HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5d. Consideration of the 2021-22 HRC Grants-in-Aid Funding Recommendations Item 5d
Department: Community Development
Cost Center: 4008
For Agenda of: 7/6/2021
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Michael Codron, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Cara Vereschagin, Housing Coordinator
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF THE 2021-22 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
GRANTS-IN-AID FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATION
1. As recommended by the Human Relations Commission, approve the 2021-22 Grants-
in-Aid funding allocations in the amount of $150,000; and
2. Authorize the Community Development Director to execu te agreements with each
grant recipient.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City’s Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program, overseen by the Human Relations Commission
(HRC), provides financial support to non-profit organizations that promote the economic
and social well-being of the citizens of San Luis Obispo. Grants are made to local
organizations or agencies based in neighboring communities who serve a significant
number of City residents. The HRC advises the City Council on community needs and
funding recommendations.
Community Needs Workshop
On October 7, 2020, the HRC hosted a virtual Community Needs Workshop to inform the
public about upcoming grant programs and funding amounts, as well as to solicit public
comments on community development and human service needs. A total of five speakers
addressed a wide variety of community needs during the public comment period.
Representatives from non-profits also relayed concerns about the overall increased
demand for services related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. They also had concerns about
the acceptable list of eligible expenses given pandemic-related economic constraints and
financial deficits from other funding sources that previously supported general staffing
and operational costs. In turn, the HRC incorporated this feedback into the Funding
Criteria during their review of the 2021-22 GIA Application, in order to sustain existing
long-term services within the community. Overall, the providers stressed the importance
of GIA and encouraged the HRC to continue supporting the program.
Page 23 of 847
Item 5d
Funding Priority Setting
On November 17, 2020, Council adopted homelessness prevention, including affordable
and alternative housing, support services and transitional housing as the primary funding
priority for allocating GIA funds for the 2021 -22 program. However, to allow maximum
flexibility for funding recommendations dependent upo n the received applications, the
following were not ranked, but were agreed to be important priorities:
• Hunger and malnutrition prevention
• Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
• Services for seniors and/or people with disabilities in need
• Supportive and development services for children and youth in need
• Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities
GIA Application Process
In December of 2020, the HRC formally launched its annual GIA process by advertising
the availability of grant funds and information regarding the upcoming GIA timeline. GIA
applications were due to the City on January 31, 2021. The City received grant funding
requests from 29 agencies requesting funding for 30 different programs totaling $303,800,
which amounted to $153,800 more than the available funding, as displayed in the figure
below. Attachment A includes a list of the applications submitted to the City for GIA
funding and the HRC’s recommended funding amounts. The GIA Program Application
Summary, provided as Attachment B, further describes each program and
recommendation reasoning.
($300,000)
($200,000)
($100,000)
$0
$100,000
$200,000
$300,000
$400,000
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021Dollar AmountFiscal Year
HRC Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Historical Funding
TOTAL REQUESTED TOTAL GRANTED DIFFERENCE
Page 24 of 847
Item 5d
Subcommittee and HRC Review Process
On February 3, 2021, the HRC convened the GIA subcommittee of Commissioners
Rosten and Campbell to review grant applications and make preliminary funding
recommendations in the amount of $150,000. The subcommittee members utilized the
endorsed GIA Funding Priorities set by Council, t he location of the target population of
people to be served, and the incurred expenses proposed to be offset by GIA dollars, to
guide their funding recommendations. On April 7, 2021, the GIA subcommittee presented
preliminary grant recommendations to the full HRC. During the discussion, the
subcommittee engaged with the other Commissioners to make adjustments to the
preliminary recommendations, based on their past personal experiences as
organizational liaisons and overall feasibility of the proposed proje cts in accordance with
the Funding Priorities and Criteria.
Funding Recommendations
On May 5, 2021, the HRC held a public hearing to review the recommended funding for
the 2021-22 GIA Program to solicit feedback from the public/service providers prior to
review by the City Council. Prior to the May 5th meeting, GIA applicants were informed
of the HRC’s preliminary funding recommendations. The HRC received a total of six
written correspondence from community partners prior to the meeting. A total of eight
representatives from various non-profit organizations provided testimony in support of the
GIA program and preliminary funding recommendations, during public comment.
Speakers thanked the HRC for its support and discussed the increased demand for
services related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. A few representatives alluded to a demand
for translation services and lack of multi-lingual staff. The HRC did not make any
adjustments to the preliminary funding recommendations and adopted the funding
amounts as presented in the staff report (Attachment C).
Grant Contracts
Upon Council approval of GIA funding allocations, the City will enter into a contract with
each organization that has been awarded grant funding. The HRC and City staff will
monitor the contracts throughout the year.
Policy Context
The GIA program is commonly referred to in the Housing Element as an ongoing method
to achieve various goals, policies, and programs related to housing needs.
Public Engagement
The public, and more specifically non-profit service organizations, were engaged
throughout the entire GIA award process, as described in the sections above.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in
this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines
Sec. 15378.
Page 25 of 847
Item 5d
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2021-22
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $150,000 $150,000 $0
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $150,000 $150,000 $0 $
The City designates a portion of General Fund monies to the GIA program and the Council
has the final authority over how those grants are awarded. A total of $150,000 was
budgeted for the 2021-22 GIA program in the 2021-23 Financial Plan and approved 2021-
22 budget.
ALTERNATIVES
1. The Council may modify the proposed grant funding amounts.
2. The Council may choose to fund eligible GIA applications not recommended by the HRC.
3. The Council may continue consideration of funding for the 2021 -22 GIA Program Year.
Direction should be given to staff regarding additional information necessary to make
a final funding decision.
ATTACHMENTS
A – 2021-22 GIA Program HRC Funding Recommendations
B – 2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
C – Minutes of the May 5, 2021 HRC Meeting (non-approved)
Page 26 of 847
2021-22 GIA Program HRC Funding Recommendations
Human Relations Commission
2021-22 Grants-in-Aid (GIA)
HRC Funding Recommendations
Budget = $150,000
App. Non-Profit
Organization Program Grant
Request
HRC
Recommendation
1 Access Support
Network
Hepatitis C Project -
Access to Health
Benefits &
Counseling
$5,000 -
2 Access Support
Network
HIV/HCV Homeless
Prevention and
Supportive Housing
Program
$6,000 $6,000
3 Big Brothers Big Sisters
of SLO County
Community Based
Youth Mentoring $10,000 $5,000
4 CASA CASA Advocacy $7,500 $3,750
5 Central Coast Veterans
Helping Veterans
Veteran Caregiving
Program $10,000 $6,500
6
Community Action
Partnership SLO
County (CAPSLO)
Homeless
Prevention and
Stable Housing
Program
$20,000 $20,000
7 Community Counseling
Center
Affordable,
Professional and
Transformative
Counseling for the
Low Income and
Uninsured; Mindset
Teletherapy
Initiative
$5,000 $2,500
8 Diversity Coalition SLO
County
Community
Diversity Education
and Training
Program
$5,000 -
9 Family Care Network,
Inc. Not Listed $10,000 $5,000
Page 27 of 847
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program HRC Funding Recommendations
10 Food Bank Coalition of
SLO County
Fresh Produce and
No-Cook Bags $12,000 $12,000
11 Hospice of SLO County Free Hospice
Services $15,000 $7,500
12 Jack's Helping Hand,
Inc.
Jack's Helping Hand
Assistance Program $5,000 -
13 Literacy for Life Literacy Program $5,000 $3,750
14 LTC Ombudsman
Services
Ombudsman
Services $3,000 $3,000
15 One Cool Earth
Growing Happy,
Health, Smart
Youth
$7,000 $3,500
16 Peoples' Self Help
Housing
Homelessness
Prevention and
Housing Special
Needs Groups in
SLO
$25,000 $3,750
17
Pregnancy and
Parenting Support of
San Luis Obispo County
(formerly ALPHA)
Healthy Start,
Bright Futures $10,000 $5,000
18 RISE SLO County
Sexual Assault and
Domestic Violence
Programs
$6,000 $3,000
19
The SLO Child
Development Resource
Center
Early Childhood
Development and
Therapeutic Mental
Health Services
$20,000 $6,000
20 SLO County YMCA
Youth Programs
Financial Assistance
(scholarships)
$5,000 -
21 SLO Legal Assistance
Foundation
Senior Legal
Services Project $6,000 $5,000
22 SLO Noor Foundations
SLO Noor Free
Clinics: Healthcare
for Uninsured City
Residents
$15,000 $9,625
23 Senior Nutrition
Program of SLO County Meals that Connect $10,000 $7,000
Page 28 of 847
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program HRC Funding Recommendations
24 Senior Volunteer
Services, Inc. Healthy Futures $3,000 $3,000
25 SmartShare Housing
Solutions
HomeShare and
YardShare $17,300 $4,325
26
Stand Strong (formerly
the Women’s Shelter
Program of SLO
County)
Homeless
Prevention & Self-
Sufficiency Program
for DV Survivors ;
Bilingual Mental
Health Counseling
for DV Survivors
$15,000 $7,500
27 Tolosa Children's
Dental Center
Tolosa Children's
Dental Center - San
Luis Obispo
$10,000 $5,000
28 Transitional Food and
Shelter, Inc
Temporary,
Emergency Shelter
for the Medically
Fragile Homeless
(Transitional Food
and Shelter
Program)
$22,000 $6,300
29 Transitions-Mental
Health Association
Central Coast
Hotline (Formerly
SLO Hotline)
$4,000 $1,000
30 United Way 2-1-1 SLO County $10,000 $5,000
Total $303,800 $150,000
Page 29 of 847
Page 30 of 847
Human Relations Commission
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
1. Access Support Network (ASN): Hepatitis C Project – Access to Health and Benefits &
Counseling
2017 Grant Award: $4,000
2018 Grant Award: $4,000
2019 Grant Award: $5,400
2020 Grant Award: $0
2021 Grant Request: $5,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $0
To maintain the highest level of health, a person living with HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C
(PLWH) must have access to medical care, adequate nutrition, and, most importantly,
adequate and stable shelter and living conditions. To ensure that clients maintain stable and
supportive housing, the ASN established a housing program, including 13 agency-owned
units. The ASN is seeking funding to support and sustain the SLO Hep C Project, which
delivers essential services to people living with HCV, including increased access to
medical care and connections to comprehensive care services and community resources.
ASN requests $5,000 for personnel costs of the health counselor and benefits counselor of
the Program.
2. Access Support Network (ASN): HIV/HCV Homeless Prevention and Supportive Housing
Program
2017 Grant Award: $4,000
2018 Grant Award: $4,000
2019 Grant Award: $5,400
2020 Grant Award: $0
2021 Grant Request: $6,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $6,000
The ASN's Housing Program is a well-established and crucial aspect of the agency. The
ASN requests funds to provide utility subsidies and facilities operational support to operate
the 13 agency‐owned low‐income housing units. All units are located in the City of San
Luis Obispo, thus providing a 100% City user rate. Ten of the 13 rental units are part of
the Housing Authority of SLO’s Housing Choice Voucher program which grants ASN
residents at these 10 units a portable voucher after a year of residence. ASN is requesting
$6,000 to pay for utility costs of Agency-owned rental units for 12 months.
Page 31 of 847
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
3. Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County: Community Based Youth Mentoring
2017 Grant Award: $5,000
2018 Grant Award: $1,875
2019 Grant Award: $3,000
2020 Grant Award: $5,000
2021 Grant Request: $10,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $5,000
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor and volunteer supported organization proven to help
vulnerable children of single, low-income, and/or incarcerated parents succeed. They
create one-to-one relationships that match children facing adversity with trained and
supervised volunteer role models. They propose to provide positive mentors through the
Community Based Program for 87 children living in the City of San Luis Obispo. They
are requesting $10,000 in funding to support 5 new matches and 35 ongoing matches within
the City of SLO. Expenses include professional staff salaries to enroll and support
volunteers working with at-risk youth.
4. Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. (CASA): Child
Advocacy
2017 Grant Award: $8,500
2018 Grant Award: $4,250
2019 Grant Award: $5,000
2020 Grant Award: $1,875
2021 Grant Request: $7,500
2021 HRC Recommendation: $3,750
The CASA program recruits, trains, and supervises volunteer community members to
become advocates for children who have been removed from their home due to abuse and
neglect and are under the court’s jurisdiction. Most of these children are placed in foster
care. CASA volunteers are assigned to a child’s case until it is resolved, averaging about
1.4 years. Volunteers oversee all information concerning the child, including reports form
social workers, law enforcement, medical providers, mental health professionals, and
school personnel. They are requesting $7,500 to cover a portion of their rental costs for
their San Luis Obispo-based office.
Page 32 of 847
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
5. Central Coast Veterans Helping Veterans – Veteran Caregiving Program
2020 Grant Award: $0
2021 Grant Request $10,000
2020 HRC Recommendation: $6,500
CCVHV’s mission is to provide assistance for homebound veterans (household support
and companionship), and to provide mentorship to veterans from veterans (for navigating
Veterans Court and for procuring needed services). CCVHV relies on our network of
volunteer vets as well as a partnership with a caregiving service based in SLO. CCVHV
is requesting a $10,000 GIA grant from the City of San Luis Obispo to fund their Veteran
Caregiving Program. Any funds received from the City will be designated to pay for
services for homebound veterans, provided by a local caregiving organization under a
negotiated, reduced rate.
6. Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. (CAPSLO): Homeless
Prevention and Stable Housing Program
2017 Grant Award: $7,500
2018 Grant Award: $6,750
2019 Grant Award: $9,000
2020 Grant Award: $12,000
2021 Grant Request: $20,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $20,000
The Homeless Prevention/Stable Housing Program provides emergency financial
assistance to City of San Luis Obispo households that are at-risk of being evicted and need
assistance with a rental payment, or need assistance securing housing with first month’s
rent and/or security deposit. They are requesting $20,000 to fund the Program, thus
providing financial assistance payments to cover rent or s ecurity deposits for low-income
City households.
7. Community Counseling Center (CCC): Affordable, Professional and Transformative
Counseling for the Low Income and Uninsured
2018 Grant Award: $4,500
2019 Grant Award: $4,000
2020 Grant Award: $3,600
2021 Grant Request: $5,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $2,500
Community Counseling Center (CCC) is a mental health safety net contributor and
preventative care provider of premium, affordable counseling for individuals, children,
couples, and families who are financially constrained and underinsured. Clients pay sliding
scale fees based on their net household monthly income and are never refused services due
to an inability to cover cost. They are requesting $5,000 total to increase virtual access for
teletherapy by providing better technology and equipment to therapists and clients .
Page 33 of 847
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
8. Diversity Coalition SLO County: 2020 Community Diversity Education and Training
Program
2019 Grant Award: $0
2020 Grant Award: $2,500
2021 Grant Request: $5,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $0
The Diversity Coalition provides programs and resources promoting the inclusion and
affirmation of diversity in San Luis Obispo County to prevent any acts of prejudice or bias
against community residences. The GIA funds will be used to support the furtherance of
their education and training program. The Education Program is composed of school
speakers that talk about importance of diversity in our lives and community, as well as
teacher training to infuse the awareness of human rights in their daily instruction and
curriculum. The Diversity Coalition is requesting $5,000 dollars; $4,000 to be spent on
Speaker Fees, $500 for American Sign Language Interpreters, and $500 for Room Rentals
for Community Forums.
9. Family Care Network, Inc.: Transitional Age Youth Household Needs
2019 Grant Award: $4,000
2020 Grant Award: N/A
2021 Grant Request: $10,000
2020 HRC Recommendation: $5,000
Family Care Network, Inc. provides Housing and Support Services to youth ages 18 -24
who are emancipating from the foster care system, commonly referred to as Transitional
Age Youth (TAY), and are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. FCNI owns and operates
five properties for TAY who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless as they
emancipate from the foster care system. These units house up to 43 you that a time, and
any dependents they may have. FCNI has requested $10,000 dollars to ensure that
Transit ional Age Youth are able to support the cost of daily living so that they may take
full advantage of the supportive services that FCNI provides.
10. Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County: Fresh Produce and No -Cook Bags
2018 Grant Award: $8,182
2019 Grant Award: $12,000
2020 Grant Award: $9,600
2021 Grant Request: $12,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $12,000
The SLO Food Bank prioritizes programs that most efficiently and effectively connect
hungry people with food in a safe way. This funding request will provide continued funding
to the new No-Cook Bags program, bags of portable foods designed for homeless residents
who do not have access to a kitchen and cannot benefit from typical Food Bank distribution
items.
Page 34 of 847
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
11. Hospice of SLO County – Free Hospice Services
2020 Grant Award: $5,225
2021 Grant Request: $15,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $7,500
Hospice provides in-home support, respite support, and care management to those with a
life-limiting illness who have a greater than 6 moths prognosis, are continuing to pursue
curative care regardless of diagnosis or have been discharged from Medicare -reimbursed
hospice agencies. Hospice will use grant funds to offset expenses for volunteer services
personnel and volunteer training costs.
12. Jack’s Helping Hand: Jack’s Helping Hand Assistance Program
2017 Grant Award: $7,000
2018 Grant Award: $2,500
2019 Grant Award: $0
2020 Grant Award: $1,000
2021 Grant Request: $5,000
2020 HRC Recommendation: $0
Jack's Helping Hand (JHH) helps children with special needs and their families whose
resources have been exhausted. The JHH Assistance Program provides a range of services,
therapies, medical products, transportation and lodging costs to qualified children with
special needs in the County; however, the majority of grant recipients, staff, and volunteers
of JHH live in the City of San Luis Obispo. The GIA grant, will be used entirely for
services for children and their families, including: $1,500 for food (out of town trips to
specialists), and $3500 for transportation (air, train, bus fares or gasoline for out-of-area
trips).
13. Literacy for Life: Literacy Program
2017 Grant Award: $3,500
2018 Grant Award: $2,500
2019 Grant Award: $1,000
2020 Grant Award: $2,500
2021 Grant Request: $5,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $3,750
Literacy for Life teach adults sixteen and older to read, write, and speak English. Their
one-on-one instruction is free to all and provides a non-threatening learning environment
which empowers individuals to learn English communication skills. They are r equesting
5,000 to continue their program.
Page 35 of 847
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
14. LTC Ombudsman Services of SLO County: Ombudsman Services
2018 Grant Award: $2,500
2019 Grant Award: $3,000
2020 Grant Award: $1,500
2021 Grant Request: $3,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $3,000
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Services are requesting funds to provide Ombudsman
services, including resident advocacy, facility monitoring visits, complaint investigation
and resolution, information and consultation and systemic advocacy for residents of long
term care facilities located within the City of San Luis Obispo. Their advocacy services
include preventing low income/low asset nursing facility residents from eviction to
homelessness or to inappropriate or inadequate levels of care. They are requesting $3,000
to cover staff salaries for the Ombudsman and Program Manager to resolve inappropriate
facility discharges, and to recruit, train and supervise volunteers who provide the majority
of facility visits in the City.
15. One Cool Earth: Growing Happy, Health, Smart Youth
2019 Grant Award: $3,000
2020 Grant Award: $4,000
2021 Grant Request: $7,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $3,500
One Cool Earth provides school garden education at San Luis Obispo’s Pacheco Elementary
School and C.L. Smith Elementary. The Earth Genius program provides a weekly garden
educator who teaches lessons and improves the school garden, using it as a platform to
promote healthy eating, learning, and well-being. The organization also provide materials,
maintenance, and training to empower teachers to utilize the garden beyond our program.
They are requesting $7,000 to help cover the salary of a qualified garden educator.
16. Peoples’ Self-Help Housing: Homelessness Prevention & Housing Special Needs Groups
in SLO
2017 Grant Award: $10,000
2018 Grant Award: $13,500
2019 Grant Award: $13,000
2020 Grant Request: $5,850
2021 Grant Request: $25,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $3,750
Peoples’ Self-Help Housing (PSHH) is requesting funding to assist with moving low-
income San Luis Obispo individuals and families (including homeless placements) into
permanent affordable housing, stabilizing these households, and preventing homelessness
for those at risk. Free clinical case management services include counseling, job search
assistance, coordinating medical, dental, and mental health services, as well as linkage to
benefits, transportation, and emergency financial assistance. They are requesting $25,000
to help cover salaries and benefits for social work ers that provide direct clinical case
management services to residents living in local PSHH rental properties.
Page 36 of 847
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
17. Pregnancy and Parenting Support of San Luis Obispo County: A Healthy Start, Bright
Future
2017 Grant Award: $5,000
2018 Grant Award: $4,282
2019 Grant Award: $7,000
2020 Grant Award: $2,000
2021 Grant Request: $10,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $5,000
Pregnancy & Parenting Support of San Luis Obispo County (ALPHA) is an essential
resource for parents and provides an important safety net for women during pregnancy and
through their child’s second year. Pregnancy & Parenting Support distributes infant
formula to low and very low-income families and nutritional supplements to pregnant
women. As part of a countywide network aiding with infant nutrition to families alongside
their agency partner, WIC (Women Infants & Children), their barrier -free services are
available to all families with infants and toddlers. They are requesting $10,000 to be used
to buy infant formula and nutritional supplements for these families. Additionally, funds
will be used to supplement the salaries of staff providing emotional support and d istributing
basic needs.
18. RISE San Luis Obispo County: Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Programs
2017 Grant Award: $2,000
2018 Grant Award: $3,000
2019 Grant Award: $4,000
2020 Grant Award: $3,000
2021 Grant Request: $6,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $3,000
RISE is an organization created from the merger of two longstanding agencies operating
in San Luis Obispo County. Over the years, both the SARP Center of SLO County and the
North County Women’s Shelter & Resource Center expanded their services, and in 2013
merged in an effort to better serve victims of sexual and domestic violence and their loved
ones. RISE maintains two office locations, one of which is in the City of San Luis Obispo.
They are requesting $6,000 to help pay for Salary and Wages for an Associate Marriage &
Family Therapist and a Bilingual Shelter Advocate.
Page 37 of 847
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
19. The SLO Child Development Resource Center: Early Childhood Development and
Therapeutic Mental Health Services
2019 Grant Award: $5,000
2020 Grant Award: $7,000
2021 Grant Request: $20,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $6,000
The SLO Child Development Resource Center provides therapeutic early childhood
education and mental health programs that focus on protecting children in San Luis Obispo
County for the prevention and treatment of child abuse. The agency is requesting $10,000
towards the salary of their Intern Therapist and $10,000 towards the salary of the
Behavioral Rehabilitation Specialist, since these services are not cove red by the CA
Department of Education.
20. The SLO C ounty YMCA: Youth Programs Financial Assistance
2021 Grant Request: $5,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $0
The SLO County YMCA provides high quality youth programs such as summer camps,
after school care, and school day childcare for families and essential workers. The funding
requested will provide financial assistance (scholarships) to enable elementary school
children living in San Luis Obispo to participate in all YMCA programs. GIA Grant funds
will be used to provide Financial Assistance to families from San Luis Obispo, based on a
sliding scale of assistance, determined by income.
21. San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation: Senior Legal Services Project
2017 Grant Award: $2,000
2018 Grant Award: $1,750
2019 Grant Award: $2,500
2020 Grant Request: $2,500
2021 Grant Request: $6,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $5,000
The Senior Legal Services Project is one of the few programs in the County providing free
legal services to residents aged 60 years and older. The Project sees clients out of their
main office in San Luis Obispo, makes home visits to homebound and institutionalized
clients, and provides community outreach and educ ation throughout the City. They are
requesting $6,000 for matching funds for the Project’s grant from the Area Agency on
Aging, for outreach staff, office administration staff, and bilingual staff. Some funds would
also be reserved for outreach and salary for their Office Administrator.
Page 38 of 847
City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
22. SLO Noor Foundation: SLO Noor Clinics: Healthcare for the Uninsured City Residents
2017 Grant Award: $10,000
2018 Grant Award: $7,500
2019 Grant Award: $12,000
2020 Grant Award: $5,250
2021 Grant Request: $15,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $9,625
The SLO Noor Foundation provides free healthcare to uninsured adult residents of SLO
and northern Santa Barbara Counties. Their free clinics and volunteer medical providers
prioritize working with these populations, which requires a high level of patient
engagement to ensure that more patients finish treatments and advance to prevention and
well care status instead of crisis care. They are asking for GIA funds to assist in the
expenses for a bilingual Medical Assistant, and for laboratory and radiology diagnostics.
23. Senior Nutrition Program of SLO County: Meals that Connect
2017 Grant Award: $10,000
2018 Grant Award: $5,682
2019 Grant Award: $9,000
2020 Grant Award: $7,500
2021 Grant Request: $10,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $7,000
Meals That Connect serves free, hot, noontime meals, Monday through Friday, to seniors
aged 60 or older at two community sites in San Luis Obispo in congregate dining. They
also deliver meals, with frozen meals for Saturday and Sunday, to qualified seniors who
are homebound. They are requesting $10,000 total, $3,000 to purchase food and supplies,
$4,000 for labor and personnel costs, $500 for cost of equipment maintenance, $500 for
gas and maintenance on refrigerated trucks, $500 for liability and business insur ance, and
$1,000 for rent to maintain lunch sites.
24. Senior Volunteer Services, Inc.: Healthy Futures
2019 Grant Award: $3,000
2020 Grant Award: $1,250
2021 Grant Request: $3,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $3,000
Senior Volunteer Services (SVS) is the largest volunteer recruitment network in San Luis
Obispo County and has initiated a program called Healthy Futures that has been designed
to target volunteer recruitment for agencies that are focused on assisting the homeless,
providing in-home services for homebound seniors, and distribution of food. SVS is
requesting funding to support the Healthy Futures volunteer recruitment campaign in the
City of San Luis Obispo. They are requesting $3,000 to be used for paying insurance
premiums for volunteers, providing mileage reimbursements to volunteers, update their
website to assist in streamlining the volunteer application process, and a volunteer
recognition event.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
25. SmartShare Housing Solutions : HomeShare and YardShare
2017 Grant Award: $6,385
2018 Grant Award: $7,650
2019 Grant Award: $10,400
2020 Grant Award: $13,690
2021 Grant Request: $17,300
2021 HRC Recommendation: $4,325
Homeshare and tiny house YardShare provide affordable housing for seekers and enable
providers to afford the cost of basic needs while providing companionship and security.
The program fills a gap, provides income for lower-income seniors, avoids duplication of
services by partnering with local government and service organizations while leveraging
and expanding the use of existing housing and “free land” available in the backyards of
interested and qualifying city homeowners. They are requesting $17,300 total, $11,000 for
staff hours, $4,200 for outreach & education, and $2,100 for technical support such as
maintenance and consulting.
26. Stand Strong (formerly the Women’s Shelter Program): Homeless Prevention & Self -
Sufficiency Program for DV Survivors
2018 Grant Award: $10,800
2019 Grant Award: $10,000
2020 Grant Award: $11,250
2021 Grant Request: $15,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $7,500
Stand Strong is requesting GIA funds to supplement pay for bilingual essential staff to
provide Domestic Violence survivor counseling services and to advance organization-wide
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The project will seek to address unmet needs of homeless
domestic violence victims by providing weekly case management services that focus on
clients’ individualized self-sufficiency goals, including obtaining employment, vocational
training, financial planning, and ultimately the acquisition and retention of housing. The
request of $15,000 in GIA monies will be used for salaries of direct client service staff
working in the Program.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
27. Tolosa Children’s Dental Center (TCDC): Tolosa Children’s Dental Center – San Luis
Obispo
2017 Grant Award: $5,500
2018 Grant Award: $5,000
2019 Grant Award: $8,500
2020 Grant Award: $5,000
2021 Grant Request: $10,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $5,000
TCDC-SLO delivers dental services to children age infant to 18. TCDC -SLO remains the
only dental provider in San Luis Obispo County focused solely on dental care for the
underserved children in our communities. TCDC is requesting $10,000 to cover a portion
of the unreimbursed costs associated with providing quality dental services. TCDC is a
Medi-Cal provider making it difficult to raise prices and provide competitive salaries for
experienced dentists. They rely on public funds to pay licensed dentists to provide low-
cost, free, and sliding scale cash appointments for children.
28. Transitional Food and Shelter, Inc.: Temporary, Emergency Shelter for the Medically
Fragile Homeless
2020 Grant Award: $13,950
2021 Grant Request: $22,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $6,300
TFS provides temporary, emergency, around -the-clock shelter, food, and extensive
supportive services for medically fragile homeless people in San Luis Obispo City and
County. TFS defines “medically fragile” as clients whom are too ill or injured for their
needs to be adequately served in an overnight-only shelter. Every client is referred by a
hospital or social services agency and has a letter from a doctor documenting need for
around-the-clock shelter. TFS is requesting $22,000 of GIA funds to provide temporary
emergency shelter and supportive services to medically fragile homeless clients in the City,
which would specifically be used to pay for rental of temporary apartments, motel
vouchers, and the fees of their contracted caseworker.
29. Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA): Central Coast Hotline (Formerly SLO
Hotline)
2021 Grant Request: $4,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $1,000
TMHA provides innovative mental health services in San Luis Obispo County and is
requesting funds for their Central Coast Hotline Program. Central Coast Hotline is a 24 -
hour, free and confidential call center serving the entire county of San Luis Obispo since
1970. In the last two years, the Hotline has received over 10,000 calls. THMA is requesting
$4,000 dollars to expand their Hotline to be more accessible to the adolescents in our
community.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
2021-22 GIA Program Application Summary
30. United Way of San Luis Obispo County: 2 -1-1 SLO County
2017 Grant Award: $3,000
2018 Grant Award: $1,500
2019 Grant Award: $4,500
2020 Grant Award: $3,000
2021 Grant Request: $10,000
2021 HRC Recommendation: $5,000
The 2-1-1 SLO County Program of the United Way is a free, confidential way to get timely
access to health and human services information and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. Calls and text messages are answered by knowledgeable, bilingual contract
specialists who provide 24-hour referrals and support to those in need of health and human
services. When possible, callers are given three referrals for each need they present; this
could include shelter, housing, food, health care, transportation, or information pertaining
to a local disaster. In the past year, the contracted cost of United Way’s relationship with
Interface Children and Family Services (ICFS) increased due to the increased call volume
and system improvements. The United Way is requesting funding of $10,000 for personnel
expenses to administer the program.
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Draft Minutes
Human Relations Commission
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Regular Meeting of the Human Relations Commission
CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission was called to order on
Wednesday, at 5:00 p.m. via teleconference by Chair Campbell.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Jesse Grothaus, Angie Kasprzak, Emily Rosten, Megan
Souza, Taryn Warrecker, Vice Chair Dusty Colyer-Worth, and Chair
Renoda Campbell
Absent: None
Staff: Cara Vereschagin, Housing Coordinator; Megan Wilbanks, Deputy City
Clerk; Kelsey Nocket, Homelessness Response Manager; Owen Goode,
Assistant Planner
INTRODUCTIONS
1. Housing Coordinator Vereschagin introduced the City’s newly hired Homelessness
Response Manager, Kelsey Nocket, to the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None
--End of Public Comment--
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. Consideration of Minutes of the Regular Human Relations Commission Meeting of
Wednesday, April 7, 2021.
ACTION: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ROSTEN, SECOND BY VICE-CHAIR
COLYER-WORTH, 7-0-0 to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the
Human Relations Commission of April 7, 2021.
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Draft Minutes
Human Relations Commission Meeting of May 5, 2021
Page 2
PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS
3. Consideration of the 2021-22 Grants-in-Aid (GIA) Preliminary Funding
Recommendations
Housing Coordinator Cara Vereschagin provided an overview of the GIA program,
presented the preliminary funding recommendations, and explained the methodology the
HRC subcommittee utilized to develop the preliminary recommendations. Staff member
Vereschagin also reminded the Commission of the funding priorities that were developed
by the HRC and approved by the City Council in November 2020. Chair Campbell
announced that written correspondence was received prior to the meeting for the Agenda
Item from the following:
Joanna Balsamo-Lilien, Family Care Network
Bernadette Bernardi, Literacy for Life
Andrea Kiesler, SLO Foodbank
Juliane McAdam, Senior Nutrition Program/Meals That Connect
Shannon McOuat, Hospice of San Luis Obispo County
Linda Wingert, United Way SLO County
Chair Campbell opened the public hearing.
Public Comments
Jenny Luciano, Big Brothers Big Sisters
Sandra Greshin, Stand Strong
Grace Macintosh, Community Action Partnership of SLO County (CAPSLO)
Celeste Goyer, SmartShare Housing Solutions
Monique Tiller, RISE
Linda Wingert, United Way SLO County
Andrea Kiesler, SLO Foodbank
Catherine Manning, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing Corporation
--End of Public Comment--
Chair Campbell closed the public hearing and the HRC deliberated.
ACTION: MOTION BY VICE-CHAIR COLYER-WORTH, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER ROSTEN, CARRIED 7-0-0 to approve funding recommendations.
STAFF & COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS
4. Staff Updates
Housing Coordinator Vereschagin announced that the County Board of Supervisors
discussed regional collaboration on homeless response and solutions at their May 4, 2021
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City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subtitle
Draft Minutes
Human Relations Commission Meeting of May 5, 2021
Page 3
meeting, and also approved the 2021 Action Plan, which included recommendations for
2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Minutes and playback
from the meeting can be accessed on the County website.
4. Commissioner Updates
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Campbell adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m. The next Regular meeting of the
Human Relations Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 5:00 p.m., via
teleconference.
APPROVED BY THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION: XX/XX/2021
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