HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4c. Human Services Grant Funding Priorities and Community Needs Grant Workshop Item 4c
Human Relations Commission
Agenda Report
For Agenda of: 8/15/2024
Item Number: 4c
FROM: Nestor Veloz-Passalacqua, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager
Phone Number: (805) 781-7073
E-mail: nveloz@slocity.org
SUBJECT: INITIAL DISCUSSION OF THE HUMAN SERVICES GRANT FUNDING
PRIORITIES AND THE COMMUNITY NEEDS GRANT WORKSHOP
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Human Relations Commission (HRC) begins initial internal
discussions on the Human Services Grant Funding Priorities and the upcoming Grant
Workshop Needs Assessment to ensure alignment between community needs and grant
funding priorities.
BACKGROUND
Annually, the Human Relations Commission reviews the funding priorities and hosts the
Community Needs Grant Workshop. The HRC requested for additional time to review the
current language of the Human Services Grant (HSG) program. The workshop, which
typically takes place in September or October, includes as well the Community
Development Department’s oversight and approval process for the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The purpose of this initial meeting is solely
for the review of the HSG program.
The Human Services Grant (HSG) program had a Council approved named changed in
2022 to best reflect the objectives of the grant program. The HSG’s purpose is to provide
financial support to non-profit organizations that promote the economic and social well-
being of the community members of San Luis Obispo. Grants are made to local
organizations or agencies based in neighboring communities whose services contribute
to the quality of life of City residents.
The HSG Program has a total of $150,000 to distribute and a main funding priority, which
reads:
Homelessness prevention, including affordable and alternate housing, support
services, and transitional housing.
To allow maximum flexibility for funding recommendations dependent upon the received
applications, the following priorities were also approved but were not ranked:
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Item 4c
Hunger and malnutrition prevention
Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
Services for seniors, veterans and/or people with disabilities in need
Supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need
Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion in marginalized communities,
including language access services.
During the 2024-25 Human Services Grant (HSG) Program cycle, which were presented
to Council on May 21, 2024, Council referred the grant funding recommendations back to
the HRC with direction to first fund all qualified applications that meet the homelessness
prevention main funding priority. After qualified homelessness prevention application are
funded, the HRC should consider applications for the additional priorities.
This initial review of the language of the HSG program will help ensure clear direction and
information is provided to the entire community and the organizations applying for fun ding
in future funding cycles.
NEXT STEPS
As an entire commission, review the current language of the HSG program understanding
the guidance and direction provided by Council. The item will then be presented during a
public hearing in September or October via the Community Needs Grant Workshop
ATTACHMENTS
A - Human Services Grant (HSG) Program – Grant Information
B - Supplemental Information for the Human Relations Commission on Key Definitions
from the HUD
C - Human Services Grant (HSG) Program – Draft 1
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Human Services Grant (HSG) Program
Grant Information
PURPOSE
The City of San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission (HRC) Human Services Grant
(HSG) Program provides financial support to non-profit organizations that promote the economic
and social well-being of its citizens.
REQUIREMENTS
• Organizations that received the Human Service Grant during the 2023 -24 funding cycle
who have not complied with all reporting requirements will not be considered for the
2024-25 grants.
• Grants are primarily made to organizations serving residents in the City of San Luis
Obispo. Agencies serving residents in neighboring communities, also serving a significant
number of City residents will be considered.
• Grants are made only to non-profit organizations.
• Organizations must comply with the HRC Bylaws which are to create an environment within
the City in which all persons can enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of race,
religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical, mental, or economic
status. HRC Bylaws can be found on the City’s website HERE.
• Applications for a specific program, project, equipment need, or general operational
support will be considered if the organization’s mission falls under one or more of the
HRC priority funding areas listed below.
• Non-profit organizations must enter into a contract with the City prior to receipt of HSG
funds.
• Applicants must submit a complete application package and within the deadline.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• 1-page DEI statement that includes
• Applicants’ understanding and application of DEI,
• Affirming language that creates access and a sense of belonging in our community apart
from grant, and
• Explain how this project will advance DEI in the City of SLO.
PRIORITY FUNDING AREAS
The main funding priority for the 2024-25 Human Services Grant program is: Homeless
prevention including affordable and alternative housing, supportive services, and
transitional housing.
The following additional priority funding areas are not listed in order of importance:
• Hunger and malnutrition prevention
• Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
• Services for seniors, veterans and/or people with disabilities in need
• Supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need
• Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities,
including access to language services.
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SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Special consideration given to programs that:
• Have matching grants secured.
• Ongoing fundraising and services were severely impacted by COVID-19 and not
recouped by other means.
• Train or support service providers to expand scope of services and/or increase the
numbers of clients.
• Initiates a new, ongoing funding source for the organization.
• Directs services efficiently to needy residents with low overhead and administrative costs.
FUNDING DECISIONS
The HRC will review all received applications and develop funding recommendations based on
the answers provided in each corresponding application. Please be as specific as possible!
Grants are awarded by available funding for current grant cycle. Previous receipt of an award
does not guarantee continued funding. Please note that the HRC exercises discretion on how
HSG funding is allocated (i.e., if monies are proposed for tangible goods, services, operating
costs, etc.) when developing funding recommendations for this grant cycle.
The HRC encourages organizations that take new, creative approaches to solving the
most prevalent health & human service needs in our community!
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Supplemental Information for the Human Relations Commission on Key Definitions from
the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department.
1. Homeless – Individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime
residence, meaning:
a. Has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not meant for
human habitation; or
b. Is living in a publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary
living arrangements (including congregate shelters, transitional housing, and
hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by federal, state and local
government programs; or
c. Is exiting an institution where (s)he has resided for 90 days or less and who resided
in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation immediately
before entering that institution.
d. NOTE: there are three other categories for the HUD definition of homelessness,
including imminent risk of homelessness, homeless under other Federal statutes,
and fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence.
2. Homelessness Prevention – Activities designed to prevent an individual or family from
moving into an emergency shelter or living in a public or private place not meant for human
habitation.
3. Affordable Housing – “Affordable housing cost” for lower-income households is defined
in State law as not more than 30 percent of gross household income with variations (Health
and Safety Code Section 50052.5). The comparable federal limit, more widely used, is 30
percent of gross income, with variations. “Housing cost” commonly includes rent or
mortgage payments, utilities (gas, electricity, water, sewer, garbage, recycling, green
waste), and property taxes and insurance on owner-occupied housing.
4. Alternative Housing – There isn’t a HUD definition for ‘alternative housing’, however
additional research provides a broader definition (not vetted or approved by States or
Federal agencies), which includes: dwelling units or dwelling rooms designed for the
residential occupation by individuals who by reason of financial, emotional, mental, social,
or physical conditions or legal and justice-based status require supervision and support of
a personal or medical nature. I think that would likely include housing opportunities such
as those provided through Restorative Partners.
5. Supportive Services – Services provided to help program participants obtain and
maintain housing, including outreach and referrals. Supportive services include:
a. Annual assessment of services (§ 578.53(e)(1))
b. Moving costs (§ 578.53(e)(2))
c. Case management (§ 578.53(e)(3))
d. Childcare (§ 578.53(e)(4))
e. Education Services (§ 578.53(e)(5))
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f. Employment assistance and job training (§ 578.53(e)(6))
g. Food (§ 578.53(e)(7))
h. Housing search and counseling services (§ 578.53(e)(8))
i. Legal services (§ 578.53(e)(9))
j. Life skills training (§ 578.53(e)(10))
k. Mental health services (§ 578.53(e)(11))
l. Outpatient health services (§ 578.53(e)(12))
m. Outreach services (§ 578.53(e)(13))
n. Substance abuse treatment services (§ 578.53(e)(14))
o. Transportation (§ 578.53(e)(15))
p. Utility deposits (§ 578.53(e)(16))
6. Transitional Housing – Temporary housing with supportive services for individuals and
families experiencing homelessness with the goal of interim stability and support to
successfully move to and maintain permanent housing. Transitional Housing projects can
cover housing costs and accompanying supportive services for program participants for
up to 24 months.
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Human Services Grant (HSG) Program
Grant Information – DRAFT 1
PURPOSE
The City of San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission (HRC) Human Services Grant
(HSG) Program provides financial support to non-profit organizations that promote the economic
and social well-being of its citizens.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
The main funding priority:
Homeless prevention including affordable, alternative, transitional housing, and
supportive services.
The following additional priority funding areas are not listed in order of importance:
• Hunger and malnutrition prevention
• Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
• Services for seniors, veterans and/or people with disabilities in need
• Supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need
• Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities,
including access to language services.
FUNDING EXAMPLES
Examples of previous funded projects, programs, and activities include:
• Direct rental assistance and relocation stabilization housing services.
• Direct financial assistance to residents at risk of being evicted or need support securing
housing with first month’s rent or security deposit.
• Direct financial support to secure and maintain permanent housing for youth and
families.
• Funding support for transitional housing and incentives.
• Residential advocacy, facility monitoring visit, complaint investigations and resolution for
older adults in long term care facilities.
• Cover costs of relocation expenses to independent living conditions after treatment.
• Provide food, household supplies, rent, and transportation cost for the older adult
population.
• Provide access to showers, clothing, and shower items to individuals experiencing
homelessness.
• Direct rental assistance to individuals with various backgrounds, including mix-status
and undocumented individuals as member of at -large communities of SLO.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS
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1 Applicants must submit a complete application package and within the deadline.
1.1 One-page DEI Statement that includes:
1.1.1 Applicant’s understanding and application of DEI concepts/values
1.1.2 Affirming language that creates access and a sense of belonging to all
community members.
1.1.3 Explain how the proposal will advance DEI in the City of SLO.
1.2 One-page detailed budget for the proposal including how the total amount requested
will be allocated.
1.3 Organizational chart
Document certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status
2 Applications must be submitted through the online portal. Incomplete applications will not
be considered.
3
Grant recipients must comply with the HRC Bylaws which are to create an environment
within the City in which all persons can enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of
race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical, mental, or economic
status. HRC Bylaws can be found on the City’s website HERE.
4 Grant recipients must enter into a contract with the City prior to receipt of HSG funds.
5 Grant recipients must complete periodic reports and provide them timely.
6
Grant recipients must submit a final report at the end of the project/service or at 12
months from start, whichever comes first. Grant recipients are expected to return unused
funds.
FUNDING CRITERIA
1 Grants are made only to non-profit organizations.
2
Applications for a specific program, project, equipment need, or general operational
support will be considered if the organization’s mission falls under one or more of the
HRC priority funding areas listed below.
3 Grants are primarily made to organizations serving residents in the City of San Luis
Obispo.
4 Agencies serving residents in neighboring communities, also serving a significant
number of City residents will be considered.
5 Organizations that received previous HSG funding must be in good standing and have
complied with all reporting requirements.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING INFORMATION
1 Applicants’ minimum request of $5,000 and a maximum request of $20,000
2 A maximum of one (1) grant award is allowed per organization (or per partnership if a
collaborative project)
3
Funding may be used for new (innovative) or existing projects, programs, concepts, or
initiatives that have proven success and/or utilize best practices or innovative
approaches.
4 Projects, programs, concepts, and initiatives that leverage existing or other funding
sources to supplement proposal is highly encouraged.
5 Have matching grants secured.
6 Ongoing fundraising and services were severely impacted by COVID-19 and not
recouped by other means.
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7 Train or support service providers to expand scope of services and/or increase the
numbers of clients.
8 Initiates a new, ongoing funding source for the organization.
9 Directs services efficiently to needy residents with low overhead and administrative costs.
PROHIBITED USE OF FUNDS
1 To be discussed
2 To be discussed
3 To be discussed
FUNDING DECISIONS
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) will exercise discretion when developing
funding recommendations.
The HRC will review, with support from the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, all
applications (that are completed, timely submitted, and met the funding criteria) and develop
funding recommendations based on the answers and attestations provided in each application,
and guidance and direction from City Council. Please be as specific and detailed in your
applications. Recommendations will be presented to the City Council for approval. Grants are
awarded by available funding for current grant cycle. Previous grant awards do not
guarantee continued funding. This is a competitive grant.
The HRC encourages organizations that take new, creative approaches to solving the
most prevalent health & human service needs in our community!
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