WC CWF Homeless Advisory Committee Minutes - 11/12/2025 MINUTES OF THE
CITY-COUNTY HOMELESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 12, 2025
Present:
Steve Sparks, Chair § Committee Members
CEO, Faith Mission §
Dr. Louis Wilson, Vice-Chair §
M.D., F.A.C.G. §
Jeff Watts §
Wichita County Commissioner Pct. 4 §
Mark Beauchamp, §
Wichita County Commissioner Pct. 1 §
Austin Cobb §
City Councilor At Large, City of Wichita Falls §
Andy Martin §
Associate Executive Director of Operations, §
Helen Farabee Centers §
Jeff Jenkins §
City Manager, City of Wichita Falls §
James McKechnie, Deputy City Manager § Additional Attendees
Amy Fagan, Director of Health, WF-Wichita Co. §
Public Health District §
Paige Lessor, Exec Legal Asst/Recording §
Secretary §
1. Call to Order.
Mr. Steve Sparks called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Mr. Sparks invited an opening
prayer, and no objections were raised. Mr. Sparks led the Committee in prayer.
2. Business.
a) Report on Public Awareness Campaign
Mr. Austin Cobb reported that the City's Public Information Office ("PIO"), along with City
staff leadership and public health partners, developed a public service message as part of a
broader public awareness campaign related to homelessness.
Mr. Cobb presented a video message emphasizing a "hand up, not a hand out" approach
and encouraging the public to connect individuals in need to community resources rather than
providing cash or gift cards. The video directs viewers to LiveWellWichitaCounty.com for more
information.
Mr. Cobb advised that the message is scheduled to air on KFDX Channel 3 and KJTL
Channel 6, and would also be shared on social media platforms.
Committee discussion followed regarding possible enhancements to the campaign,
including:
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• Adding local B-roll footage to show Wichita Falls-specific conditions and avoid use of
footage from other cities;
• Incorporating testimonials or additional committee member participation as the campaign
expands;
• Considering a role-playing scenario concept to demonstrate how a member of the public
could respond and redirect someone toward resources.
Mr. James McKechnie noted the video should be viewed as the kickoff to a larger campaign,
with opportunities to build additional segments over time.
b) Report on Medical Services
Dr. Louis Wilson presented a medical services update, outlining three key components the
Committee has discussed to reduce unsheltered homelessness through coordinated healthcare
response:
1. A 911 Nurse Navigator system (through AMR),
2. A coordinated street medicine program, and
3. Establishment of medical respite unit(s).
911 Nurse Navigator(AMR).
Dr. Wilson explained that AMR offers a nurse navigator model using protocols/algorithms to
help determine appropriate care pathways and reduce unnecessary emergency responses. Dr.
Wilson indicated AMR reports that approximately 51% of 911 calls involve health-related
navigation needs. He stated AMR would cover part of the cost and that the model is used in other
communities (including Knoxville) to coordinate between street medicine, shelters, and medical
providers. The Committee discussed the importance of ensuring the navigator system has up-to-
date, local resource information.
Ms. Amy Fagan discussed the importance of the follow-up component after referral (e.g.,
confirming individuals attend appointments, obtain medications, etc.) and noted other models
exist that support linkage-to-care and follow-up.
Street Medicine Program (Concept).
Dr. Wilson described a proposed street medicine model using a non-emergency van staffed
by a provider(physician or nurse practitioner), a case manager, and additional support personnel.
The Committee discussed training and coordination needs, including communication procedures,
before visiting encampments and interfacing with the City's new community relations officer.
Discussion included questions regarding:
• Who would own/operate the van,
• Who would employ the case manager, and
• How follow-up documentation and information sharing would occur across systems.
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Dr. Wilson noted a potential initial operational concept of 2-3 hours, three times per week,
with follow-up case management work beyond street rounds. The Committee discussed the
operational implications of whether the case manager should be employed by a partner agency
(e.g., Helen Farabee, Faith Mission, the Public Health District, or United Regional) and how
employment/structure affects access to records and coordination ("firewalls").
Medical Respite Units.
Dr. Wilson reported on a concept for medical respite unit locations:
• One unit proposed at/near Faith Mission (north side),
• One unit proposed at Faith Refuge (women's location),
with a concept of eight beds at each site. Dr. Wilson noted that cost discussions have
been held regarding nursing care needs. Mr. Sparks stated Faith Mission can
incorporate ongoing operational expenses such as utilities, security, and meals within
existing operations and anticipated fundraising for capital costs. Mr. Sparks advised
that a donor had committed $1 million, and he believed fundraising could reach an
estimated total of approximately $2 million for both structures.
Funding/Indigent Health Discussion.
Commissioner Beauchamp discussed the County's indigent healthcare funding structure and
the possibility that a portion of provider costs could potentially be supported through available
indigent health resources, subject to legal and compliance review. Committee members
discussed alternate models, including:
• The County funding a position within an existing provider organization through a
separate agreement,
• Use of Medicare/Medicaid enrollment and billing for eligible individuals to support
sustainability,
• Potential use of charity care dollars (noting policy and risk considerations), and the
need for further research.
Dr. Wilson concluded his update and thanked the Committee for the discussion.
c) Report on Healthy Community Collaborative Grant
Mr. Andy Martin provided an update regarding a grant application effort. Mr. Martin
reported that he and staff prepared a substantial grant submission (described as approximately
228 pages) and worked up to the deadline. Mr. Martin stated he experienced an access issue
with the submission portal, regained access at approximately 10:54 a.m., and the portal closed at
10:30 a.m.; therefore, the application could not be submitted.
Mr. Martin advised that, even if the grant had been successfully submitted, the Committee
would not have received an award decision until approximately March, with potential funding not
available until September of the following year. Mr. Martin stated the work product contains
meaningful planning and cost research that can support alternate approaches and "Plan B"
options. Mr. Sparks expressed appreciation for the work completed and noted that the information
compiled remains valuable.
d) Report on networking and communication
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Mr. Sparks provided an update regarding networking and Continuum of Care ("CoC")
structure and communications. Mr. Sparks reported meetings with Nortex representatives,
including Diane Morgan (Housing Coordinator) and Dennis (Executive Director), and described
Nortex as the current lead agency for the regional CoC covering a 16-county area.
Mr. Sparks explained:
• The CoC structure originated to avoid leaving HUD homelessness resources "on
the table."
• Most counties within the 16-county region provide limited participation, with Wichita
County being the primary active participant.
• Concerns were raised about the lead agency being a service provider, which can
create a conflict-of-interest perception.
• Potential improvements may include relocating lead agency functions to a more
appropriate entity to manage coordinated entry, HMIS administration,grant writing,
and grant management.
The Committee discussed possible options and the need for additional research, including
examples from other jurisdictions(e.g., lead agencies housed within city government departments
or separate non-service-provider nonprofits). Ms. Fagan agreed to research which state division
designates CoCs and gather additional information.
Mr. Sparks also referenced homelessness-related goals and reporting within City
neighborhood resources/housing-related reporting and discussed how staffing and structure may
affect the City's ability to meet stated goals.
Additional Discussion: Resource Database and Community Education
Ms. Fagan provided an update on LiveWellWichitaCounty.com as a resource database
and encouraged Committee members and partner organizations to assist in keeping service
information current. Ms. Fagan discussed a goal of increasing visibility and access through co-
branded communications, including potential placement on City/County web pages, business
cards, signage, billboards, and partnerships with other resource databases (including United
Regional and Meals on Wheels) to align and cross-link information.
Commissioner Beauchamp noted the County Extension Agent resources related to
nutrition and food insecurity may be underutilized and could be incorporated into broader
community outreach efforts.
Community Relations Officer Update/Policy Considerations
Mr. Jenkins discussed the City's new community relations officer position focused on
parks, library, and trail system issues, including engagement with businesses and providing
guidance and resource direction for unhoused individuals. Committee members discussed the
importance of coordination and appropriate responses for cleanups (including biohazard
concerns), especially in encampments and right-of-way areas.
3. Next Meeting Date.
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After discussion, the Committee scheduled its next meeting for Wednesday, January 14,
2026, at 4:00 p.m., at the same location. The Committee also discussed inviting the new CEO
from the Community Healthcare Center to a future meeting.
4. Adjournment.
Mr. Sparks thanked all attendees for their participation - d adjo ed the meeting at 5:00
p.m.
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Steve Sparks, C' air
City-County Homeless Advisory Committee
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