County Commissioners hope to deal with local homelessness

County commissioners agreed this month to pay 300 dollars in dues so the county can be part of a regional group dealing with homeless issues.

Commissioner Pinki Jackel was named to the Continuum of Care Facilitating Group in December.

The group works through the Big Bend Homeless Coalition; it was federally mandated for continued federal HUD funding exceeding 1 million dollars that helps address homelessness in the Big Bend.

Under the group’s charter, each of the 8 county commissions in the Big Bend was required to name a member to the Board.

While the county commission was surprised that there was a membership fee, commissioners said they feel the money is being well spent.

Commissioner Cheryl sanders said it was quite eye-opening as to how many people are really homeless, and in a lot of cases its people you wouldn’t even know are homeless.

The issue impacts families with children as well as a large number of veterans.

Commissioner Pinki Jackel said there has never been a full homeless survey done for Franklin County and she hopes that one of the benefits of being part of this group is that a true survey will get done.

Then the county will be able to formulate some direction on how to move forward and address the local homeless issue. 

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