Council reviews 14-page grievance procedures draft intended to centralize complaint processes

Alyssa Fernandez introduced a 14-page grievance procedures draft to the Homelessness Planning Council on Nov. 12, describing it as a consolidated, equity-focused teaching tool that brings existing grievance steps (HMIS/coordinated entry procedures) and interpersonal grievance alternatives into one document.

Fernandez said the work began under a task force led by Kanitha Patterson and has included systems mapping, research of other Continuums of Care (CoCs) and input from partners. The draft proposes a grievance form, documentation template, and alternative dispute-resolution options such as mediation and restorative justice for interpersonal matters.

Several council members and a Metro Legal representative raised questions about whether public comment is still open and about how the draft interacts with Tennessee public records rules. Fernandez said the document remains under revision and will be updated after public comment and legal review before returning to the council for possible adoption.

Council members asked the task force to consider streamlining recommendations for alternatives (for example, identifying a preferred option rather than presenting a menu). Fernandez said the draft will be revised and the committee will meet to finalize public-comment responses.

The item was informational at this meeting and not on the agenda as an action item; the chair confirmed it will not be voted on today.