pages: SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2016-01-07.pdf, 2
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard | 2016-01-07 | 2 | Mayor Spencer, and representatives from non-profits attending the meeting, commented that data from the 2012 survey was helpful when applying for grants. Presentations of the data gathered from the survey were also made to the Commission on Disability Issues, and community groups. Ms. Young went on to explain the CDBG process and FY 2016-17 timeline, and added that the Public Services funds available for distribution will be about the same as last year's amount, which was $152,646. Last year's funding was limited to support of non-profits providing safety-net services. Public Comment: Cindy Houts, Executive Director, Alameda Food Bank (AFB) reported that the 5, 100 Individuals the AFB serves are from 2,100 Alameda households, and make up 7% of Alameda's population. Families / individuals can access the AFB 6 times a month and, depending on the size of their family, can save between $300 and $550 a month. AFB has seen an increase in seniors and middle-class households accessing their programs, and expects some of the increase is due to rising rents. AFB data shows that 37% of its clients are under 18, 10% are seniors, and 40% have someone in their household with a disability. Donations from local grocery stores are a big help, and the CDBG funds they receive are primarily used to purchase fresh produce. In response to questions, Ms. Houts shared that participants are required to be residents of Alameda, and that, while based on income, their guidelines are flexible, and few are turned away. Around 95% of AFB participants are low- or moderate-income. Erin Scott, Executive Director, Family Violence Law Center (FVLC), stated that while FVLC serves the entire county and receives County funding, FVLC IS are able to have a stronger presence in the City of Alameda thanks to CDBG funding. FVLC is written into the protocol of the Alameda Police Department, and responds to each reported incident. CDBG funds FVLC legal services in the City of Alameda, and along with Legal Aid, they are the only two agencies providing these services in the County. FVLC's specialty is restraining orders, which cover a broad scope, including housing, property, pets, and custody and visitation. FVLC staffs a 24-hour crisis line, and as funds are available, provides short-term hotel stays. Ms. Scott shared that FVLC provides legal services to around twenty-five Alamedans annually, but provide other services to an additional 200+. She shared that they never turn anyone away, but, because of volume, are not always able to represent clients at court hearings, as much as they would like to. FVLC receives Federal, State, County, and CalWorks funds, in addition to funding from San Leandro, Hayward, Oakland, and one foundation. Liz Varela, Executive Director, Building Futures with Women and Children (BFWC), said Midway, a 25-bed shelter for women and children, has been providing services in the City of Alameda thanks to the support of volunteers, local fundraising, and CDBG funding from the City of Alameda. Volunteers bring dinner to Midway's residents 365 days a year, saving them thousands of dollars each year. Midway has won awards for placing a higher percentage of their residents in permanent housing than any other shelter in the County. 2 | SocialServiceHumanRelationsBoard/2016-01-07.pdf |