"This Commission is composed of not more than 16 members, representing various focus areas or agencies (consumer, Buncombe County, supportive/permanent housing, mental health/substance abuse, legal, educational/university, etc.). The term of office is 3 years. The Committee is responsible for implementing the Five Year Strategic Plan on Homelessness in Buncombe County. Its duties include (1) conducting research and investigation into issues about homelessness, including causes and effects within Asheville and the surrounding area; (2) formulate and make recommendations on funding and policy to local governmental entities and social service agencies to reduce the incidence of homelessness; (3) act as a clearinghouse for information on local homelessness issues; and (4) other duties as requested by City Council, Board of County Commissioners, or as the Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee deems appropriate. The Asheville-Buncombe Homeless Advisory Committee, a joint committee of Asheville City Council and the Buncombe County Commission, exists to provide oversight for the implementation of the Five Year Plan by sharing, applying, and tracking groundbreaking strategies that make a permanent and measurable difference in homelessness in Asheville and Buncombe County."