pages: SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-10-23.pdf, 4
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SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard | 2008-10-23 | 4 | Regular Minutes of the SSHRB, October 23, 2008 Meeting Page 4 quantify any increase in demand for services and how many additional people could be served by the additional funding. In keeping with past years, re-programming funds must be used for direct services rather than staff salaries or overhead costs. Jones commented that the Alameda Food Bank has seen an increase of 25% more families needing food. As a result, they have released $10,000 of reserve funds to increase food purchases. She further explained that according to the Alameda Food Bank, food in more expensive than in past years due to increased fuel prices. Jones explained that because the American Red Cross-Alameda Service Center does not maintain a waitlist for eviction prevention services, it was difficult to judge the increased need for that program. However, since the foreclosure rate is low and the increased demand doesn't seem to be clearly noticeable, the Alameda Food Bank is being recommended to receive the bulk of the public service funds ($9000). Jones closed by stating that a smaller portion of funding ($2000) was recommended for an Earned Income Tax credit program (VITA) to be hosted by Alameda Point Collaborative. Last year, the program was managed last year by Alameda Family Service, but due to staffing changes they are unable to host the program this year. The program provides tax assistance that provides tax rebates to over 200 families per year. Nielsen - This is not an easy decision to make. I recommend that we move forward with staff's recommendations. Thank you to APC for taking on the VITA site role, very happy to hear this. Speaker - Neil Rubenstein, Board for Alameda Food Bank (AFB). After introducing fellow board member Alice Cleveland, he explained that the AFB has served about of 3,300 people/year. However, last year they served 4,184 and by November 1st that number will be 25% over last year. The economy has had a huge impact on the demand for food. The dip into reserves has increased to $20k by January 1st. They anticipate more need in the upcoming year. The extra funding will be a very big help for the AFB, and thank you to staff for the recommendation, particularly since donations are down. Soglin - Do you think the donations are down because of the economic trouble? Rubenstein - We don't know for sure. The AFB is working on more marketing in helping to get to the word out to the greater community. Chen - Are all donations for Alameda residents? Rubenstein - Yes. All food stays in Alameda and we do have a requirement that clients to show proof of residency. Speaker - Doug Biggs, Director, Alameda Point Collaborative, is glad APC can step in and take on the VITA site this year, which is a complicated program requiring coordination and training of many volunteers. All volunteers have to take an intensive training for certification. The total cost to administer the program is approximately $8,000 for the program, CDBG would fund $2000 and the remaining funding will come from the IRS and the United Way. He is now seeking a Program Coordinator for the project. | SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2008-10-23.pdf |