Here are a few last minute items for the meeting today. Some of the PIT and HIC documents are rather large – best to view them on screen rather than try to print them, especially the HIC Spreadsheet.

The Maine Continuum of Care will be meeting this Thursday, April 18, 2019 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. We are trying something new this month!!! We will be using GoToMeeting for our remote connectivity.
Since this is our first time using GoTo Meeting, please try to attend at one of the group sites listed below (NOT the usual library locations):

–  MaineHousing, 353 Water St, Augusta

–  New Beginnings, 134 College Street, Lewiston

–  Shalom House, 106 Gilman Street, Portland

–  PCHC Admin Building, 103 Maine Ave, Bangor

For those unable to attend at a designated group site, you can join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone via this link : https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/352415877

To join by phone, call-in only, dial:  +1 (646) 749-3122  and when prompted enter Access Code: 352-415-877 (Please use either your phone or your computer audio to connect – do not use both, and do not put us on hold!)

The intent of this Conference Scholarship is to ensure that Maine is well represented at such events by a broad and diverse group of people who can bring a combination of personal and professional experience to the discussion. This Scholarship is open to people with lived experience of homelessness in Maine, as well as to employees of agencies working to address issues of homelessness in Maine, who may not otherwise be able to attend the Conference.  Please see the following Form and Instructions. Conference Registrations and hotel rooms are filing up fast so do not delay! Please contact Scott for more information: stibbitts @ mainehousing.org 

The next Statewide Homeless Council meeting will be held at the Maine State Prison, 807 Cushing Road, Warren, Maine on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 from 9:30 to 2:30. Please note that if you have not already submitted your personal information for clearance you will not be able to attend this meeting.

The PDF file below contains the agenda and other information that members should review prior this meeting. Minutes from the February meeting are also attached below. Minutes from our March meeting will be emailed to members for review and posted with the materials for our next regular meeting. 

The Maine State Prison has strict guidelines regarding visitors, including restrictions on what can be worn and what can be brought into the facility. For example, electronic devices are prohibited without prior approval. Lockers are available for rent in the lobby to store personal items while visiting. Please read additional details which can be found here: https://www.maine.gov/corrections/facilities/msp/MSPVisiting.htm

This information is also available on the “Meetings” tab of the new Statewide Homeless Council website: www.MaineSHC.org

The Maine Continuum of Care is accepting nominations to fill a recently vacated Tri-Chair position. The MCOC will do their best to maintain equal representation of the three regions (Southern, Central, and Northern) for the tri-chair positions. Currently we are accepting nominations to fill the remainder of the term for the Region 1 Chair.

Standard terms are for 3 years, and Chairs may be re-elected. Nominees must be MCOC members in good standing, meaning they are eligible to vote at MCOC meetings. If you are not sure the person you wish to nominate is eligible, please contact Vickey Rand or Awa Conteh to confirm their status. Also, please confirm with the person you wish to nominate that they are willing and able to commit to the time and energy required of this role (Full MCOC meetings, Board meetings, NOFA Committee, etc.).

Please email the nominee’s name, agency, and contact information to Vickey or Awa no later than April 16th. Nominees will be announced at the MCOC meeting on April 18. Voting will take place either at that meeting, or electronically between the April and May meetings.

We had a problem with the call in option for today’s MCOC meeting. If you attempted to call in but were unable to connect please let me know via email to stibbitts@ mainehousing.org and you will be marked as having attended. Very sorry for the inconvenience and frustration.

Neither the Bangor nor the Lewiston Libraries will have Tandberg availability for today’s Maine Continuum of Care meeting. If you were planning to attend at one of these locations, please use the Call-in option, and remember to send me an email to let me know you were on the line.

Sorry for the late notice

– Scott

This is a reminder that the Maine Continuum of Care will be meeting on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Please see the Agenda for details regarding locations and call in options. Other information and materials to be discussed at the meeting are linked below. Please bring your own paper or electronic copies to the meeting.

Free Webinar
Wednesday, April 17, 1:30 – 2:30 Eastern Time

Click Here to Register
This free webinar will raise awareness about risk factors that contribute to overdose death, and explore the program policies and practices that can address them. It will highlight administrative tools and engagement techniques that can help supportive housing programs prevent and respond to drug overdose. The webinar will describe harm reduction strategies, like carrying naloxone (Narcan) to reverse an opioid overdose. 

Objectives: 
1. Identify risk factors for drug overdose that are common among people engaged in supportive housing programs 
2. Explain the role of naloxone in reversing opioid overdoses and describe options for integration of naloxone access into supportive housing programs 
3. Explore topics that case managers can discuss with supportive housing participants to help them develop a plan to prevent or respond to a drug overdose 

Target audience: 
• Program administrators 
• Supportive housing case managers and supervisors 
• Community health workers 
• Outreach workers 
• Healthcare providers

The National Health Care for the Homeless Council will be presenting a webinar on March 27, 2019 exploring the importance of safety planning and how violence affects the lives of women without homes. Learn how you can improve services for women experiencing homelessness through trauma-informed, quality care.

Women and families are the fastest-growing segments of the American homeless population. Whether on the streets, doubled-up, or temporarily sheltered, women without homes face complex challenges such as increased risk of sexual assault, lack of access to preventive and prenatal care, and all-too-prevalent trauma.

This webinar is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insight into the tools and resources needed to provide effective and trauma-informed assistance to women and families in the homeless population. Title: Safety Planning with Women Experiencing Homelessness
Date: March 27, 2019
Time: 12:45 PM EDT
Register Today