Saline County Commissioners discussed potential participation in a new homelessness steering committee during their December 31st meeting.
County Administrator Philip Smith-Hanes informed the commission that Salina Grace, a local organization, is forming a steering committee to address homelessness in the community and develop new ideas for solutions.
The first meeting of this committee is scheduled for January 13th at 2:00 PM at Salina Grace's community resource center on Broadway. Smith-Hanes asked if any commissioners were interested in volunteering to be involved in the conversation.
One commissioner expressed willingness to participate, noting the meeting time of 2:00 to 3:30 PM. Another commissioner raised a point about past meetings being primarily informational, without much opportunity for proposing solutions.
Smith-Hanes clarified that while the initial meeting he attended was more about gathering interested parties, this upcoming meeting is intended to involve more active conversation.
The discussion also touched on broader issues of collaboration between the county and city on homelessness. One commissioner expressed a desire to meet with city leaders to discuss their respective roles in addressing homelessness, particularly before the budget process begins.
Smith-Hanes acknowledged ongoing efforts to schedule such a meeting, mentioning potential timing in late February or early March, pending the appointment of an interim city manager.
