Commissioners proclaim National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
The Highland County Press
Highland County Commissioners Shane Wilkin, Tom Horst and Jeremy Shaffer proclaimed Nov. 15-23 as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Highland County during their Nov. 12 board meeting.
Homeless Shelter Executive Director Bill Fife, Shelter Director Greg Hawkins and board members Joanna Mahan and the Rev. Debbie Ketcham accepted the proclamation.
According to a news release from Fife, National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 15-23) is a national endeavor by the National Coalition for the Homeless to promote education, action and awareness about hunger and homelessness.
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"The Highland County Homeless Shelter is sponsoring this important effort in Highland County," Fife said.
"Citizens of Highland County can show their support by donating to the Homeless Shelter holiday food and winter coat drive being held at the shelter now through Dec. 31. Donation hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Shelter donation needs can be found on its website at hcshelter.org."
The Highland County Homeless Shelter is currently celebrating its 10-year anniversary. More than 1,500 people have received shelter and services during this time and many changes and improvements have taken place since the shelter opened in 2004.
Donations can be made in person or by mail to 145 Homestead Ave., Hillsboro 45133.
“The community has been very supportive," Fife told commissioners this week. "We thank you for recognizing the hunger and homeless issues we face in Highland County. Together, with your support, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate."
Tours of the shelter are available during the week of Nov. 15-23 by calling 937-393-0634.
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Resolutions
In other action, commissioners approved the following resolutions:
• A resolution to declare a list of inventory items currently located at Highland County Help Me Grow as surplus and no longer needed by the county and transferred to FRS Counseling passed by a 2-0 vote (Wilkin abstaining).
• A resolution to authorize the indigent defense rate from $35/hour to $45/hour effective Jan. 1, 2015 passed by a 2-0 vote (Wilkin abstaining).
• A resolution for additional appropriation from unappropriated funds to Rolling Acres Sewage in the amount of $2,500 passed by a 3-0 vote.
• A resolution for additional appropriation from unappropriated funds to Rocky Fork Lake Sewer in the amount of $50,000 passed by a 3-0 vote.
• A request from the Sheriff for additional appropriation to Sheriff's Budget in the amount of $7 passed by a 3-0 vote.
Commissioners also approved the following contracts by a 2-0 vote (Wilkin abstained on each):
• A Help Me Grow Central Coordination Contract between the Highland County Board of Commissioners and FRS Counseling.
• A contract for the provision of Help Me Grow Service Coordination (last half SFY2015) between the Highland County Board of Commissioners and FRS Counseling.
• A contract for the provision of MIECHV Home Visitation (last three quarters FFY2015) between the Highland County Board of Commissioners and FRS Counseling.