An on-going “conversation” of 35-service providers to the homeless in Seminole County, Fl., is in-between their formal public meetings. In the interim, we examine more closely sidebar issues fundamental to the goal of reducing homelessness in the county and bringing a greater presence of self-sufficiency to the local homeless population. Length – 29:23

This podcast offers condensed comments from key players, with our own goal of examining more closely their understanding of the expected projects to be funded, the security and sufficiency of such funding, the challenge of whether and in what amount to apply the funding for short or long term needs, the attempts to expand the conversation group, and whether or not and why this long-standing group may fold-up under an existing regional advocacy organization.

By telephone, we interview 3 people involved in the process and 1 outsider. Below, we have posted helpful links to issues about which they speak as well as still photos of most of them in our on-line slide show. The extended interview of each is also posted below.

Carey represents the inside perspective of Seminole county board of county commissioners.

Web | Bio

Fussell also represents the inside perspective of Seminole county government as the principal staff person managing the process.

Web

Groseclose is the head of a well-recognized local non-profit collaborative working to provide best-practice service to the homeless in the county. While we consider her an “insider” to the process, she is an active and vocal participant in the “community conversation.”

Web

Culp is the outsider. He’ll offer an explanation of allegations made in the last conversation about his company and its role in local affordable housing properties.

Additional Feature Information

• Director of community services – job description and annual salary range
• Candidates being considered

Links to other podcasts produced by CMF Public Media featuring issues related to homelessness

• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #6
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #5
• Fallout and Followup
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #4
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #3
• Homelessness: A Community Conversation #2
• Homeless Forum (#1) Followup (12/9/2010)
• On Being… Homeless in Seminole County: The Problem & the Players
• On Being… Homeless in Seminole County: The People
• On Being… Homeless in Seminole County: The Possibilities
• Kids of HOPE
• Coping with the Economy in Seminole County: Shepherd’s Hope Health Clinic
• Coping with the Economy in Seminole County: Sonshine Food Pantry
• Homeless Students in Seminole County – Families in Transition
• Commentary: Feeding the Hungry
• Commentary: Homeless Issues in Seminole County
• Commentary: Ending Homelessness
• Commentary: Affordable Health Care Services for the Homeless

Extended Interviews

Hear Brenda Carey address…. how the size of the homeless funds stack up against the county’s other non-homeless projects… who will make the decision on the candidate to fill the position of director of community services for the county… whether she advocates for greater inclusion of non-providers in the group discussion… a possible governing role in this homeless conversation for an regional advocacy group… and whether she or a loved-one has ever experienced homelessness, poverty or hunger. Length - 24:55

Hear Steve Fussell comment on… how and when the funding recommendations will be made to the county commissioners… who is responsible for inviting Scott Culp to the conversation… Length - 37:11

Debbra Groseclose remarks on …the role of the Pathways to Home collaborative… could or should the county, at the get-go, used Pathways as a model collaborative or in place of the entire conversation initiative… the role Michele Saunders played in the conversation… and whether Groseclose or a family member has ever experienced homelessness, poverty or hunger. Length - 41:09

W. Scott Culp comments on…greater detail surrounding funding regulators… and offers a description of the typical demographics residing in affordable housing. Length - 27:54