pages: SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2012-11-08.pdf, 2
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SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard | 2012-11-08 | 2 | Jeff Miller -ED, Alameda Boys and Girls Club shared that this was his 4th day on the job, but he has had experience running a number of other B&G Club sites, most recently in Arizona. Their new 25,000 square foot facility serves 1,200 unduplicated youth each week, providing arts and crafts, help with homework, a computer lab, and athletics. All of these, helping to create a well-rounded youth experience. He explained that this year's CDBG funds are being used to provide member scholarships to youth from low-income Alameda families. Carlos Zialita, ED and Zoe Holder Program Director of the Alameda Multi-Cultural Community Center explained that the organization started in 1998 and now provides services at their Woodstock Education Center, which also has a computer lab, added in 2010. They provide access for all, with their services available to all ages and ethnicities. Thirty-percent of those using their lab have a primary language other than English, and they will be requesting funds to replace their outdated computers. Angie-Hajeem, Fair Housing Counselor with ECHO Housing explained that she investigates claims of housing discrimination in Alameda, with families with children being one of the groups most discriminated against. Other ECHO staff provide landlord - tenant mediation services in the City of Alameda in addition to being available to answer other tenant-rights related questions, often dealing with the eviction process. She stated that their are no Rental assistance Funds available in Alameda. Liz Varela, ED of BFWC explained that, in addition to operating Midway Shelter for the past 25 years, BFWC operates Bessie Coleman Court at APC, offers a number of Domestic Violence Services, and currently has a CDBG to provide Rental Assistance (RA) in Alameda. BFWC provided case-management, RA, and other HPRP funded services for the mid-county hub located in San Leandro, during the recent round of HPRP / Stimulus funding. Midway Shelter provides 25 shelter beds for homeless women and children, the majority of which are victims of domestic violence for up to six months. BFWC has the highest "placement into permanent housing" rate of any shelter program in Alameda County. They have recently been awarded State funding which will allow them to use all of the CDBG $20,000 RA funds for direct services, supplement it with an additional $10,000 for direct services, and cover the other necessary admin. Costs. BFWC is also in the process of reviving Alameda's DV Task Force. Richard Winefield, ED - Bananas, shared that his organization helps families identify quality pre- school or child-care providers, and also offers child-care vouchers to low-income families through a number of funding sources. Many of their customers are single moms or dads and some of them are at-risk of losing their housing, if they are not able to go to, or look for jobs, because they can't afford childcare. Throughout the presentations, many presenters stated how the need has increased for the services of their agency and other programs. President Wasko and other Board Members also thanked the presenters for the amazing services they provide to our community. President Wasko explained that the Board would now discuss what they had heard in the presentations, take into consideration what we have learned from the 2012 Community Needs Survey data, and review the 2012 Needs Letter, as they decide what will be included in this year's letter. It was noted that Survey showed that Alamedans think that youth are one of the highest priorities, but without safety-net support services for low-income families with children, families might not be able to stay housed. | SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2012-11-08.pdf |