Memorandum
City of Lawrence
|
TO: |
Mike Wildgen, City Manager |
|
THRU: |
Victor Torres, Director, Neighborhood Resources |
|
FROM |
Margene K. Swarts, Community Development Manager |
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Date: |
March 1, 2006 |
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RE: |
2006 State of Kansas Emergency Shelter Grant Program |
The City of Lawrence has participated in the Emergency Shelter Grant Program through the State of Kansas since 1989. Several local public service agencies wish to participate in the program. These agencies have previously participated in the Emergency Shelter Grant Program and/or the CDBG program. The State requires the City to be the applicant for the ESG Program and then the City must distribute the funds to the various agencies, as it deems necessary.
The State has required local governments to implement a Continuum of Care approach to homelessness, providing progressive services from initial shelter to permanent housing. The local government and recipient nonprofit organizations identify gaps in essential services, indicating a need for advocacy, coordination, or new program development. Staff has been working with the various emergency service providers and has developed an application that addresses the Continuum of Care approach as well as identifies gaps in areas needing program development.
The City is requesting $110,500 from the State Emergency Shelter Grant Program for the following activities by the various providers.
Agency |
Rehab |
Operations |
Essential Services |
Homeless Prevention |
Total |
|
First Step House |
2,000 |
7,000 |
7,000 |
|
16,000 |
|
Lawrence Community Shelter |
5,000 |
15,000 |
15,000 |
|
35,000 |
|
Pelathe Community Resource Center |
|
15,000 |
7,000 |
|
22,000 |
|
The Salvation Army |
|
15,000 |
7,500 |
3,000 |
25,500 |
|
WTCS |
|
8,000 |
|
4,000 |
12,000 |
TOTAL |
7,000 |
60,000 |
34,300 |
6,000 |
110,500 |
First Step House is a reintegration agency that provides shelter to women and their children. The primary focus is providing a home for women who are in early recovery from alcohol/drug addiction. First Step House provides comprehensive case management and counseling services to empower women to live independently after discharge is provided, along with housing and services for their dependent children.
The mission of the Lawrence Community Shelter, Inc. is to provide safe shelter and comprehensive support services and programs that offer a path to a positive future for people experiencing homelessness or who are at-risk of homelessness. The day activities focus on education, housing, health, Back-to-Work job coaching program, counseling, and substance abuse. Programs are designed to fulfill basic daily needs, such as laundry facilities, light breakfast, mail and telephone service, and storage for people who are working, as well as to offer case management, job referrals and guidance, collaboration with legal, medical, and substance abuse providers, and other assistance for guests who are taking steps to prevent becoming or to get out of homelessness. The night program provides sleeping space for 21 adults. As an open shelter, Lawrence Community Shelter does not require a guest to pass a breathalyzer test to come in for the night. Spaces are not reserved although consideration is given to individuals who are working and may have a late shift. The day and night staffs include a LBSW, a LMSW, a certified alcohol and drug counselor, and individuals with personal experience in dealing with substance abuse. Referrals and transportation are made to detoxification or other agencies as much as possible during the night.
The Pelathe Community Resource Center currently operates transitional and permanent housing programs to help meet the needs of homeless and low-income families in Lawrence. Pelathe’s transitional housing program consists of three units (two 2-bedroom units and one 3-bedroom unit). Families participating in the PCRC’s transitional housing program are eligible to stay for a maximum of twenty-four months. Families residing in PCRC’s transitional housing units receive strengths-based case management focusing on housing, employment, other community resources available, supplemental food needs, life skills, or other issues.
The purpose of The Salvation Army is to provide spiritual and physical services to the homeless and to provide a variety of homeless prevention services for low-income families and individuals. The Salvation Army provides year round Emergency Shelter; open from 9:00 pm to 8:00 am. Resources for shelter residents include a warm place to stay, an evening meal, access to laundry and showers, mail and message service, use of the telephone, and limited storage for personal belongings. The Salvation Army assists homeless clients with locating source for deposits and rent, housing referrals, employment opportunities, and referrals to a variety of community services. In February of 2003, the Salvation Army began intensive case management with residents as well as a variety of classes aimed towards stabilizing income and obtaining and maintaining permanent housing. Since the fall of 2004 The Salvation Army has participated in 24/7 shelter between 5 and 8pm six days per week. The Salvation Army of Lawrence provides a feeding program to ensure low-income and homeless individual receive at least one square meal a day. Additionally, they maintain a food pantry for low-income clients who spend the majority of their funds on rent, utilities, and other bills.
Women’s Transitional Care Service (WTCS) provides emergency shelter and services to women and children who are homeless due to violence. WTCS uses education, peer counseling, referrals, and empowerment to aid individuals and families in moving towards permanent housing and independent living.
The State requires a minimum dollar‑for‑dollar match on the ESG funds. The City provides matching sources through the applying agencies. Match sources are listed below.
1. Cash Funds – $55,750
2. Non-Cash Resources – $54,750
TOTAL MATCH – $110,500
The agencies will be the subrecipients for this program. The deadline for applications is March 16, 2006. There is a resolution on the City Commission agenda for March 7, 2006, authorizing the Mayor to execute all appropriate documents. Frank Reeb has the application for the Mayor to sign. Please let me know if you need further information.