Governing Body
Regular MeetingTopeka, KS · October 8, 2024
Minutes
Governing Body Special Meeting Minutes – October 8, 2024
CYRUS K. HOLIDAY BUILDING, Topeka, Kansas, Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The
Governing Body members of the City of Topeka met for a Joint City-County Special Meeting
Work Session at 4:00 P.M. with the following Councilmembers present: Councilmembers
Hiller, Valdivia-Alcala, Ortiz, Banks, Miller, Dobler, Duncan and Hoferer; and Shawnee
County Commissioners Riphahn, Cook and Mays – 11. Mayor Padilla presided – 1. Absent:
Councilmember Kell – 1.
Public Comment was not permitted at this joint special meeting session; however, the
meeting was open to the public. Written public comment was considered to the extent it was
submitted to the City Clerk's Office located at 215 SE 7th Street, Room 012B, Topeka,
Kansas, 66603, or via email at cclerk@topeka.org.
AFTER THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER, Mayor Padilla announced the
purpose of the Joint Special Meeting Work Session was to discuss how the All Hands On Deck
Homeless Initiative will work together with the Built for Zero Model.
Councilmember Kell entered the room.
DISCUSSION on Homelessness, was presented.
Barry Feaker, CEO of Compassion Strategies and CCT Strategies, LLC and Brett Martin,
Vice President of United Way of Kaw Valley Community Impact Program, provided an overview
of the All Hands on Deck Homeless Initiative, and how the initiative will work with the Built for
Zero Model. The topics highlighted included the impact of the Chronic Homelessness Crisis and the
financial impact totaling $38.1 million. The following two asks were made of the Governing Body
and the Shawnee County Commissioners:
1. Support for the concepts of the One Stop Homeless Resource Center, Low Barrier and
Permanent Tiny Homes.
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268
2. Official chartering of a multi-sector community coalition, like the All Hands on Deck
initiative being suggested by Compassion Strategies in the community.
Other topics discussed were as follows:
• The All Hands On Deck Campaign pledges to End Chronic Homelessness in Topeka
and Shawnee County by 2030.
• The Compassion Strategies approach will begin building the bridge by working
together through multi-focused approaches, to bring dignity and hope to the unsheltered
homeless.
• The Compassion Strategies primary activities include the Mobile-Access Partnership
(MAP), AHOD-Campaign to End Chronic Homelessness to include a Multi-Sector
Coalition and Communication System.
• The ask of the City of Topeka Governing Body and Shawnee County Commissioners
was to collaborate, communicate and connect resource for sharing. (Attachment A)
Councilmember Dobler expressed his excitement of the proposed approach. He questioned
how much it costs area hospitals to deal with the different aspects of homelessness and noted, they
may need to consider being a permeant solution to the problem. He spoke to the importance of not
duplicating services and allocating funding sources appropriately.
Brett Martin reported they are still in the process of gathering data and building
relationships with the hospitals as well as other facilities and organizations.
Councilmember Kell spoke to the importance of expanded availability of the One-Stop
Shop to include transportation services and improved communications.
Commissioner Cook expressed concern with how the initiative will be funded. He reported
Shawnee County would need to draw from Reserve funds and asked how the City would fund the
initiative.
Dr. Robert M. Perez, City Manager, reported City Reserve funds would be the most likely
source of funding; however, there are other possible funding sources such as the homeless
encampment clean-up fund.
Councilmember Duncan stated funds have not yet been requested and it could be as simple
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269
as reallocating the funds already being spent on the “triage” of dealing with homelessness issues.
Commissioner Cook reported Shawnee County contributes a substantial amount of
operating funds to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on an annual basis, a facility
that deals directly with the unsheltered population as well as the mental health aspect.
Councilmember Valdivia-Alcala stated she concurs with Councilmembers Duncan and
Dobler. She stated she believes it is not just a City and County problem, it is a problem for the
private/public sectors as well as all levels of government. She expressed the importance of
understanding that dollars must be spent to address the choric problem of homelessness and mental
health in the community.
Councilmember Hiller stated they need to concentrate on what they are already doing well
as a community to address the issue and determine how to best leverage dollars already being
spent on dealing with homelessness. She spoke in support of utilizing a “case management
concept” because she believes it would be crucial to the success of the initiative.
Mayor Padilla spoke to the importance of implementing the simpler items so they can
move the needle on homelessness jointly with Shawnee County and all the organizations willing to
assist with the situation.
Councilmember Kell encouraged the implementation of a One-Stop Shop as soon as
possible because he believes it would be an easy first step to move the initiative forward.
City Manager Perez reported a mobile One-Stop Shop is currently in place; however, they
may need to increase public education efforts, so people are aware of the service. He stated it was
not always about the funding, but instead, about the available mechanisms that need to be put into
place. He stated he believes there are community resources in place and ready to move forward
with a planned initiative.
Councilmember Ortiz spoke about the Topeka Community and its giving nature. She
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270
requested a financial campaign start immediately and donated $100 to the cause.
Barry Feaker stated they are not asking for funding at this time - they are asking for a
partnership. He stated additional resources will be needed in the future; however, all resources will
be serving under one umbrella with the intent of everyone bringing what they can to the table to
get the job done. He reported they plan to provide an update to the joint City-County Body in early
2025.
Councilmember Hoferer questioned if healthcare organizations track Medicaid and
Medicare services that may be available to certain unsheltered populations.
Brett Martin stated they plan to include these types of available services as part of the data
gathering initiative.
Councilmember Miller stated a lot could be accomplished if they do not care who gets the
credit.
Mayor Padilla thanked Shawnee County Commissioners for joining them in the discussion.
He urged Mr. Feaker and Mr. Martin to ensure all information was communicated to both the
Governing Body and the Shawnee County Commission as they move forward with the initiative.
NO FURTHER BUSINESS appearing the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
(SEAL)
Brenda Younger City Clerk
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271
Attachment A
-
• Collaboration
• Shared Goals: Establish a mutual objective between the city/county and AHOD to
address chronic homelessness, ensuring efforts are aligned toward long-term
solutions
• Communication
• Open Dialogue: Foster regular and transparent communication between
city/county officials and AHOD to ensure alignment on priorities, progress, and·
challenges.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Work together to launch public education
initiatives that highlight chronic homelessness issues, destigmatize those
affected, and promote the programs available for support.
• Connection ·
• Resource Sharing: Pooling resources such as funding, expertise, and facilities to
increase the capacity of services provided.
47
Agenda
Cyrus K. Holliday Building First Floor
Conference Room 620 SE Madison Street
Topeka, KS 66607
https://www.topeka.org
Governing Body Agenda
October 8, 2024
4:00 PM
SPECIAL MEETING WORK SESSION
Mayor: Michael A. Padilla
Councilmembers
Karen A. Hiller District No. 1 Marcus D.L. Miller District No. 6
Christina Valdivia-Alcala District No. 2 Neil Dobler District No. 7
Sylvia E. Ortiz District No. 3 Spencer Duncan District No. 8
David Banks District No. 4 Michelle Hoferer District No. 9
Brett D. Kell District No. 5
City Manager: Dr. Robert M. Perez
Addressing the Governing Body: There will be no public comment allowed at the special meeting work session. View
the meeting online at https://www.topeka.org/communications/live-stream/ or at
https://www.facebook.com/cityoftopeka/.
Written public comment may considered to the extent it is personally submitted at the meeting or to the City Clerk's
Office located at 215 SE 7th Street, Room 012B, Topeka, Kansas, 66603 or via email at cclerk@topeka.org on or before
the date of the meeting for attachment to the meeting minutes.
If you need any accommodations for the meeting, please contact the City ADA Coordinator at 785-368-4470. Kansas
Relay Service at 800-766-3777. Please provide a 48 Hour Notice if possible. Assistive listening devices are available for
use in the community forum.
Agendas are available by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday in the City Clerk's Office, 215 SE 7th Street, Room 012B, Topeka,
Kansas, 66603 or on the City's website at https://www.topeka.org.
CALL TO ORDER:
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
1. ROLL CALL:
2. NON-ACTION ITEMS:
A. Discussion - Joint City-County Work Session - Homelessness
DISCUSSION on Homelessness.
(This is a Joint City-County Work Session to discuss how the All Hands on Deck Homeless
Initiative will work hand-in-hand with the Built For Zero Model.)
3. ADJOURNMENT:
City of Topeka
Council Action Form
Council Chambers
214 SE 8th Street
Topeka, Kansas 66603
www.topeka.org
October 8, 2024
DATE: October 8, 2024
CONTACT PERSON: Dr. Robert M. Perez, DOCUMENT #:
City Manager
SECOND PARTY/SUBJECT: Homelessness PROJECT #:
CATEGORY/SUBCATEGORY
CIP PROJECT: No
ACTION OF COUNCIL: JOURNAL #:
PAGE #:
DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION:
DISCUSSION on Homelessness.
(This is a Joint City-County Work Session to discuss how the All Hands on Deck Homeless Initiative will
work hand-in-hand with the Built For Zero Model.)
VOTING REQUIREMENTS:
Discussion Only.
POLICY ISSUE:
Discussion on how the All Hands on Deck Homeless Initiative will work hand-in-hand with the Built For Zero
Model.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is making no recommendation.
BACKGROUND:
Barry Feaker, CEO of Compassion Strategies and CCT Strategies LLC, and Brett Martin, Vice President of
United Way of Kaw Valley Community Impact Program, will present on the All Hands on Deck Homeless
Initiative, which will include discussion on how this initiative will work hand-in-hand with the Built For Zero Model.
BUDGETARY IMPACT:
Not Applicable
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Not Applicable
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Special Meeting Notice
Homelssness Presentation
Barry Feaker Handout
City Clerk Brenda Younger, M.M.C.
City Hall, 215 SE 7th Street, Room 166 785-368-3940
Topeka, KS 66603 Email: byounger@topeka.org
www.topeka.org
Special Meeting Notice
Joint City-County Work Session
A special meeting work session of the City of Topeka Governing Body has been called
by City Manager, Dr. Robert M. Perez, on October 8, 2024. This will be joint meeting
with Shawnee County Commissioners to discuss Homelessness. There will be no public
comment allowed at the meeting. Written comments may be submitted via email to
cclerk@topeka.org or delivered in-person to the City Clerk’s Office located at 215 SE
7th Street, Room 012B Topeka, Kansas.
DATE: October 8, 2024
TIME: 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Cyrus K. Holliday Building
First Floor Conference Room
620 SE Madison Street
Topeka KS 66607
TOPIC: Homelessness: Barry Feaker, CEO of Compassion Strategies and
CCT Strategies LLC, and Brett Martin, Vice President of United
Way of Kaw Valley Community Impact Program, will present on the
All Hands on Deck Homeless Initiative, which will include
discussion on how this initiative will work hand-in-hand with the
Built For Zero Model.
Contact: Brenda Younger, City Clerk
785-368-3940 or 785-368-3941
cclerk@topeka.org
Addressing The Homeless Concerns In Topeka/Shawnee County
kcurtis@tps501.org>
1
Question?
Is chronic homelessness solvable in
Topeka/Shawnee County?
2
DO WE WANT? DO WE BELIEVE? ARE WE WILLING?
Do we want to end chronic Do we believe we can end Are we willing to end chronic
homelessness? chronic homelessness? homelessness?
3
4
5
6
7
Chronic Homeless Crisis
IMPACT
*Humanitarian Suffering
*Moral/Ethical/Spiritual
The Cost *Community Conscience
*Community Health
*Safety
*Financial
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Avg. Annual Cost
General Population
$36k per Individual x 571 =
$20.5 MILLION
The Cost
Avg. Annual Cost
60+ Population
$175K per Individual x 101 =
$17.6 MILLION
TOTAL = $38.1 MILLION
Addressing Homelessness
in Topeka Using the
Path to Innovation Approach
Final Report | May 24, 2024
BY Brianna Sylver
10
Two asks of the Governing Body:
1 2
Support for the concepts of the: Official chartering of a multi-sector
• One Stop Homeless Resource Center community coalition, like the All Hands on
Deck initiative being suggested by
• Low Barrier Shelter
Compassion Strategies in the community.
• Permanent Tiny Homes
11
28
12
NEXT?
WHO?
HOW?
13
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
All Hands On Deck
Campaign To End
Chronic
Homelessness
Topeka/Shawnee Co.
2030
14
Compassion
Strategies
Approach
• Building a bridge by
working together,
through multi-
focused approaches,
to bring dignity and
hope to the
unsheltered
homeless.
15
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Compassion Strategies
Primary Activities
Mobile Access Partnership AHOD-Campaign To End Chronic
(MAP) Homelessness
16
Mobile Access Partnership-MAP Established 5/21
Est. 1750 unique individuals served
17
MAP Primary Partners
18
Compassion Strategies
Primary Activities
Mobile Access Partnership AHOD-Campaign To End Chronic
(MAP) Homelessness
19
WHO, HOW, BACKBONE?
Backbone organizations serve as coordinating bodies
that bring together a diversity of stakeholders and
lead a synchronized effort to achieve a common goal.
COMPASSION STRATEGIES-ALL HANDS ON DECK
MULTI SECTOR COALITION
20
United Way of Kaw
Fiscal agency Grant writing
Valley
Working together
Grant management Coalition leadership
Community-level
strategy
to end chronic
development
homelessness in
Strong relationships
with the three
Topeka/Shawnee
Meeting facilitation sectors: business, Trust
government,
nonprofit County by 2030
21
22
23
24
STRATEGY
To develop a multi-sector (All Hands On Deck)
community coalition strategic framework to proactively
address and end chronic homelessness in Topeka &
Shawnee County Kansas by 2030.
25
AHOD Multi Sector Coalition System
1.Campaign Chair & Coaching Team
2.Strategic Development Team
3.Sector Team Quarterbacks
4.Sector Team Leadership
5.Community Sectors
6.Community Feedback
26
Campaign to End Chronic Homelessness
Topeka/Shawnee County
Sector Team Coalition as of 8/19/24
Campaign Chair Coaches
Brett Martin UW Campaign Chair Barry Feaker- Compassion Campaign Strategy/Project
Strategies Development Consultant
TBD Campaign Vice Chair Carrie Higgins- City of Topeka Sector Team Coach
Kourtney Barr- TRM Sector Team Coach
27
Campaign to End Chronic Homelessness
Topeka/Shawnee County
Sector Team Coalition as of 6/20/24
Strategic Development Team
Brett Martin- UW Chris Gnagi- LT. COL Retired 190th Air
Barry Feaker- CS Jennifer Schmidt- KU Law
La Manda Broyles- TRM Misty Bosch-Hastings- City of Lawrence Homeless Solutions
Carrie Higgins- COT Trey George- THA
Chris Palmer- Cornerstone Greg Schwerdt- Schwerdt Design Group
TBD- Behavioral Health Brad Wheeler- 1st UMC
Mary Thomas- CRC SJ Hazim- Community Advocate
Topeka JUMP- TBD Kourtney Barr- TRM
Miriam Krehbiel - TRM Pat Michaelis- Midwest Housing Equity Group 28
Campaign to End Chronic Homelessness
Topeka/Shawnee County
Sector Team Coalition as of 8/19/24
Coach- Kourtney Barr
Sector Team Quarterbacks
First
Responders/ Lived
Behavioral Education/ Law Health & Human Experienced
Health Corrections Universities Faith Enforcement Veterans Trafficking Neighbors Animal Health
L-QB: L-QB: L-QB: L-QB: L-QB: Sgt. L-QB: L-QB:
Brian Cole Coach Craig Matt Rose Angie Boles Dr. Allison
Schurig Crow(SDC)
(WU
Football)
A-QB: A-QB: A-QB: A-QB: A-QB:
Coach Chad Terri Hund
Parks
(FCA) 29
Campaign to End Chronic Homelessness
Topeka/Shawnee County
Sector Team Coalition as of 8/19/24
Coach Carrie Higgins
Sector Team Quarterbacks
Housing/ Nonprofit/
Business Investors Government Landlords Judicial Neighborhoods Social Services Seniors
L-QB: L-QB: L-QB: L-QB: L-QB: L-QB: L-QB: L-QB:
Janice Mike Kagay Jessica Michael
Watkins (DA SNCO) Lenherr Eichten
(Habitat) (UW)
A-QB: A-QB: A-QB: A-QB: A-QB: A-QB: A-QB: A-QB:
Steve Vogel Penny Moylan
(Landlord) (Dist. Judge
SNCO)
30
31
Same, Different,
Competition, or What?
32
Built for Zero All Hands on Deck
A movement and a methodology to
achieve functional zero Campaign to end chronic homelessness
• By-name data driven approach • Improve local data systems to implement a by-
name approach
• Assemble a community-wide team
• Create a multi-sector coalition
• Centering racial equity
• Core values of inclusion
• Strategic, data-driven and diverse housing
• Targeted, data-driven housing investments supports investments
33
Two asks of the Governing Body:
1 2
Support for the concepts of the: Official chartering of a multi-sector
• One Stop Homeless Resource Center community coalition, like the All Hands on
Deck initiative being suggested by
• Low Barrier Shelter
Compassion Strategies in the community.
• Permanent Tiny Homes
34
28
Considerations Underway
•One Stop Homeless Resource Center
•Low Barrier Shelter
•Permanent Housing (Tiny Home) Village
35
DEEP DIVE INTO THE…
One Stop Homeless
Resource Center
Picture of True Worth Place, a resource center for the homeless in Fort Worth, TX. 36
9
Employment Services Life Skills Services
•Career training •Soft skills training
•Resume training •Tenant training
•Job search assistance •Communication skills
Financial Services Shelter and Housing
•Budgeting Services
•Income identification •Emergency shelter
•Disability •Transitional housing
•Social Security •Long-term housing
Mental Health Services
One Stop Basic Needs Services
•Assessment
•Counseling
Shop: •Showers
•Food
•Trauma awareness training Homeless •Supplies
•Medical services
Resource
Center
HRC TRM
System PSH
Structure HC- Homeless Camps
Homeless
HRC- Homeless Outreach Center
Camp (one stop shop)
ORT- Homeless Outreach Teams
CMS- Case Management Services
One Stop MTS- Mobile Transport System
(formerly MAP)
Shop:
Homeless Homeless
Camp
Homeless Camp TRM- Topeka Rescue Mission
Resource (education/equipping center)
Center
LBS- Low Barrier Shelter
TSH- Transitional Supportive
Housing
PSH- Permanent Supportive
Homeless Housing
Camp
TSH LBS
“Low
Barrier”
Congregate
Emergency
Housing
39
”Low Barrier”
Non-
Congregate
Transitional
Housing Village
40
Eden Village
41
Eden Village
42
Ending Chronic Homelessness
Topeka/Shawnee County 2030?
43
DO WE WANT? DO WE BELIEVE? ARE WE WILLING?
Do we want to end chronic Do we believe we can end Are we willing to end chronic
homelessness? chronic homelessness? homelessness?
44
AHOD
SYSTEM TEMPLATE
CAMPAIGN SYSTEM TEAM SELECTION COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM
DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT SELECTION PROJECT PROJECT LAUNCH PROJECT
MANAGEMENT COMPLETION
SYSTEM
45
Campaign To End
Chronic
Homelessness
Topeka/Shawnee
County-2030
46
under CC BY
So, what is the ask?
• Collaboration
• Shared Goals: Establish a mutual objective between the city/county and AHOD to
address chronic homelessness, ensuring efforts are aligned toward long-term
solutions
• Communication
• Open Dialogue: Foster regular and transparent communication between
city/county officials and AHOD to ensure alignment on priorities, progress, and
challenges.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Work together to launch public education
initiatives that highlight chronic homelessness issues, destigmatize those
affected, and promote the programs available for support.
• Connection
• Resource Sharing: Pooling resources such as funding, expertise, and facilities to
increase the capacity of services provided.
47
All Hands On Deck
Campaign To End
Chronic
Homelessness
Topeka/Shawnee Co.
2030
48