MEMORANDUM

TO:                 Mike Wildgen, City Manager

THRU:            Victor Torres, Director, Neighborhood Resources

FROM:           Cindy L. Nau, Neighborhood Programs Specialist

SUBJECT:     2003 State of Kansas Emergency Shelter Grant Program

DATE:            March 29, 2004

The City of Lawrence has participated in the Emergency Shelter Grant Program through the State of Kansas since 1989.  Several local public service agencies again wish to participate in the program.  These agencies have previously participated in the Emergency Shelter Grant Program and/or the CDBG program. In previous years, a city or county made application to the State for ESG funds, but the agency was, in reality, the applicant.  Beginning in 1994, the State changed the application process and required the City to be the applicant.  The City must then 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 $107,565 from the State Emergency Shelter Grant Program for the following activities by the various providers. 

Agency	Rehab	Operations	Essential Services	Homeless Prevention	Total
Community Drop-In Center		12,600	1,240		13,840
First Step House	800	5,000	5,000		10,800
Lawrence Open Shelter	1,000	11,750			12,750
Pelathe Comm. Resource Ctr.		30,875	7,800		38,675
The Salvation Army		11,000	7,500	3,000	21,500
WTCS		7,000		3,000	10,000
TOTAL	1,800	78,225	21,540	6,000	107,565

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.         Market value of donated materials or buildings – $10,000.

2. Volunteer time ($5/hour) – $24,750.

3. Cash donations received during the grant year -- $74,000

TOTAL MATCH – $108,750

The above agencies provide the following services:

Community Drop-In Center will provide a safe day shelter for members of the community who are homeless.  The Center makes referrals for social services, employment and housing.  Nutritious snacks are available.  Other services and activities are provided to enhance self-sufficiency.  Additionally, CDIC encourages guests to avail themselves of the supportive atmosphere fostered by volunteers (including homeless and formerly homeless individuals), staff, and other guests to meet peer support and socialization needs, as well as strengthen positive coping skills.

First Step House is an addiction recovery halfway house for women and their children.  The agency helps women move toward permanent housing and independent living through education, counseling, and case management.  Staff includes formerly homeless individuals.

Lawrence Open Shelter provides safe, year round shelter and an avenue to a positive future for all persons in the community who need such assistance, especially those who do not meet eligibility requirements of other local shelters.  Initial capacity will be for 21 male and female adult guests on any night, for an anticipated annual total of about 150 different individuals per year.

Pelathe Community Resource Center provides assistance in obtaining transitional and permanent housing, employment counseling, nutritional counseling, assistance in applying for federal, state, and local benefits, and linking clients with appropriate community services as determined through intake and assessment procedures. 

The Salvation Army operates an emergency shelter and a year-round meal program.  Plans are to continue the shelter year round.  Staff includes formerly homeless individuals.

Women's Transitional Care Services, Inc. (WTCS) provides emergency shelter and services to women and children escaping from violence.  WTCS uses education, counseling, and case management to help families move toward permanent housing and independent living. 

These agencies will be the subrecipients for this program.  The deadline for applications is April 16, 2004.  I have placed a resolution on the City Commission agenda for April 6, 2004, 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.