Travis County Commissioners Court
September 22, 2009,
Item 30-J
>> number 30-j and then we'll go to our others.
j is request from health and human services and veterans service department to use internal general fund resources to purchase backpacks and clothing items for a stand-down event for homeless veterans until funds become available from a grant from the u.s.
department of labor.
and basically this is request for an advance of up to $7,000, right?
>> right.
>> yes, judge, that's correct.
and we've done this event for the last couple of years, and in previous years the grantor has been able to give us veterans notice.
for this year for obvious reasons they have not been willing to do that so the department in collaboration with planning and budget felt that this action was necessary to put the court on notice that while we have applied for the grant, we have not received notice that we will receive it and there has been that potential that we would not receive it, but the department does have sufficient one-time funds to use for this effort.
>> if we are not --
>> if we are not reimbursed, yes.
>> well, now, just remind me one more time, it says backpack and clothing items for homeless veterans, and this is part of the annual stand-down program.
>> yes, sir.
and it's generally a resource fair where many, many nonprofits and agencies working with veterans participate to not only provide these items but also to connect them with services that they may need help with.
so there's just -- it's more of a service and assistance type fair that's held in conjunction with the standdown.
>> mr.
pena.
>> judge, Commissioners, gus pena, proud united states marine corps veteran.
i have no -- we have no problems with this as a group of veterans that have experienced homelessness in the past and currently, whatever, that are trying to improve the quality of life for the veterans both male and female, and I hate to differentiate male from female, but there are certain issues not similar to one another so that's why we have to address all the issues.
i want to thank the county, the Commissioners court and ms.
sherri fleming on specifically item j because any little thing, any little service or service that you can provide to a homeless veteran is very much appreciated.
the homeless veteran population is growing.
it's just not just a homeless veteran, male or female, it is the homeless veteran and their families.
this is very important.
a backpack can mean, you know, a method to carry their stuff, you know, from camp to camp and to services, agency services providing services, and clothing is very important.
a lot of homeless people are not working and you talk about poverty, a homeless veteran is way low, below the poverty level.
nonexistent wages come in and a lot of them try.
a lot of people have criticized the homeless veteran, they want to be homeless.
that's not true.
circumstances have arisen that puts the veteran in a homeless situation.
and nobody has complained.
i haven't heard any veteran complain, but they have expressed, ms.
fleming, to come over here today and express appreciation to the county for providing these services to the veterans.
a veteran served our country and other people's country in what wee call their freedom, safety and democracy.
served in the vietnam war, a lot of veterans continue to be homeless, but I will tell you this much, judge and Commissioners -- by the way, judge, we are one of your strongest supporters.
we will make sure you stay on the Commissioners court as our judge.
we love you very much and respect you.
>> thank you, mr.
pena.
>> and he didn't ask me to say this, I'm saying it out of my heart because he's a good guy.
secretary of veterans affairs and secretary sullivan of h.u.d., a lot of their stuff has been in communication with us to try to improve the quality of life for the veterans as far as housing is concerned, the h.u.d.
>> [inaudible] programs.
there are a lot of stuff that needs to be ironed out.
a lot of red tape.
and the veterans affairs department is doing a lot to communicate with your agency and agency here in the city of Austin to improve the quality of life of the veterans, homeless or otherwise.
but I just want to thank you all.
there's no concern, no comment negative about this, but thank you for everything you do for our veterans.
well appreciated and very much appreciated.
thank you all very much for that.
>> thank you.
so we work with our nonprofit agencies to deliver this program, basically.
>> yes, that's correct.
>> we think that is having a significant positive impact.
>> we believe that it is, judge.
thank you very much.
>> move approval.
>> second.
>> discussion?
all in favor?
that passes by unanimous vote.
thank you.
>> thank you.
>> thank you.
>> thank you,er isry.
The Closed Caption log for this Commissioners Court agenda item is provided by Travis County Internet Services. Since this file is derived from the Closed Captions created during live cablecasts, there are occasional spelling and grammatical errors. This Closed Caption log is not an official record the Commissioners Court Meeting and cannot be relied on for official purposes. For official records please contact the County Clerk at (512) 854-4722.
Last Modified:
Tuesday, September 22, 2009 1:30 PM
