Washoe County Community Homeless Advisory Board Meeting - June 29, 2026

The Community Homeless Advisory Board (CHAB) met on June 29, 2026 at 9:00 AM. The meeting included updates on the Point-in-Time Count, Crossroads programs, and a new GED program at the CARES campus. The board also approved adding a standing agenda item for the Advisory Board of Lived Experience (ABLE). No public comments were received.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Motion by Member Taylor, seconded by Member Anderson. All in favor, none opposed. The minutes were approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public signed in to comment.

Discussion Items

• Standing Agenda Item for ABLE (Advisory Board of Lived Experience): Travis Sandifer, Division Director of Housing and Homeless Services, proposed adding a regular agenda item for ABLE to provide updates and input. The board unanimously supported the addition; no formal action was required.
• Point-in-Time Count Update (Item 6): Travis Sandifer presented the 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) count. Key data: 341 unsheltered individuals (56% decrease from 2021), total homeless count of 1,787. Sheltered count increased 57% from 2025, partly due to movement into transitional housing. Emergency shelter utilization was 89%, permanent housing 87%, transitional housing lower. The count was conducted on January 29, 2026, using a phone app, drones, and training. Board members discussed inflow/outflow, per capita metrics, the need for better success storytelling, and gaps in care for medically fragile and seniors. Member Taylor noted the total number is the highest since 2019 and challenged the region to improve. Member Anderson asked about cost and methodology. Vice Chair Hill highlighted the need for state funding and prevention. Mayor Lawson requested a future focus on steps and stages to prevent recidivism. Sandifer committed to returning in September with more detailed data on pathways and gaps.
• Crossroads Update (Item 7): Kelsey Drear, Manager at the Women's and Women's Campus, reported that River House and Serenity House will reopen on July 8, 2026, with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 AM. The families program graduated its first three families, and its opioid grant funding was extended 24 months. Crossroads has taken over the DAS STAR program for opioid use disorder, working with Reno Justice Court and Washoe County Sheriff's Office. Ryan Gustafson added that the STAR program includes peer recovery support, mental health counseling, and case management; participation dipped after the transition but is now ramping up.
• Chamber of Commerce GED Program (Item 8): Miss Silver from the Chamber of Commerce reported on a high school certification program at the CARES campus, funded by the county for 800 hours. The program includes resume development and job presentation skills. It runs Monday–Thursday, 2.5 hours per morning, with 12 seats continuously filled. Board members asked about tracking graduation rates; Silver stated the Chamber now manages the program and will report completion data. Board expressed support and requested invitations to future graduations.

Key Outcomes

• Standing Agenda Item: ABLE will be added as a regular agenda item for future CHAB meetings.
• Future Presentation: Travis Sandifer will return in September with a detailed breakdown of pathways into and out of homelessness, steps and stages, and recidivism metrics.
• GED Program Tracking: The Chamber of Commerce will track and report graduation and improvement gains monthly or quarterly.
• Crossroads STAR Program: The program is being revived with a new mental health counselor interview occurring during the meeting.
• Board Requests: Member Taylor emphasized the need for better success metrics and storytelling. Vice Chair Hill called for state-level support and prevention investments. Mayor Lawson noted that private donors are ready to help if specific gaps are identified.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 10:03 AM.