Title
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 2, ADMINISTRATION, CHAPTER 2, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR AND AGENCIES, OF THE REVISED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, 1966, AS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED, BY ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF NEWARK COMMISSION ON HOMELESSNESS.
body
WHEREAS, unacceptable levels of homelessness among single adults, families, and unaccompanied youth remains an ongoing challenge facing the City of Newark; and
WHEREAS, the factors that contribute to homelessness are many and complex, and they include a lack of affordable housing, a shortage of family wage jobs, domestic violence, a shortage of housing with support services, high levels of debt, substance abuse, mental illness, the growing number of at-risk youth, access to affordable health care, and people exiting institutions and systems of care; and
WHEREAS, private businesses, charitable and philanthropic organizations, cities, counties, the federal government, the City of Newark, and private citizens are investing resources to assist people who are homeless and to prevent homelessness; and
WHEREAS, homelessness is a multifaceted problem requiring coordination of resources, systems, and efforts from the private sector and from all levels of government; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, to address the problems of homelessness, the City of Newark collaborated with County of Essex and created The Essex-Newark Task Force to end Homelessness; and
WHEREAS, The Essex-Newark Task Force to end Homelessness, with the support of Nicholson Foundation and The Corporation for Supportive Housing prepared THE ROAD HOME, A Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness in Newark and Essex County (2010-2020), a copy of which can be accessed through the Corporation for Supportive Housing (www.csh.org <http://www.csh.org>); and
WHEREAS, THE ROAD HOME, A Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness in Newark and Essex County (2010-2020) goals and strategies are intentionally broad, designed to remain relevant and effective as the essential pillars of accountability and strategy over the long term; and
WHEREAS, a more formal governance structure is desired to continue the work to end homelessness; and
WHEREAS, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11311 et seq., as amended and reauthorized by the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH Act), supports the creation of partnerships at every level of government and with the private sector to prevent and reduce homelessness in the nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, THAT:
Section 1. Title 2, Chapter 2 of the Newark Municipal Code is hereby amended as follows:
2:2-20. THE CITY OF NEWARK COMMISSION ON HOMELESSNESS.
2:2-20.1. Established Objective.
a. The objective of the Commission is to provide a framework and strategy to end homelessness in Newark. The Commission exists to assist individuals and families in their move toward independent living and self-sufficiency.
b. The Commission further exists to promote the safety and well-being of homeless persons, and those at risk for homelessness, in a manner that respects their dignity and worth.
2:2-20.2 Functions and Responsibilities.
a. The Commission shall define and make recommendations for a continuum of services, including a strategy to ensure funding, that will define policy, programs and a strategic plan to monitor and assess homeless services.
b. Review and make recommendations regarding the City of Newark’s allocation of resources affecting homeless individuals and families.
c. Act as a catalyst for the mobilization and coordination of resources and efforts within the City that target the end of homelessness, and in particular, the end to unsheltered, chronic and veterans’ homelessness.
d. Act as an advocate, for state and federal policies which impact homelessness within the City of Newark, upon request from the Mayor.
e. Enlist the cooperation of various ethnic, cultural, religious, civic and community organizations, labor organizations, fraternal and benevolent organizations, and other groups, to further support the end to homelessness in Newark.
f. Identify potential funding streams to support the projects and priorities of the City’s goal to combat homelessness.
g. Encourage initiatives that may be utilized to support the end to homelessness in Newark.
h. Conduct an annual assessment of The Point in Time Count to assist the Commission in defining new, ongoing and changing needs within the population that the Commission is organized to serve.
2:2-20.3 Membership.
a. The Commission shall consist of a minimum of 15 members, with a maximum of 30 members, representing the public and private sectors.
b. The members will be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Municipal Council and shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor.
c. All members of the Commission shall perform their duties without compensation.
d. The term of each Commission member shall not be more than three (3) years and shall be staggered to allow for continuity. Initial appointments shall be for two (2) or three (3) years. Thereafter, terms shall be for three years, with members serving a maximum of two consecutive terms. Members who have served two consecutive terms may reapply for appointment after two years has elapsed.
e. At least one Commission member shall be an individual who has experienced homelessness.
f. The Mayor shall appoint a Chair and Co-Chair of the Commission whose terms shall be for two (2) years.
Section 2. Any existing ordinances or parts thereof, inconsistent with this ordinance, are hereby repealed.
Section 3. If any part of this ordinance is declared unconstitutional or illegal, that provision shall be stricken and declared null and void, however, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect upon final passage by the Municipal Council, and publication in accordance with the law of the State of New Jersey.
STATEMENT
This Ordinance Amends Title 2, Administration, Chapter 2, Office of the Mayor and Agencies, of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Newark, New Jersey, 1966, as amended and supplemented, by establishing the City of Newark Commission on Homelessness.