Homelessness Prevention Task Force

Agendas & Minutes


Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
Most Recent Agenda | View All Agendas and Minutes

Members

  • John Anton, Portland City Councilor
  • Thomas Blackburn, Maine Construction Services
  • Jon Bradley, Preble Street
  • Carolyn Braun, Temple Beth El
  • Dawn Doiron, Community Leader
  • Doug Gardner, Portland DHHS
  • Kitty Garlid, Maine Medical Center
  • Michael Gendreau, Mercy Hospital
  • Jon Jennings, Community Leader & Task Force Tri-Chair
  • Suzanne McCormick, United Way of Greater Portland & Task Force Tri-Chair
  • Thomas Chalmers, McLaughlin, University of New England
  • Josh O’Brien,Portland DHHS
  • Brian Petrovek, Portland Pirates & Portland Downtown District
  • Thomas Ptacek, Homeless Voices for Justice
  • John Ryan, Wright-Ryan Construction
  • Chief Michael Sauschuck, Portland Police Department
  • Karen Stein, UNUM
  • Mark Swann, Preble Street
  • Mike Tarpinian, The Opportunity Alliance
  • Dana Tottman, Avesta
  • Dory Waxman, Former City Councilor & Task Force Tri-Chair

About the Task Force


The Homeless Task Force was established by council order in November 2011 and asked to carry out the following:
  • Review and gain an understanding of the causal factors associated with homelessness, as well as the current community resources available to meet the unique needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • Develop a multiyear strategic plan, including measurable objectives to reduce, prevent, and end homelessness in greater Portland.
  • The strategic plan should focus on three areas: access to healthcare services, supportive and affordable housing, and prevention.
  • Convene a larger stakeholder group to include social service providers, advocates, consumers, community and business leaders, and public safety representatives to inform the work of the task force.
  • Develop a strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness that can be endorsed by the Portland City Council and one that can be evaluated over time and modified if needed.