Executive Order 04-04

State of Montana
Office of the Governor

Executive Order Continuing the Montana Correctional Enterprises Ranch Advisory Council

WHEREAS, homelessness in Montana is a significant and growing problem that leaves some of our most vulnerable citizens without access to the means necessary to meet their basic human needs; and

WHEREAS, Homeless in Montana, a report on homeless individuals and families describes the multiple issues attendant to and correlated with homelessness that may result in increased social, personal, familial and financial costs to the State of Montana; and

WHEREAS, the causes of homelessness are many and complex and homeless individuals have highly diverse needs; and

WHEREAS, numerous federal, state and local agencies, coalitions, tribes and entities offer programs and services for homeless persons; and

WHEREAS, effective use of the state=s resources and programs to alleviate the plight of homeless persons will require coordination of efforts by interested persons, multiple systems, governments, agencies and organizations, public, private, and tribal, including participation at the state, federal, and local levels.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JUDY MARTZ, Governor of the State of Montana, by virtue of the authority vested in me pursuant to the Montana Constitution and the laws of the Sate of Montana, I do hereby create the Montanan Council on Homelessness (the ACouncil@), in accordance with the provisions of Section 2-15-122 and 2-15-102(8), MCA, for the purposes set forth below.

MISSION AND SCOPE:

1. The Homeless Policy academy was a multi-systematic work group of Montana stakeholders invested in working with issues attendant to homelessness. Montana will terminate the Homeless Policy Academy and transfer all duties and authorities to the Council created by this Executive Order.
2. The Council will function as the State of Montana=s authority on homeless issues.
3. The Council shall assist and advise the Governor on policy issues related to the problems of persons who are homeless, identify and secure available resources throughout the State and nation and provide recommendations for joint and cooperative efforts and policy initiatives in carrying out programs to meet the needs of the homeless.
4. The Council shall set short-term and long-term goals and determine yearly priorities. The Council shall create a 10 year plan to end chronic homeless.

COMPOSITION:

The Council shall be composed of not more than 18 members who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor, and shall have experience and expertise with issues relating to homelessness. The Governor shall appoint a chair from among its members. The names and addresses of the members are to be submitted to the Secretary of State.

ADMINISTERING AGENCY:

The Department of Public Health and Human Services is designated as the organizational unit responsible for the administration and management of the Council.

DURATION:

This Council shall remain in existence for two years from the effective date of this Order unless extended or terminated by subsequent Executive Order. This Order is effective immediately.

	GIVEN under my hand and the GREAT SEAL of the State of Montana, this ___ day of __________, 2004. JUDY MARTZ, Governor
ATTEST: BOB BROWN, Secretary of State