Donna Harrison

The meeting included reports from various committees. The HMIS committee updated data access policies, while the Community Outreach committee reviewed the PIT/HIC count process and discussed improvements for future outreach efforts. Other committee reports covered funding, lived experience, governance, housing resources, nominations, and public relations. Unfinished and new business focused on performing a new GAPS analysis and creating a strategic plan, as well as discussing concerns regarding the future of federal funding and potential future fundraising needs. The board also addressed meeting attendance and recruitment of new committee members.

The meeting focused on organizational updates including the impact of a government shutdown and the ongoing process of updating the strategic plan. Discussions were held regarding the need for WACH to improve community events and marketing through potential partnerships. Various committee reports were provided, covering status updates, membership requirements, and planned activities for groups such as HMIS, Community Outreach, Governance, and the Executive committee. Additionally, the meeting included updates on resource guides, an upcoming mental health event, inter-agency collaboration between the city and county, and the availability of funds for eviction assistance.

The meeting included reports from various committees, including Community Outreach, which addressed cooling stations and planning for 2026 data collection, and the Executive committee, which discussed coordination with local agencies regarding unhoused and mental health issues. Unfinished business focused on the need for increased engagement with legislators, city, and county representatives to better advocate for unique local needs, as well as addressing challenges related to interpreting new federal guidelines and managing funding cuts. Announcements included reminders about CSG information deadlines.

The board meeting focused on several operational and administrative updates. Committee reports were provided for HMIS, Community Outreach, Coordinated Entry, CoC Funding, Persons with Lived Experience, Governance, and Nominating and Membership. Key discussions included updates on HMIS training policies and access, preparations for the Point-in-Time count, and the introduction of a new group joining the organization. Additional business items addressed shelter care and supportive housing overviews, processing timelines for homeless applications, and agency announcements including HUD Gaps Analysis, FY 2023 Renewal Application status, and various community fundraising and program initiatives.

The board discussed and approved a schedule of meeting dates for the upcoming year. Extensive planning was conducted for the HIC/PIT survey and count, including training logistics, community partner coordination, and breakfast event arrangements. The board also formally approved the City of Tuscaloosa to serve as the collaborative applicant for the GAPS Analysis, with retroactive effect. Additionally, local community event announcements were shared.