MEMORANDUM
TO: Mike Wildgen, City Manager
THRU: Victor Torres, Director, Neighborhood Resources
FROM: Margene K. Swarts, Community Development Manager
SUBJECT: 2005 State of Kansas Emergency Shelter Grant Program
DATE: April 11, 2005
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 $111,175 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 |
9,000 |
7,000 |
7,000 |
|
23,000 |
|
Lawrence Community Shelter |
1,000 |
12,000 |
12,000 |
|
25,000 |
|
Pelathe Community Resource Center |
|
19,875 |
7,800 |
|
27,675 |
|
The Salvation Army |
|
12,000 |
7,500 |
3,000 |
22,500 |
|
WTCS |
|
10,000 |
|
3,000 |
13,000 |
TOTAL |
10,000 |
60,875 |
34,300 |
6,000 |
111,175 |
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 – $50,150
2. Non-Cash Resources – $ 86,000
TOTAL MATCH – $136,150
The agencies provide the following services:
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 Community Shelter provides safe day and night, 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 of the night shelter is 21 adult guests on any night, with rehabilitation of adjacent space increasing the number to 31.
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. 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 25, 2005. There is a resolution on the City Commission agenda for April 19, 2005, 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.