Continue the low barrier shelter conversation from Sept. 6.  Consider making a commitment to help finance low barrier sheltering services for this year's cold season.  At the time of this memo deadline I do not have a recommendation.

Improving the safety of Billings remains the city’s #1 priority.  Our September 6 work session conversations focused on crime prevention.  When discussing the 2021 PSML (public safety mill levy) we included two additional mills to invest in mental health and substance abuse.  The conversations where broad, consistently including, what causes crime and crime prevention.  Our strategies to improve safety include a commitment to reduce violent crime, improve downtown safety, improve traffic safety, and support mental health, substance abuse and prevention partners.

The FY 2023 anticipates collecting approx. $865,000 (2 mills = $432,452 + 3% marijuana local option tax $432,500) and will be placed in a fund to improve public safety and reduce crime in our community through programs addressing substance abuse, mental and behavioral health, housing essential to public safety, and related support services.

Low Barrier Shelter Services:

Conversations have continued throughout September to understand how best to invest city dollars in low barrier sheltering services consistent with the Councils earlier direction.  As I have discussed the issues with first responders and service providers we want to ensure any city investments ensure:
1)  Proper data collection and reporting, to understand users and services provided
2)  Coordinated entry is defined and used
3)  Services will be offered in good faith to all who do not belong in jail, an emergency room or the Crisis Center
4)  Service providers will share their "do not serve" and "no trespass" lists with one another and first responders on a weekly basis
5)  Good faith participation in the CoC 
6)  Hours of service for the LBS will be clearly defined and agreed to

This list is not final but has been discussed with CoC and MRM for their feedback.

We have received written proposals from CoC (Continuum of Care) and MRM (Montana Rescue Mission). (see attachments from CoC and MRM)

The final CoC project budget was included in a Progress Update that Kari Boiter sent to the Mayor, City Council, and city on July 30th. The total for both program components is $410,000. This includes seasonal sheltering and case management services. The year-round Care Coordination component (aka case management) would be designed to augment the CoC’s Coordinated Entry System (CES), which is presently utilized by 17 service providers in our community. 

MRM's proposal is also attached.  The following is abbreviated:

Proposed Budget: Addressing Public Safety Community Needs Through Emergency Sheltering Services
 

Category	Annual Cost
Staffing:	$373,300
Sheltering:	$ 60,000
Data/Adm in/Overhead:	$ 76,700
Total Annual Budget/ Request	$510,000

Terms and Conditions:
· 24 Month Contract.
· Payable in quarterly installments, net 30 days from invoice.
· We will operate our emergency shelter 365 days per year.
· We will accept those who are not a danger to themselves or others.
· We will accept qualifying referrals from Law Enforcement, Mobile Crisis Team, and Crisis Center, as well as walk ins.
· We will file quarterly reports with numbers served, numbers moved to our regular shelter, number of law enforcement, crisis center or mobile crisis unit referrals/hand offs as well as walk ins.
· We will meet with the City Administrator to deliver this data and provide quarterly updates.

Crisis Response Unit:

The City's RFP (request for proposals) is being advertised and proposals are due in late September.  The SAC (Substance Abuse Connect) executive committee voted to respond to the RFP with a proposal.  Some SAC partners have indicated that they will also consider responding to the RFP.  We hope to present the Council with a recommendation October 10 and anticipate needing approx $250,000 to implement and operate a CRU (crisis response unit) in the first year.

Nurse Family Partnership:

RiverStone presented their NFP program to the Council and shared its findings Sept. 6.  Over the last 10 years, NFP has served more than 400 Yellowstone County families.  This voluntary program with home visits from RiverStone Health nurses has improved the lives of pregnant women, new moms and dads, and their babies. Among participants, smoking decreased 25%, alcohol use dropped 56%, reports of domestic violence dropped 63% and the number of mothers who were back in the workforce 12 weeks after delivery increased 31%. (see attachments)

As we continue our dialogue with Riverstone, I anticipate requesting $200,000 year one and growth in the program in years two and three.  For the program to meet our community’s need we will need to partner with other agencies.  School District 2 (SD2) is also considering providing financial support.  The goal is to allow every expecting mother in Billings to participate in NFP.  Why, the hard data in this programs' history over the past 40 years throughout the US and for its shorter history in Montana show an $8 to $1 return of investment (ROI).  This ROI is primarily connected to the high numbers of NFP families who stay out of the criminal justice system, achieve educational goals, and remain in the workforce (several reports have been provided to the council on the impacts of NFP over the past few months).

I am also working with SAC to understand other prevention programs that fit with our strategies to reduce crime.

These challenges can only be overcome by working collaboratively with our community.  No-one within our community is immune from the effects of crime, addiction and trauma. Implementing plans and strategies developed by our stakeholders in SAC and CoC along with all those who work in the criminal justice system, crime and addiction prevention, intervention and treatment all contribute to long term solutions.  

N/A

Per the adopted budget, $864,952 dollars are anticipated (2 mills = $432,452 + 3% marijuana local option tax $432,500) and will be placed in a fund to improve public safety and reduce crime in our community through programs addressing substance abuse, mental and behavioral health, housing essential to public safety, and related support services.

Difficult decisions will need to be made sense there is not enough revenue to meet this growing need and problem.  This is one of the reasons that partnerships are so critical.  It is also important that we remain engaged with our state and federal partners to ensure appropriate reimbursements are available to the City and our partners who are providing medical services. 

As a reminder - The Council appropriated $200,000 in last years budget to help the YWCA build their new facility for victims of domestic violence.  Reducing domestic violence and breaking the cycle of DV must be one of our critical strategies.  When you research DV, (Hope Rising Chapter 13) you will learn that men who strangle women have a strong propensity to commit homicide of their partners and police officers. 

Background information is being shared with the council and public to provide informed guidance on future appropriations of funds for the purpose of  improving public safety and reducing crime in our community through programs addressing substance abuse, mental and behavioral health, housing essential to public safety, and related support services.