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Web-based system aims to aid homeless1,000 state grant and shelter BavCounty’s more than are without homes.By Tom QuimbyNews Herald Writer747-5071 / tquimby@pcnh.comSocial service agencies in Bay County recently began using a Web-based database designed to help the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) achieve its goal of ending homelessness in 10 years.The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) was made possible through a $241,(XX) state grant — the largest ever obtained by the Homeless Hunger Coalition of Northwest Florida for the specific purpose of relieving homelessness.Bay County Health Living Department grant writerexpenses AleLsandra Schippnick,such as rent, w''° aPJ?“ and ob‘Jincdntilitipc the Challenge Grantrhilri rarf through the Florida Depart-r care, ment of Chikirt,n and Fami.transportation lies ^ the money was spiitand clothing, three ways: Bay AIDS Ser-have been vices Information Coalitionprovided (BASIC), $W,(XX); Catholicthrough the Charities, $45,100; andgrant. The HMIS, $%,86i.money was Living expenses such asreceived in rent’ utilities, child care,December and transPor,a,ion and clothing,was largely ^ bce P£?vidcd lhroushcnpnt hu thC grant ^ m°ney WaSspent uy received in December and__was largely spent by June.“We worked together through this one grant. It worked out very well,” said Hunger Homeless Coalition President Frank Dean, who also serves as director ofBASICSchippnick, who also works as a consultant for the Homeless Hunger Coalition, said there are over 3,600 homeless people in Bay County and that only 14 percent of them have access to beds and shelters. “There were probably about 1,000 families and individuals (assisted) by the grant,” she said.People living on the street, in their cars or motel rooms or with relatives are considered to be homeless by the state.HUD and state officials are hopeful that HMIS will help relieve homelessness by providing quick access to detailed information about homeless people. The information will be used to determine how many homeless there are in a given area, what their needs are and what resources are available to assist them.“We’re trying to better gather information and target the specific needs of the homeless,”See HOMELESS page 3A
Newspaper Details
Panama City News Herald
Panama City, Florida, US
Thu, Jul 10, 2003
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Chastity W.
AL, USA 21 Mar 2022
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