Score: +1
(1/0/0)
Ventura County Grand Jury
• 2000-2001
Ventura County Grand Jury Report Rain Project
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 14 findings
F1
Children generally make up more than half of the total homeless popula- tion at the Willis Road facility at any given time. An early spring visit by the Jury disclosed 61 residents, which included 38 minor children.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Several hundred people are on the waiting list at any given time.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Residents of the City of Oxnard receive the highest priority since Oxnard provides more funds than any of the other cities in the county.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
In addition to the individual cities’ contributions, funds to operate the shelter come from private donations and federal grants (HUD) which are renewable every three years.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The staff, currently numbering eighteen, are classified as county employees and receive regular employee benefits. Some staff members are former residents.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The staff covers shifts around the clock and social workers are located on the premises to provide professional services and access to county resources.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
Current staff has leveraged its sparse resources to provide such services as transportation to medical/dental appointments, jobs, job training, childcare, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, educational assistance and on-site counseling and medical services. Final Report 2000-2001 Ventura County Grand Jury
No recommendations for this finding
F8
A limited supply of non-perishable food from various charitable orga- nizations, including the Ventura County Food Share, is available to residents.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
Present accommodations lack a kitchen and adequate bathroom, heat- ing and storage facilities.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
A long-term, comprehensive funding strategy should be drafted to ensure the continuation of the program, including its capital and operational needs.
R4
The current management team should investigate use of low-income housing offset funds (those funds builders pay to compensate for lack of low-income units under development) to expand services to this population. Response required Ventura County CEO RAIN Project, Cathy Jenks, Director 51
F10
A site for an improved facility has been obtained on Lewis Road in the Camarillo area.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The County Board of Supervisors should continue its support of the program and not initiate any change in oversight responsibilities until after the move to new quarters in 2002. 50
F11
The planned new quarters will have space for up to 115 people including any animal companions.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The County Board of Supervisors should continue its support of the program and not initiate any change in oversight responsibilities until after the move to new quarters in 2002. 50
F12
County Counsel is presently preparing an application to the Federal Government to establish tax-exempt status for the organization in order to facilitate private donations.
No recommendations for this finding
F13
A Board of Directors is being recruited.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The current management team should recruit a strong and capable Board of Directors that will enable the program to grow within a stable financial environment.
F14
Currently, the Board of Supervisors has oversight responsibilities for the project. Conclusions C-1. The building and grounds are quite spartan but appear to meet the basic needs for food and shelter. C-2. The RAIN Project is an effective and efficient provider of fundamental and comprehensive services to a small sector of the county’s homeless population. C-3. The project is able to leverage benefits from the public & private sectors. C-4. The management team has engaged in proactive thinking and planning, to cope with the changing demands and resources of the program. C-5. Management and staff are capable and caring members of the county’s workforce. C-6. Because of the RAIN project’s proximity to California State University, Channel Islands and Casa Pacifica, significant expansion of services is possible in several areas including: public transportation, education, behavioral health treatment, and access to a local labor pool for increased activities such as food services. Recommendations
No recommendations for this finding
Conclusions 1
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CL1 Page 4C-1. The building and grounds are quite spartan but appear to meet the basic needs for food and shelter. C-2. The RAIN Project is an effective and efficient provider of fundamental and comprehensive services to a small sector of the county’s homeless population. C-3. The project is able to leverage benefits from the public & private sectors. C-4. The management team has engaged in proactive thinking and planning, to cope with the changing demands and resources of the program. C-5. Management and staff are capable and caring members of the county’s workforce. C-6. Because of the RAIN project’s proximity to California State University, Channel Islands and Casa Pacifica, significant expansion of services is possible in several areas including: public transportation, education, behavioral health treatment, and access to a local labor pool for increased activities such as food services.
Agency Responses 4
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.