Memorandum
City of Lawrence
Planning & Development Services
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TO: |
David L. Corliss, City Manager |
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FROM: |
Margene K. Swarts, Assistant Director |
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CC: |
Scott McCullough, Director of Planning and Development Services |
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Date: |
March 4, 2009 |
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RE: |
2009 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 $125,000 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 at Lake View |
0 |
9,750 |
9,750 |
0 |
19,500 |
|
Lawrence Community Shelter |
0 |
40,500 |
40,500 |
0 |
81,000 |
|
The Salvation Army |
0 |
0 |
0 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
WTCS |
0 |
13,500 |
0 |
6,000 |
19,500 |
TOTAL |
0 |
63,750 |
50,250 |
11,000 |
125,000 |
First Step at Lake View offers Intermediate, Reintegration, and Level I and II substance abuse treatment services to women and their children. The primary focus is providing shelter for women who are in early recovery from alcohol/drug addiction and meeting established criteria, one of which is homelessness. First Step House provides comprehensive case management and counseling services to empower women to live independently after discharge. First Step at Lake View also provides 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 31 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 Salvation Army provides a variety of homeless prevention services to low- and fixed-income individuals and families to assist them in stabilizing income and maintaining transitional and/or permanent housing. Services include locating financial support for rent and utilities, gas vouchers, medical prescriptions and supplies. Additionally, we maintain a food pantry for low-income clients who must spend the majority of their funds on rent, utilities, and other bills. Staff to provide aforementioned services include SER workers, BSW Interns, an MSW, LMSW’s, volunteers and formerly homeless individuals.
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 – $63,150
2. Non-Cash Resources – $64,750
TOTAL MATCH – $127,900
The agencies will be the subrecipients for this program. The deadline for applications is March 20, 2009. There is a resolution on the City Commission agenda for March 10, 2009, 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.