE Project Type Organization Project Name Bed Type Total Emergency ARCH Services ARCH - ES - BRBH Beds (ARCH- Facility-based 2 Shelter ES - BRBH Beds) Emergency ARCH Services ARCH - ES - Families and Single Facility-based 10 Shelter Women Emergency ARCH Services ARCH - ES-Veteran Housing Facility-based 15 Shelter (Contract) Emergency Family Promise of Family Promise- Housing for g y Greater Roanoke Other 14 Shelter _ FPGR Families with Children (FPGR) Emergency Rescue Mission Roanoke Rescue Mission - Cold Facility-based 43 Shelter of Roanoke, Inc. Weather Shelter Emergency Rescue Mission Roanoke Rescue Mission - Men's Facility-based 127 Shelter of Roanoke, Inc. Shelter Emergency Rescue Mission Roanoke Rescue Mission -WCC Facility-based 98 Shelter of Roanoke, Inc. Emergency SafeHome SafeHome Systems- Emergency Facility-based 16 Shelter Systems Inc. Shelter Emergency Salvation Army Turning Point Facility-based 60 Shelter Emergency Total Action for Domestic Violence Services (DVS) Scattered-site 5 Shelter Progress (TAP) - Emergency Shelter TOTAL SHELTER BEDS: In Table 30, data shows the number of emergency shelter beds at 390. Most of the beds are Facility-based. There are 5 scattered-site accommodations available. Page 27 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table 31—Rental Housing Assistance Projects—Permanent Supportive Housing(PSH) PH - Permanent ARCH - PSH -7inScattered- Supportive Housing ARCH Services Haven (ARCH site 31(disability required) Healing HavenPH - Permanent ARCH - PSH - Scattered- Supportive Housing ARCH Services Haven (ARCH 7 site (disability required) Heroes Haven) PH - Permanent Department of Dept. of Veterans Affairs- Scattered- 97 Supportive Housing Veterans Affairs PSH - HUD-VASH site (disability required) TOTAL PSH VOUCHER PLACEMENTS: 135 Table 32—Rental Housing Assistance Projects—Rapid-Re-Housing(RRH) • � . - 1111 VIM PH - Rapid Re- ARCH Services i ARCH - New Beginnings Scattered-site 5 Housing PH - Rapid Re- Council of Community CHRC- DHCD - Rapid Re- Scattered-site 9 Housing Services (CCS) housing PH - Rapid Re- Council of Community CHRC - DHCD - Rapid Re- Scattered-site 1 Housing Services (CCS) housing—CHERP PH - Rapid Re- Council of Community CHRC - ESG - Rapid Re- Scattered-site 1 Housing Services (CCS) housing - City of Roanoke CHRC -Virginia Housing PH - Rapid Re- Council of Community Trust Fund - Rapid Re- Scattered-site 42 Housing Services (CCS) Housing PH -Rapid Re- Total Action for TAP-SSVF - Rapid- Scattered-site 6 Housing Progress (TAP) Rehousing (TAP) TOTAL RRH ASSISTANCE PLACEMENTS: 64 Table 33—Rental Housing Assistance Projects—PSH—Disability Required , PH - Perm anent SupportivCouncil of CHRC- Housing Scattered- 10 Housing (disability , Community Services Assistance- site required for (CCS) Tenant-Based entry) Table 34—Rental Housing Assistance Projects—Emergency Housing Vouchers Roanoke I RRHA— IScattered-PH- Housing Only Redevelopment and Emergency 26 site I Housing Authority Housing Vouchers Page 28 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table-35—Total Housing Capacity for People Experiencing Homelessness Project with Children 1 Year-Round Beds/Units for Households... Seasonal Total PIT Utilization Type without Children with only Children eds Bed Coun ate 18 Bed nit HMI et out Chroni ed HMI et outh hroni ed HMI Chroni ed HM1 Beds Beds Beds Beds Beds Beds Beds eds eds Beds Beds Emergent 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0°b Shelter Emergent Shelter 2 1 2 0 0 0 8 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 9 9016 Emergent 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 15 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 9 60%. Shelter Emergent Shelter 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 19 1 b Emergent Shelter 14 4 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 8 b Emergent Shelter 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 43 0 0 0 0 0 0 41 41 43 43 100% Emergent Shelter 0 0 0 0 0 0 225 225 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 225 21 ro Emergent Shelter 98 98 98 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 98 53 0 Emergenc 15 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 1 6°ib Shelter Emergent 34 7 0 0 0 0 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 60 10 17% Shelter Emergent Shelter 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 100010 PH- Permanent 0 0 0 0 0 0 31 31 0 0 31 0 0 0 0 0 31 31 1000r0 Supportive Housing PH- Permanent 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 7 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 7 7 100% Supportive H Pousing H- Permanent 9 3 9 9 0 0 88 88 88 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 97 97 100% Supportive Housing PH-Rapid Re- 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 100% Housing PH-Rapid Re- 9 3 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 100°b Housing PH-Rapid Re- 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 100°ib Housing PH-Rapid Re- 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 100% Housing PH-Rapid Re- 34 10 34 0 0 0 8 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 42 10046 Housing PH-Rapid Re- 0 0 0 0 0 0 J66 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 6Housing PH- Housing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 18 69% Only TOTAL: Page 29 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group The total number of available units in the inventory is 723. This number covers all types of housing. The total number of homeless is 1953. The number of accommodations is 1230 less than the number of homeless. The number of people at risk of homelessness is 852. The total number of homeless and people at risk of homelessness is 2805. Table-36 Clients Primary Reason for Homelessness Underemployment/low income 152 Relationship Conflict 115 Substance Abuse 80___ No Affordable Housing 57 Other Reasons 57 Loss of Job 55 Release From Institution 52___.._._____.._ Conflict with Landlord 51 Domestic Violence Victim 45 Mental Heafth 38 Doubled Up and Must Leave 29 Health/Safety 24 Substandard Housing 13 Client doesn't know 9 Death of Family/Friend 9 Criminal Activity 7 Medical Condition U946 Client refused Mortgage Foreclosure Loss of Benefits Loss of Transportation ��Loss of Housing Subsidy Utility Shutoff Data not collected Not ApplicableUnduplicated Totals: Table 36 shows that unemployment, substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental health illness contribute significantly to the homelessness problem in the city. TRG's interviews with housing and service providers confirms this data. Page 30 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table-37 —Gender Homeless Sheltered 2020-2021 H. - - -. 2021-2022 Male Female Total Male Female ; Total 720 } 400 1120 671 414 1085 Table-38—Race Homeless21-2022 Sheltered2020-2021 . - Sheltered 1 Race American Asian ; Black White American Asian Black White Indian Indian Number of 14 3 381 698 4 10 414 632 Homeless Table-39— Ethnicity Homeless • 2020-2021 H• -• 2021-2022 Hispanic 15 26 Table-40—Families 1-2022 Homeless Sheltered 2020-2021 Sheltered 202 Family: One Adult and at Least One Child 154 123 There are 1085 sheltered homeless. The sheltered data shows that most homeless are male, white, and non-Hispanic. The total number of homeless males in 2021-2022 is 671, and the number of females is 414. There are 123 sheltered homeless families with one adult and at least one child. Table-41—Gender Homeless Unsheltered 2020-20211 Homeless Unsheltered 2021-2022 Male Female Total Male Female Total 420 223 643 530 318 848 Table-42—Race omelless Unsheltered 2021-2022 Homeless Unsheltered 2020-2021 Race American Asian Black White American Asian Black ; White Indian Indian ` Number of 8 1 229 400 10 i F5_ 322 t14 0 Homeless Page 31 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table-43 - Ethnicity Homeless Unsheftered 2020-2021 Homeless Unsheltered 2021-2022 Hispanic 8 18 Table 44-Families Homeless Unsheltered Unsheftered 2021-20 2020-2021 Family: One adult and at 1 35 49 least on child The data shows the total number of unsheltered homeless Is 848 In 2021-2022. Most unsheltered homeless are male, white, and non-Hispanic. There are 530 male and 318 female among unsheltered. Table 45-Gender At-fisk of Homelessness 2020-2021 At-risk of • 2021-2022 Male Female Total Male Female Total 364 485 849 332 508 « 840 Table 46-Race 0201 . . 2021-2022 Homeless At-risk of homelessness Race American Asian Black White American Asian Black White Indian lndian i Number of 9 8 505 320 8 8 546 277 { Homeless i Table 47-Ethnicity Homeless At risk of Homelessness 1 1 1 Hispanic 25 777-1 17 Table 48-Families Homeless At-iisk of Homelessness At-risk of Homelessness 2020-2021 2021-2022 Family: one adult and at least one 577 534 child The prevention data shows in 2021-2022, 840 individuals received services 508 were female, and 332 were male.The data also indicates many were in families(534). Most people receiving prevention services were female and black. Most sheltered and unsheltered homeless are male Page 32 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group and white. Table 49- Survivors of Domestic Violence 1 122-Domestic Sheltered Unsheltered At-risk of Homelessness History of Domestic 213 261 41 Violence (Victim of DV) Race Black White A- Asian Black White A- Black White Indian Indian Number of DV 58 146 4 1 74 150 3 19 18 There are 213 sheltered homeless with a history of being victims of domestic violence. Among these, 58 are black, and 146 are white. There are 261 unsheltered homeless with a history of being victims of domestic violence. Among these, 4 are American Indian, one is Asian, 74 are black, and 150 are white. There are 41 people at-risk of homelessness that have a history of being victims of domestic violence. Among these, 3 are American Indian, 19 are black, and 18 are white. Most victims of domestic violence that are also homeless are White. Table 50-Veterans Sheltered Unsheltered - Veteran 104 41 There are 145 homeless veterans among them 104 are sheltered and 41 are unsheltered. Table-51 - Return to Homelessness 2020-2021 and 24 months Measure 2a and 2h:The ExtenL]o which Person5-WbQ_ExilHomeles lCssIS2 PefmAn�nLHn ria De�*nagotlSRQtum to Homp)asStLP�within 6-]2. Total Number Number Percentage of Number Percentage of Number Percentage of Number of Percentage o of Persons Returning to Returns in Returning to Returns from Returning to Returns from Returns in Returns in who Excited to Homelessness Lessthan 6 Homelessness,6 to 12 Months:Homelessness 13 to 24 2 Years 2 Years a Permanent in Less than 6 Months from 6 to 12 (181-365 d) from 13 to 24 Months - Housing Months (0-180 d) Months Months (366-730 d)' Destination (0-180 d) 1181-365 d) -' (366-730 d) (2 Years Prior) 18 . ...._,822% 79 36.07% Exit was from SO .,.•_ 219 54 24 5v"c 7 3.20=c Exit was from ES 290 43 14 83-'c 21 724So .. 15 5.17% 79 2724% Exit was from TH 0 0 r 0.0Fe 0 00011 0 000% 0 0.0O1*x6 Exit was from SH D 0 0.001m 0 000% 0 .000% 0 0.00% 42 19.53% Exit was from PH 215 .- 13 6.05?1 15 7 44'.h 13 5 05'b mS 724 110 15.19°„ 44 6.08°- 46 200 27.62% Page 33 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table-52 - Return to Homelessness 2021-2022 Measure 2a a1TQ 2k:The Extent to whirtt Persons Who Exit HomeleWe$$topermanent t�H4At0t� ��3���-� ��Q�� Total Number Number percentage of Number Percentage of Number Percentage of Number of percentage of of Persons Returning to' Returns in Returningto Returnsfrom Returningto Returns from Returns in Returns in who Exited to Homelessness Less than 6 Homelessness 6 to 12 Months Homelessness. 13 to 24 2 Years 2 Years a Permanent in Less than 6 Months from 6 to 12 (181 365 d) from 13 to 24 Months Housing Months (0-180 d) Months Months (366-730 d)' Destination (0-180 d) (181-365 d) (366-730 d) (2 Years Prior) ...... 183 38 20 77% 11... 6.01% 14 7 55�, 63 34.434 Exit was from 50 _ .. - -' E,it vias from ES 221 39 17 W5 12 5.43% 8 3 62, 59 26 704s r E,:it s�ias from TH 0 D 090':-<� 0 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 ,. 0.00% E,it vas from:SH 0 0 0.0040 0 � 0.00% 0 0.00% 0 000% . E it";aa from PH 182 17 9 34.0 9.... a 4 95% _.8 4 400. ..# 34 18.68% TOTAL Returns to - . 586 94 16.04% 40 .�. 32 5.46% 30 5.12 5 156 26.62 Tables 51 and 52 show the rate of return to homelessness after two years is approximately 27% (2020-2022). For the city to address the homeless issue successfully, it must reduce the rate of return. The data from other parts of the U.S. and Virginia suggest that using Rapid Rehousing along with two years of support services can significantly reduce the return rate. Page 34 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Table 53 Homeless Source: HMIS Current Inventory Homeless Population Gap Analysis and PIT count Family Adults Only Vets Family Adult Family Adults Only HH(at HH Victims #of #of #of #of #of least 1 (w/o Vel of DV # #of #of #of Beds Units Beds Units Beds child) child) Beds Units Beds Units Emergency 168 114 339 0 15 Shelter —_ Transitional 0 0 0 0 0 Housing —_._ _ _-- __--- ---- ---- — Permanent Supportive 9 3 126 0 95 Housing Other Permanent 43 13 47 0 10 Housing Sheltered 89 1095 104 213 Homeless Unsheltered 49 858 41 261 Homeless Current Gapis 82 8 -1441 -1953 Table 54 Source: CAPER, HMIS, Census, RKG Current Level of Need Gap Analysis study Invento #of Units #of Households #of Households Total Rental Units 20,457 Rental Units Affordable to HH at 30% 2,060 AMI (At-Risk of Homelessness) Rental Units Affordable to HH at 50% 6845 AMI (Other Populations) 0%-30%AMI Renter HH w/ 1 or more severe housing problems 7165 At-Risk of Homelessness 30%-50%AMI Renter HH w/ 1 or more severe housing problems 4640 (Other Populations) Current Gaps 5105 Page 35 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Narrative of Qualifying Populations The HMIS and PIT count are the source of the following information. Homeless The 2021-2022 data shows a total of 1947 homeless people, according to HMIS data.There are 1095 sheltered homeless and 852 unsheltered homeless. There are 671 males sheltered homeless and 414 females. There are 530 male unsheltered homeless and 318 females. Among the sheltered homeless, there are 414 black and 632 white. The unsheltered homeless consist of 322 black and 460 white. Most homeless are non-Hispanic. There are 123 sheltered families with at least one adult and one child. There are 18 unsheltered families. At risk of homelessness The 2021-2022 data shows 840 people at risk of homelessness. Among them, there are 332 males and 508 females. Two hundred seventy-seven (277) white clients are at risk of homelessness, and 546 black clients. Most at-risk clients are non-Hispanic. There are 534 families (one adult and at least one child) at risk of homelessness. Domestic Violence Victims There are 515 domestic violence victims in the homeless system. Among them, 213 are sheltered, and 261 are unsheltered. Among the sheltered clients, there are 146 white and 58 black. Among the unsheltered clients, 150 are white, and 74 are black. Other populations There are 145 homeless veterans; 104 are sheltered, and 41 are unsheltered. There are 192 unsheltered homeless with substance abuse disorder and 224 sheltered homeless with substance abuse disorder. They are 443 unsheltered homeless with Mental Health disorders, and there are 325 sheltered homeless with some mental health disorder. All these group are major part of the homeless population. i Page 36 1 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Homeless Resources There are 507 beds in congregate shelters. There are 19 non-congregate shelter bed is also available. There are 135 Permanent Supportive Housing and 64 Rapid Re-housing (scattered Site). There are 26 voucher assistance and 10 TBRA assistance. There are 723 beds available. Unmet Housing and Service Homeless and at risk of homelessness - There are 2805 clients that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. There are only 723 beds including emergency congregate beds available. There is immediate need for assistance for 2082 persons. Table 52 shows that 19% of the households pay between 30%to 50%of their income for housing.The table also shows 25%of renters pay more than 50% of their income for housing. Table 55 Housing Cost BurdenOverview,Roanoke 2012-2016 Cost Burden Owner Households Renter Households Total Ho762% holds Est. %of Total Est. %of Total Est. of Total <= 30% 16,235 73% 10,225 50% 26,460 >30%to =50% 3,490 16% 4,555 _ 22% 8,045 19% >50% -� 2,235 �Y 10% 5,030 25% 7,265 17% Cost burden not available 190 1% 580 3% 770 2% Total: 22,155 100% 20,385 100% 42,540 100% Source: UD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy(CHAS)Data: Note:Totals may no RKG , H sum due to statistical error in CHAS data. Table 56 AffordabilityRenter Price to Income Renter Monthly P50%AMI Threshold Households Percent Rent Rental Units Surplus/Deficit $21,720 7,565 37.4% $543 3,996 -3,569 $34,550 3,859 19.1% $864 7,530 3,671 $55,250 3,585 17.7% $1,381 7,416 3,831 100%_AM I $76,700 598 3.0% $1,918 860 262 120%AMI $82,875 2,285 11.3% $2,072 108_________,-2,177 120%+ AMI $82,876 2,362 M 11.7% $2,072 344 -2,018 Source: ACS 2014-2018, HUD-RKG Tables 55 and 56 show at 30%of AMI,there is a 3,569 unit's deficit between the available units and demand.This shows that people with 30%of AMI must pay more than 30%of their income for rent. People that make 0-30% AMI are facing a significant shortage in housing that can contribute to putting this segment of the population in danger of homelessness due to affordability. The number of people at risk of homelessness is 852 compare to 38 reported in the last PIT count. Page 37 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Domestic Violence - Domestic violence is one of the categories that contributes to homelessness. There are 515 clients with Domestic Violence history in the system. There is only five scattered site housing with both housing and comprehensive services in the City. There is significant deficit in housing and services for domestic violence victims in the system. The City need housing and other services for over 500 Domestic violence victims in the City. Other Populations- Mental illness is another category that contributes to homelessness.There are 443 unsheltered homeless with some Mental Health disorders, and 325 sheltered homeless with some mental health disorder. There are 192 unsheltered homeless with substance abuse disorder and 224 sheltered homeless with substance abuse disorder. These group are major part of the homeless population. There are no organized services for these population. There is only one clinic with outreach to these populations. The City needs housing and organized mental health services for over 800 clients. The city also needs over 400 accommodation and related services for people with substance abuse disorder. Table 57 identifying priority needs for qualifying populations Sub Veterans Elderly/ Disable/ Domestic Mentally ill/ Substance population and family/ Housing Housing Violence/ Housing and abuse Housing and and and Housing and services disorder services services services services Priority High Very High Very High Very High High Medium The interviews with local providers show that the above qualifying populations should receive both housing and comprehensive service priority in locations accessible by the subpopulation. The city should consider health and mental health services,transportation,food,financial help, and other relevant services. The clients should receive coordinated assessment for services upon entry to the system. The services may need to last two years or longer in order to make sure very few people return to homelessness. Determination of Housing and Services by the City of Roanoke The city used current and past research regarding housing and homeless issues including data and information from HUD, Census data, RKG Associate Inc. Regional Housing Study 2021, PIT/CoC/HMIS homeless statistics 2020-2022, city homeless reports, Blue Ridge Interagency Council on Homelessness, City's Analysis of Impediment to Fair Housing , Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP) report, and The Ramsay Group (TRG) research, interviews with service providers, city staff, developers, and the public in 2022. Assessment supports the recommendation that the city should try to move away from congregate shelter to the Rapid Re-housing model and provide at least 2 years of services in order to reduce return to homelessness. Page 38 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group The following section is based on TRG research and past research supported by National Alliance to End Homelessness, United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, Blue Ridge Interagency Council on Homelessness, and Virginia Homeless Solutions Program. Through interviews with homelessness response system planners/providers, healthcare organizations, and local organizations,the following suggestions were provided: 1- Transform shelters. Homelessness response systems took immediate steps to improve the safety of shelters by staying open 24/7, increasing physical distance, and relaxing restrictions. 2- Create more non-congregate/affordable rental options. Many communities used hotels and motels to create non-congregate shelter options.These spaces better supported people's dignity, in addition to their physical health, by giving them privacy and a place of their own. 3- Boost homelessness prevention and supportive services. Rental assistance programs kept people housed during the pandemic. Successful programs partnered with grassroots organizations embedded in communities reduced application barriers and quickly distributed flexible funds. Mental health, employment, housing and other services are needed to move those at-risk or experiencing homelessness into permanent housing and other growth opportunities. The research involving the local service providers and the homeless population by the Blue Ridge Interagency Council of Homelessness (BRICH) discovered the following: 1. What parts of the existing system serving homeless individuals/families need the most expansion/improvement (providers)? 86 67°r'1 60.00% 46.67% 40,00')X,-, 40.00°I° 33.33% 33.33`-- 20.0 % 20 00% eco' y�� ce' �yc mar OP 4,�4� cFar \�oJ� J`O`�a c� Qss` Qt�aQc 7° �N qac p v, P h 2. What are the most critical issues around homelessness in the Roanoke Valley (providers)? Affordable housing options (35); Mental and physical health and substance abuse (31); Supportive services/Connection and access to supportive services (29), Safe shelter (24), Job Page 39 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group training/access to employment opportunities (22); Restroom facilities open around the clock, including access to showers (9); Day shelter capacity (8); Address the issue of individuals returning to homelessness/system; Improved coordinated entry system (23); More collaboration between service providers, City, and funders (10); City-run shelter (16); and centralized point of contact (23). 3. What gaps exist in the current service system (homeless)? Transportation, Mental health services,Substance use services, Day shelter options; It feels like a revolving door; get help from one and lose support from another; Communication between service providers; Knowledge of the system by service providers; and Housing vouchers and placement. 4. What is the one thing that would have helped you most to prevent your becoming homeless? Affordable housing; Supportive people; Substance use treatment; Transportation/Bus passes; Clothing for work; Work tools; Job training; Assisted living; Financial assistance; Affordable Housing; Employment; Education; No Incarceration/criminal history; and Identification. 5. What are the best use of HOME-ARP funds (Providers)? shelter/SROBuild more TBRA—Rental Provide Non- Additional small rental support congregate Support Housing(1-2 Services Level of #1 Very High High High Very High Support._ I ental illness rvices, bstance buse ervices, nancial lated ervices 6. Which homeless subpopulation the City should prioritize (Providers)? DisableSub Veterans Elderly Domestic Mentally ill Chronically population and family Violence homeless Priority I High Very High Very High ; Very High High Medium 7. What are the barriers to affordable housing (Developers)? profit NIMBYISM Barrier Lack of Lack of Lack of Low • equity political affordable margins support Importance _ _Very Huh_ m_ Low _ . H!9h Very High LowHi h Page 40 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group 8. What can city do to help developers create additional affordable housing(Developers)? Streamlining administrative process and purchasing abandoned properties and offering them to developers for affordable housing development. Below are additional comments regarding homelessness, affordable housing and fair housing by the public, researchers, and providers in Roanoke, VA. "We anticipate a growing share of renters will have low incomes and be severely cost- burdened, making them vulnerable to eviction and at risk of homelessness. Since the City of Roanoke faces a deficit of more than 4,500 units for extremely low-income households, which puts pressure on all units affordable to low-income households, eviction rates are unlikely to decrease without significant housing interventions including eviction prevention and reduction programs." "We have 25% of number of affordable housings we need." "Landlord involvement and education was suggested as a priority by stakeholders and the need was substantiated by the data: there are 29 landlords (3.9% of all landlords filing Unlawful Detainers(UDs))that accounted for almost 50%of eviction proceedings." "While the direct services and financial assistance available through a program would be very helpful in reducing evictions, they do not directly remediate the underlying cause of most evictions, including housing unaffordability and cost-burdened households. Those important issues can be addressed through advocacy for long-term policy and programmatic investments in housing stability." "The City needs more single-family homes and apartments; there's not enough stock. Patients are living in cars, perpetually couch surfing, and have nowhere stable to stay. Roanoke has a central intake process, a single point of entry for those seeking housing solutions. This was a City initiative that is applicable to shelters and other resources. The truth is, there aren't a lot of options for housing. "Roanoke has abandoned and nonfunctioning properties, former industrial sites, and available warehouses. These could be a creative solution, as tax right offs for developers and the City to repurpose them into low-income housing. "income and racial disparities play a recurring role. These groups are much more likely to struggle with stable housing. For the homeless or those at-risk, folks with mental illness are at a more significant disadvantage." "Landlords in Roanoke are known for not taking good care of accommodations, not accommodating ADA needs, and renting units lacking basic infrastructures like water and heat." Page 41 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group "Those struggling most with stable housing are the homeless or those with mental illness and substance abuse issues. Transitional housing is what this group needs for support, and Roanoke has minimal options available." "Residents are renting a house and being charged more than they should be, occupying dwellings and units that aren't serviced or maintained, have landlords who raise prices without notice, or are being denied due to race or legal status." "Some data shows race to be a factor in homelessness- a higher percentage of African Americans are homeless in this community. There are also many people with disabilities and those suffering from mental health that struggle to obtain housing. Even those who qualify for Medicaid struggle to support themselves and often require help from a caretaker,friends, and family." "Roanoke is the only urban area in SW Virginia, which means many individuals and families in need come to the City for support. The agency serves many people and does its best to stay local, but it doesn't have the resources to support everyone in the City and surrounding regions. The organization could benefit from leaning on neighboring areas if they also provided supportive services." "The City could use more single-unit dwellings. Many units for rent are larger, and many of the homeless population are comprised of individuals. Even if rent were free, the organization wouldn't be able to house everyone in need." "Residents who are housed are living in substandard units. Some clients must leave their housing due to lack of maintenance (i.e., broken windows, broken a/c, and plumbing issues). From here, they should contact legal aid to initiate housing first standards and speak with code enforcement for case management. If code enforcement deems the structure inhabitable, clients can be re-housed. However, in 5-years, I have never heard of a landlord receiving a fine. Individuals involved in the court process often give up and self-evict when they get their first pay or quit. The process feels weighted towards landlords, so renters give up." "There have been situations with the disabled or elderly population who end up in the hospital for one reason or another. When they return, the locks will be changed, and their belongings will be on the street due to missed payments and the tenant being unreachable." "There's an apartment complex in NW owned by a landlord in New York City. The complex comprises four buildings (30-40 units) in Roanoke, all of which have issues. Code enforcement and the fire marshal were involved at one point, and the problem was sent to court. It was soon decided the landlord wouldn't be extradited from New York City to Roanoke, so nothing happened. This individual never received a fine, so nothing has changed. The City has many out-of-town property owners who are taking Page 42 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group advantage of the growing desire to live in Roanoke." "Anecdotally, the Airbnb culture and surrounding schools and universities compete for low-income housing options. They're also highly sought after and often more expensive." "As for downtown, there's a historical designation that creates a lack of choice. Dwellings are becoming more unlivable as they can't be updated for ADA accessibility." "If Roanoke adopted similar models to other cities, like requiring a certain percentage of units to be reserved for tMl earners, landlords would have more incentive to prioritize those struggling. Money makes things work, Roanoke is skyrocketing with rent up 15- 30% since the pandemic, and the agency sees a lot of nonrenewal. Organizations need a partnership with the City and a department that monitors and upholds regulations." "There are vacant lots around Roanoke, but progress can be challenging between the property owners and the community. There are a few income-based properties that are older and run down. The residents will likely complain they don't want a similar structure in their backyard (NIMBYISM). During a community meeting on the topic of re-zoning properties from commercial to residential purposes, there was strong pushback from the community, saying the proposed complex would cause traffic and other adverse impacts in the neighborhood. Code enforcement and landlord incentives could help mitigate this." "Habitat for Humanity most commonly serves female head of households who are single. Some issues are affordable housing, lack of consistent transportation, employment, livable wage, availability of childcare, and staying in housing." "Stricter code enforcement and policies that hold landlords accountable would benefit individuals renting substandard units. There is a disconnect between the people and policymakers, and the latter is unaware of the many realities of renters." "The trend with Roanoke's aging community is that 95%of seniors want to age in place, in their homes, but most homes are not age friendly. Currently, in the area, 1 in 4 are over the age of 65; in ten years, it will be 1 in 3. If housing solutions for this population aren't underway, housing them will become more difficult." "In Roanoke, there's a lack of housing for the disabled or seniors. Much of what was available for senior housing(Section 8)also serves as housing for the mentally ill or lacks comforts like air conditioning. Many seniors in these housing complexes don't feel safe and don't go out. In recent years, the City's focus has been renovating the downtown area, but it isn't livable, affordable, or accessible for seniors." Page 43 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group "Many individuals have difficulty obtaining housing upon release from prison because of financial stability. Finances are the most significant barrier, and many individuals haven't worked for some time and struggle to make enough for a deposit." "Unfortunately, these individuals don't have the financial skills to save money and make better decisions. The most common barrier for these individuals is a lack of financial security and education. If financial planning programs were implemented at these organizations where individuals are taught about basic money management, residents could help develop more vital financial skills." "One-bedroom units necessary to begin housing the homeless. The organization is currently focused on eviction prevention as it's recently become a big issue in Roanoke." "Additionally, as of one year ago, accessory dwellings were legalized within Roanoke. Under this new law, 2800 units in the City qualify, but ZERO permits have been submitted. This has happened previously when the City passes new zoning laws, but there's no community awareness." "Residents don't believe there's support before missing rent payments. By the time they ask for assistance, they're too far behind in payments. If residents come to the organization before the ninth hour, resources like financial literacy while helping them pay bills would more likely keep them off the streets. Individuals, unfortunately, are taught they can only get help when they're desperate." "The other barrier when offering rent assistance or rapid re-housing is that organizations try to help as many people as possible instead of fixing the situation for fewer people, so we never see them again. The community could make more traction on homelessness if organizations offered to pay out a smaller amount of people and entirely absolve their debt. Other agencies in Roanoke have a $300 or monthly limit, which will not get individuals out of debt with landlords. Then individuals hop from agency to agency collecting cash rather than focusing on bringing financial literacy, education, and absolving all debt." "According to a review of programs, eviction prevention and reduction programs should be multi faceted interventions, including rental and financial assistance, legal aid, case management, resident services, housing counseling and financial literacy. Similarly, multi-stakeholder networks should coordinate services as closely as possible and develop a standardized screening process for initiating clients into eviction prevention programs (NeighborWorks America, 2015)." The research published in the last few years and supported by National Alliance to End Homelessness, United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, Blue Ridge Interagency Page 44 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Council on Homelessness, and Virginia Homeless Solutions Program show the following solutions to the homeless crisis. • Coordinated Crisis Response System An effective crisis response system can identify and quickly connect people who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness to housing assistance and other services.The following are the components of the Crisis Response System: 1- Outreach: Outreach workers connect people at risk of or experiencing homelessness to coordinated entry, emergency services, and shelter.They work with other programs in the system to connect people to stable, permanent housing. 2- Coordinated entry: Coordinated entry is a process designed to identify quickly, assess, refer and connect people in crisis to housing assistance and services.A welcome center that provides housing,social services,and job search assistance. To end homelessness, a coordinated systems approach is needed. This approach requires using local data to inform decisions about how to most effectively allocate resources, services, and programs to best address the needs of those experiencing homelessness in the community. The HMIS data and annual performance measurement and evaluation can help in making better decisions. 3-Diversion and prevention: Prevention and diversion are essential components of a community's crisis response and can help it reduce the size of its homeless population. Prevention assistance can aid households in preserving their current housing situation. At the same time, diversion prevents homelessness for people seeking shelter by helping them identify immediate alternate housing arrangements and, if necessary, connecting them with services. 4- Emergency shelters and interim housing: People experiencing a housing crisis or fleeing an unsafe situation must find a place to stay quickly. Emergency shelters and temporary accommodations can fill this role in a crisis response system. These interventions should be low-barrier and align their goals and program activities with the more extensive system's goals. 5- Permanent housing: A crisis response system must have the capacity to connect people experiencing homelessness with permanent housing programs, such as rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing, and other stable housing options. Permanent supportive housing is an intervention that combines affordable housing assistance with voluntary support services to address the needs of chronically homeless people. The services are designed to build independent living and tenancy skills and connect people with community- Page 45 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group based health care, treatment, and employment services. A cost-effective solution, permanent supportive housing has been shown to lower public costs associated with using crisis services such as shelters, hospitals,jails, and prisons. • Virginia Efforts Towards Homeless Veterans The state of Virginia attributes its success in rapid re-housing and reduction of homelessness among veterans to the following factors: 1- Coordinated community outreach and a common assessment tool. 2- By-name lists of veterans experiencing homelessness. 3- Holding CoC Case Conferencing meetings. 4- Data-sharing among all providers with one list of veterans experiencing homelessness and prioritizing based on vulnerability. 5- Increased coordination and streamlined processes for appropriate housing placements. 6- Connecting veterans to mainstream resources and employment opportunities. 7- A commitment to Housing First principles. 8- Landlord engagement. The success of ending homelessness among veterans in Virginia suggests that rapid re-housing is only part of the solution. Communities must have a coordinated crisis system that deals with people in crisis. From 2010-2014 state of Virginia reduced the number of families experiencing homelessness. One important factor in this success was that Virginia shifted from a shelter-based system to a rapid re-housing approach. Rapid re-housing is an intervention designed to help individuals and families quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing. Rapid re-housing assistance is offered without preconditions (such as employment, income, absence of a criminal record, or sobriety), and the resources and services provided are typically tailored to the household's unique needs. Page 46 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group • Rapid Re-housing Rapid re-housing is designed to help individuals and families quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing. A key element of rapid re-housing is the "Housing First" philosophy, which offers accommodation without preconditions such as employment, income, lack of a criminal background, or sobriety. If issues such as these need to be addressed, the household can manage them most effectively once it is in housing. There are three core components of rapid re-housing: 1. Housing identification; 2. Rent and move-in assistance (financial); 3. Rapid re-housing case management and services. While all three components are present and available in effective rapid re-housing programs, there are instances where different entities or agencies provide the components or where a household does not utilize all three. Housing Identification The program recruits landlords to provide housing opportunities for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The program must address any potential barriers to landlord participation, such as concerns about the short- term nature of rental assistance and tenant qualifications. Effective programs accomplish this by assuring support to landlords during the move-in process and by offering landlords direct contact at the program if they have issues with a tenant placed by the program. Some programs provide enhanced damage deposits or other financial mechanisms to alleviate landlords' concerns. Beyond landlord recruitment, programs must also match households to appropriate housing, especially for survivors of domestic violence,which is safe. Effective programs accomplish this by recruiting many landlords to provide a variety of housing options in a variety of neighborhoods and by serving as a resource to households during the housing search, location, and application process. Concerning a household's ability to afford rent after the termination of financial assistance, programs should not assume this can be accurately assessed at the time of entry. Effective programs and jurisdictions have found that even households with zero income at the admission to a rapid re-housing program can maintain housing once program involvement ends. Page 47 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Rent and Move-in Assistance The program provides assistance to cover move-in costs, deposits, and the rental and/or utility assistance (typically six months or less) necessary to allow individuals and families to move immediately out of homelessness and to stabilize in permanent housing.The amount and duration of financial assistance a rapid re-housing program provides can vary. Still, at a minimum, programs should assist necessary for households to move immediately out of homelessness and to stabilize in permanent housing. Programs can provide funds for move-in costs, security deposits, rental payments, and utility assistance. Sometimes, a first month's rent or security deposit is sufficient for a household to exit homelessness, and data show that programs typically provide financial aid for six months or less. Still, many funding streams allow assistance for up to 24 months if necessary. Some programs attempt to provide households with choices in housing and often adopt creative strategies, such as renting rooms or accessory units, co-tenancy, or shared housing,to increase the likelihood that households want to remain and can afford to remain in their units of choice once financial assistance ends. Preliminary outcome data have shown that most households, even when unemployed or underemployed at the entry to a rapid re-housing program, still manage to stay housed after financial assistance ends. Providers' strategies to mitigate a household's lack of employment include help accessing public benefits and creating shared living situations to minimize rent costs, in addition to traditional services geared towards helping a household establish employment. Rapid Re-housing Case Management and Services Programs help individuals and families experiencing homelessness address issues that may impede access to housing (such as credit history, arrears, and legal issues). Programs provide appropriate services and support available to families and individuals to allow them to stabilize quickly in permanent housing. Rapid Re-housing Programs Short-term Outcome The Short-Term impacts report nationally provides some essential information regarding the effectiveness of rapid re-housing, including: 1- Helping households quickly exit homelessness: Families that enrolled in a rapid re- housing program exited shelter in an average of 2 months or 3.2 months faster than those referred to rapid re-housing but did not enroll. 2- Preventing households from returning to homelessness: 77 percent of families enrolled Page 48 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group in rapid re-housing did not return to the shelter. 3- Increasing a household's self-sufficiency: Families referred to rapid re-housing had incomes 10 percent higher than usual care. Rapid re-housing also led to improvements in food security relative to regular care. 4- Decrease in homelessness overall: 5 families can be rapidly re-housed ($6,578 per family)for what it costs to house one family in transitional housing($32,557 per family). Two statewide studies of Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) data have supported rapid re-housing as a model with low returns to homelessness. In a statewide administrative data analysis,the Georgia Department of Community Affairs found that persons exiting emergency shelter and transitional housing programs were 4 and 4.7 times more likely to return to homelessness than those leaving rapid re-housing programs. The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness found that, of those families who exited rapid re-housing programs in Connecticut in 2010, 95 percent had not returned to shelter three years later. In addition to these national studies, studies from states and individual jurisdictions are emerging. In an evaluation of fourteen Continuum of Care's in seven states, seventy five percent of rapid re-housing participants were found to exit to permanent housing, much higher than from emergency shelter (16 percent) or transitional housing (42 percent). The average cost per exit to permanent housing was significantly lower for rapid re-housing (about $4,100) than it was for either shelter (about $10,000) or transitional housing (about $22,200). Byrne et al. (2015) also examined outcomes for households receiving rapid re-housing services and receiving prevention services one year and two years after exiting. The researchers found that most families and individuals served by SSVF's rapid re-housing and prevention services remained housed. Specifically, the researchers found that at 1-year post-SSVF exit, 90.6% of families and 84%of individuals who were rapidly re-housed remained in their homes.Similarly, two years after SSVF exit, about 85% of families and 73.4% of individuals who were rapidly re- housed remained in their housing. Overall, rapid re-housing is an essential tool to end homelessness. Rapid re-housing appears to have decreased the length of homelessness, fewer returns to homelessness, lowered costs per household than other interventions, and reduced homelessness in communities. On an individual level, rapid re-housing minimizes the amount of time an individual or family spends homeless and rapidly helps them stabilize in their housing. Creating interventions and planning systemically around the model's three core components. Income Opportunity and Homelessness There are efforts to improve pathways to employment for low-skilled, entry-level workers through investments in subsidized employment and programs funded under the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The availability of work supports for low-income Page 49 I Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group households, such as childcare and transportation assistance, can also have a big impact on whether or not a household can sustain employment. There are also opportunities to improve income support programs for low-income people.As an example,TANF assistance can be made more readily accessible to families experiencing a housing crisis, which might help avert homelessness for some. Also, some government agencies can provide additional staff to help the homeless with unemployment applications, Supplemental Security Income, and Social Security Disability Income to reduce the length of time eligible people must wait before receiving income. Conclusion The NMIS data shows an immediate need for two thousand (2,000) housing units for rapid rehousing of the homeless population. The research, including interviews with providers, suggests that people should receive two years of service or, in some cases, longer to reduce the rate of return to homelessness. Both rapid rehousing and support services reduce the rate of return to homelessness. This study and previous studies all show that the city should assist with producing approximately 5,000 small (0-2 bedrooms) affordable rental housing units to people with 0- 50% of Area Medium Income (AMI) to eliminate homelessness and risk of homelessness. The research, including input from the public and providers, suggests that the elderly, disabled, domestic violence victims,veterans, and the mentally ill should receive priority for housing and support services. The discussion with developers suggests that low-profit margins and lack of equity are the main reason for the lack of involvement by developers in the low-income housing market.This suggests the need for government involvement in the housing market to help produce low-income housing. The government does not have to directly build or manage housing (as in the 1960s-1970s) but can help with funding. Page 50 Attachment B Roanoke Gap Analysis Prepared by The Ramsay Group Appendix Stakeholder Survey and Dashboard Results The Ramsay Group developed and distributed surveys to obtain feedback from a wide cross section of community stakeholders regarding the HOME-ARP program. The purpose was to obtain meaningful feedback to help guide the City in identifying needs and determining the best use of HOME ARP Funds. There were specific surveys for the Roanoke Community, Homeless and other service providers, and housing developers. The surveys were available online for completion. Link to the survey instrument and summary of results can be found below: Resident Survey dashboard: https://www.surveymonkey.com/stories/SM- 2BQlpxQd7ZbDNMaNeaHOYJQ 3D 3D/ Service Provider dashboard: https://www.surveymonkey.com/stories/SM- 9rGTqvEullCklblXTYFEJQ 3D 3D/ City Staff dashboard: https:ZZwww.surveymonkey.com/stories/­SM- U6MuiLdDjTFRuYSVBhFWbA 3D 3D/ Individual Interviews In addition to Community Surveys, a total of 18 individual, confidential interviews were held with key stakeholders. The interviews were conducted in November 2022 and consisted of open-ended questions to allow for a dialogue with the participant. Page 51 The Ramsay Group Housing Needs &Gaps Analysis Notations and Clarifications From page 1, Overall Population and Household Growth is Projected to be Positive • TRG: "Approximately 83%of households have only one person." • Clarification:This statistic comes from a housing study released by RKG Associates in 2020.This should state that 83%of non-family households have one person. From the RKG study: "According to the Census, households can be defined as either family or non-family. Family households are comprised of two or more related individuals where non-family households are comprised of unrelated people living together(such as housemates), and single individuals. In the City of Roanoke, most family households (73%) are comprised of two or three members. Most non-family households are single individuals which account for nearly 83%of non-family households." (Regional Housing Market Study Analysis, RKG, page 189) From page 1, Most Low-Income Renters are Cost Burdened or unable to Find Affordable Housing • TRG: "At 30%of their income a household of one at 30%AMI should pay about$412 per month for rent." • Clarification: For a household of one with an annual income of$18,150 (the most someone can earn and still be considered living at 30%AMI), they should pay no more than $454 in monthly rent and utilities in order to not be considered cost-burdened. From Page 2, Most Low-Income Renters are Cost Burdened or unable to Find Affordable Housing • TRG: "There is a projected deficit of 3,569 affordable units, meaning many extremely low- income households are having to spend more than 30%of their income housing costs." • Clarification: Using American Community Survey(ACS) data from 2014-2018, a housing study released by RKG Associates in 2020 found that there is a deficit of 3,569 units affordable to those who are considered extremely low income (below 30%AMI).This deficit is not seen for renters who are considered 30%-100%AMI (Regional Housing Market Study Analysis, RKG, page 229). From page 13, Characteristics of People Experiencing Homelessness • TRG: "In 2022 there were 28 Chronically homeless individuals counted." • Clarification: The Point In Time Count is an annual survey that aims to identify the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night.The Winter 2022 Point in Time Count surveyed 39 chronically homeless individuals, meaning 39 chronically homeless individuals were counted as experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2022. From page 14, Characteristics of People Experiencing Homelessness • TRG: "Since 2012, homelessness among households was reduced from 50 households in 2012 to 10 families in 2022, an 80% reduction." • Clarification:The Winter 2022 Point In Time Count surveyed 10 families experiencing literal homelessness, meaning these families were staying in a shelter or place not meant for human habitation on a single night in January. However,there were 84 families served by emergency shelters in the calendar year of 2022 (made up of 266 individuals). Additionally,the number of families accessing homeless services through Roanoke City Public Schools(RCPS)also demonstrates higher instances of homelessness and housing instability among families. For the 22-23 school year to date, RCPS has identified 43 families in shelter, 33S families that are "doubled up", and 64 families living in hotels. From page 21,Table-21—2019 Homeless Housing Inventory&Narrative • TRG: Table-21 shows the total of 726 total beds in the inventory of CoC in 2019.The data shows more capacity than homeless persons,with 276 homeless in 2020 and 250 in 2021, compared to 726 beds in 2019. However, this is misleading.There is a mismatch between capacity and homeless. Most homeless need one-or two-person accommodation, but sometimes capacity is for 3 to 8 persons.This creates extra capacity(empty space)that is not useable by other people. Based on data provided by CoC 2019 (Table-21),there were a total of 726 beds available for homeless individuals, with 62%(449)of beds found in emergency shelters and 38% (277) of the beds located in permanent housing facilities.There are 421 adult-only beds in the region." • Clarification: The table and accompanying narrative are a misrepresentation of the homeless housing inventory in Roanoke County and the Cities of Roanoke and Salem. Because of this, it is incredibly inaccurate and therefore dangerous to state that "there is more capacity than homeless persons". Both the chart and narrative do not address the nature of these identified beds/units, including, and most importantly, that the units/beds often are specifically dedicated to subpopulations. For example, not all persons experiencing homelessness are eligible for Permanent Supportive Housing beds; a person has to meet the high threshold of HUD's chronic homeless definition, which includes having a documented disability. Another bed dedication may be to veterans; a percentage of permanent supportive housing beds are dedicated to chronically homeless veterans.Additionally,there should be further discussion on the comparison of the number of beds/units available year round and the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night.To further understand the gaps in the homeless response system,the following considerations are recommended: include the number of people accessing street outreach services; include the number of people who are denied services and reasons why(i.e. program at capacity; strict eligibility guidelines,etc.); dissect the homeless housing inventory by populations served (i.e. chronic homeless,veterans, etc.) and compare this number to the number of people that meet these criteria and are seeking services. From page 29,Table 29 Shelter Beds Available • TRG: Includes 43 Cold Weather Shelter beds • Clarification:These 43 Cold Weather Shelter beds were not available year-round; were only available after certain cold weather conditions were met. From page 30,Table 29 Shelter Beds Available • TRG: Identifies 60 Turning Point beds • Clarification:Turning Point operates as a domestic violence shelter. Based on community conversations,Turning Point has reduced the number of shelter beds available in order to provide more intensive services to fewer clients. It is unclear how many beds are available at Turning Point for DV shelter use. From page 34,Total Housing Capacity for People Experiencing Homelessness • TRG: "The number of people at risk of homelessness is 852." • Clarification:There were 852 people who received services for being at-risk of homelessness. With 20%of the City living below the poverty line, and at least 47%of renters considered cost- burdened, it is understood that there are not enough services to help all of those who are unstably housed. To get a better understanding of this the number of people who are at-risk, it recommended to also examine the number of people who sought at-risk services and were denied due to lack of community resources as well. General Notes on Understanding the Point In Time Count • HUD requires communities to conduct an annual Point In Time (PIT) Count, which is defined as an unduplicated count of people experiencing literal homelessness on a single night in January. • Literal homelessness is defined as someone staying in emergency shelter or places not meant for human habitation. • Because the PIT Count data relies on how many people can be "counted" on a single night,the PIT Count is understood to underrepresent the number of people actually experiencing homelessness in a community. PIT count data is best used to identify broad trends in homelessness, raise public awareness, promote collaboration across communities, inform future funding allocations, and create a shared understanding of a complex problem. The Roanoke Times Account Number Roanoke,Virginia 6017304 Affidavit of Publication RECEIVED .JAN 2 1 2023 Date CITY OF ROANOKE COMMUNITY OFFICE OF THE DEVELOPEMENT CITY MANAGER January 25,2023 Ann OFFICE OF CITY MANAGER 215 CHURCH AVE SW.ROOM 364 ROANOKE,VA 24011 Date Category Description Ad Size Total Cost 021WM023 Any-Main ROA PLAN AMENDMENT 3 x 15.00 IN 3,186.20 Publisher of the Roanoke Times I,(the undersigned)an authorized representative of the Roanoke Times,a daily newspaper published In Roanoke,in the State of Virginia,do certify that the annexed notice PLAN AMENDMENT was published in said newspapers on the following dates: 01x15/2023 The First insertion being given... 01/25/2023 Newspaper reference: 0001396979 ;�4)`/' zz,:� d0viling Represe e Sworn to and subscribed before Me this 25th Day of January 2p23 N yAn hnson Pub State of Virginia NOTARY LIC County of Hanover Commonwealth of Virginia Registration No,8004239 My Commission expires MY Cornm.Exp.March 31 2026 THIS IS NOTA BILL. PLEASE PAY FROM INVOICE. THANK YOU NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AND PUBLIC HEARING RELATED TO - PROPOSED HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN AND AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF ROANOKE 2020-2024 5-YEAR HUD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Effective Monday,January 30,2023,the City of Roanoke,Virginia is seeking public comments related to a proposed amendment to its 2020-2024 5-Year HUD Consolidated Plan(Consolidated Plan) for use of funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME-ARP grant program.The proposed amendment provides for the use of HOME-ARP funds in the approximate amount of$2,449,336 to address the development of housing units and related support services to serve eligible low income residents and qualified populations identified in an Allocation Plan, which must be submitted to HUD for approval prior to executing a funding agreement with the City to access HOME-ARP funds.This will amend the 2020-2024 5-Year Consolidated Plan to allow for programming of American Rescue Plan Act funds associated with the HOME Investment Partnership Grant program that were not available when the Consolidated Plan was initially developed. Comments must be received no later than 5:00 PM, Tuesday, February, 28, 2023. Comments can be made by citizens and other interested stakeholders by phone,email,mail or in person. Interested parties are not required to give identifying information when submitting comments. Comments can be directed to Keith Holland, HUD Community Resources Administrator at 215 Church Ave SW, Room 305 North, Roanoke VA 24011, (540) 853-6404, or keith.holland@roanokeva.gov. More detailed information on the proposed HOME-ARP Allocation Pian is available for review at the following locations: (1) the Office of the City Clerk, at Room 456 South, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, SW, Roanoke, VA; Belmont Branch Roanoke City Library, 1101 Morningside Street SE, Roanoke,VA;and(2)the office of HUD Community Resources, Room 305 North,Noel C.Taylor Municipal Building,215 Church Avenue,SW,Roanoke,VA,and are posted to the City of Roanoke's webpage at www.roanokeva.gov. For additional details, call the City's HUD Community Resources Division at(540)853-6404. Notice is also given that the Roanoke City Council will hold a public hearing on the above matter at its regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, commencing at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the Council Chamber,4th Floor,Noel C.Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue,SW,Roanoke,VA.All persons shall be afforded an opportunity to speak and state their views concerning all aspects of the proposed HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and related amendment to the Consolidated Plan. The comments received from the public during the 30-day public comment period and at the Tuesday,February 21,2023 public hearing will be used by the City in further developing the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and subsequent amendment to the Consolidated Plan to be submitted to HUD for review and approval prior to March 31,2023. Citizens wishing to address City Council must sign-up with the City Clerk's Office by emailing clerk@roanokeva.gov or by calling (540) 853-2541 by 4:00 p.m.Tuesday, February 21,2023. If you are a person with a disability who needs accommodations for this hearing,please contact the City Clerk's Office at(540)853-2541, before 12:00 noon on Thursday,February 16,2023. The City of Roanoke provides interpretation at no cost for all public matings, upon request. If you would like to request an interpreter, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance by calling(540)853-1283. La Ciudad de Roanoke proporciona interpretaci6n sin costo por todas citas p6blicas, previa solicitud. Si usted desea solicitar un intirprete,higanoslo saber con al menos 24 horas de antelaci6n por llamar(540)853-1283. Jiji la Roanoke linatoa huduma ya ukalimani bila malipo katika mikutano yote ya umma,inapoombwa.Iwapo ungependa kuomba mkalimani,tafadhali tujulishe angalau saa 24 kabla kwa kupiga simu(540)853-1283. •",a�y M cN-�.a/3 r l�>'�ti J-sP W J��w,..J+..•,-w,PJi��r�+JY J+-SPu w 4J-'I��y 4J L(,��ash-����;�}-i�.lL 3UL�.t�•'mob�{ai ISi.,yl.:fLLi:f'lJf. Given under my hand this 26th day of January,2023. Cecelia McCoy City Clerk NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AND PUBLIC HEARING RELATED TO PROPOSED HOME-ARP ALLOCATION PLAN AND AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF ROANOKE 2020-2024 5-YEAR HUD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Effective Monday,January 30, 2023, the City of Roanoke, Virginia is seeking public comments related to a proposed amendment to its 2020-2024 5-Year HUD Consolidated Plan (Consolidated Plan) for use of funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME-ARP grant program. The proposed amendment provides for the use of HOME-ARP funds in the approximate amount of $2,449,336 to address the development of housing units and related support services to serve eligible low income residents and qualified populations identified in an Allocation Plan, which must be submitted to HUD for approval prior to executing a funding agreement with the City to access HOME-ARP funds. This will amend the 2020-2024 5-Year Consolidated Plan to allow for programming of American Rescue Plan Act funds associated with the HOME Investment Partnership Grant program that were not available when the Consolidated Plan was initially developed. Comments must be received no later than 5:00 PM, Tuesday, February, 28, 2023. Comments can be made by citizens and other interested stakeholders by phone, email, mail or in person. Interested parties are not required to give identifying information when submitting comments. Comments can be directed to Keith Holland, HUD Community Resources Administrator at 215 Church Ave SW, Room 305 North, Roanoke VA 24011 , (540) 853-6404, or keith.holland@)roanokeva.gov. More detailed information on the proposed HOME-ARP Allocation Plan is available for review at the following locations: (1) the Office of the City Clerk, at Room 456 South, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, SW, Roanoke, Belmont Branch Roanoke City Library, 1 101 Morningside Street SE, Roanoke, VA; and (2) the office of HUD Community Resources, Room 305 North, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, SW, Roanoke, VA, and are posted to the City of Roanoke's webpage at www.roanokeva.gov. For additional details, call the City's HUD Community Resources Division at (540) 853-6404. Notice is also given that the Roanoke City Council will hold a public hearing on the above matter at its regular meeting to be held on Tuesday, February 21 , 2023, commencing at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the Council Chamber, 4th Floor, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, SW, Roanoke, VA. All persons shall be afforded an opportunity to speak and state their views concerning all aspects of the proposed HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and related amendment to the Consolidated Plan. The comments received from the public during the 30-day public comment period and at the Tuesday, February 21 , 2023 public hearing will be used by the City in further developing the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan and subsequent amendment to the Consolidated Plan to be submitted to HUD for review and approval prior to March 31 , 2023. Citizens wishing to address City Council must sign-up with the City Clerk's Office by emailing clerk@roanokeva.gov or by calling (540) 853-2541 by 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 21 , 2023. If you are a person with a disability who needs accommodations for this hearing, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (540) 853-2541 , before 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 16, 2023. The City of Roanoke provides interpretation at no cost for all public meetings, upon request. If you would like to request an interpreter, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance by calling (540) 853-1283. La Ciudad de Roanoke proporciona interpretacion sin costo por todas citas publicas, previa solicitud. Si usted desea solicitar un interprete, haganoslo saber con al menos 24 horas de antelacion por Ilamar (540) 853-1283. Jiji la Roanoke linatoa huduma ya ukalimani bila malipo katika mikutano yote ya umma, inapoombwa. Iwapo ungependa kuomba mkalimani, tafadhali tujulishe angalau saa 24 kabla kwa kupiga simu (540) 853-1283. JFr S9'9J J� J9`�`wlgi)�ucl y 4aA ul.yL�cy°9°c cJ9" vI 4u, CJL- ,c.�l' ,�,I I �o �j1A. �Iv 24 -=LA J1.1 jLs,, � Z v o jL� 853 1283 (540) U I-) j� Given under my hand this 26th day of January, 2023. Cecelia McCoy City Clerk ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE TO ROANOKE TIMES: Please publish this notice in the Roanoke Times for one day, THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023. Publish in full, block style. The size of the title must be 16 font type, with the remainder in 12 font type, This notice may not appear in that portion of the newspaper reserved for legal notices and classified advertisements. For questions regarding this notice contact Keith Holland, Department of Planning, Building and Development, 853-6404. Send publisher's affidavit to: Cecilia McCoy, City Clerk Room 456, Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24011 -1536 Send bill to: Keith Holland Dept. of Planning, Building and Development Community Resources Division Room 305 North, Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, VA 24011 -1536 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 21" day of February 2023. No. 42580-022123. AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a lease agreement between the City of Roanoke (City), and Carilion Clinic, for the lease of a 60' x 60' portion of City-owned property, containing 3,600 sq. ft., more or less, located at 917 Morgan Avenue, S.E., bearing Roanoke Official Tax Map No. 4240102, commonly known as Morningside Park (Property); and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on February 21, 2023, pursuant to Section 15.2-1800 and Section 15.2-1813, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, at which hearing all parties in interest and citizens were afforded an opportunity to be heard on the proposed lease. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke, as follows: 1. The City Manager or his designee is hereby authorized, to execute, in a form approved by the City Attorney, a lease agreement between the City of Roanoke and Carilion Clinic for Carilion Clinic to lease an approximately 60' x 60' parcel of City-owned property, containing 3,600 sq. ft., more or less, located at 917 Morgan Avenue, S.E., commonly known as Morningside j Park, bearing Roanoke Official Tax Map No. 4240102, to use and maintain as an Urban Farm, for a � term of five (5) years. Carilion Clinic will pay annual rent to the City in the amount of$10.00 for its use and occupancy of the Property, as more particularly described in the City Council Agenda r Report dated February 21, 2023. Such lease shall be substantially similar in form to the lease `s attached to such report, and approved as to form by the City Attorney. ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 21, 2023 Subject: Proposal of the City of Roanoke to lease an approximate 60' X 60' plot of land located at Morningside Park along Morgan Avenue, S. E., and designated as Tax Map Number 4240102 to Carilion Clinic for use as an Urban Garden. Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager. Background: Carilion Clinic launched a healthy eating initiative in 2018. They expressed a desire to lease an approximate 60' X 60" plot of land located at Morningside Park and along Morgan Ave., S.E. designated as Tax Map Number 4240102 for a Community Garden. Carilion Clinic has built an educational garden at Morningside Park in Southeast Roanoke City. The garden is used to educate the community on all aspects of gardening and healthy lifestyles by providing hands on education and free produce to the community. L.E.A.P. manages the 60' by 60' garden which includes 12 garden beds, benches and a shelter. The annual rental shall be $10. The lease term requested is for five years, commencing March 1, 2023. Recommended Action: After consideration of comments received at the public hearing and absent comments at the public hearing needing further consideration, authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the proposed agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto, and execute and deliver all closing documents and take such other actions to effectuate the proposed agreement. All documents are subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. '_-0 Bob Cowell, City Manager Distribution: Council Appointed Officers W. Brent Robertson, Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance Amelia C. Merchant, Deputy Director of Finance Michael Clark, Director of Parks and Recreation Marc Nelson, Director of Economic Development Cassandra Turner, Economic Development Specialist LEASF AGREEMENT THIS LEASE AGREEMENT ("I.ease" or "Lease Agreement"), made as of this day of 2023 , by and between the CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, a municipal corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia ("Lessor"), and CARILLON CLINIC ("Lessee"), RECITALS: WHEREAS, Lessor owns certain land located in the City of Roanoke, located at 917 Morgan Avenue, S.E., designated as 'I'ax Map No. 4240102, and commonly known as Morningside Park ("Property"); WHEREAS, Lessee is engaged in the business of providing healthcare and performing medical research, and desires to lease a portion of the Property for the purpose of operating an Urban Fane to grow and cultivate vegetables, flowers, and other produce for the benefit of themselves and the community, promote healthy eating, and to provide educational seminars to the public on gardening and healthy lifestyles; and WHEREAS, Lessor desires to lease a portion of the Property to Lessee for such use, upon the tennis and conditions stated below. NOW THEREFORE, Lessor and Lessee, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Lease Agreement, and the above recitals which are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Lease Agreement, do hereby covenant and agree as follows: I. Leased Premises -Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, and Lessee hereby leases from the Lessor, as tenant, an I approximately 3,600 sq. ft., more or less, portion of the Property, designated as "Urban Farm 60' x 60"', as further detailed on the attachment attached hereto as Exhibit A (hereinafter referred to as the "Leased Premises"). 2. Permitted Use - The Leased Premises shall only be used by Lessee for the purpose of maintaining and operating an Urban Farm, which use shall be for planting and harvesting agricultural crops (which may be given to attendees of the Urban Farm and or may be sold by Lessee to farmers' markets or donated to local food banks). and activities ancillary thereto, and providing educational seminars to the public, and as further detailed in the above recitals, and for no unlawful purpose, either as of the date of this Lease Agreement or on any unrecorded form thereof, or other purpose that is not reasonably related to the operation and maintenance of an Urban Fat-in as detennined by Lessor, and as further detailed in Lessee's proposal to Lessor dated 2023, attached hereto as Exhibit B and made a part of' this Agreement. The Leased Premises may not be used for any other purpose without the written permission of the Lessor. The Lessee agrees that it shall not charge the public for admission or entry to the trban Farm. 3. Tenn - The term of this Lease Agreement shall be for a period of five (5) years, commencing on March 1, 2023, and continuing until midnight, February 28, 2028. This Lease shall be terminable by either party at any time, for any reason, during the teen of this Lease, upon ninety(90) days written notice to the other party_ 4. Rental - Annual rental shall be S 10.00 non-refundable, payable in advance for each year during the tenn of the Lease, and mailed or otherwise delivered to the Lessor's Treasurer, City of Roanoke. P. 0. Box 1451, Roanoke, VA 24007. Checks should be made payable to the Roanoke City Treasurer. Sublcasirn - Lessee covenants and agrees that it will not sublet, license. assign, or transfer by operation of law or otherwise this (.case Agreement. the Leased Premises or any right Lessee is authorized to exercise hereunder, without the prior written consent of the Lessor, such written consent to include a specific reference to this Lease Agreement or any unrecorded firm thereof. Any attempt by the Lessee to sublet, license. assign, or transfer by operation of lati% or otherwise this Lease Agreement, the Leased Premises. or anyrights Lessee is authorized itten consent of the Lessor. shall result in the to exercise hereunder without the prior wr automatic termination of this Lease Agreement. b. Condition of tlic Leased Premises- Lessee has inspected the Leased Premises and acknm� ledges that the Leased Premises arc suitable tier the purpose intended by the Lessee, and the Leased Premises are being, made available in its "as is". "where is" condition and the Leased Premises are being accepted by Lessee in such condition. Lessor makes no warranties of any kind regarding any aspect of the Leased Premises and its suitability for the Permitted Use. including but not limited to. the physical and environnnental condition of the Leased Premises. and Lessor expressly disclaims any express or implied 4varranties regarding the Leased Premises. 7. Alterations anti Improvements - ..(°here shall be no major alterations of the Leased Premises by Lessee, without I essor's prior written consent. such prior written consent .,hail be required before Lessee shall he allowed to construct and install signage. benches, and a shelter. Other structures shall be approved by lessor, if at all, in writing by Lessor before construction or installation of the same. Lessee agrees to remove such structures and signage and restore tine Leased Premises to the same condition that existed at the commencement of this Lease. at Lessee's sole cost and expense. upon the tennination, expiration. or cancellation of this Lease by either party. Lessee agrees -naveto pay for the cost of any dato the Leasee( Premises caused by such removal or restoration at Lessee's sole expense. Lessee further agrees that it shall remove any structure or property installed by Lessee that is objectionable to Lessor in the sole discretion and detennination of Lessor within fifteen (1>) calendar days of receipt of notice from Lessor to do so. S. Utilities - Lessee shall pay all utility connections and service charges, if any, with respect to the Leased Premises. 9. Maintenance- Lessee agrees to be responsible for all maintenance of any kind on the Leased Premises. Lessee agrees that it shall not allow the Leased Premises to become unsightly or overgrown with, weeds, vegetation and crops, in the determination or Lessor, and shall otherwise keep the Leased Premises in good appearance and free and clear of debris and litter. Lessee further agrees that it shall trim and remove such overgrowth upon demand by Lessor. Lessee shall assume all liability for damage or loss to persons or property by its actions or actions of its machinery, equipment, agents, employees, guests, invitees and contractors in connection with this Lease. The parties agree that Lessor shall have no obligation to maintain the Leased Premises. 10. Restoration of_Prcmises- Lessee shall restore the Leased Premises to the same condition in which the Leased Premises existed prior to commencement of this Lease, upon termination, nonrenewal, or cancellation of this Lease Agreement. H. Inslcction- Lessee hereby grants and gives to the Lessor, its agents and employees the right and license to enter the Leased Premises, without notice. at any reasonable time to inspect the Premises or to conduct a reasonable environmental investigation, including but not limited to an environmental assessment or audit of the Premises to satisfy the Lessor that the Premises are free from environmental contaminations and hazards. The Lessor may employ 4 engineers to conduct such investigations on the Lessor's behalf, and the Lessee shall give to such engineers the same rights and licenses as the Lessor may have pursuant to this section. The lessee shall from time to time and upon the request of the Lessor, give to the Lessor or to whoinever the Lessor may designate. such assurances as may be necessary to show that the Lessee is in compliance with any and all Environmental Laws. The Lessor shall use its best efforts to minimize interference with the Lessees business but shall not be liable for any interference or harm caused by the Lessor's exercise of its rights under this section. If after conducting any such Environmental investigation as required herein, should any environmental contamination be found that is the result of Lessee, its employees, guest, agents, patrons, or assigns, the cost of such investigation and audit, in addition to all costs required to comply with any Environmental Law and to conduct necessary cleanup, and the payment of any fines and penalties made against Lessor by any court or regulatory agency as a result of any such environmental condition existing shall be borne by the Lessee and paid by Lessee immediately upon written demand therefore. 12. Compliance with laws rules and regulations - In Lessee's exercise of the rights and privileges granted herein. Lessee, its agents, employees, guests, invitees, contractors, and/or any other person over whom Lessee has control shall observe, obey and comply fully at Lessee's own expense «pith all present and future, federal, state and local laws, rules or regulations, applicable to or affecting directly or indirectly Lessee or its operations and activities on or in connection with the Leased Premises. 13. Indemnity — Lessee shall indemnify and hold harmless the Lessor, its officers, agents and employees, against any and all loss, cost or expense, including attorney's fees, resulting from any claim, whether or not reduced to a judgment, and for any liability of any nature whatsoever that may arise out of or result from activities or omissions of Lessee, its successors, officers, agents, employees, assigns, guests, contractors, or invitees, on the Leased Premises, pursuant to this Lease, including, without limitation, fines and penalties, violations of federal, state or local laws, or regulations promulgated thereunder, personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage claims. In addition to the indemnification provision contained elsewhere in this Lease Agreement, and regardless of the Lessor's acquiescence, Lessee agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Lessor, its officers. agents and employees, harmless from any and all costs, liabilities, expenses, lines, penalties, or civil judgments, including attorney's fees resulting from or obtained against or paid by the Lessor as a result of Lessee's violations of or failure to comply with any other provisions of this Lease Agreement. This provision shall survive the termination, cancellation, or expiration of this Lease. 14. Insurance Coverage Lessee shall, at its sole expense, obtain and maintain during the life of this Lease Agreement, the insurance policies required by this Section. Any required insurance policies shall be effective prior to the beginning date of this Lease Agreement. The following policies and coverages are required: (a) Commercial General Liability. Commercial General Liability insurance, written on an occurrence basis and including products.completed operations coverage, shall insure against all claims, loss, cost, damage. expense or liability from loss of life or damage or injury to persons or property arising out of the Licensee's/should this be Lessee's actions under this Lease Agreement. The minimum limits of liability for this coverage shall be S 1,000.000 combined single limit for any one occurrence. (b) Contractual Liability. Broad term Contractual Liability insurance shall include the indemnification obligation set forth in Section 13 and Section 18 of this Lease Agreement. 6 (c) Tenant's insurance. Lessee shall. at its sole cost and expense, obtain and maintain during the life of this Agreement a property insurance policy written on an "all risk" basis Insuring buildings, HVAC, and all of tenant's personal property, including, but not limited to, equipment, furniture, fixtures. furnishings, and leasehold improvements which are Lessee's responsibility, for not less than full replacement cost of such property. Lessee is responsible for and all deductibles and coinsurance penalties that may apply. All proceeds of such insurance shall be used to repair or replace tenant's property. Such insurance coverage shall include an amount equal to twelve months loss of rent coverage payable to the Lessor. (d) Workers' Compensation. Workers' Compensation insurance covering Licensee's statutory obligation under the laws ofthe Commonwealth of Virginia and Employer's Liability insurance shall be maintained for all its employees engaged in work on the Premises. Minimum limits of liability for Employer's Liability shall be S100,000 bodily injury by accident each occurrence; S500,000 bodily injury by disease (policy limit); and S100,000 bodily injury by disease (each employee). With respect to Workers' Compensation coverage, the Contractor's insurance company shall waive rights of subrogation against the City, its officers, employees, agents, volunteers and representatives. The insurance overages and amounts set forth in subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this Section may be met by an umbrella liability policy following the form of the underlying primary coverage. Should an umbrella liability insurance coverage policy be used, such coverage shall be accompanied by a certificate of endorsement stating that it applies to the specific policy numbers indicated for the insurance providing the overages required by subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d), and it is further agreed that such statement shall be made a part of the certificate of insurance furnished by Lessee to the City. All insurance shall meet the following requirements: (a) Lessee shall furnish the City a certificate or certificates of' insurance showing the type, amount. effective dates and date off expiration of the policies. Certificates of insurance shall include any insurance deductibles. (b) Insurance cancellation will be in accordance with policy. (c) The required certificate or certificates of` insurance shall name the City of Roanoke, its officers, employees, agents, volunteers and representatives as additional insured. (d) Where waiver of subrogation is required with respect to any policy of insurance required under this Section, such waiver shall he specified on the certificate of insurance. (c) Insurance coverage shall he in a form and with an insurance company approved by the City which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or, in the case of Lessee, through its captive insurance company. Such coverage shall not be canceled or materially altered except after thirty days' written notice of such cancellation or material alteration to the Director of Risk Management of the Lessor. Prior to the execution of this Lease Agreement, Lessee shall provide the Lessor's Director of Risk Management with an exact copy of the Certificate of Insurance as specified above. All renewal policies shall he delivered to the Lessor's Director of Risk Management at least fifteen days prior to the expiration date of the expiring policy. If at any time the coverage, carrier or limits on any policy or the insurance requirements contained herein shall become unsatisfactory to the Lessor, Lessee shall forthwith provide a new policy meeting the requirements of'the Lessor. 15. Corliplianc,e with Environmental Laws Lessee, its agents, employees, guests, patrons, and assigns, shall comply and ensure the compliance with all federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, resolutions and ordinances controlling air, water, noise, solid waste and 8 other pollution and relating to the use, storage. transportation, release or disposal of hazardous material substances or waste. which materials include, but are not limited to, any fertiliser and others products used in the gardening process. 16. Hazardous Waste and Materiala_Prohibited - Lessee shall not bring or allow or permit to be brought onto, stored, disposed of. or released. any hazardous, toxic. or petroleum substances, waste or materials of anv kind on the Leased Premises, except if the sank are considered as fertilizer or other ernnmonly used gardening materials. 17. Report_release of Hazardous Materials - Lessee shell immediately furnish to the Lessor's Director of Risk Management written notice of any and all releases of hazardous A aste, materials or substances whene%er such releases are required to be reported to any federal, state. or local authority, and pay for all cleanup and removal costs. Such written notice shall identify the substance released. the amount released. the measures undertaken to cleanup and remove the released material and any contaminated soil or water. Lessee shall also provide Lesser with copies of any, and all reports resulting from tests on the Leased Premises or made to an\ governmental agency Which relate to the Leased Premises. I S. Lnv_ironmental Indemnification-, - Regardless of the City's acquiescence and in addition to the indemnification provisions contained elsewhere in this Lease Agreement. lessee shall indemnif,, defend, and hold Lessor. its officers, agents and employees. hannless from all costs. liabilities, penalties. or tines, including attorney's fees, resulting from or arising out of Lessee, its employees, agents, guests, patrons. or assigns, violation of the environmental provisions contained in this Lease Agreement and agrees to reimburse the Lessor for any and all costs and expenses incurred in eliminating or remedying such violations. Lessee further covenants and agrees to reimburse and hold the Lessor its officers, agents and employees. harmless from all casts, expenses, attorney's fccs and all penalties or civil judgments obtained against the Lessor as a result of Lessee's, its employees, agents, guests, patrons, or assigns, use, release or disposal of petroleum product, hazardous substance, material. or waste onto the ground or into the air or water. Lessee agrees to waiyc any and all statutes of limitations applicable to any controversy or dispute arising under these environmental provisions and Lessee further agrees that it will not raise or plead a statute of limitation defense in any action arising out of Lessee's failure to comply with the environmental provisions contained herein. This provision shall sury,,ive the termination, cancellation, or expiration of this Lease. 19. Notice - Unless otherwise specified, all notices, consents and approvals required or authorized by this Lease Agreement to be given by or on behalf of either party to the other. shall be in writing and signed by a duly designated representative of the pally by or on whose behalf they arc given and shall be deemed given three dans after the time a certified letter properly addressed, postage prepaid, is deposited in any L-nited States Post Office or upon hand deliverv. Notice to the City of Roanoke shell be addressed to the: City of Roanoke; Attention: Economic Development ?Manager 117 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke. Vircinia 24011 (with a copy to the Parks and Recreation 'Manager. Room 303 Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, Virginia 24011 or at such other office as Lessor may hereinafter designate by notice to the lessee in writing. Notice to the Lessee shall be scant to: to Carillon Clinic Corporate Counsel 213 S. Jefferson Street, Suite 1600 Roanoke, Virginia 24011 or at such other place as Lessee may hereinafter designate by notice to the Lessor in writing. 20. Default- In addition the event Lessee breaches any provision of this Lease Agreement, and does not cure such breach within thirty (30) days after written notice of demand by Lessor, or Lessee has not established an urban fann in accordance with Lessee's proposal attached as Exhibit B within six months of the date of this Lease Agreement, as determined by Lessor, this Lease Agreement shall terminate automatically, and Lessee agrees that Lessor may pursue Lessor's remedies available at law or in equity. 21. Entire Agreement - This Lease Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Any changes or modification of this Lease Agreement must be in writing signed by both parties. 22. Severability - In the event any provision herein shall be finally declared void or illegal by any court or administrative agency having Jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect as nearly as possible in accordance with the original intent of the parties. 23. Headings - The headings used in this [.ease Agreement are intended for convenience and reference only and do not define, expand, or limit the scope or meaning of any provision of this Lease Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Lease Agreement as of the day and year first written above: tt LESSOR: ATTEST: CITY OF ROANOKE. VIRGINIA ----------- 11% Cecelia F. McCo}. City Clerk Robert S. Cowell, Jr.. City Manager I-FSSFE: CARILION CUNIC By (SEAL) Printed Maine: Title: Approved its to form: Approved as to execution: Assistant City Attorney Assistant City Attorney 12 EXHIBIT A DIAGRAM OF LEASED PREMISES y tlfz _f Alv 4 g _ i iE� i aAllAft mss_ ;� • Il��rt f- �� R+MF, ��� `, � � � ,54 r� . 'Ic" �► 13 EXHIBIT B LESSEE'S PROPOSAL TO LESSOR DATED 1 301,12023 Mormingside Urbwi Farm Project Summary In '018, Carilion Clinic built an Urban Farm at Morningside Park in Southeast Roanoke City to help promote healthy eating. The 60' x 60' farm is used to educate the community on all aspects of gardening and healthy lifestyles by providing hands-on education and free produce to the community. The fenced site includes 13 garden beds,picnic table and a shed. A commemorative bench was installed near the entrance to the farm in 2021 as part of Roanoke City Parks and Recreation's Memorial Bench program. Lack of nutrient dense foods in diet was the top prioritized health need in the 2015 Roanoke Vallee Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by Carilion Clinic. To better understand this need, Carilion Clinic hosted community listening sessions is SE Roanoke City inhere residents reported the desire to grow fruits and vegetables and the need for increased access to affordable produce in the in the SE neighborhood. As a result, Carilion Clinic Community Heath and Outreach applied and was awarded a Carilion Clinic foundation grant to build an Urban Farm in SE Roanoke City. SE residents selected Morningside Park as the best location for the project. The Morningside urban Farm is an outdoor gathering space used for growing produce, providing health education and wellness experiences and building community. A part-time gardener maintains and cares for the garden and Carilion Clinic hosts free workshops and other events in the space. Over 500 pounds of produce is given annually to farm volunteers,class participants. and local food banks. This project differs from the adjacent community garden in that individuals do not rent garden plots. 14 CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE Issvt awTe_ �ts�o22 TILS CERTW LATE,3 IWeD ASA HAT'Ei OF CtFO'ZVATVM OfAY AND CONFER;%3 R13WT UPG%Tit CEir",FrA E H(ilil£R T46 CERPFICA`E COFS NY ALM O,EYT9vTJ CF AL-Ex T-E COVERAM AFFO DE".81 aHE Fti L;` =5 EE. s'a Canton COMPANIMS AMORDifG GOVURAGe nYon Clink . z s aaM 'Manan COMPANY A gISN4 Fht7iaa Indrarnniv CornCanv i<LG liras--* VA 240 f*. COVERAO#1 TNS.,$'OCERTIFYT*AT'K*0ME3oFaaSURAftM:._srWdELC1Y14AVi8EE&0,Sa73EDTO'MESS1I rMr13 GA@;.'VEF `11EPG_`�'FF3ts^s;� SWATM NO?WIMTAND011 iAt1 NEOLINEMT TM ON eo%^^rM%OF ANY C3NTpACT OR OTHER poctx*j'vnlw RtgpeCT TO Tpt C-T-13 CEItM ATE VAv 3E 9311.50 Q i MA`F ERT"THE 11131.31ANCE AFFO M i T TOE P aX WS ZEXR9ED HEREIN IS S MIECT TO ALL"NE TW V S,EXCU S a:lS AN:t-CMD TrAd Oi St -zo.XS L.v'rS MM VAr WAVE ami RMC0 V PAID"YS POLICY EFFECTft txm"Tlue LIR ITPEOFOIRAME 4t_V3=;I :ATT L'ATF LMIT3 GENSIAL AGGREGATE S3,31M,C23 A,711 Gamireroitl General LtaDiry PROOL CTS COMaa01 Claims L4.sds x Do= AGG tAtrnets 8 ti.antracta's PrtiL PERSONAL S ADV.114JURV BRIG tO01.23 101D1 22 1101101123 EACH OCCURRE"ICE SI.Dbp.i 03 FIRE DAMAQE(arty t e:3 MESS EXPENSE(arty I person) wUSO LtARIL,TY —APT Ause Contlsned S,"LAmted A-'Owm ft Aulas "NOT A;I;lj ASL Bodiy injury"rat Pe Scfteduied Arnot Bodly li%ury; ;r Accdere! —r4evad Auto* Prcp"Dar aye S:u'-s:3nr•t-�.jai^v MI LOICAL PROrg"10MAL LIABILITY A. HOT APPLICABLE P='Cwm AltKfical Proiessnonsl liab+lrty In The 48reyatt WORKERS COM►111INSAT1ON L EMPLOYERS' LIAOIUTY 5tatAAory LAYt-.s 40T A- rvAfdL_ Each Are!darr. Dbeaet-PoScy Lime! Dkease-Fax£ftKdeyse t7(CYS3 LIAliLiTY - - - vOT A--PLICABLE Pte Claim l�Try A�tegate DESCRIPTION Of OPERATtOH"CCATICtll VCMICLZSISPRCIAL REaBS Evittceaa M eewavapa prorrMvW to ce+tBleaos hake'wv OthaB d dee irwnvd. flamed intrad is C ueloR Canso.alk subudianes and aOkaris'er Vse t-mmasl Cticbrltipa at Morn4+Qside Urban Farm en October t3.202.wh%a rain da$of October?s.2022. The Cty d Raabe. a9oen. etrpkarees,AllatYs,asatans and vOlumeels a»hereby named as Additional Insureds as Omriniensu stray Woof'or dds event nit A(Xeed And undant000d"the units of uWay widenmd abwe we shared amMQ CaMon Clinic.is subs6stios,aft'.".and all employees it is lurher apnied and underslced that 1M butts of fablity wMit toed above area parte and not»addigran".ea t"t 5ta tsorpwa'e 9mt o`insurarxr ar'orded to Carkon C111116.Its submidlatits,aQiiates.amid all enlploy"s CEftTIPICATt MOiOtR CANCELLATION City M Roanoke --- ----- $huuld any 6i the above dexrtbed Pollok"be oanoeitd before We eapirasan daft OK+ce of Rest bar+agume.t ;hereol,tete tss>.drg oamparry rel ondestar to mail so days wept#,nasice m the 216 Church Avenwe eertsFcYr toiler naiad to int lett but tatWre to mi l such natct stil l inpraxt nI Roanoke VA Idbt t H q, tN Ofwiy it uyron the:eDr paffy, Is..orasa .ap• ra-Uba es AUTHORQEO REPRESENTATIVE, It you have aysy geesUons er,;:.rr,;no this eerlffiaate,Please contact Jams K.Fupl.ARM AIMS,Ali.CPHRM an 4540}2203199. RECEIVED The Roanoke Times FEB 14 2023 AccountNumber Roanoke,Virginia 0:P;f;F OF TrIL 6017304 Affidavit of Publication Date CITY OF ROANOKE COMMUNITY February 10,2023 DEVELOPEMENT Attn OFFICE OF CITY MANAGER 215 CHURCH AVE SW,ROOM 364 ROANOKE,VA 24011 Date Category Description Ad Size Total Cost 02118=23 Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 2 x 55 IN 920.70 Publisher of the Roanoke Times 1,(the undersigned)an authorized represeirtative of the Roanoke Times,a daily newspaper published in Roanoke,in the State of Virginia,do certify that the annexed notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING was published in said newspapers on the following dates: 02/10/2023 The First insertion being given... 0211012023 Newspaper reference: 0001401557 Billing Representative Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th Day of February 2023 '�:: t � „.„ , Notary Pu4 State of Virginia County of Hanover My Commission expires u .s 25 THIS IS NOT A BILL. PLEASE PAY FROM INVOICE. THANK YOU NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Roanoke("City')proposes to lease an approximately12,900 square foot portion of City-owned property located at 917 Morgan Avenue,N.E.,Roanoke, Virginia,bearing Roanoke Official Tax Map No.4240102,commonly known as "Morningside Park"("Property'),to Carilion Clinic("Carilion"),to be used by Carilion to operate and maintain an urban Farm to grow and cultivate vegetables, flowers,and other produce,promote healthy eating,and educational purposes, for a term of five(5)years,commencing March 1,2023. Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 15.2.1800.8 and 15Z-1813,Code of Vir- ginia(1950),a$amended,notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of eake r public ail hrefteas the matter be hhein February CouncChamber,4th Floor,Room 450,Noel C.Taylor Municipal Building,215 Church Avenue,S.W.,Roanoke,Virgin- tion onllhe matter,to receivepublic ou Imay contact the Officnts on the e proposed City Clerk afurther540)853.2541. All persons wishing to address City Council must sign-up with the City Clerk's Of- fice by emailing clerk@roaeokeva.gov or calling(540)8534541 by 12.00 noon,on Monday,February 21,2023. if you are a person with a disability who needs accommodations for this hearing, please contact the City Clerk's Office at(540)1153-2S4 1,before 12.00 noon on Thursday,February I6,2023. The City of Roanoke provides interpretation at no cost for all public meetings, upon request.If you would like to request an interpreter,please let us know at least 24 hours in advance by calling(540)853-1281 La Ciudad de Roanoke proportion Interpretacidn sin costo por todas cltas Oblicas,previa solicitud.Si usted desea solicitar un intdrprete,Uganosio saber con al mems 24 horns de antelacibn per llamar(540)853.1283. Aji la Roanoke linatoa huduma ya ukalimani bila malipo katika mikutano yote ya umma,inapoombwa.Iwapo ungependa kuomba mkalimani,tafadhali tujulishe angalau saa 24 kabla kwa kupiga simu(540)853-1283. »??»»???»?»»»??»??»»?» o?????????????????????????853-1283(540)??????????????????, Given under my hand this 10th day of Februar;.0,2023. Cecelia V McCoy,City Clerk NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Roanoke ("City") proposes to lease an approximately 12,900 square foot portion of City-owned property located at 917 Morgan Avenue, N.E., Roanoke, Virginia, bearing Roanoke Official Tax Map No.4240102,commonly known as"Morningside Park"("Property"),to Carilion Clinic ("Carilion"), to be used by Carilion to operate and maintain an Urban Farm to grow and cultivate vegetables, flowers, and other produce, promote healthy eating, and educational purposes, for a term of five (5) years, commencing March 1, 2023. Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 15.2-1800.13 and 15.2-1813, Code of Virginia(1950), as amended,notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Roanoke will hold a public hearing on February 21, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the Council Chamber, 4'h Floor, Room 450, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia, 24011, to receive public comments on the proposed lease. For further information on the matter, you may contact the Office of the City Clerk at (540) 853-2541. All persons wishing to address City Council must sign-up with the City Clerk's Office by emailing clerk@roanokeva.gov or calling (540) 853-2541 by 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. If you are a person with a disability who needs accommodations for this hearing, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (540) 853-2541, before 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 16, 2023. The City of Roanoke provides interpretation at no cost for all public meetings, upon request. If you would like to request an interpreter,please let us know at least 24 hours in advance by calling (540) 853-1283. La Ciudad de Roanoke proporciona interpretacion sin costo por todas citas publicas, previa solicitud. Si usted desea solicitar un interprete, haganoslo saber con al menos 24 horas de antelaci6n por llamar(540) 853-1283. Jiji la Roanoke linatoa huduma ya ukalimani bila malipo katika mikutano yote ya umma, inapoombwa. Iwapo ungependa kuomba mkalimani, tafadhali tujulishe angalau saa 24 kabla kwa kupiga simu (540) 853-1283. �',,.,I9�_)�•,.��;1� )St .��IiS� :'�i.•u� pu.a'3.: .vtpo� (540) 053-1203 24 Given under my hand this 10th day of February 10, 2023. Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk Note to Publisher: Please publish once in the Roanoke Times, legal notices, on Friday, February 10, 2023. Please send bill to: Please send affidavit of publication to: Brent Robertson, Assistant City Manager Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk For Community Development 4`" Floor,Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 364 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia, 24011 Roanoke, Virginia, 24011 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE,VIRGINIA The 21" day of February 2023. No. 42581-022123. AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a lease agreement between the City of Roanoke (City), and Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Inc., for the lease of a portion of City-owned property, containing 12,900 sq. ft., more or less, located at 917 Morgan Avenue, S.E., bearing Roanoke Official Tax Map No. 4240102 (Property), commonly known as Morningside Park(Property); and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on February 21, 2023, pursuant to Section 15.2-1800 and Section 15.2-1813, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, at which hearing all parties in interest and citizens were afforded an opportunity to be heard on the proposed lease. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke, as follows: 1. The City Manager or his designee is hereby authorized, to execute, in a form approved by the City Attorney, a lease agreement between the City of Roanoke and Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Inc. (LEAP) for LEAP to lease a portion of City-owned property, containing 12,900 sq. ft., more or less, located at 917 Morgan Avenue, S.E., commonly known as Morningside Park, bearing Roanoke Official Tax Map No. 4240102, to use and maintain as a community garden, for a term of five (5) years. LEAP will pay rent to the City in the annual amount of$10.00 for its use and occupancy of the Property, as more particularly described in the City Council Agenda Report dated February 21, 2023. Such lease shall be substantially similar in form to the lease attached to such report, and approved as to form by the City Attorney. 2. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: City Clerk. - I I i 2 i i 9 s CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ROANOKE To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 21, 2023 Proposal of the City of Roanoke to lease an approximate 129' X 100' plot of Subject: land located at Morningside Park along Morgan Avenue, S. E., an designated as Tax Map Number 4240102 to Local Environmental Agricultural Project, Inc. (`L.E.A.P.") for use as a Community Garden. Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager. Background: The Local Environmental Agricultural Project, Inc. (' s oAvese an approximate 129' X 100' plot of land located at Morningside Park and along Morgan S.E. designated as Tax Map Number 4240102 for a Community Garden. L.E.A.P. is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, more specifically to establish community gardens in order to provide an opportunity for local residents to garden; to beautify the neighborhood; to provide a meeting place for neighbors. Further, its purpose is to promote, to educate and to disseminate information about sustainability and food security to the local community. The Morningside Park location will only be used for the purpose of maintaining and operating a community garden, which use shall include, but is not limited to, planting and harvesting of agricultural crops. The annual rental shall be $10. The lease term requested is for five years, commencing March 1, 2023. Recommended Action: After consideration of comments received at the public hearing and absent comments at the public hearing needing furtherconsideration,bstat substantiallythorize inthe fahm attached e City Manager eeto, a's designee to nd execute and execute the proposed agreement, Y deliver all closing documents and take such other actions to effectuate the proposed agreement. All documents are subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. Bob Cowell, City Manager Distribution: Council Appointed Officers: W. Brent Robertson, Assistant City Manager/Director of finance Amelia C. Merchant, Deputy Director of Finance Michael Clark, Director of Parks and Rec Marc Nelson, Director of Economic Development Cassandra Turner, Economic Development Specialist i LEASE AGREEMENT THIS LEASE AGREEMENT ("Agreement"), is made as of this day of 2023 (Effective Date), between CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, a municipal corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia ("Owner'% and LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGRICULTURE PROJECT, INCORPORATED, a Virginia corporation ("Lessee"). Owner and Lessee arc collectively referred to herein as the "Parties," and individually as "Party." WITNESSETH: WHEREAS, Owner owns certain land located in the City of Roanoke, located at 917 Morgan Avenue, N.W., designated as Tax Map No. 4240102 commonly known as Morningside Park ("Property"); WHEREAS, Lessee has leased a portion of the Property from Owner for the purpose of operating and maintaining a community garden, pursuant to a prior lease agreement between Owner and Lessee which expires on February 28, 2023; WHEREAS, the Parties desire for Lessee to continue leasing a portion of the Property for such purposes, and have agreed to enter into a new lease agreement for Lessee to continue operating a community garden upon the terms and conditions stated herein; and m WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. , adopted by Roanoke City Council on February 28, 2023, after a public hearing was advertised and held, Roanoke City Council authorized its City Manager to execute this Agreement on behalf of Owner. I NOW THEREFORE, Owner and Lessee, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this Agreement and the above recitals which are incorporated herein and made a part of this Agreement by reference, do hereby covenant and agree as follows: 1. Leased Premises - Owner hereby leases to Lessee, and Lessee hereby leases from the Lessor, as tenant, an approximately 12,900 sq. ft., more or less, portion of the Property, as further detailed on the attachment attached hereto as Exhibit A (hereinafter referred to as the "Leased Premises"), subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, located at 917 Morgan Avenue, S.E., commonly known as Morningside Park. 2. Permitted Use - The Leased Premises shall only be used for the purpose of operating and maintaining an existing community garden, as described in the overview and plan attached hereto as Exhibit B, incorporated herein by reference, subject to the limitations and restrictions described therein. Lessee shall not use the Leased Premises for any other purpose not described in this Agreement, or make any improvements to the Leased Premises without the written permission of Owner. The cost of obtaining all necessary permits and necessary authorizations for the work described in Exhibit B shall be borne exclusively by Lessee. 3. Term - The term of this Agreement shall commence upon the Effective Date of this Agreement, and expire on February 28, 2028, unless this Agreement is terminated by either Party pursuant to the provisions stated herein. Upon the Effective Date, the Parties agree that all other prior agreements between the Parties under which Lessee has been occupying the Leased Premises shall be automatically tenninated without any action by the parties required. This Agreement may be tenninated by either Party, with or without cause, upon sixty (60) days' written notice to the other Party. 4. Rent — Lessee agrees to pay an annual rent in the amount of$10.00, and mail or otherwise deliver to the Owner's Treasurer, City of Roanoke, P. O. Box 1451, lWanoke, VA 24007. Checks should be made payable to City Treasurer. 5. Subleasing - Lessee covenants and agrees that it will not sublet, lease, assign, or transfer by operation of law or otherwise this Agreement, the Leased Premises or any right Lessee is authorized to exercise hereunder, without the prior written consent of the Owner. Any attempt by the Lessee to sublet, Lease, assign, or transfer by operation of law or otherwise this Agreement, the Leased Premises, or any rights Lessee is authorized to exercise hereunder without the prior written consent of the Owner shall result in the automatic tennination of this Agreement. Provided however, Lessee may license or rent the use of individual plots in the community garden to third parties, subject to the terms and limitations contained herein. 6. Condition of the Leased Premises; Security__- Lessee has inspected the Leased Premises and acknowledges that the Leased Premises are suitable for the purpose intended by the Lessee, and the Leased Premises are being made available "as is," "where is," and accepted in their present condition. Owner makes no warranties of any kind regarding any aspect of the Leased Premises, including but not limited to, the physical and environmental condition of the Leased Premises, and the Parties agree that Owner expressly disclaims any express or implied warranties regarding the Leased Premises. Lessee acknowledges and agrees that Owner will not be providing any security for the Leased Premises and Owner shall not be responsible for any acts of vandalism or theft that occur on or to the Leased Premises, and any of Owner's property situated thereon. 3 7. Alterations and Improvements - There shall be no alterations of the Leased Premises buy Lessee, without Owner's prior written consent. All alterations of to the Property, whether structural, topographical, or architectural, require Owner's prior written approval. Lessee agrees that it shall obtain all necessary permits and approvals from governing authorities prior to engaging in any construction or development of the Property, including and not limited to, obtaining building permits and other required approvals from the City of Roanoke Department of Planning, Building and Zoning. In the event any other alterations or improvements are made to the Leased Premises without Owner's prior written approval, Lessee acknowledges and agree that it will remove such improvements, and restore the teased Premises to its original condition at Lessee's sole cost and expense. In the event such improvements and restorations are not made, Owner may make such restorations on its own and bill Lessee for such costs which Lessee shall promptly pay. Provided, however, Lessee agrees to remove any improvements Lessee made to the Leased Premises, at Lessee's sole expense, upon demand by Owner upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement, and restore the Leased Premises to the same condition that existed at the commencement of this Agreement. Lessee agrees to pay Owner for the costs of any damages to the Leased Premises caused by such removal or restoration. This provision shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. All improvements to the Leased Premises made by Lessor or any of Lessor's agents shall become the property of Owner at no cost to Owner. 8. Utilities - Lessee shall pay all utility connections and service charges, if any, with respect to the Leased Premises. 9. Maintenance- Lessee agrees to be responsible for all maintenance of any kind on the Leased Premises. Lessee agrees that it shall not allow the Leased Premises to become 4 unsightly or overgrown with, weeds, vegetation and crops, in the determination or Owner and shall otherwise keep the Leased Premises in good appearance and free and clear of debris and litter, and keep and maintain the Leased Premises in compliance with Article Il, Weed and Trash Abatement, of Chapter 33, Vegetation and Trash, Code of the City of Roanoke. Lessee further agrees that it shall trim and remove such overgrowth upon demand by Owner. Lessee shall assume all liability for damage or loss to persons or property by its actions or actions of its machinery, equipment, agents, employees, guests, invitees and contractors in connection with this Lease. Lessee agrees that Owner shall have no maintenance obligations of any kind to Lessee or the Leased Premises pursuant to this Agreement. to. Incorporation of Rules and Regulations-Lessee shall require and ensure that any persons or entities using the Leased Premises to comply with Lessee's rules and regulations, the terms of this Agreement, and the rules and regulations governing Morningside Park. it. Inspection- Lessee hereby grants and gives to the Owner, its agents and employees the right and Lease to enter the Leased Premises, without notice, at any reasonable time to inspect the Leased Premises or to conduct a reasonable environmental investigation, including but not limited to an environmental assessment or audit of the Premises to satisfy the Owner that the Premises are free from environmental contaminations and hazards. The Owner may employ engineers to conduct such investigations on the Owner's behalf, and the Lessee shall give to such engineers the same rights and Leases as the Owner may have pursuant to this section. The Lessee shall from time to time and upon the request of the Owner, give to the Owner or to whomever the Owner may designate such assurances as may be necessary to show that the Lessee is in compliance with any and all applicable environmental laws. The Owner shall use its 5 4 'i 4 4 i best efforts to minimize interference with the Lessee's business but shall not be liable for any interference or harm caused by the Owner's exercise of its rights under this section. If after conducting any such Environmental investigation as required herein, should any environmental contamination be found that is the result of Lessee, its employees, guest, agents, patrons, or assigns, the cost of such investigation and audit, in addition to all costs required to comply with any environmental law and to conduct necessary cleanup, and the payment of any fines and penalties made against Owner by any court or regulatory agency as a result of any such environmental condition existing shall be borne by the Lessee and paid by Lessee immediately upon written demand therefore. 12Compliance �4'ith laws, rules and regulations - In Lessee's exercise of the rights and privileges granted herein, Lessee, its agents, employees, guests, invitees, contractors, and/or any other person over whom Lessee has control shall observe, obey and comply fully at Lessee's own expense with all present and future, federal, state and local laws, rules or regulations, applicable to or affecting directly or indirectly Lessee or its operations and activities on or in connection with the Leased Premises. Lessee shall require any third parties renting or licensing the use of community garden plots in the Leased Premises comply with such laws, rules, and regulations and the requirements of this Agreement. In the event Lessee, or any third parties renting or license community garden plots violate the requirements of this Agreement, and do not remedy such violation after notice, Owner may enter the Leased Premises and remedy such violation. Lessee shall be responsible for the costs of such abatement or remedy (e.g. including, and not limited to, the costs of weed abatement, removing trash and waste, etc.). 13. Indemnity-- Lessee shall indemnify and hold harmless the Owner, its officers, agents. employees, and assigns (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties") against any and all loss, r. i cost or expense, including attorney's fees, resulting from any claim, whether or not reduced to a judgment, and for any liability of any nature whatsoever that may arise out of or result from activities or omissions of Lessee, its successors, officers, agents, employees, assigns, guests, contractors, or any persons or entities renting or using any community garden plots on the Leased Premises or invitees (collectively, the "indemnifying Parties"), on the Leased Premises, pursuant to this Agreement, including, without limitation, fines and penalties, violations of federal, state or local laws, or regulations promulgated thereunder, personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage claims. In addition to the indemnification provision contained elsewhere in this Agreement, and regardless of the Owner's acquiescence, Lessee agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Indemnified Parties harmless from any and all costs, liabilities, expenses, lines, penalties, or civil judgments, including attorney's fees resulting from or obtained against or paid by the Owner as a result of Lessee's or the indemnifying Parties' violations of or failure to comply with any other provisions of this Agreement. This provision shall survive the tennination or expiration of this Agreement. 14. Insurance Coverage- Lessee shall, at its sole expense, obtain and maintain during the life of this Agreement, the insurance policies required by this Section. Any required insurance policies shall be effective prior to the beginning date of this Agreement. The following policies and coverages are required: (a) Commercial General Liability. Commercial General Liability insurance, written on an occurrence basis and including products/completed operations coverage, shall insure against all claims, loss, cost, damage, expense or liability from loss of life or damage or injury to persons or property arising out of the Lessee's/should this be Lessee's actions under this 7 Agreement. The minimum limits of liability for this coverage shall be 52,000,000 combined single limit for any one occurrence. (b) Contractual Liability. Broad form Contractual Liability insurance shall include the indemnification obligation set forth in Section 13 and Section 18 of this Agreement. (c) Tenant's insurance. Lessee shall, at its sole cost and expense, obtain and maintain during the life of this Agreement a property insurance policy written on an "all risk" basis insuring buildings, HVAC, and all of tenant's personal property, including, but not limited to, equipment, furniture, fixtures, furnishings, and leasehold improvements which are Lessee's responsibility, for not less than full replacement cost of such property. Lessee is responsible for and all deductibles and coinsurance penalties that may apply. All proceeds of such insurance shall be used to repair or replace tenant's property. Such insurance coverage shall include an amount equal to twelve months loss of rent coverage payable to the Owner. (d) Workers' Compensation. Workers' Compensation insurance covering Lessee's statutory obligation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Employer's Liability insurance shall be maintained for all its employees engaged in work on the Premises. Minimum limits of liability for Employer's Liability shall be 5100,000 bodily injury by accident each occurrence; $500,000 bodily injury by disease (policy limit); and 5100,000 bodily injury by disease (each employee). With respect to Workers' Compensation coverage, the Contractor's insurance company shall waive rights of subrogation against Owner, its officers, employees, agents, volunteers and representatives. The insurance overages and amounts set forth in subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this Section may be met by an umbrella liability policy following the form of the underlying primary coverage. Should an umbrella liability insurance f coverage policy be used, such coverage shall be accompanied by a certificate of endorsement a s stating that it applies to the specific policy numbers indicated for the insurance providing the overages required by subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d), and it is further agreed that such statement shall he made a part of the certificate of insurance furnished by Lessee to the City. All insurance shall meet the following requirements: (a) Lessee shall furnish the City a certificate or certificates of insurance showing the type, amount, effective dates and date of expiration of the policies. Certificates of insurance shall include any insurance deductibles. (b) Insurance cancellation will be in accordance with policy. (c) The required certificate or certificates of insurance shall name the City of Roanoke, its officers, cMployees, agents, volunteers and representatives as additional insured. (d) Where waiver of subrogation is required with respect to any policy of insurance required under this Section, such waiver shall be specified on the certificate of insurance. (e) Insurance coverage shall be in a form and with an insurance company approved by the City which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any insurance company providing coverage under this Agreement shall be authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Such coverage shall not be canceled or materially altered except after thirty days' written notice of such cancellation or material alteration to the Director of Risk Management of the Owner. Prior to the execution of this Agreement, Lessee shall provide the Owner's Director of Risk Management with an exact copy of the Certificate of Insurance as specified above. All renewal policies shall be delivered to the Owner's Director of Risk Management at least fifteen days prior to the expiration date of the expiring policy. If at any time the coverage, carrier or limits on any policy or the insurance requirements contained herein shall 9 become unsatisfactory to the Owner, Lessee shall forthwith provide a new policy meeting the requirements of the Owner. 15. Com fiance with Environmental Laws-.— Lessee, its agents, employees, guests, patrons, and assigns, shall comply and ensure the compliance with all federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, resolutions and ordinances controlling air, water, noise, solid waste and other pollution and relating to the use, storage, transportation, release or disposal of hazardous material substances or waste, which materials include, but are not limited to, any fertilizer and others products used in the gardening process. 16. Hazardous Waste and Materials Prohibited - Lessee shall not bring or allow or permit to be brought onto, stored. disposed of, or used, any liazardous, toxic, or petroleum substances, waste or materials of any kind on the Leased Premises, except if the same are considered as fertilizer or other commonly used gardening materials, and approved in writing by the Owner. 17. Report release of llaz_ardous Materials - Lessee shall immediately furnish to the Owner's Director of Risk Management written notice of any and all releases of hazardous waste, materials or substances whenever such releases are required to be reported to any federal, state, or local authority, and pay for all cleanup and removal costs. Such written notice shall identify the substance released, the amount released, the measures undertaken to cleanup and remove the released material and any contaminated soil or water. Lessee shall also provide Owner with copies of any and all reports resulting from tests on the Leased Premises or made to any governmental agency which relate to the Leased Premises. 18. Environmental Indemnifications - Regardless of the Owner's acquiescence and in addition to the indemnification provisions contained elsewhere in this Agreement, Lessee shall 10 indemnify, defend, and hold Owner, its officers, agents and employees, harmless from all costs, liabilities, penalties, or fines, including attorney's fees, resulting from or arising out of Lessee, its employees, agents, guests, patrons, or assigns, violation of the environmental provisions contained in this Agreement and agrees to reimburse the Owner for any and all costs and expenses incurred in eliminating or remedying such violations. Lessee further covenants and agrees to reimburse and hold the Owner its officers, agents and employees, harmless from all costs, expenses, attorney's fees and all penalties or civil judgments obtained against the Owner as a result of Lessee's, its employees, agents, guests, patrons, or assigns, use, release or disposal of petroleum product, hazardous substance, material, or waste onto the ground or into the air or water. Lessee agrees to waive any and all statutes of limitations applicable to any controversy or dispute arising under these environmental provisions and Lessee further agrees that it will not raise or plead a statute of limitation defense in any action arising out of Lessee's failure to comply with the environmental provisions contained herein. This provision shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement. 19. Notice - Unless otherwise specified, all notices, consents and approvals required or authorized by this Agreement to be given by or on behalf of either party to the other, shall be in writing and signed by a duly designated representative of the party by or on whose behalf they are given and shall be deemed given three days after the time a certified letter properly addressed, postage prepaid, is deposited in any United States Post Office or upon hand delivery. Notice to the City of Roanoke shall be addressed to the: Owner: City of Roanoke Attention: Economic Development Manager 117 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, Virginia 24011 1 I '' 11 I or at such other office as Owner may hereinafter designate by notice to the Lcssec in writing. Notice to the Lessee shall be sent to: Lessee: Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Inc. ATTN: -- Community Garden Manager PO Box 3249 Roanoke, Virginia, 24015 or at such other place as Lessee may hereinafter designate by notice to the Owner in writing. 20. Default- In addition the event Lessee breaches any provision of this Agreement, and does not cure such breach within thirty days after written notice of demand by Owner, or Lessee has not established a community garden within six months of the date of this Agreement, as determined by Owner, this Agreement shall tenninate automatically, and Lessee agrees that Owner may pursue Owner's remedies available at law or in equity. 21. Entire Agreement - This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Any changes or modification of this Agreement must be in writing signed by both parties. 22. Severability - In the event any provision herein shall be finally declared void or illegal by any court or administrative agency having jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect as nearly as possible in accordance with the original intent of the parties. 23. Headings - The headings used in this Agreement are intended for convenience and reference only and do not define, expand, or limit the scope or meaning of any provision of this Lease Agreement. 12 IN WITNESS WHEREOF,the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above: OWNER: CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA By Robert S. Cowell,City Manager LESSEE: LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGRICULATURE PROJECT, INCORPORATED, a Virginia Corporation, gy (SEAL) Maureen McNamara Best, Executive Director Approved as to form: Approved as to execution: Assistant City Attorney Assistant City Attorney 13 EXHIBIT A PLAN DEPICTING LEASED PREMISES 14 { . a r s A CAR cc s M � u N C1 N � V tY V ",Lp U rp j N - y O N L 9 M 0 O tl � O._ t 4 � C u p • vm'Y a9cum � � ro � � a 4 m �'i aci v E m a w v � L eros m W � 1^ N F a � mID >` p. En € C L� � Y Ajit EXHIBIT B Overview and Proposed Changes to Leased Premises 15 Overview Over the course of the 2022 and 2023 seasons Local Environmental Agriculture Project(LEAP) is initiating a series of upgrades and an expansion of the community garden located at Morningside Park - 917 Morgan Ave SW. This includes the construction of a 7 ft' deer fence around an expanded 12,900 sq ft garden area. It also includes the construction of a garden tool shed, and a change to the orientation of garden plots to be on contour rather than parallel to Morgan Ave. These changes will allow us to accommodate the rising interest in community gardens by expanding the amount of space available to gardeners, as well as to protect existing gardeners from the deer and pest pressure they have previously experienced at this location. We will begin offering a variety of sized garden plots to accommodate differences in skill levels and growing practices, particularly for immigrant and refugee gardeners who are accustomed to growing in larger plots. Proposed changes to the Morningside Community Garden- 1. arden:1. Installing a 129' x 100' fence for a total of 129,000 sq/ft enclosed garden space (an expansion from our current 6,000 sq/ft). 2. Installing a 2' strip (1' interior, 1' exterior) of polypropylene landscape fabric underneath the fenceline to eliminate vegetative growth and the need to weed eat the fence line. 3. Leveled 10'x10' gravel pad and tool shed 4. Reorientation of garden plots to contour a. Garden plots will not be raised plots, bricks and rubber edging will be removed b. Pea gravel and landscape fabric will be removed from aisles and clover will be planted in new aisles. This will reduce erosion and create aisles which can be mowed and require no hand weeding 5. Relocating perennial fruit shrubs to Southern, sloped section of garden 6. Installing a bed of pollinator plants, edible shrubs, native plants, and decorative annuals a. An example of proposed plants: b. Goumi berry c. Beauty berry d. Asparagus e. Comfrey f. Calendula g. Joe pye weed h. Anise hyssop i. Wild bergamot j. Dill k Fennel I. Irises m Peonies n. Daffodils o. Tulips P. Cosmos q. elderberry These plans differ from previous proposals for the garden in eliminating a few large projects. We are no longer proposing to: • build a pavilion within the leased garden space. • do any leveling or excavation work to change the natural slope of the garden. • Install sidewalk access and ADA compliant raised cinder block beds in the garden. Pending construction of city-planned improvements to Morningside Park, we may pursue improvements for ADA compliant garden spaces in the future with Parks and Rec approval. • Install a drip irrigation system in the garden. a Timeline for proposed changes to Morningside Community Garden December 2022 - March 2023: • Install fence • Remove pea gravel, landscape fabric, bricks, and rubber edging from garden • Relocate pea gravel to 10' x 10' gravel pad for future garden shed location March 2023: • Till sections of garden area to reorient beds on contour and establish clover aisles • Open (2) 15' x 15' garden plots for returning gardener Claudine Katete and Chloe Johnson (Boys and Girls Club) as well as (5) 10' x 5' garden plots for other returning gardeners Large sections of the garden will be taken out of cultivation for the 2023 growing season in order to occultate and kill bermuda grass. They will be brought back into production in the 2024 growing season April 2023: • Relocate perennial shrubs to sloped section of the garden which is undesirable / too steeply sloped for individual garden plot rental • Mulch area with layer of cardboard and wood chips May - July 2023 • Occultate large sections of the garden to discourage future growth of bermuda grass • Till and install new plots and clover aisles • Cover crop areas that are not covered or in use • Install garden shed July 2023 - November 2023 • Remove silage tarp and install new garden plots • Seed aisles with clover • Slowly plant perimeter garden beds with mixture of VA Native plants, edible plants, flowers, and vegetables. November 2023- cover crop areas with exposed soil and put garden to rest ae . Fig 1. South edge of garden under silage tarp. Steeply sloped portion not suitable for garden plots to be planted with blueberries and other fruiting shrubs currently planted in garden. These shrubs will be relocated to this location to free up prime gardening space. This slope will be mulched with cardboard and wood chips to minimize maintenance needs. j } br1 't t _ t > v a.r �F Aj F w �. a �► d �` ; # �, � � §fit a A •.a. X vv Fig 2. The front interior fence line will be planted with plants to attract pollinators, add beauty, or provide an edible or useful plant material. These beds will be mulched with cardboard and wood mulch to prevent the need for mowing and weed eating close to the fence. They will be maintained by volunteers, garden members, and the garden manager. „ . TIT Morningside Base I Map I )o af .i, 14 • N O� O , �► Q Q Q ,. Q Q Aft k� O� d JurisdictionsWTIx - 1Oft Contou306r 2tt Contour s Cxx+*a^x ��acaria*.e sa+ea ama a�p.aesn nap�}a tlmt�i►MFNf�.sriANa<N +cnsR. `”' �� - S �.� � iw.e wrr moue Mmw iii+!i +•N . rte.: p�aMRYe�P,f��MMNLfi14�riGVbleFVYxv. ,� "'*-, ` iNY 01e�a7•Y4M AV)s¢retltlM#Y'a'i[i ,.eRYiM'�^IC.+R+MIMMO•ar i,ilsa0h ub9e• '*.. �1 ki'�y - Y,efwrw•+sv aix.. � S � �.. ` �e•un�uawa.a.:ew ` .Nke M NP>• .� ft Few ba4d r t,..'�.t2tt22 t,564 2. t, �._. ..... 2. ex�st-iammor�trcra� C2} 3• tzEJa + com Cr%t- S• apo%+, �`M"Ack t �lvrs varied zes w dWndkw an L1 r 7 at1 t Size. pl�is vak►cd slZ S 8 6&0bud-%j_s C.M9c z•C =Sv ." %JrrAj O Wn ,&xr;i4n) wbl I ti IAIM iby 1 n. hwb Z rII'n F`beds - Ace-r m61-6imnt ham-bs en a x+eriaY- r"a"-' cefA'6tA** an inierid-r �z. eX�Stin� whjAtxjnlr, (Z) Overview Over the course of the 2022 and 2023 seasons Local Environmental Agriculture Project (LEAP) is initiating a series of upgrades and an expansion of the community garden located at Morningside Park - 917 Morgan Ave SW. This includes the construction of a 7 ft' deer fence around an expanded 12,900 sq ft garden area. It also includes the construction of a garden tool shed, and a change to the orientation of garden plots to be on contour rather than parallel to Morgan Ave. These changes will allow us to accommodate the rising interest in community gardens by expanding the amount of space available to gardeners, as well as to protect existing gardeners from the deer and pest pressure they have previously experienced at this location. We will begin offering a variety of sized garden plots to accommodate differences in skill levels and growing practices, particularly for immigrant and refugee gardeners who are accustomed to growing in larger plots. Proposed changes to the Morningside Community Garden: 1. Installing a 129' x 100' fence for a total of 129,000 sq/ft enclosed garden space (an expansion from our current 6,000 sq/ft). 2. Installing a 2' strip (1' interior, 1' exterior) of polypropylene landscape fabric underneath the fenceline to eliminate vegetative growth and the need to weed eat the fence line. 3. Leveled 10'x10' gravel pad and tool shed 4. Reorientation of garden plots to contour a. Garden plots will not be raised plots, bricks and rubber edging will be removed b. Pea gravel and landscape fabric will be removed from aisles and clover will be planted in new aisles. This will reduce erosion and create aisles which can be mowed and require no hand weeding 5. Relocating perennial fruit shrubs to Southern, sloped section of garden 6. Installing a bed of pollinator plants, edible shrubs, native plants, and decorative annuals a. An example of proposed plants: b. Goumi berry c. Beauty berry d. Asparagus e. Comfrey f. Calendula g. Joe pye weed h. Anise hyssop i. Wild bergamot j. Dill k. Fennel I. Irises m. Peonies ' n. Daffodils o. Tulips P. Cosmos q. elderberry These plans differ from previous proposals for the garden in eliminating a few large projects. We are no longer proposing to: • build a pavilion within the leased garden space. • do any leveling or excavation work to change the natural slope of the garden. • Install sidewalk access and ADA compliant raised cinder block beds in the garden. Pending construction of city-planned improvements to Morningside Park, we may pursue improvements for ADA compliant garden spaces in the future with Parks and Rec approval. • Install a drip irrigation system in the garden. Timeline for proposed changes to Morningside Community Garden December 2022 - March 2023: • Install fence • Remove pea gravel, landscape fabric, bricks, and rubber edging from garden • Relocate pea gravel to 10' x 10' gravel pad for future garden shed location March 2023: • Till sections of garden area to reorient beds on contour and establish clover aisles • Open (2) 15' x 15' garden plots for returning gardener Claudine Katete and Chloe Johnson (Boys and Girls Club) as well as (5) 10' x 5' garden plots for other returning gardeners Large sections of the garden will be taken out of cultivation for the 2023 growing season in order to occultate and kill bermuda grass. They will be brought back into production in the 2024 growing season April 2023: • Relocate perennial shrubs to sloped section of the garden which is undesirable / too steeply sloped for individual garden plot rental • Mulch area with layer of cardboard and wood chips May - July 2023 • occultate large sections of the garden to discourage future growth of bermuda grass • Till and install new plots and clover aisles • Cover crop areas that are not covered or in use • Install garden shed July 2023 - November 2023 • Remove silage tarp and install new garden plots • Seed aisles with clover • Slowly plant perimeter garden beds with mixture of VA Native plants, edible plants, flowers, and vegetables. November 2023 - cover crop areas with exposed soil and put garden to rest m Fig 1. South edge of garden under silage tarp. Steeply sloped portion not suitable for garden plots to be planted with blueberries and other fruiting shrubs currently planted in garden. These shrubs will be relocated to this location to free up prime gardening space. This slope will be mulched with cardboard and wood chips to minimize maintenance needs. t f ' • J g «r H f. i r ' q Fig 2. The front interior fence line will be planted with plants to attract pollinators, add beauty, or provide an edible or useful plant material, These beds will be mulched with cardboard and wood mulch to prevent the need for mowing and weed eating close to the fence, They will be maintained by volunteers, garden members, and the garden manager. The Roanoke Times Account Number Roanoke,Virginia 6017304 Affidavit of Publication Date CITY OF ROANOKE COMMUNITY DEVELOPEMENT February 10,2023 Attn OFFICE OF CITY MANAGER 215 CHURCH AVE SW,ROOM 364 ROANOKE,VA 24011 Date Category Description Ad Size Tota!Cost 02/18/2023 Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 2 x 5.50 IN 92070 Publisher of the Roanoke Times 1,(the undersigned)an authorized representative of the Roanoke Times,a daily newspaper published in Roanoke,in the State of Virginia,do certify that the annexed notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING was published in said newspapers on the following dates: 02/10/2023 The First insertion being given... 02/10/2023 Newspaperreference: 0001401553 Billing Representative Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th Day of February 2023 Notary i� State of Virginia County of Hanover My Commission expires THIS 15 NOT A BILL. PLEASE PAY FROM INVOICE. THANK YOU NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Roanoke("City")proposes to lease an approximately 12,900 square foot portion of City-owned property located at 917 Morgan Avenue,N.E.,Roanoke, Virginia,bearing Roanoke Official Tax Map No.4240102,commonly known as "Morningside Park,"to Local Environmental Agriculture Project.Incorporated ("LEAP"),to be used by LEAP to operate and maintain a community garden,to grow and cultivate vegetables,flowers,and other produce,for a term of five(5) years,commencing March 1,2021 Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 15.2.1800.B and 15.2.1813.Code of Vir- ginia(1950),as amended notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Roanoke will hold a public hearing on February 21,2023,at 7:00 p.m.,or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard,in the Council Chamber,4th Floor,Room 450,Noel C.Taylor Municipal Building,215 Church Avenue,S.W.,Roanoke,Virgin- ia,24011,to receive public comments on the proposed lease.For further Informa- tion on this matter.you may contact the Office of the City Clerk at(540)853-2541. All persons wishing to address City Council must sign-up with the City Clerk's Of- fice by emailing clerkfroanokevagoy or calling(540)853.2541 by 12:00 noon,on Monday,February 21,2023. If you are a person with a disability who needs accommodations or this hearing, please contact the City Clerk's Office at(540)853-2541,before 12:00 noon on Thursday,February 16,2023. The City of Roanoke provides Interpretation at no cost for all public meetings, upon request.If you would like to request an interpreter,please let us know at least 24 hours in advance by calling(540)853-1283. La Ciudad de Roanoke proporciana interpretacibn sin costo por todas citas publicas,previa solicitud.Si usted desea solicitar un in(Orprete,hSganoslo saber con al mems 24 horas de antelacidn por Ilamar(540)853.1283. AJI la Roanoke linatoa huduma ya ukalimani bila malipo katika mikutano yote ya umma,inapoombwa Iwapo ungependa kuomba rnkalimani,tafadhali tuJulishe angalau saa 24 kabla kwa kuplga simu(540)853-1283. ??????????????????????????77??????????????????»???»vv??o»? ????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????24???? ??????????»i????????P????853.1283(540)??????????????????. Given under my hand this 10th day of February 10,2023. Cecelia F.McCoy,City Clerk NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ✓ he City of Roanoke ("City") proposes to lease an approximately 12,900 square foot portion of Typ City-owned property located at 917 Morgan Avenue, N.E., Roanoke, Virginia, bearing Roanoke Official Tax Map No.4240102,commonly known as"Morningside Park,"to Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Incorporated ("LEAP"), to be used by LEAP to operate and maintain a community garden,to grow and cultivate vegetables, flowers, and other produce, for a term of five (5) years, commencing March 1, 2023. Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 15.2-1800.13 and 15.2-1813, Code of Virginia(1950), as amended, notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Roanoke will hold a public hearing on February 21,2023, at 7:00 p.m.,or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the Council Chamber, 4th Floor, Room 450, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia, 24011, to receive public comments on the proposed lease. For further information on this matter, you may contact the Office of the City Clerk at (540) 853-2541. All persons wishing to address City Council must sign-up with the City Clerk's Office by emailing clerk@roanokeva.gov or calling (540) 853-2541 by 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. If you are a person with a disability who needs accommodations for this hearing, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (540) 853-2541, before 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 16, 2023. The City of Roanoke provides interpretation at no cost for all public meetings, upon request. If you would like to request an interpreter, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance by calling (540) 853-1283. La Ciudad de Roanoke proporciona interpretaci6n sin costo por todas citas publicas, previa solicitud. Si usted desea solicitar un interprete, hdganoslo saber con al menos 24 horas de antelaci6n por llamar (540) 853-1283. Jiji la Roanoke linatoa huduma ya ukalimani bila malipo katika mikutano yote ya umma, inapoombwa. Iwapo ungependa kuomba mkalimani, tafadhali tujulishe angalau saa 24 kabla kwa kupiga simu (540) 853-1283. Given under my hand this 10th day of February 10, 2023. Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk Note to Publisher: Please publish once in the Roanoke Times, legal notices, on Friday, February 10, 2023. Please send bill to: Please send affidavit of publication to: Brent Robertson, Assistant City Manager Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk For Community Development 4th Floor,Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 364 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia, 24011 Roanoke, Virginia, 24011 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA The 21St day of February 2023. No. 42582-022123. AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute a lease agreement between the City of Roanoke (City), and Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Inc., for the lease of a portion of City-owned property, containing approximately 0.3664 acres, more or less, located at the northeast corner of 13th Street, S.W. and Cleveland Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia, bearing Official Tax Map No. 1220803 (Property); and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by title. WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on February 21, 2023, pursuant to Sections 15.2- 1800 and 15.2-1813, Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, at which hearing all parties in interest and citizens were afforded an opportunity to be heard on the proposed lease. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke, as follows: 1. The City Manager or his designee is authorized to execute, in a form approved by the City Attorney, a lease agreement between the City of Roanoke and Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Inc. (LEAP) for LEAP to lease a portion of City-owned property, containing approximately 0.3664 acres, more or less, located at the northeast corner of 13th Street, S.W. and Cleveland Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia, bearing Roanoke Official Tax Map No. 1220803, situated on the site of the Mountain View Recreation Center, to use and maintain as a community garden for a term of five (5) years. LEAP will pay rent to the City in the annual amount of$10.00 for its use and occupancy of the Property, and as more particularly described in the City Council Agenda Report dated February 21, 2023. Such lease shall be substantially similar in form to the lease attached to such report, and approved as to form by the City Attorney. 2. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with. ATTEST: City Clerk. 2 ROANOKE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council Meeting: February 21, 2023 Subject: Proposal of the City of Roanoke to renew the lease for approximately 0.3664 acres of land located at the northeast corner of 13th Street and Cleveland Avenue, S. W., and designated as Tax Map Number 1220803 to Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Inc. (L.E.A.P.) for use as a Community Garden. Robert S. Cowell, Jr., City Manager. Background: The Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Inc. (L.E.A.P.) has leased approximately 0.3664 acres of land located at the Northeast corner of 13th Street and Cleveland Avenue, designated as Tax Map Number 1220803, for a Community Garden since March 2020. The current lease terminates on February 28, 2023. L.E.A.P. is organized exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes, more specifically to establish community gardens in order to provide an opportunity for local residents to garden; to beautify the neighborhood; to provide a meeting place for neighbors. Further, its purpose is to promote, to educate and to disseminate information about sustainability and food security to the local community. The 13th Street location will only be used for the purpose of maintaining and operating a community garden, which use shall include, but is not limited to, planting and harvesting of agricultural crops. The annual rental shall be $10. The five-year lease term requested would commence on March 1, 2023. Recommended Action: After consideration of comments received at the public hearing and absent comments at the public hearing needing further consideration, authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute the proposed agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto, and execute and deliver all closing documents and take such other actions to effectuate the proposed agreement. All documents are subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney. r Bob Cowell, City Manager Distribution: Council Appointed Officers Brent Robertson, Assistant City Manager/Director of Finance Amelia C. Merchant, Deputy Director of Finance Marc Nelson, Director, Economic Development Cassandra Turner, Economic Development Specialist LEASE AGREEMENT THIS LEASE AGREEMENT.. made as of this I" day of March, 2023 , by and between the CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, a municipal corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of' Virginia ("Lessor"), and LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGRICULTURE PROJECT, INCORPORATED, a Virginia corporation ("Lessee"), WITNESSETH: WHEREAS. Lessor owns certain land located in the City of Roanoke, designated as Tax Map No. 1220803; W11F,REAS, Lessee operates and maintains community gardens at several locations throughout the City of Roanoke, where participants can plant, harvest, grow and cultivate vegetables, flowers, and other produce for the benefit of themselves and the community, WHEREAS, Lessee has leased stich property from Lessor pursuant to a lease dated March 1, 2018, for a five year tern, which lease expires on February 28, 2023 (the "2018 Lease"), and Lessee desires to continue to lease the above referenced property from Lessor for use as a community garden, and Lessor desires to lease the same to Lessee, , upon the teens and conditions stated below, WHEREAS, Lessor desires to lease the property described herein for such purposes, and Lessee desires to lease such property from Lessor for such purposes, upon the terms and conditions described herein; t WHEREAS, Roanoke City Council authorized the City Manager to execute this Lease Agreement pursuant to Ordinance No. adopted by Roanoke City Council on February , 2023, after a public hearing was advertised and scheduled. NOW THEREFORE, Lessor and Lessee, for and in consideration of mutual covenants contained in this Lease Agreement and the above recitals which are incorporated herein, do hereby covenant and agree as follows: 1. Leased Premises -Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, and Lessee hereby accepts from the Lessor, as tenant. approximately 0.3663 acres of land, more or less, located at the Northeast corner of 13'x' Street and Cleveland Avenue, in the City of Roanoke, Virginia, being a portion of Tax Map No. 12208013 (hereinafter referred to as the "Leased Premises"). 2. Permitted Use - The Leased Premises shall only be used for the purpose of maintaining and operating a community garden, which use shall include, but not be limited to. planting and harvesting of agricultural crops, and activities ancillary thereto, and for no unlawful purpose, or other purpose, within the detennination of Lessor, that is not reasonably related to the operation and maintenance of a community garden. 3. Tenn - The term of this Lease Agreement shall be for a period of five (5) years, commencing on March 1. 2023, and continuing; until midnight, February 28, 2028. This lease shall be ten-unable by Lessee at any time during the term of this Lease, upon thirty days written notice to Lessor. This Lease shall only be terminable by Lessor for cause due to default by Lessee of any of the tenns and conditions of this Lease which are not cured as provided herein, during the five-year term of the Lease. 4. Rental - Annual rental shall be S 10.00 non-refundable, payable in advance for the entire tern of the lease, and mailed or otherwise delivered to the Lessor's Treasurer, City of Roanoke, P. v. Box 1451, Roanoke, VA 24007. Checks should be made payable to City Treasurer. 5. Subleasing- Lessee covenants and agrees that it will not sublet, license, assign, or transfer by operation of law or otherwise this Lease Agreement, the Leased Premises or any right Lessee is authorized to exercise hereunder, without the prior written consent of the Lessor. Any attempt by the Lessee to sublet, license, assign, or transfer by operation of law or otherwise this Lease Agreement. the Leased Premises, or any rights Lessee is authorz/ed to exercise hereunder without the prior written consent of the Lessor shall result in the automatic termination of this Lease Agreement. Provided, however, Lessee may rent plots contained within the Leased Premises to third parties for the purpose of growing and cultivating crops. Lessee agrees to require any sublessee or licensee of such plots to abide by the rules, terms, and conditions of the Mountain View Recreation Center and the terms of this Lease Agreement. 6. Condition of the Leased Premises - Lessee has inspected the Leased Premises and acknowledges that the Leased Premises are suitable for the purpose intended by the Lessee, and the Leased Premises are being made available "as is". "where is", and accepted in their present condition. Lessor makes no warranties of any kind regarding any aspect of the Leased Premises. including but not limited to, the physical and environmental condition of the Leased Premises, and the parties agree that Lessor expressly disclaims any express or implied warranties regarding the Leased Premises. 7. Alterations and Improvements_ - There shall be no major alterations of the Leased Premises, without Lessor's prior written consent. Provided, such approval is granted, 3 Lessee agrees to remove any alterations and restore the Leased Premises to the same condition that existed at the commencement of this Lease at Lessee's sole expense, upon the termination or cancellation of this Lease. Lessee agrees to pay for the costs of any damages to the Leased Premises caused by such removal or restoration. This provision shall survive the termination or expiration of this Lease Agreement, K. [Utilities - Lessee shall pay all utility connections and service charges, if any, with respect to the Leased Premises. 9. Maintenance- Lessee agrees to be responsible for all maintenance of any kind on the Leased Premises. Lessee agrees that it shall not allow the Leased Premises to become unsightly or overgrown with, weeds, vegetation and crops, in the detennination or Lessor and shall otherwise keep the Leased Premises in good appearance and free and clear of debris and litter. Lessee further agrees that it shall trim and remove such overgrowth upon demand by Lessor. Lessee shall assume all liability for darnage or loss to persons or property by its actions or actions of its machinery. equipment, agents, employees, guests, invitees and contractors in connection with this Lease. Lessee agrees that Lessor shall have no maintenance obligations of any kind to Lessee or the Leased Premises pursuant to this Lease Agreement. I(l. Incorporation of Rules and Regulations-Lessee shall require and ensure that any persons or entities using the Leased Premises to comply with Lessee's rules and regulations, which are attached to this Lease Agreement as Exhibit A. and incorporated herein. II. Inspection- Lessee hereby grants and gives to the Lessor, its agents and employees the right and license to enter the Leased Premises, without notice, at any reasonable time to inspect the Premises or to conduct a reasonable environmental investigation, including but not limited to an environmental assessment or audit of the Premises to satisfy the Lessor that 4 the Premises arc free from environmental contaminations and hazards. The Lessor may employ engineers to conduct such investigations on the Lessor's behalf, and the Lessee shall give to such engineers the same rights and licenses as the Lessor may have pursuant to this section. The Lessee shall from time to time and upon the request of the Lessor, give to the Lessor or to whomever the Lessor may designate such assurances as may be necessary to show that the Lessee is in compliance with any and all Environmental Laws. The Lessor shall use its best efforts to minimize interference with the Lessee's business but shall not be liable for any interference or hann caused by the Lessor's exercise of its rights under this section. If atter conducting any such Environmental investigation as required herein, should any environmental contamination be found that is the result of Lessee, its employees, guest, agents, patrons, or assigns, the cost of such investigation and audit, in addition to all costs required to comply with any Environmental Law and to conduct necessary cleanup, and the payment of any fines and penalties made against Lessor by any court or regulatory agency as a result of any such environmental condition existing shall be borne by the Lessee and paid by Lessee immediately upon written demand therefore. 12. Compliance with laws, rules and regulations.- In Lessee's exercise of the rights and privileges granted herein. Lessee, its agents, employees, guests, invitees, contractors, and/or any other person over whom Lessee has control shall observe, obey and comply fully at Lessee's own expense with all present and future, federal, state and local laws, rules or regulations, applicable to or affecting directly or indirectly Lessee or its operations and activities on or in connection with the Leased Premises. 13. Indemnitv — Lessee shall indemnify and hold harmless the Lessor, its officers, agents and employees (the "Indemnified Parties"), harmless against any and all loss, cost or 5 expense, including attorney's fees, resulting from any claim, whether or not reduced to a judgment, and for any liability of any nature whatsoever that may arise out of or result from activities or omissions of Lessee, its successors. officers, agents, employees, assigns, guests, contractors, or invitees (the "Indemnifying Parties"), on the Leased Premises, pursuant to this Lease Agreement, including, without limitation, fines and penalties, violations of federal, state or local laws, or regulations promulgated thereunder, personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage claims. In addition to the indemnification provision contained elsewhere in this Lease Agreement, and regardless of the Lessor's acquiescence, Lessee agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Indemnified Parties harmless from any and all costs, liabilities, expenses, lines, penalties, or civil judgments, including attorney's fees resulting from or obtained against or paid by the Lessor as a result of Lessee's violations of or failure to comply with any other provisions of this Leasc Agreement. This provision shall survive the tennination or expiration of this Lease Agreement. 14. Insurance Coverage,- Lessee shall, at its sole expense, obtain and maintain during the life of this Lease Agreement, the insurance policies required by this Section. Any required insurance policies shall be effective prior to the beginning date of this Lease Agreement. The following policies and coverages arc required: (a) Commercial General Liability, Commercial General Liability insurance, written on an occurrence basis and including products/completed operations coverage, shall insure against all claims, loss, cost, damage, expense or liability from loss of life or damage or injury to persons or property arising out of the l.icensee'sishould this be Lessee's actions under this Lease Agreement. The minimum limits of liability for this coverage shall be $1,000,000 combined single limit for any one occurrence. 6 (b) Contractual Liability. Bread form Contractual Liability insurance shall include the indemnification obligation set forth in Section 13 and Section IS of this Lease Agreement. (c) 'T'enant's insurance. Lessee shall, at its sole cost and expense, obtain and maintain during the life of this Agreement a property insurance policy written on an "all risk" basis insuring buildings, HVAC, and all of' tenant's personal property, including, but not limited to, equipment, furniture, fixtures, furnishings, and leasehold improvements which are Lessee's responsibility, for not less than full replacement cost cif such property. Lessee is responsible for and all deductibles and coinsurance penalties that may apply- All proceeds of such insurance shall be used to repair or replace tenant's property. Such insurance coverage shall include an amount equal to twelve months loss of rent coverage payable to the Lessor. (d) Workers' Compensation_ Workers' Compensation insurance covering Licensee's statutory obligation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Employer's Liability insurance shall be maintained for all its employees engaged in work on the premises. Minimum limits of liability for Employer's Liability shall be 5100,000 bodily injury by accident each occurrence-, 5500,000 bodily injury by disease (policy limit). and S100.000 bodily injury by disease (each employee). With respect to Workers' Compensation coverage, the Contractor's insurance company shall waive rights of subrogation against the City, its officers, employees, agents, volunteers and representatives. The insurance overages and amounts set forth in subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d) of this Section may be met by an umbrella liability policy following the form of the underlying primary coverage. Should an umbrella liability insurance coverage policy be used, such coverage shall be accompanied by a certificate of endorsement stating that it applies to the specific policy numbers indicated for the insurance providing the 7 overages required by subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d), and it is further agreed that such statement shall be made a part of the certificate of insurance ffirnished by Lessee to the City. All insurance shall meet the following requirements, (a) Lessee shall furnish the City a certificate or certificates of insurance showing the type, amount, effective dates and date of expiration of the policies. Certificates of insurance shall include any insurance deductibles. (b) Insurance cancellation will be in accordance with policy. (c) The required certificate or certificates of insurance shall name the City of Roanoke, its officers, employees, agents, volunteers and representatives as additional insured. (d) Where waiver of subrogation is required with respect to any policy of insurance required under this Section, such waiver shall be specified on the certificate of insurance. (e) Insurance coverage shall be in a form and with an insurance company approved by the City which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any insurance company providing coverage under this Lease Agreement shall be authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Such coverage shall not be canceled or materially altered except after thirty days written notice of such cancellation or material alteration to the Director of Risk Management of the Lessor. Prior to the execution of this Lease Agreement, Lessee shall provide the Lessor's Director of Risk Management with an exact copy of the Certificate of Insurance as specified above. All renewal policies shall be delivered to the Lessor's Director of Risk Management at least fifteen days prior to the expiration date of the expiring policy. If at any time the coverage, carrier or limits on any policy or the insurance requirements contained herein shall 8 become unsatisfactory to the Lessor, Lessee shall forthwith provide a ne"T policy meeting the requirements of the Lessor. 1.5.. Compliance with Environmental Laws — Lessee, its agents, employees, guests, patrons, and assigns, shall comply and ensure the compliance with all federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, resolutions and ordinances controlling air, water, noise, solid waste and other pollution and relating to the use, storage, transportation, release or disposal of hazardous material substances or waste, which materials include, but are not limited to, any fertilizer and others products used in the gardening process. 16. Hazardous Waste and Materials Prohibited - Lessee shall not bring or allow or permit to be brought onto, stored, disposed of; or released, any hazardous, toxic, or petroleum substances, waste or materials of any kind on the Leased Premises, except if the same are considered as fertilizer or other commonly used gardening materials, and approved in writing by the Lessor. 17. Report release of Hazardous Materials - Lessee shall immediately furnish to the Lessor's Director of Risk Management written notice of any and all releases of hazardous waste, materials or substances whenever such releases are required to be reported to any federal, state, or local authority, and pay fc)r all cleanup and removal costs. Such written notice shall identify the substance released. the amount released, the measures undertaken to cleanup and remove the released material and any contaminated soil or water. Lessee shall also provide Lessor with copies of any and all reports resulting from tests on the Leased Premises or trade to any governmental agency which relate to the Leased Premises. 18. Environmental Indemnifications - Regardless of the City's acquiescence and in addition to the indemnification provisions contained elsewhere in this Lease Agreement, Lessee 9 shall indemnify, defend, and hold Lessor, its officers, agents and employees, harmless from all costs, Iiabilities, penalties, or fines, including attorney's fees, resulting from or arising out of Lessee, its employees, agents, guests, patrons, or assigns, violation of the environmental provisions contained in this Lease Agreement and agrees to reimburse the Lessor for any and all costs and expenses incurred in eliminating or remedying such violations. Lessee further covenants and agrees to reimburse and hold the Lessor its officers, agents and employees, harmless from all costs, expenses, attorney's fees and all penalties or civil judgments obtained against the Lessor as a result of Lessee's, its employees, agents, guests, patrons, or assigns, use, release or disposal of petroleum product, hazardous substance, material, or waste onto the ground or into the air or water. Lessee agrees to waive any and all statutes of limitations applicable to any controversy or dispute arising under these environmental provisions and Lessee further agrees that it will not raise or plead a statute of lirmitation defense in any action arising out of Lessee's failure to comply with the environmental provisions contained herein. This provision shall survive the termination or expiration of this Lease Agreement. 19. '.Notice - Unless otherwise specified, all notices.. consents and approvals required or authorized by this Lease Agreement to be given by or on behalf of either party to the other, shall be in writing and signed by a duly designated representative of the party by or on whose behalf they are given and shall be deemed given three days after the time a certified letter properly addressed, postage prepaid, is deposited in any United States Post Office or upon hand delivery. Notice to the City of Roanoke shall be addressed to the: City of Roanoke Attention: Economic Development Manager 117 Church Avenue, S.W. Roanoke, Virginia 24011 10 or at such other office as Lessor may hereinafter designate by notice to the Lessee in writing. Notice to the Lessee shall be sent to: Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Inc. ATTN: Community Garden Manager PO Box 3249 Roanoke, Virginia, 24015 or at such other place as Lessee may hereinafter designate by notice to the Lessor in writing. 20. Default- In addition the event Lessee breaches any provision of this Lease Agreement, and does not cure such breach within thirty days after written notice of demand by Lessor, or Lessee has not established a community garden within six months of the date of this Lease Agreement, as determined by Lessor, this Lease Agreement shall terminate automatically, and Lessee agrees that Lessor ►Play pursue Lessor's remedies available at law or in equity. 21. Entire Agreement - This Lease Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. Any changes or modification of this Lease Agreement must be in writing signed by both parties. 22. Severability - In the event any provision herein shall be finally declared void or illegal by any court or administrative agency having jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect as nearly as possible in accordance with the original intent of the Parties, 23. Headings - The headings used in this Lease Agreement are intended for convenience and reference only and do not define, expand, or limit the scope or meaning of any provision of this Lease Agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Lease Agreement as of the day and year first written above: Il LESSOR: Al-rt's-r: CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA By Cecelia F. McCoy. City Clerk Robert S. Cowell. Jr.-.-C—It�­'Manager L F S S Ff-*,: LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGRICULTURE PROJECT, FINCORPORATH). a Virginia corporation By -1 --. --, - ASEAL) Printed Nai-ne:-- Title: Approved as to form' Approved as to execution: Assistant City Attorney Assistant City Attonicv 12 r ROANOKE V ASSOCIATION 2018 GAgreement I understand that gardeners in good standing from the previous season will have first preference and may choose either the same plot or a vacant plot if one exists. — I understand that if I do not communicate a plot preference by April 15, or if I do not begin working my preferred plot by May 15, my reserved plot will be forfeit. (Exceptions must be discussed with garden coordinator.) — I will pay a fee of$30 for a plot to help cover expenses related to my use of the garden plot. I will turn in the plot fee with my signed Annual Plot Agreement and will complete a pre survey before I begin gardening. (If you are unable to pay these dues please let us know. No one will be excluded from the RCGA due to lack of funds,) — I understand that if I don't maintain my plot throughout the growing season. I may be declined renewal for the following year. Maintenance includes removing all weeds and grass within 1 foot around the plot. Gardeners whose plots are overgrown will be given notice of the issue and given ten days to rectify the situation. If left unresolved, the plot may be reassigned to others. — I will notify garden coordinators if I am no longer able to tend to my plot; will be absent for more than a week; or have asked a friend to tend my garden. ---- I understand that I am required to give 2 hours per month back to the garden, either by participating in the work days, mowing the lawn, watering communal plants, or other volunteer activities at the garden. I will record my volunteer hours in a log housed in garden sheds. — Three work days will be scheduled for each garden; I understand that I am required to attend at least two of these work days. These work days will count towards my 2 hours per month. (Exceptions may be discussed with garden coordinator.) — I will plant tall crops only where they will not shade neighboring plots. — I will pick only my own crops unless given permission by the plot owner. I understand that if I take anything without permission: vegetables, tools, hose, plants or anything else, I will lose my plot immediately. — I will use only organic fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides, and use them in such a way as not to affect other plots. I understand that"Miracle Grow" is not to be used in RCGA gardens. — I will keep trash and litter cleared from the plot, as well as from adjacent pathways and fences. — I understand that all children under the age of 13 years old must be directly supervised by an adult, family member, friend, or other consenting adult on site. — I understand that RCGA has a full harvest/no waste policy and I will harvest crops once they are mature. Any mature fruit or vegetable that has fallen off of the vine and is in the pathway is 'fair game.' — i understand that the garden area is open dawn until dusk, seven days a week. No night gardening! — I understand that each garden has a different compost system and I will dispose of plant materials in designated compost areas. — I understand that water is a valuable resource and I will use water conservatively. I will also turn off water spigots, and rewind hoses as a courtesy to other gardeners. — I understand that animals are not allowed in the garden. — I understand that there is to be no smoking in the garden. — I will clear my plot of fencing, trellises, string, all inorganic materials, dead plants, weeds and stakes from the plot by October 31 st unless I have fall crops planted. I understand that if my plot is not cleared by December 31 1 may be declined for renewal the following year. — I give my consent that RCGA may use photographs and videos for purposes related to the RCGA's mission. The Roanoke Times Account Number Roanoke,Virginia 6017304 Affidavit of Publication Date February 10,2023 CITY OF ROANOKE COMMUNITY DEVELOPEMENT Attn OFFICE OF CITY MANAGER 215 CHURCH AVE SW,ROOM 364 ROANOKE.VA 24011 Date Category Description Ad Size Total Cost 02/18/2023 Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 2 x 5.50 IN 920.70 Publisher of the Roanoke Times 1,(the undersigned)an authori2:ed representative of the Roanoke Times,a daily newspaper published in Roanoke,in the State of Virginia,do certify that the annexed notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING was published in said newspapers on the following dates: 02110!2023 The First insertion being given... 02110/2023 Newspaper reference: 0001401551 I.., Billing Representative Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1 Oth Day of February 2023 Notary State of Virginia r County of Hanover My C Nnalission expires F THIS IS NOT A BILL. PLEASE PAY FROM INVOICE. THANK YOU NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Roanoke("City")proposes to lease an approximately 0.3664 acres of land,more or less,located at the Northeast corner of 13th Street and Cleveland Avenue,in the City of Roanoke,Virginia,being a portion of Roanoke Official Tax Map No.1220803,situated on the site of the Mountain View Recreation Center,to Local Environmental Agriculture Project,Incorporated("LEAP).to be used by LEAP to operate and maintain a community garden,to grow and cultivate vegeta- bles,flowers,and other produce,for a term of five(5)years,commencing March 1,2023. Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 15.2.1800.8 and 15.2-1811 Code of vW- gWa(1950),as amended,notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Roanoke will hold a public hearing on February 21,2023.at 7:00 p.m.,or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard,in the Council Chamber,4th Floor,Room 450,Noel C.Taylor Municipal Building,215 Church Avenue,S-W,Roanoke,Virgin- ia,24011,to receive public comments on the proposed lease.For further informa- tion on the matter,you may contact the Office of the City Clerk at(540)853-2541. All persons wishing to address City Council must sign-up with the City Clerk's Of. fice by entailing clerk@roanokeva.gov or calling(540)853.2541 by 12:00 noon,on Monday.February 21,2023. If you are a person with a disability who needs accommodations for this hearing, please contact the City Clerk's Office at(540)853.2541,before 12:00 noon on Thursday,February 16,2023. The City of Roanoke provides interpretation at no cost for all public meetings, east request4 hoin advawould ce by ca ling(540 t89-interpreter,please let us know of 83. W Ciudad de Roanoke propOrclona interpretaci6n sin costo por todas citas publicas,previa solicitud.SI usted desea solicitar on intdrprete,higanoslo saber 0011 at mends 24 horns de antelacibn Por Ilamar(540)853.1283. Ail la Roanoke linatoa hudurna Ya ukalimani bila malipo katika mikutano yote ya umma,krapoombwa.IwaPo ungependa kuomba mkalimani,tafadha8 tujWishe NOW saa 24 kabla kwa kupiga simu(540)853.1283. ????»???? »????»?????????????????»??????????? ?????????????;;7 ???? ???????n?????????????????853.1283(540)?????????????»???, Given under my hand this 10th day of February 10,2023. Cecelia F.McCoy,City Clerk r NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Roanoke ("City") proposes lease St eet and Cleveland approximately Avenue, in the City acres of f Roanoke, , more or less, located at the Northeast corner of 13th Virginia, being a portion of Roanoke Official Tax Map No. 1220803, situated on the site of the Mountain View Recreation Center, to Local Environmental Agriculture Project, Incorporated ("LEAP"),to be used by LEAP to operate a aterm of five (5) years t,maintain t commenc nn,tog March 1 2023ow and te vegetables, flowers, and other produce, Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 15.2-1800.11 and 15.2-1813, Code of Virginia(1950), as amended,notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Roanoke will hold a public hearing on February 21,2023, at 7:00 p.m.,or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the Council Chamber, 4`" Floor, Room 450, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia, 24011, to receive public comments on the proposed lease. For further information on the matter, you may contact the Office of the City Clerk at (540) 853-2541. All persons wishing to address City Council must b tsign-up the FOffice ruary 21 2023 g clerk@roanokeva.gov or calling (540) 853 y l2 00 noon, on Tuesday, eb If you are a person with a disability who needs accommodations for this hearing, please contact the City Clerk's Office at (540) 853-2541, before 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 16, 2023. The City of Roanoke provides interpretation tno cost for all public t least hoursngs, upon request. If n advance by calling you would like to request an interpreter,pleaselet us know (540) 853-1283. La Ciudad de Roanoke proporciona interpretaci6n sin costo por todas citas publicas, previa solicitud. Si usted desea solicitar un interprete, haganoslo saber con al menos 24 horas de antelaci6n por hamar (540) 853-1283. Jiji la Roanoke linatoa huduma ya ukalimani bila malipo katika mikutano yote ya umma, inapoombwa. Iwapo ungependa kuomba mkalimani, tafadhali tujulishe angalau saa 24 kabla kwa kupiga simu (540) 853-1283. pi)�A� ytA )SI ,�)�iS )!iiil )�`els j�j Ai ja yl JS':`°yac u li 4�a �I— ; ,..,19i)�u)9'o).'. SS'S) J+" (540) 853-1283 a.� '� .>i 24i� Given under my hand this 10th day of February 10, 2023. Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk Note to Publisher: Please publish once in the Roanoke Times, legal notices, on Friday, February 10, 2023. Please send bill to: Please send affidavit of publication to: Brent Robertson, Assistant City Manager Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk For Community Development 4r" Floor,Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 364 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456 Roanoke, Virginia, 24011 Roanoke, Virginia, 24011 COMMENTS ABOUT CERTAIN GRANT FUNDING BY GUN VIOLENCE COMMISSION — FEBRUARY 21, 2023 COUNCIL MEETING Thank the members of the GV commission for their service. I believe we are all concerned about the escalating violence we have seen over the last decade. My comments concern the handling of the funds allocated to the GV commission and the seemingly lack of accountability - the most recent being 10K dollars of the 32k allocated paid to Better Agreement, LLC (Eddy Smart), which was paid in advance to train 100 persons in conflict resolution to de-escalate gun violence, primarily in the northwest community where high gun violence currently exists. I recommend that this be reported to Federal Inspector of the Agency involved for direction on how to proceed OR the Attorney General's Office as this indicates a serious lack of oversight by the members of the GV commission and the city council. I understand the agreement was issued in 2021 and as of today, there has been no progress on this endeavor. Your citizens would like to know why? How does the GV commission and council propose to recover these funds? (I have some thoughts on that but doubt anyone would agree with them) it is concerning that the commission approved such an expenditure to be paid up front! Who does that!? It seems there is a lot of money being tossed around, with no measurable results? The crime rate has certainly not declined The latest approved expenditure ($25,000) for a talent show does not address the young people who are already into criminal activity NOW. Any monetary rewards to winners will not likely impress the current gang members as they can make twice the money from a drug deal in their neighborhood. it is of grave concern that the GV commission has no one on it with law enforcement background and legal expertise. AND that there are a number of commission members who do not live in the city — One would think that CITY residents have more of a vested interest in addressing these issues than those from other localities Some years ago, there was an effort led by Chris Perkins and Sam Roman that involved a panel of local neighborhood leaders, police, clergy, AND recently released former members of the drug trade who met with at risk youth AND their parents and explained why a life of crime does not pay. Reducing crime must involve not only law enforcement, it must engage the parents and the community. Perhaps the GV commission could reach out to Perkins and Roman and invite them to share their experience on this approach. Suzanne Osborne 1702 Blair Rd SW Roanoke, VA 24015 Violence Interruption Proposals wo Year Funded Programs Organization FINAL West End Center Inc.-The West End Center will expand programming to the 18-24 age range by hiring a young adult facilitator to hold weekly groups with WEC alums $ 29,000.00 and other community leaders in this cohort to provide connection through programming and relationship building, and gun violence prevention and reduction. Prgsbyterian Community Center—fund a mental health counselor in partnership with 25,000.00 Family Service of Roanoke Valley to support youth and families in Positive Action and $ een Outreach programs �' Hill Street Baptist Church—fund Youth Summer Day Camps, Parenting Support Workshops,Stop the Violence and Conflict Resolution Workshops, Gun Safety in the 27,000.00 Home Seminar,Life Skills Coaching, Homework Helpers and other youth and parent $ support programs with direct outreach to Villages at Lincoln,Afton Gardens,Hunt Manor and neighborhoods in historic Gainsboro,Loudon and Melrose. The Roanoke Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, Inc.(Roanoke Quaker Meeting)—fund two Groceries Not Guns Buyback Events, with a goal of $ 40,000.00 removing 300-400 guns from the streets of Roanoke over two years. Total Action for Progress(TAP)-fund staffing, training and increased enrollment for the AACCI(African American Culture and Contemporary issues)classes at William Fleming High School, including Master Koru Mindfulness Certification and $ 40,000.00 organizational training in CBiM(Coaches Boys into Men)and Athletes as Leaders curricula, and the development of 18 violence prevention events at Eureka Park in collaboration Kingdom Harvest Church international. YMCA of Virginia's Blue Ridge—fund the YMCA Beacon After School and Summer 27,000.00 program at Lucy Addison Middle School to build active learning, healthy $ relationships, and educational efforts in prevention of gang and gun violence. WE CHARM—fund G1RLY(Girl, I Really Love You)program for girls focused on mentorship, education, group coaching, life skills, counseling), working with them to $ 30,000.00 strengthen self-identity and purpose,resolving conflict in a healthy way, growing healthy relationship skills. Children's Trust—fund continued work and expansion of the Trauma-informed Care Network, increasing access to trauma-based education, access to trauma counseling $ 32,000.00 and increased partnerships with mental health providers and community partners Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.—fund a five-month professional development program and training in Healing Centered Engagement to with a holistic view of healing and re-centering culture and identity as key components in personal well- being.A co-hort of 15-20 community front-line workers in gang and gun violence $ 25,000.00 prevention,intervention and trauma will form the cohort as a means of self-care. The training will include events and input from Dr.Shawn Genwright, Founder of Healing Centered Engagement. Boys&Girls Clubs of SWVA—fund Check& Connect, a K-12 violence intervention program, in partnership with RCPS, West End Center, Youth and Gang Violence $ 45,000.00 Prevention Team and trained mentors. increases student's academic, behavioral, cognitive and affective(sense of belonging, connectedness)engagement. 1 9 CHIP of Roanoke Valley—fund an Outreach Specialist to work direct with families 35000.00 impacted by gun violence in highest risk housing communities and c� nnect them with $ resources for healthy outcomes and a reduction in gun violence Humble Hustle—,fund increased staffing and Programminto induct,=parents and — _�,.,. youth at highest risk for incident of gang and gun violence. Progran ming will include wrap-around services enagl parents In breoking generat :n°al cycfes of°ti financial illiterate and poverty;access to community leaders entrepr neurship, and dedi ated events in NI/V Roanoke to build and strep then trust in rel tionships. $ 25,000 Cultural Arts for Excellence—funding Leadership Academy teaching nd training youth to engage their unique leadership style instilling self-respect a d respect for others, understanding their influence for positive outcomes, reducingI self-destructive $25,000 behavior, understanding the nature of healthy relationships, resolvir g conflict in healthy ways and other key programs to both address and reduce gc ing activity and gun violence in the community. TOTAL $ 400,000.00 Mini Grants Organization Funds Approved COMMUNITY ARTS-reach—fund Guns Down ARTS UP intervention prc ram designed to get guns out of kids hands and re-engage those hands through the power of the arts.Address the daily fear and concern children and youth face as a,esuit of violence by connecting them with safe spaces to gather,create and build relat onships. This 6,000.00 program is also connected with the luneteenth Celebration on lune 1,1 at Eureka Park. $ Anew Genesis Ministries—fund positive mentoring opportunities for it risk youth, ;F ages 12-18, to prevent and reduce gang and gun violence in the city. ntroducing youth to positive opportunities for success, educational growth and a trepreneurial $ 10,000.00 skills will create better pathways'to possibility. Kingdom Harvest Church International—fund an initial youth vioIsnc prevention kick 4 off event and ongoing support for 18 additional prevention events at ureka Park in j $ 5,000.00 wa. SRS ACF- P The Peacemakers Inc. Mini Grant Report From October 24th 2022- January 16th 2023 p ; Stop The Beef, Before The Grief The Peacemakers Inc. Mini Grant Report October 20,2022-January 16,2023 The Peacemakers Inc received a $10,000.00 mini grant from Roanoke's Gun commission to patrol Stn St. NW Roanoke, VA to help reduce the violent crime in this area. Our strategy was to first make ourselves known to all the residents on 8th St. On October 24th We went from door to door knocking on all house doors letting them know who we are. We gave each resident a flyer explaining who we are and what we do.We informed each resident that we would be patrolling the entire 8th St. NW. We asked each resident did they have any safety concerns in their neighborhood. A total of 17 homeowners and 2 business owners identified the 8th St. Grill and the A&A market as their only concern they said that in the past there was gun violence around the stores and that a Homicide had occurred at A&A Market approximately a year ago.We asked the residents what they would like to see take place on their street. Most of them shared the same wish, that the stores be closed, cleaned up or under better management. This area is predominately African American most of the residents on this street are over 65 but have other younger adults living in the houses with them. Since literally everyone pointed to the stores as the Hot Spot, we decided to visit both stores and talk to the owners. We visited the 8th St. market. I spoke to the owner of the store He said his name was Muhammad (Arab decent) Really thick accent. I informed him that we are an anti-violence group and that we would be patrolling around his store and around 8th St. He said "Good" but that there had not been any incidents there in a while. I noticed that the store had a dull smell inside. I walked around the store and noticed that some of the refrigerators in the store were not working and when you opened the door on the glass refrigerator a smell emitted from the refrigerator. The store was not clean the floors were dirty. They have a plethora of used shoes and clothes that they have in front of the store for sale.The shoes and boots are worn and give the store a smell. He also had a guy working adjacent to the store who cooks food.The sanitation and compliance of health codes are very questionable. I On October 30th,2022,we visited the A&A Market off 7th and Moorman Ave. I spoke to the owner he noted that he'had seen us around. He said he has been in the neighborhood for 15 years.The store was clean however, I noticed a shelf full of expired cup fruit and candy/chips. I informed him that these items were expired and needed to be disposed of. He put the items in the trash I I P a g e a in our presence. He told me his name was Sam Ali. Mr. Ali stated that there had not been any problems in his store or around the store but that he noticed a lot of young men hang out at a house on the corner from his store he said he hasn't had any problems with them but that a lot of them hang at a House 705 Fairfax. He stated that knowing that we were in the neighborhood daily was good. I gave him our contact information. We make daily rounds at A&A Market and the 8th St. grill. We post on the corners of the stores in the evening hours,and this allows us to build relationships with those that shop at these stores. At nighttime I would patrol the entire area via Peacemaker's van. I would park by the stores and walk the entire block weather permitting. On November 5th, 2022,while canvassing at approximately Spm me and one member walked by 705 Fairfax, there were about 8 young African American males between the ages of 18-30. in front of the home and on the porch. We walked up and identified who we were and what we were doing in the neighborhood.They were very respectful,they accepted the literature we gave them, and we walked on. Next to 705 is a garage owned by an elderly guy(African American). He told me that he has never had a problem with any of them but that he was told that some of them were gangbangers. I have spoke and waved at the young men at this house daily. WE do not know if any of them are associated with a gang or gang activity, they know who we are, and they have been respectful. I have not seen any weapons or criminal activity from any of them. (They do smoke weed) that is smelled a lot around 81h St, grill also at nighttime people hangout in front of the Grill waiting on food to be cooked. Plan of Action After gathering data from residents and doing our own investigations Our plan of action to execute on 8th St. was to focus primarily on the 2 stores in question the A&A Market and the 81h St. Grill.Strategy: Canvass 81h Street and side streets daily from 12 noon-4pm we patrol on foot daily from Stn and McDowell Ave to 8th and Centre Ave and up and down Harrison, Moorman, Fairfax, Gilmer we walk and canvass daily through these streets passing out literature and talking to residents. Most of the elderly, after they get use to seeing us, love to stop us and talk. They let it be known that they enjoy seeing us and being able to stop us and talk and most importantly,they feel safer just knowing we are in the neighborhood. I have talked to over 20 residents about forming a neighborhood watch group for their street and we got 5 signed up. so, we will start a neighborhood watch group for 81h St. and will schedule monthly meetings at a selected members home on that street. Strategy with stores. We have a 21 Page Since October 30th, 2022, we have canvassed and patrolled. We meet with residents to help individuals find employment, give then proper referrals and we help them with job resumes,sign up for higher education and sign up for job corps and conflict resolution classes. Our daily canvassing times are from 12 noon-4pm and nightly from 7pm-11pm.7 days a week. We have also been working closely with Roanoke City RESET TEAM. We canvass with them once or twice per week to work with the Victim Documented Incidents and Actions Taken Impact part of Crime & Violence. People are seeing us more and they are calling and sharing information to make their neighborhood safer. On November 15, 2022, 1 received a phone call from Ms.Vincent on Gilmer Ave.She told me that her son was threatening to kill himself after a bad break-up with his wife.She stated to me"That I don't want to call the police because I'm scared it would be bad and they may hurt him". She asked if we could go talk to him. She gave me his address and asked me if I could go see him. We went to visit him on Loudon Ave. I knocked on the door an African American male about 26 years old came to the door and I informed him that his mom out of fear for his life called us. He told me that his wife had left him, and he really didn't feel like living anymore. I asked him if he had kids,he said yes,he said they were 3&5 years old. I told him I have one 9-year-old and that that's who i live for, my son, and I asked him did he understand what I was saying. He invited me to come in and I told him that even if him and the kids Mother was not together that he as a Father had a duty for the kids, and that is to be there for them provide and guide for them. I told him that it's not about him, it's about them (children). He started crying and said he understood. His mom showed up as I was there. She called me the next day thanking us and said her son had checked himself in the hospital for a mental health evaluation. Since this occurred Ms.Vincent's son Casey has joined the Peacemakers and canvass with us when he can and has made a commitment to be more active with his kids. On November 17th, 2022, while canvassing around Fairfax, I walked up to 8th St. grill.There was an African American woman standing on the side of the store trying to prostitute herself. First, .she tried to flirt with me, and I told her we didn't participate in that activity and that what she was doing was dangerous. She just said she had to make money someway. I informed her that she could not stand in front of the store or around the property trying to sell herself. She cussed me out and called me every name other than the child of God. But she left. On November 201h, 2022, while canvassing 8" St. This same lady was standing beside the store arguing with a guy, both appeared intoxicated, however she was threatening to stab him if he 3jPage 6 ' didn't leave her alone. She was loud and cussing but this guy was agitating her calling her names. I pulled him to the side and asked him to just leave her alone to prevent any incidents in the area. I explained to him why I was there, and I just told him we don't need this. He said he was just asking her for a cigarette, and she got smart with him. I told him I would get him a pack of cigarettes if he left,he said OK I got them and he left. I told the owner that he needed to get the ladies name and have her banded from his property he said he would. A few homeless people will hang around from time to time after they started seeing us daily, they stopped coming around. By going door to door, we have been able to assist in getting 5 people jobs. I got 3 men hired at Roanoke Memorial Hospital environmentalist services (Cleaning)starting at$15 hr. I got a young lady a job working as a cook for an assisted living home.These are individuals we have met since canvassing daily.The Peacemakers have been partnering with the Roanoke Job Corps,to help get 16-25-year-olds signed up. When they complete it, they will be Certified in a trade. We have gotten 2 young men signed up for job corps from the area we canvass. We have done two de - escalations that could have resulted in violence or someone getting hurt.The Peacemakers met a knew friend while canvassing. On 81h and Harrison Ave, a new person moved in from Charlotteville, VA. He is a retired English teacher who bought his retirement home on 8th and Harrison. He immediately bonded with us, and he loves & supports what we do, and we have built a beautiful relationship with him. He too has become a member of the Peacemakers Metrics Since our deployment to gth St. Oct 24th, 2022,the police records will reflect that there have been no calls of violence, no calls for gun shots and no calls at any of the two stores. No reports or calls for Violent Crime in the area or streets that we patrolled from October 24th, 2022—January 6th, 2023.This is really a decent place to live,this area needs to be constantly monitored around the stores. All street lighting must be checked. Both stores have a plethora of cameras, and they know that we are there Present for Peace.We contacted the Health Department aboutthe stores in question selling expired food. We have not been able to start the conflict resolution classes due to the daily canvassing and shortage of volunteer manpower so we have been teaching and practicing conflict resolution door to door.We hope to have the neighborhood watch group up and running in February 2023. Neighborhood canvassing is a proactive crime reduction strategy that is proven to be effective with the right people. Criminals commit crimes however, they do not want to be seen so they execute off of opportunity not being seen. A criminal stays away from areas where they know there is foot patrol and a possibility of being seen committing a crime. As the founder of Peacemakers Inc., with 15 years of experience working with returned citizens, working with the disenfranchised, the poverty stricken and walking these streets as a former criminal. I feel that 41Fage for Roanoke to see a noticeable reduction in gun violence & Homicides, we have to put more work and more people in the streets, in the hotspots. it MUST be people that are not afraid and know the streets,have once been in the streets,but have changed their lives and do not want to see our Youth end up where we were or worse, DEAD! This is REAL in our community and it's going to tape those of us who are not afraid,those trained in Conflict Resolution with that heart of Love to save our Youth, our family and our entire Roanoke City. #saferstreetspeacemakers. We walk these streets and there are more and more people getting guns illegally and using them illegally.There are people getting them for protection and they mean well but do not suppose to have a gun. 1 spent 21 years in the most dangerous Maximum security prisons in Virginia and Illinois with the most violent prisoners. in the prison environment and culture which is violent every prisoner when he leaves the domain of his cell and is able to move around the prison yard, he carries his Knife not because he wants to use it but he understands his environment and that is his protection because people don't fight with their hands anymore. Likewise out here in the streets what is called the hotspots,the impoverished areas when people come out of their homes a large amount of them carry an illegal gun because gun violence is a disease. Diseases spread so does gun violence because the Beefs are not being squashed so it spreads via friends family etc. We Must Fight gun violence where it is at: IN THE STREETS! Peace. WE HEREBY declare under the penalty of perjury that the contents of this Peacemakers Report is true and accurate.This WE declare. rylu,rct' ("Z)C k 1/13/Z Marcus Welch, Board member/Project Manager Z-3 Shawn Hunter, President/Founder 5 ) Page 23 December,2022 To: Sherman P. Lea,Sr. (D), mayor;Patricia White-Boyd (D),vice-mayor;Anita 1. Price(D),Vivian Sanchez Jones(D),Joseph L.Cobb(D),William D. Bestpitch (1),Stephanie Moon Reynolds(1) Dear City Council Members, I am a new resident of Roanoke who purchased a house on the corner of Harrison and gth.St NW in early July of this year. I retired from teaching middle school in Albemarle County in 2009. 1 arrived here in time for the raucous 4u'of July fireworks show in my neighborhood that took me by surprise. Wow!1 guessfolks are happy to see me, I thought.Since that time, I have learned that my neighborhood(I will refer to it as the V'St.corridor)has a somewhat tarnished reputation. i have also met some of the Peacemakers,a group of community organizers and activists with whom 1 believe you have a relationship.The three members of this organization l know are Shawn Hunter, Lisa Howard and Lisa's son Marcus. I am writin this letter as a show ----------------------------- of support for the work this organization is doing,and,truth to tell,as a bit of an essay on my hopes for the future of Roanoke.This is my new home, and 1 am quite certain I will end my days here,so we have a common interest in making Roanoke a vibrant,prosperous,and safe place to live.Although i have done a Tittle reading and made a few friends, mostly I have been holed up working to bring my old house back to life. My knowledge of Roanoke is quite limited,so 1 surely will be off the mark at times. Nevertheless, I bring with me nothing but good will and a fresh pair of eyes,so I hope you will find sufficient value in my perspective to forgive the extent to which I presume upon your valuable time. I am inclined to give nurture a greater role in determining the quality of our moral acts than our"sinful" nature(as Augustine of Hippo would do).We can heal and improve ourselves and our communities.We are teachable. But although I am usually trusting and open, sometimes experientia docet, as Mr.Micawber liked to say.The events that turned my life upside down and eventually brought me to Roanoke,for example,were precipitated by what I will always consider to be an unconscionable violation of my trust. if you live long enough,you will certainly be buffeted by bad faith and deceit. Many experience much worse at the hands of people who are unprincipled,careless, or simply criminal.So, I do not distribute my trust as freely as I might toss plastic beads off the back of a Mardi Gras float. Nevertheless, I can say that the Peacemakers have worked to earn my trust and have done so.They have communication skills.They are open,candid,and friendly.They offer to help.They explain their ce mission clearly.Therefore,the first note I wish to sound in praise of the Pemakers comes from their ability to build relationships with Pe le and nd create trust.This is something good teachers must learn to do. it is a life skill I feel certain each of you values as well. I am an English major to the bone. But I have eclectic interests,and in thearly 90s 1 became fascinated by the science of thermodynamics after having read The Refrigerator and the Universe:Understanding the Laws of Energy by Martin and Inge F.Goldstein. 1 eventually wrote a teaching unit on the subject and one summer I put together an enrichment class for the 1 school district where my son went to school. It was a father,/son effort and is for me a cherished memory.The English novelist C.P.Snow said that not knowing the Second Law of Thermodynamics is like not having read Shakespeare.Albert Einstein expressed his admiration differently but with similar conviction.We did some real science in our class,but the one thing l kept as a memento of a subject that still mesmerizes is a toy T-rex dinosaur about three inches high.You wind it up and, perched on two massive hind legs while balanced by its tail, it shuffles forward.The grinding of the mechanism suffices for a growl I suppose.After about 15 seconds, it comes to a haft and,of course,nothing else happens.I can wind the toy up again, but again that energy will be lost,ultimately making its way into interstellar space.The punch line lies in the fact that this is a perfectly acceptable demonstration of entropy,the ever-increasing disorder that occurs as energy moves about in the universe. Earth,our beautiful blue marble,is winding down as is the Sun and the visible universe.The time frames are vastly different of course, but it is the same principle at work. Energy is not destroyed;it just becomes unavailable for any use. Things fall apart. if I were assigned the task of describing neighborhoods that are blighted in some way,where mischief and crime are problems,where people live but do not thrive, I would consider mining the Second Law of Thermodynamics with its descriptions of disorder, lost energy,and the heat death of the universe (yikesI)for suitable tropes and analogies.We consume a lot of dystopian stories about the future. Bob Dylan's song, "Everything Is Broken,"with its clever enumeration of the many ways people and communities can be broken would be perfect for a soundtrack: Broken bottles, broken plates, Broken switches,broken gates, Broken dishes, broken parts, Streets are filled with broken hearts Broken words never meant to be spoken, Everything is broken One of the hallmarks of our humanity,though,is the simple fact that most of us do not sit down and give up,even if we have a deep understanding of the concept of entropy:When i found myself,willy-nilly,in my new home,old,tired,alone,not much money, no one had to wind me up. 1 just got to work because 1 had ideas about the life I want to live and the kind of home I want to.live in.Thermodynamics describes the physical world we inhabit, but we also inhabit a moral universe.With a rational mind we can think and make decisions, not about the nature of heat and energy,but we can ...at least we believe we can ...make moral decisions about how we ought to live, how we ought to treat one another,and what kind of communities we ought to build.We can put Humpty Dumpty together again.We can build back better as President Biden would have us believe.The second note of praise I would like to sound on behalf of the Peacemakers arises from my belief that they,like myself,do not need to be wound up, because their energy is moral in character.They have ide about fosterin safe communities,encouragingrto help neighbor,and helping Roanoke grow and prosper. They also believe they have agency.They can act,and action can bear fruit. I doubt you wou a 2 occupy the position of responsibility you do if you did not share this faith and internal motivation. in for a burial lot. I "Perpetual care"is a phrase one is iikelyto encounter when shopping p dislike it.What will that cost?Moreover,the phrase is darkly ironic to my ear.The earth and its products belong to the living(to paraphrase Thomas Jefferson and avoid his pretentious Latinate vocabulary).There are places worthy of our perpetual care,and,yes,there are beautiful cemeteries where we can go to quietly reflect on the lives of those who came before and on our own mortality. But if you really want to understand the concept of perpetual care you might talk to a gardener. I have not been able to garden in Roanoke yet,but I love gardening. If you are serious about it,you�wd��ko w with what talk tstart'ing someoidity a ne who runs u s srden will revert to a more natural state when untended. ,Y household and raises a family.These activities,among many others,certainly require perpetual care.They entail responsibilities of stewardship that can wear people down. it is my understanding that there were two homicides in the area I have referred to as the a St.corridor where i live.The Peacemakers have had a presence in this area for a year, and in that time,there have been no more homicides.They have communicated to me that they do not think the work is done and would like to continue their presence here.lust guessing,but I suppose that running a city requires perpetual care and is a very expensive proposition. I suppose that competition for funding is fierce and maybe a little contentious. Suppose you had a visitor who represents a company considering an investment in Roanoke that would create good jobs.You are showing this person around.When you get to my street would you look around with pride and say,"Well,we had two murders here a year ago,but we got some help from the Peacemakers��a ehings have mov ng on." In this scenario you n quiet.We count are putting out hat as a victory, $o we have ended their presence here heap. fires,but the effort, admirable as it may be,seems a bit Sisyp The third note I would like to sound in praise of the work of the Peacemakers recognizes that they are willing to take the long view of their stewardship and persevere in their community building activi -es.if I ould 1 ou with raphs and charts that establish a more than satisfactory cost/benefit ratio, and a clear outline of the metrics that will measure the progress in my neighborhood. I am no snake oil salesman,however,so I will just admit I do not know what good might come of thut— eir work. But as the poet sa s wa leads to way.'if ou are able, et these good people planta few seeds.Gardeners are accustomed to failures b there are always those tants that find their 11 happy spot and flourish.That is very exciting. If you decide to walk away, probably you shouldnot a surprised by the slow decline of my neighborhood. because the I call my house Harp House re was a picture on Realtor.com of the living room which was completely empty except that next to the fireplace stood a giant leather mitten nearly six feet tall.Well,it looked like a mitten. I had no idea until a friend who obviously goes to more concerts than I do looked online and mentioned the harp in the living room. it was covered,but that is what it was. f never bestow nicknames a on me tos or ple, but I have Roanoke the made an exception in this instance.Given the strangeness of my new surroundings,and mmr hornet is just an anecdote, really,not a proper story,but one that makes e feet ince l am 3 Storytelling is something I know about given my background. One of the most common themes in our stories involves how we react to change.I have read about the Norfolk and Western Railroad and the legendary steam locomotives manufactured in the Roanoke Shops. I thought about that when I recalled that it was an analysis of just that kind of steam engine in the 1820s by a Frenchman,Sadi Carnot,that began the scientific quest to understand what exactly heat and temperature are. Now those engines are museum pieces and the coal they hauled from the middle Appalachian region for which Roanoke is a kind of threshold is a problematic commodity. For me,Roanoke's story is just beginning to be written.I think of good things like the beauty of the natural setting,the proximity of major outdoor recreation attractions,the proximity of one of the Commonwealth's flagship universities,a handsome and dramatically situated airport,the Carilion School of Medicine,a generally pleasant climate,the Uber driver from Kinshasa who likes to punctuate his sentences with laughter and who speaks four languages(French, English,Swahili,and Kikongo).And i have hardly been out at all. i would love to see Roanoke become a smaller version of Atlanta or Nashville or Austin. Or maybe Roanoke and Salem could be the Commonwealth's version of Raleigh and Durham. Even though my time here will be limited,i think it likely i will experience change in my new home. I just do not know the direction of that change. It would be wonderful to see Roanoke become a catalyst for economic renewal throughout coal country(southwest Virginia and southeast West Virginia). It would be poetic justice if the area were to become a player in the clean energy business,for example. How long can the people whose lives have been upended by the fact that fossil fuels are threatening a very fragile biosphere get by on resentment? I had a student,Amber,who said to me one day, "Oh, Mr.Taylor,you are so five minutes ago." I have no idea what I said to elicit that remark.I was glad to see that my classroom was a safe and happy place where such playful banter was perfectly acceptable. Amber was being kind in a way,because I estimate that i am usually about a decade out of date.Some changes I just do not accept...social media,for example. But we all must move with the times to some extent,and it is very helpful to have leaders who can guide us and allay our fears.Therefore,I would like to sound the fourth and final note of my praise for the Peacemakers by recognizing their ability to act as change agents who have a vision of what our community can be and will help us get there. I am very keen on happy endings these days, so I am glad to support people who can help write that kind of story not just for my street,'but for Roanoke as a whole. Thank you so much for letting me share my hopes for my new life in Roanoke and voice my support for the work of the Peacemakers. Sincerely, i John M.Taylor 4