Homeless coalition

Roman Venegas has been on the job for about a month, and at the city’s homeless coalition self-assessment meeting, he received what he described as an “eye-opener” to the extensive system of help that is available locally.

Tuesday’s meeting at the Salvation Army’s main office was the start of shaping Venegas’ professional future and the coalition’s forthcoming efforts to fight homelessness.

“It’s helpful when we’re all on the same page,” said Venegas, who is now the homeless service coordinator for Odessa LINKS.

The homeless coalition is a collaborative group of local agencies interested in supporting and stabilizing individuals in need.

Set up through nonprofit organizer Odessa LINKS, the homeless coalition had about 20 people show up Tuesday to guide and create a foundation of top priorities for future efforts.

“The energy is positive in that there’s hope and optimism that we can meet the needs of the homeless,” LINKS Director Anabel Spencer said.

While the Permian Basin is experiencing economic prosperity like it hasn’t seen since the early 1980s, many financially strapped, fixed-income and working families are becoming homeless as the cost of living rises here, she said.

In January, about 220 people were identified as being homeless in Ector County, according to a coalition street survey.

Having an organized, clear-cut map to the services available is a priority, the assessment-meeting attendees agreed, and Spencer said their time at the three-hour morning meeting will make a difference in creating an action plan for the 8-year-old group, which experienced a rejuvenated effort in the last two years.

And sharing ideas and listening to others interested brought an energetic jolt to the service organization leaders in attendance.

“Sometimes, it’s hard because you feel like you’re swinging by yourself,” said Carrie Barrett a representative with Big Blue Ministries, which runs local shelters. “Hope is a good thing when dealing with people who don’t have any.”