Karluk Manor.Pdf
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
RurAL CAP Housing First Facility Conditional Use Permit Application Project Overview and Descriptions The Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP) is proposing to operate Karluk Manor, a Housing First facility for chronically homeless alcoholics (CHA) in Anchorage. The Anchorage Assembly adopted an ordinance providing standards for this type of use early this year (Appendix A – AO 2010-3). The Housing First program would be housed in the existing Red Roof Inn building located at 1104 East 5th Avenue (Figure 1 – Location Map). The site consists of two parcels legally described as East Addition Subdivision, Block 13A, Lots 6A and 7A. The site is located between East 5th and East 6th Avenues, along the east side of Karluk Street. Karluk Manor will serve individuals that are disabled or developmentally impaired with a history of chronic homelessness, including cycling through correctional facilities or other institutions, and who have been unable to maintain housing. These individuals currently consume a disproportionately high level of emergency and community services. In 2009, 60 individuals from this population died. The highly publicized recent deaths of 20 individuals served as a catalyst for the Anchorage community to consider long-term solutions for effective housing and care for this vulnerable population of citizens (Figure 2 - Homeless Deaths Map). In response to these deaths, Anchorage officials formed the Mayor’s Homeless Leadership Team. The development of several Housing First programs was the number one recommendation of the team. Housing First is a new approach towards ending chronic homelessness where people are provided rapid access to low-cost apartments, with vital medical, mental health and other support services available on site. Housing First programs take a harm reduction approach rather than mandating abstinence. It is a more humane, a more successful and a more cost-effective method than paying for these same individuals to cycle in and out of the emergency room, the sobering center, or jail. The programs target the most vulnerable population of homeless and allow people to move directly into housing from the streets without the precondition of treatment acceptance. A study last year by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) documented a decrease in alcohol consumption associated with the length of time that CHAs were in housing as well as a decrease in the costs of health and emergency services provided to the CHAs that participated in the program ((JAMA, 2009 – Appendix B). In an effort to alleviate the pressures on emergency and community services, to reduce the conflicting interface of the CHAs and local neighborhood residents and businesses, and to provide long-term solutions for effective housing and care for this vulnerable population of citizens, RurAL CAP is requesting approval of this CUP application to allow for the operation of a Housing First facility. Page 1 At any given time in Anchorage, approximately 1,700 people are homeless. Of these individuals, 300 to 400 are CHA—people who have been on the streets from five to more than twenty years and who suffer from chronic alcoholism, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or other severe mental health problems. The needs of this population are so complex that a full continuum of services must be provided to ensure that each need is addressed. Despite extensive histories of childhood trauma, traumatic brain injury, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, chronic unemployment, severe health concerns, mental illness and substance abuse and dependence, individuals who are homeless are very resilient and respond positively to a strength-based approach. Repeated unsuccessful participation in traditional programs such as abstinence-based or mandated treatment and high rejection rates of these programs by chronically homeless individuals with alcohol problems suggest that less conventional approaches such as Housing First are needed. In 2009, Anchorage’s Community Service Patrol (CSP) and Transfer Station saw 3,528 individuals. Due to multiple intakes per individual, it conducted 24,127 intakes. The fifty most frequent CSP/TS users accounted for 4,947 visits, each averaging 114 visits in 2009. Nearly all habitual CSP/TS users are homeless. These top 50 homeless individuals are suffering from extremely severe alcohol dependencies. These individuals represent the most difficult cases – most suffering from years of alcoholism, as well as multiple medical and mental health issues. The top 50 have used over 21% (approximately $308,710) of the 2009 operating budget for the CSP, even though these individuals represent just 1% of the total number of clients. In addition to this disproportionate fiscal impact, these habitual CSP users account for a multitude of emergency room visits (each at a cost of $1,500 and up) and impact taxpayer-funded emergency services (EMS) and the criminal justice systems. The Municipality’s Ten-Year Plan on Homelessness calls for the development of 500 new affordable housing units by 2014. This project will contribute to the goal to add new affordable housing units in Anchorage while addressing the needs of people who have been homeless for a number of years and who experience an addiction. Repeated unsuccessful participation in traditional programs, such as abstinence-based or mandated treatment, and high rejection rates of these programs by chronically homeless individuals with alcohol problems, suggest that less convention approaches, such as Housing First are needed. Karluk Manor was recently recommended by Mayor Sullivan's Homeless Leadership Team as one of the top priorities for addressing the CHA issue. Acquisition of this property is a timely opportunity as most of the facility is in “turn-key” condition, with many of the units ready to be occupied. RurAL CAP Background RurAL CAP will be responsible for the project development, operation and facilitation of residential supportive services. RurAL CAP has a number of strong partnerships with other Page 2 housing and service provider agencies that work to serve the needs of special populations, including homeless, severely mentally ill adults, and Alaska Mental Health Trust beneficiaries. Partner agencies will provide referrals, case management, life skills training, payee services where appropriate, transportation, and social engagement outings, etc. as needed. RurAL CAP’s approach to property management emphasizes personal responsibility, assisting tenants in obtaining supportive services from third-party providers when needed and not judging tenants on past behaviors. RurAL CAP involves their tenants in improving and maintaining the property, in reinforcing security and in creating a sense of community. Close attention to property management and building maintenance and ongoing supportive services and case management, combined with affordable rental costs, keep these units occupied with tenants who pay their rent and take care of their units. This approach has been successful at maintaining a low vacancy rate throughout RurAL CAP’s housing programs history and in maintaining the condition and value of their properties. Because providing services to special needs populations is incorporated into RurAL CAP’s mission and because many of their existing tenants have special needs, RurAL CAP’s Affordable Housing staff are provided training for working with special needs populations and handling any disruptive behavior. RurAL CAP is able, by observing residents in their living environment, to assist case managers and other supportive service providers to tailor services to individual resident needs, with the goal of keeping them in housing for a sufficient period of time to stabilize them and allow them to obtain permanent housing. RuraAL CAP considers this housing program part of the continuum of care these individuals receive and a complement to other RurAL CAP programs. RurAL CAP currently operates 12 housing facilities comprising 65 units. The majority of the facilities are within the Mountain View Community Councils, but there are also facilities in Russian Jack and the Taku Campbell Community Councils. RurAL CAP attends these Community Council meetings and maintains good relationships with adjacent landowners. RurAL CAP has policies in place to ensure responsible management of their properties. RurALCAP has been managing rental properties occupied by special needs tenants for more than ten years; and, have extensive experience in construction management and property management as well as serving in a landlord relationship with the target residential population for Karluk Manor. The Housing Supervisor, Ken Scollan, will serve as the property manager. His office will be located on site. Site Selection RurAL CAP conducted a vigorous site search and selection process for this facility. The search for a suitable facility had been underway for more than a year when the proposed property was selected. The selection criteria used for the search included the following: Page 3 • Proximity to target population in order to remove them from residential streets and provide safe housing. • Located in a primarily non-residential area with good access and traffic control to ensure minimal impact on residential neighborhoods and safety of project residents. • Accessibility to bus routes, employment, and services for the target population. • Outdoor space for resident use. • No more than 100 units and no less than 30 units in the property to achieve economy of scale