Responding to the growing homelessness problem, Washtenaw County administrators created a county-wide Task Force on Homelessness last fall to pursue solutions.
The task force is comprised of representatives from the city and county governments, local business professionals and homeless advocates throughout the community.
"The idea (for the task force) came from suggestions given by advocate groups who recognized the need for long-term solutions to the homeless problem in the area," said County Administrator Bob Gunzel.
Gunzel, one of three task-force chairs, said the information currently being compiled by the subcommittees helps find workable strategies to combat the homeless problem.
"At this point, (the task-force chairs) expect that when all of the subcommittees meet on March 18th to present their final reports (to the city and county governments), we will hopefully have a clearer vision on how to implement the best plan for the community," Gunzel said.
Gunzel said public discourse and comments are welcome at the March 18 meeting. He said the city and county governments have been very supportive of the task force since it was established.
"They have been very committed to helping with the activities and research that the subcommittees have been conducting," Gunzel said. "I think the best evidence of their support is their interest in long-range funding for the improvement of homelessness programs and shelters in the area."
The Ann Arbor City Council unanimously passed a resolution during the regular council session Jan. 21 to publicly voice its commitment to the Task Force on Homelessness.
The resolution, proposed by councilmembers Jean Carlberg (D-3rd Ward), Patricia Vereen-Dixon (D-1st Ward), and Patrick Putman (R-4th Ward), emphasized the need to look at all of the resources available to improve the facilities offered to the homeless.
"We need to start putting our actions where are mouths are," Vereen-Dixon said during the council meeting. "I am committed to say more than words - I am ready for action."
Olaf Lidums, interim executive director of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, said he was impressed by the commitment of the city and county governments.
"(I think) they are very cognizant of the problems, by virtue of their approval of additional funds for more staffing and rehabilitation," Lidums said.
"I think they are sincere in their commitment to actively pursuing solutions and facilitating whatever systems in the city might be able to best accomplish the long term goals," he said.