Placement: Proclamations and Special presentations
Action Requested: Discussion
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Presentation of Mr. Rayme Knuckles, the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council, Inc.’s New Executive Director Including Brief Update on the Organization.
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Submitted By: Alessandra “Alex” Tasca, Deputy Director, Neighborhood Services Department
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to be responsive to our community.
Executive Summary (General Business): This presentation serves to formally introduce the Treasure Coast’s Homeless Services Council (TCHSC), Inc.’s Continuum of Care’s (CoC) newest Executive Director Mr. Rayme Knuckles.
Presentation Information: Staff anticipates a 5 minute introduction by Mr. Rayme Knuckles.
Staff Recommendation: N/A.
Background: The Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council (TCHSC), Inc. FL-509 is the lead agency for the Continuum of Care (CoC) for Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties, Florida. A CoC is a regional planning body that coordinates housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals. The CoC meets bi-monthly to discuss issues related to homelessness, homeless services in the area, service gaps and funding. The organization is primarily funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) but, also receives other funding from the tri-county area and other organizations. TCHSC is a resource center and the lead agency for the Treasure Coast Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Their Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program provides valuable assistance across the tri-county area. They are the primary service for the area in terms of the programs they manage including but, not limited to: coordinating the annual HUD Point-in-time (PIT) count, shelters, outreach, coordination of social service providers, collection drives, supportive services, housing assistance and information center, emergency operations, and property management.
During his initial tenure Mr. Rayme Knuckles has proven to be a visionary leader and reinvigorated many of the CoC’s partnership efforts. He has a wide variety of experience, most recently with the Homeless Program Office of the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs - Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program. Prior to that, he served as the CoC of Hillsborough County’s CEO for 12 years. In Florida, he has worked with the Legislature to improve funding and services for all residents of Florida. Mr. Nuckles is in the process of reaching out to all the partners of the Homeless Service Council over the coming months to obtain their thoughts and perspectives as he works to continue to provide oversight of the Continuum of Care planning process and dive deeper into housing options for homeless members of our community.
Issues/Analysis: The City of Port St. Lucie, Neighborhood Services Department’s Community Programs Division, is member to the TCHSC CoC, with staff representation on the board. Participation in this consortium is part of the City’s on-going activities with HUD and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments:
- TCHSC Rayme Knuckles Bio
- 2023 TCHSC Annual Report
- 2024 TCHSC Point-in-Time Count (PIT) Count Report
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review: N/A