RISE homelessness plan asks Palaca commission to provide building for low‑barrier shelter and $160,000 annual operations

Miss McCoy, presenting the RISE initiative, told the Palaca City Commission on April 9 that the program is intended to move the community from crisis response to a coordinated system of care. "We are building a system and not a service," she said, outlining four core service areas: coordinated entry and case management, housing navigation and placement, a service hub of community partners, and outreach and basic‑needs connections.

McCoy described a requested first phase change recommended by the Continuum of Care: a low‑barrier overnight shelter operating from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. with 15 to 25 beds to complement daytime Rise Hub services. She said the program would rely on dedicated staff and volunteers and estimated annual operating costs of about $160,000. "This isn't just about finding a place. It's about finding the right place and helping them to stay there," she said, describing coordinated intake and individualized supports.

Commissioners and a representative of the Continuum of Care raised procedural and practical questions. A COC board member who attended the prior presentation said the coalition recommended the shelter phase be advanced first, and several commissioners pressed staff on whether the city has suitably zoned, city‑owned buildings that could house an overnight operation. Commissioner Campbell urged urgency but also noted recurring NIMBY concerns and said the city should produce a realistic inventory of available properties. Several commissioners asked staff to return with a shortlist of candidate buildings and any required zoning changes.

Public commenters at the meeting voiced support for RISE and pressed for timely action. The commission did not vote to approve funding or assign a site at the meeting; instead commissioners directed staff to review city‑owned properties, evaluate zoning and fire‑code work needed for an overnight shelter, and bring options back at the next regular meeting so the body can consider a formal decision.

What’s next: Staff will inventory city properties and report back with feasible sites and cost estimates. The commission also discussed engaging Putnam County partners for potential facility or funding collaboration.