Bones Act for Homeless Assistance (BAHA) (672)

BONES Act for Homeless Assistance (BAHA)

Purpose:

To provide comprehensive support and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness in Kodiak, ensuring dignity, access to essential services, and pathways to permanent housing while promoting community involvement and sustainability.

Article I: Definitions

1.1 Homeless Individual: A person lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

1.2 Emergency Shelter: A facility providing temporary accommodations for individuals experiencing homelessness.

1.3 Transitional Housing: Temporary housing with supportive services to help individuals move toward permanent housing.

1.4 Supportive Services: Services assisting individuals with basic needs, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, job training, and access to healthcare.

Article II: Kodiak Homeless Outreach Program (KHOP)

2.1 Objective and Funding: Create a program to connect homeless individuals with essential resources and services, with 50 million florins allocated for outreach efforts, personnel, and operational costs.

2.2 Components:

• Outreach Teams: Trained volunteers and professionals conducting regular outreach in homeless camps.
• Resource Centers: Centers providing access to food, clothing, hygiene products, and case management, with 10 million florins for setup and maintenance.
• Mobile Units: On-site medical care, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment, funded with 15 million florins.

Article III: Support Services

3.1 Funding and Partnerships: Allocate 20 million florins collaborating with local non-profits and community groups, and offering grants of up to 500,000 florins to partnering organizations.

3.2 Support Services:

• Support Services: 20 million florins for job training, educational programs, and counseling.

Article IV: Employment and Community Engagement

4.1 Job Training Programs: 10 million florins for resume building, interview preparation, and job search assistance.

4.2 Business Partnerships: Partnerships with local businesses for job placements and internships, with 5 million florins for tax credits for employers hiring homeless individuals.

4.3 Community Awareness:

• Awareness Campaigns: 5 million florins for campaigns raising awareness about homelessness.
• Volunteer Programs: Encourage community members to engage with shelters and outreach programs.
• Local Advisory Board: Establish a board with homeless individuals and service providers, funded with 1 million florins for operational costs.

Article V: Evaluation and Accountability

5.1 Annual Reporting: The Kodiak Homeless Outreach Program is required to provide annual reports to the General Assembly detailing effectiveness, challenges, and recommendations.

5.2 Data Collection: Implement data collection methods to track progress of homeless individuals accessing services, funded with 5 million florins.

Article VI: Funding Sources

6.1 State and Local Funds: Allocate funds specifically for the implementation of this act, with a total cap of 195 million florins.

6.2 Grants and Donations: Actively seek private donations to supplement funding for sustainability.