HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations and Community Services Board Minutes 05.26.26
City of Lansing Human Relations & Community Services
Advisory Board Meeting Summary
Attendance: Ron Embry, Glenn Lopez, Dr. Versey Williams and Dr. Thomas Woods
Staff: Interim Director Delvata Moses, Amy Crank, and, Renee Morgan Freeman
Others: Patrick Abood, OCA and Sunny Miller, OCA
The meeting was called to order by Chair Ron Embry at 5:45 p.m.
Roll Call
A quorum was established with the majority of board members present.
Approval of the Agenda
Dr. Woods moved to approve the agenda. Seconded by Dr. Williams. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
Dr. Williams moved to approve the minutes of April 28, 2026. Seconded by Dr. Woods. Motion carried.
Public Comment
None
Communications
None
Interim Director’s Report
Interim Director Moses provided updates on Causeway Bay, indicating that currently six people are still
residing there. HRCS is working diligently towards transitioning them into housing. There is a RFP
being circulated for Street Outreach, which was disseminated on May 18th. The RFP are due June 5th,
with an evaluation period through June 15th and award selection scheduled for June 23rd. Currently
HRCS is waiting for the final approval of architectural designs for the NOVA Lansing Housing Initiative
as well as the engineering plans. An RFP is in the process for construction. The NOVA meet and
greet initially scheduled for June is being postponed. The Interim Director attended the City Council
Ways and Means Committee for the approval of a resolution to accept the $600,000 grant allocated for
the ModPods from Ingham County, which has been accepted. The HRCS team took advantage of an
invitation to tour the City Rescue Mission. The team when in two shifts, 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m. The latter
provided an opportunity to see the mission in action during the times people are there. The City Rescue
Mission houses 200 men and an additional 100 women when completed. They also have an outreach
drop-in center for up to 100 people.
Date of Meeting: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Time of Meeting: 5:30 PM
Place of Meeting: Foster Community Center
200 N. Foster, Room 211
Lansing, MI 48912
HRCS Advisory Board Meeting Summary 052626– P a g e | 2
The HRCS Culture and Accountability team instituted virtual training on various subjects related to
culture, bias, equity, inclusion, harassment and discrimination for city employees. It was realized that
city employees who work in the field, such as public service, do not have access to a desk and
computer. Therefore, HRCS implemented an equitable process, which entailed in-person training
sessions. These sessions were well received and a win for HRCS. Interim Director Moses shared an
update on HRCS Advisory Board vacancies. The Mayor’s office is working on appointments. One
person has been vetted, and another person is going through the vetting stage. Chair Embry will be re-
appointed for another term. It is hoped that the two board vacancies will be filled soon.
There were inquiries about the Street Outreach RFP, its selection process and whether there are
concerns about HRCS funding for the current Street Outreach contract. A brief discussion ensued.
Interim Director Moses directed attention on two upcoming events and provided brief details for the 5th
Annual Celebration of Diversity on Thursday, June 11th and the HRCS Housing Ombudsman
partnership with the Ingham County Housing Resource Fair on Wednesday, June 24th.
Adjournment
Dr. Woods moved that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
HRCS Advisory Board Members (6/8): Ronald Embry/Chair (2nd Ward), Sean Gehle (MAL), Melissa Horste/Vice Chair
(MAL), Glenn Lopez (1st Ward), Versey Williams (3rd Ward), Thomas Woods (MAL), Vacancy (MAL), Vacancy (4th Ward)
Rmf/DM/finalized 062226