HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-2018 Item 8 - 2018-19 HRC GIA recommendations Meeting Date: 8/21/2018
FROM: Michael Codron, Community Development Director
Prepared By: Cara Vereschagin, Assistant Planner
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF 2018-19 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
GRANTS-IN-AID FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. As recommended by the Human Relatio ns Commission, approve the 2018-19 Grants-in-Aid
funding allocations in the amount of $139,652 (Attachment A); and
2. Authorize the Community Development Director to execute 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 agencie s
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 4, 2017, the HRC hosted a 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 nine speakers addressed a wide
variety of community needs during the public comment period. Representatives from non-profits
pointed to an increase in demand for services including proper nutrition for seniors, economic
development opportunities for women, mental health services for previously incarcerated
individuals, and affordable housing. Due to the decrease in funding at the federal and state level
over the past several years, the increase in demand and decrease in grant funding has strained
providers’ ability to deliver core services. The service providers stressed the importance of the
GIA program and encouraged the HRC to continue its support.
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Item 8
Council Priority Setting
On November 7, 2017, 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 2018-19 Program. However, to allow maximum flexibility for
funding recommendations dependent upon 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
GIA Application Process
In October of 2017, 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, 2018. The City received grant funding requests
from 28 agencies requesting funding for 30 different programs totaling $248,650 which
amount ed to $108,998 more than the available funding. Attachment A includes a list of the
applications submitted to the City for GIA funding and the HRC’s recommended funding
amounts. Attachment B further describes each program and recommendation reasoning.
HRC Subcommittee Review Process
On February 7, 2018, the HRC convened the GIA subcommittee of Commissioners Welts,
Hughes, and Clayton to review grant applications and make preliminary funding
recommendations. After discovering a conflict of interest, Commissioner Clayton recused
himself from the subcommittee. The remaining subcommittee members utilized the endorsed
GIA funding priorities set by Council to guide their funding recommendations. As a part of the
application review and recommendation process, the subcommittee considered whether grant
funds would be used to provide direct services to clients or staff operating costs, collaboration
with other agencies, the estimation of people to be served by the programs, and/or the
prioritization of multiple funding requests from the same agency. The Subcommittee also paid
close attention to how GIA funds would be leveraged and how specific programs’ funding has
changed over the past few years.
Funding Recommendation
On April 4, 2018, the subcommittee presented preliminary grant recommendations to the full
HRC. The HRC reviewed each grant recommendation in detail and requested access from staff
to review the applications and preliminary recommendations before the next meeting
(Attachment C).
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Item 8
On May 2, 2018, the HRC held a public hearing to review the recommended funding for the
2018-19 GIA applications in consideration of Council’s adopted funding priorities, to finalize its
recommendations to the City Council. Prior to the May 2nd meeting, GIA applicants were
informed of the HRC’ s preliminary funding recommendations. A total of nine representatives
from various non-profit organizations provided testimony in support of the GIA program and
preliminary funding recommendations, during public comment (Attachment D). While many
thanked the HRC for its support, several speakers requested reconsideration of the preliminary
funding recommendations for their programs.
After hearing public testimony, the HRC continued the item to the next Regular Meeting on June
6, 2018. One member of the public attended the hearing to speak in support of the funding
recommendations (Attachment E). After the public testimony, the HRC recommended to move
the GIA funding allocations to City Council for final approval, with minor adjustments to the
previously recommended grant awards.
The HRC’s 2018-19 GIA funding recommendations are as follows:
1. Provide for the disbursement of $139,652 as budgeted in the 2017-19 Financial Plan.
2. Provide funding to 27 programs with grants ranging from $1,500 to $14,182.
Complete funding recommendations and discussion of programs not recommended for funding
can be found in Attachment B.
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Consideration and approval of the GIA funding allocations for this purpose is not a project under
CEQA and is otherwise exempt from environmental review in pursuant to CEQA Guidelines
Section 15061(b)(3) General Rule Exemption.
FISCAL IMPACT
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. The total amount budgeted to the GIA
program in the 2017-19 Financial Plan for the 2018-19 fiscal year is $ 139,652. The HRC
recommends allocating the full amount (Attachment A).
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ALTERNATIVES
1. The Council may modify the proposed grant funding amounts.
2. The Council may choose to fund an eligible GIA application not recommended by the HRC.
3. The Council may continue consideration of funding for the 2018-19 GIA Program Year.
Direction should be given to staff regarding additional information necessary to make a final
funding decision.
Attachments:
a - 2018-19 Grants in Aid HRC Funding Recommendations
b - 2018-19 GIA Program Application Summary
c - Human Relations Commission April Minutes
d - Human Relations Commission May Minutes
e - Human Relations Commission DRAFT June Minutes
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Item 8
2018-19 GIA HRC Funding Recommendations
Human Relations Commission
2018-19 Grants-in-Aid (GIA)
Funding Recommendations
Total Budget = $139,652
App. Non-Profit
Organization
Program/Project
Description Grant Request HRC Grant
Recommendation
1 Access Support
Network
HIV/HCV Homeless
Prevention and
Supportive Housing
Program
$5,000 $4,500
2 Access Support
Network
Hepatitis C Project -
Access to Health
Benefits &
Counseling
$5,000 $2,500
3
Alliance for
Pharmaceutical
Access, Inc.
Reducing Disparities
in Medication Access
for a Healthier
Community
$10,000 $2,500
4
Assistance
League of SLO
County
Operation School Bell $5,000 -
5
Big Brothers Big
Sisters of San Luis
Obispo County
Community Based
Youth Mentoring $7,500 $1,875
6 CASA Child Advocacy $8,500 $4,250
7
Community
Action
Partnership of
San Luis Obispo
(CAPSLO)
Homeless
Prevention/Stable
Housing Program
$7,500 $6,750
8
Community
Action
Partnership of
San Luis Obispo
(CAPSLO)
Adult Wellness and
Prevention Screening
Program
$7,500 $3,750
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9
Community
Counseling
Center
Affordable,
Professional and
Transformative
Counseling for the
Low Income and
Uninsured
$5,000 $4,500
10 Cuesta College
Foundation
SLO Campus Food
Pantry $5,000 $2,500
11 Family Care
Network, Inc.
Supporting Foster
Youth as They
Transition to
Independence
$5,000 $4,500
12
Food Bank
Coalition of San
Luis Obispo
County
Fresh Produce and
No-Cook Bags $15,000 $8,182
13 Jack's Helping
Hand
Jack's Helping Hand
Assistance Program $10,000 $2,500
14 Learn.Connect.
Play.Foundation. Cooking on a Budget $12,450 -
15 Literacy for Life Literacy Program $5,000 $2,500
16
LTC Ombudsman
Services of SLO
County
Ombudsman Services $5,000 $2,500
17
Meals that
Connect/Senior
Nutrition
Program
Meals that Connect $10,000 $5,682
18 People's Self-
Help Housing
Homeless Prevention
& Housing Special
Needs Groups in SLO
$15,000 $13,500
19 Restorative
Partners Inc.
RP Recovery Home
for Women $10,000 $9,000
20 RISE SLO County
Sexual Assault &
Domestic Violence
Programs
$6,000 $3,000
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21
San Luis Obispo
Legal Assistance
Foundation
Senior Legal Services
Project $3,500 $1,750
22 San Luis Obispo
ALPHA, Inc
Essential Infant
Nutrition $7,200 $4,282
23 Senior Volunteer
Services
Central Coast
Community
Volunteers
$10,000 -
24 SLO Noor
Foundation
SLO Noor Clinics:
Healthcare for the
Uninsured
$15,000 $7,500
25
Smart Share
Housing Solutions
DBA
HomeShareSLO
HomeShareSLO
Housing Solutions $8,500 $7,650
26 Tolosa Children's
Dental Center
Tolosa Children's
Dental Center - SLO $10,000 $5,000
27 Transitional Food
and Shelter
Transitional Food and
Shelter Program $15,000 $14,182
28
Transitions-
Mental Health
Association
(TMHA)
Homeless Outreach -
Library Project $5,000 $2,500
29 United Way of
San Luis Obispo 2-1-1 SLO County $3,000 $1,500
30
Women's Shelter
Program of San
Luis Obispo
County DBA
Stand Strong
Homeless Prevention
& Self-Sufficiency
Program for DV
Survivors
$12,000 $10,800
Total $248,650 $139,652
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2018-19 GIA Program Application Overviews and Funding History
Human Relations Commission
PROGRAMS RECOMMENDED FOR FUNDING
1. Access Support Network (ASN): HIV/HCV Homeless Prevention and Supportive
Housing Program
2016 Grant Award: $5,000
2017 Grant Award: $4,000
2018 Grant Request: $5,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $4,500
To maintain the highest level of health, a person living with HIV/AIDS or HCV (PLWH)
must have: access to medical care, adequate nutrition, and, perhaps 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's Housing Program is a well‐established and crucial aspect of the
agency. The ASN request s 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 $5,000 to pay for utility costs of Agency-owned rental units for 12
months.
2. Access Support Network: Hepatitis C Project – Access to Health Benefits &
Counseling
2016 Grant Award: $4,000
2017 Grant Award: $5,000
2018 Grant Request: $5,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $2,500
The ASN seeks funding to support and sustain the San Luis Obispo Hepatitis C Project
(SLOHCP). For 18 years, the ASN has delivered essential services ‐ through SLOHCP ‐
that provide persons living with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) increased access to medical
care and improvements in quality of life through outreach, education, health & benefits
counseling, linkages to resources in the community, and invaluable access to the ASN
Food Pantry. The agency also provides educational opportunities to train local medical
providers with the most up-to-date HCV treatment information and guidelines. The
SLOHCP provides a unique and cost ‐effective approach to addressing the needs of
people living with HCV by connecting them to benefits entitlement programs and access
to health care, as well as providing social support. ASN is requesting $5,000 for
personnel costs of the health counselor and benefits counselor of the Program.
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3. Alliance for Pharmaceutical Access, Inc. (APA): Reducing Disparities in Medication
Access for a Healthier Community
2018 Grant Request: $10,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $2,500
Alliance for Pharmaceutical Access, Inc. (APA) bridges the gaps in medication coverages
and helps alleviate the burden of high priced pharmaceuticals by providing direct
medication-access and patient advocacy services, at no cost. This project will expand
APA’s program operations to better serve the uninsured and underinsured in the
community, including seniors and/or individuals afflicted with chronic health condistions
in the City of San Luis Obispo and unicorporated City of Los Osos. APA is requesting
$10,000 of GIA monies for personnel expenses for the San Luis Obispo Client Advocate
and Grant Admininstrator salaries.
4. Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Luis Obispo County: Community Based Youth
Mentoring
2016 Grant Award: $6,500
2017 Grant Award: $5,000
2018 Grant Request: $7,500
2018 HRC Recommendation: $1,875
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 70 kids living in the City of San Luis Obispo. They are
requesting $7,500 in funding for professional staff salaries to enroll and support
volunteers working with at -risk youth.
5. Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. (CASA): Child
Advocacy
2016 Grant Award: $7,000
2017 Grant Award: $8,500
2018 Grant Request: $8,500
2018 HRC Recommendation: $4,250
The CASA program recruits, trains and supervises volunteer community members to
become child advocates for kids who have been removed from their home due to abuse
and neglect. These children become placed under the Juvenile Dependency Court and are
often 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 provid ers, mental
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health professionals, and school personnel. This grant request of $8,500 will be used to
cover a portion of their operating costs for their San Luis Obispo -based office.
6. Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. (CAPSLO):
Homeless Prevention/Stable Housing Program
2016 Grant Award: $6,500
2017 Grant Award: $7,500
2018 Grant Request: $7,500
2018 HRC Recommendation: $6,750
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. The request of $7,500 of GIA monies will be used
to fund the Program, thus providing financial assistance payments to cover rent or
security deposits for low-income City households.
7. Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Inc. (CAPSLO): Adult
Wellness and Prevention Screening Program
2016 Grant Award: $5,000
2017 Grant Award: $4,000
2018 Grant Request: $7,500
2018 HRC Recommendation: $3,750
Since 1978, Adult Wellness and Prevention Screening (Adult Wellness) has continuously
provided mobile and no-cost preventive and maintenance health screening, education,
advocacy, and referrals to over 275 low-income and vulnerable adults per year in SLO
County. Adult Wellness services include a part -time Program Coordinator/Registered
Nurse (RN) and part-time Aide Clerk that use an agency vehicle to bring equipment,
supplies, and a laptop computer for confidential data collection to 12 countywide sites on
a pre-designated, advertised day of the month. GIA monies will be distributed by $5,337
for a portion of personnel expenses for the Program Coordinator/RN , $1,608 for some of
the costs of medical and program supplies, and $555 for 8% federally-approved
administrative overhead cost s.
8. Community Counseling Center (CCC): Affordable, Professional and
Transformative Counseling for the Low Income and Uninsured
2018 Grant Request: $5,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $4,500
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
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monthly income and are never refused services due to an inability to cover cost. The
request of $5,000 GIA monies will specifically be used for agency personnel costs of
$1,600, client sponsorship/fellowship in the amount of &2,250, facilities rent in the City
totaling $650, and $500 for testing materials for comprehensive psychological evaluation.
9. Cuesta College Foundation: SLO Campus Food Pantry
2018 Grant Request: $5,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $2,500
The Cuesta College Foundation found that food insecurity was a growing problem on
their college campus. In 2015, the Student Life and Leadership Department conducted a
survey and found that more than 75% of respondents confirmed that, not only would they
be interested in a food assistance program, but they would also qualify based on age and
income guidelines. In response, this GIA funding will establish a Campus Food Pantry
on the San Luis Obispo campus. Funding in the amount of $1,500 is requested to pay
additional hours to the Activities Assistant who will establish relationships with
community partners. Grant funds of $1,000 will also provide reusable bags and $2,500
will be used to purchase healthy, grab-and-go foods that accommodate the needs of
college students.
10. Family Care Network, Inc.: Supporting Foster Youth as They Transition to
Independence
2018 Grant Request: $5,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $4,500
Family Care Network Inc. (FCNI) provides Transitional Housing Services to youth who
are aging out of the foster care system, commonly referred to as Transitional Age Youth
(TAY). Participating youth reside in FCNI supported housing while receiving wrap-
around like services designed to assist them in successfully transitioning from system
dependence to adult independence. An award of $5,000 would help FCNI ensure that
approximately 10 program participants are provided the life necessit ies, including: fees
related to securing housing, such as application fees; initial housing set up costs, such as
kitchen goods and other household supplies; transportation assistance for work and/or
school; proper work and/or school clothing; educational and/or vocational training
supplies; childcare assistance; and incentives for program completion and success.
11. Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County: Fresh Produce and No -Cook Bags
2018 Grant Request: $15,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $8,182
This project secures fresh fruits and vegetables to distribute to San Luis Obispo residents
through the Food Bank’s distributions and community partners. Produce purchases and
donations together (GIA grant request of $7,800) provide approximately 330,000 pounds
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of fresh, high-quality produce distributed to residents of the City of San Luis Obispo each
year to reduce food insecurity and improve nutrition. This project will also provide pilot
funding in the amount of $7,200 for No-Cook Bags, 6-10 pound bags of portable foods
designed for a homeless residents who do not have access to a kitchen and so cannot
benefit from typical Food Bank distribution items. This program has been very successful
in South County through a grant for that region and wishes to expand it to the City of San
Luis Obispo.
12. Jack’s Helping Hand: Jack’s Helping Hand Assistance Program
2017 Grant Award: $7,000
2018 Grant Request: $10,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $2,500
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: $2000 for medical
equipment (lifts, chairs, etc.), $1000 for food (out of town trips to specialists), $2000 for
housing (for trips out of town for surgery and to see specialists), $2000 for medical
treatment (cancer, chemo, transfusion, rehab therapies), and $3000 for transportation (air,
train, bus fares or gasoline for out -of-area trips).
13. Literacy for Life: Literacy Program
2016 Grant Award: $1,000
2017 Grant Award: $3,500
2018 Grant Request: $5,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $2,500
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. The GIA grant will
fund $1,000 for program coordination, $2,000 for books & materials, and $2,000 for
volunteer tutors.
14. LTC Ombudsman Services of SLO County: Ombudsman Services
2018 Grant Request: $5,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $2,500
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
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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. The funding request of
$5,000 will specially be used to cover staff salaries for the Ombudsman and Program
manager to resolve inappropriate facility discharges, and to recruit, train and supervise
volunteers who m provide the majority of facility visits in the City.
15. Meals that Connect/Senior Nutrition Program: Meals that Connect
2016 Grant Award: $10,000
2017 Grant Award: $10,000
2018 Grant Request: $10,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $5,682
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. Half of the requested grant funding ($5,000) will be used to purchase
food, supplies, and other operating costs. The other $5,000 will be used for labor and
personnel costs.
16. People’s Self-Help Housing: Homelessness Prevention & Housing Special Needs
Groups in SLO
2016 Grant Award: $8,000
2017 Grant Award: $10,000
2018 Grant Request: $15,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $13,500
People’s 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. Grant funding of $15,000
will support a portion of salary and benefits for social workers that provide these direct
clinical case management services to residents living in PSHH rental properties in the
City.
17. Restorative Partners Inc.: RP Recovery Home for Women
2018 Grant Request: $10,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $9,000
Restorative Partners (RP) has been working with inmates at the County jail since 2011 to
provide programing designed to assist individuals in getting their lives back on track once
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they leave custody. It was found that the best-case scenario for success includes housing
upon release. Those ex-offenders who become ho meless after release soon become
hopeless about the future. The funding request of $10,000 would make it possible to hire
a residential House Manager (HM) who would provide guidance and oversight for
recently incarcerated women and their children.
18. RISE San Luis Obispo County: Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Programs
2016 Grant Award: $2,000
2017 Grant Award: $2,000
2018 Grant Request: $6,000
2018 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. The grant request of $6,000 is for funds that will support operational expenses
necessary to provide crisis intervention, peer counseling, case management, and
individual and group therapy for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and
their loved ones as well as prevention and education efforts in the SLO office located on
Zaca Lane. Specifically, the monies will pay for answering service expenses; audit
expenses; insurance policies; copier maintenance, rent, and utility expenses for the SLO
office; and dues/memberships.
19. San Luis Obispo Legal Assistance Foundation: Senior Legal Services Project
2016 Grant Award: $2,000
2017 Grant Award: $2,000
2018 Grant Request: $3,500
2018 HRC Recommendation: $1,750
The Senior Legal Services Project is the only program 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 education throughout the City. The grant award of
$3,000 will provide matching funds for the Project’s grant from the Area Agency on
Aging and will allow for volunteer recruitment and coordination so that the Project’s
attorney volunteers can efficiently and effectively provide free legal services to clients.
20. San Luis Obispo ALPHA, Inc.: Essential Infant Nutrition
2016 Grant Award: $5,000
2017 Grant Award: $5,000
2018 Grant Request: $7,200
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2018 HRC Recommendation: $4,282
Pregnancy & Parenting Support of San Luis Obispo County (ALPHA) is a 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 wit h infants and toddlers. All $7,200 requested in GIA funding
will be used to buy infant formula to these families.
21. SLO Noor Foundation: SLO Noor Clinics: Healthcare for the Uninsured
2016 Grant Award: $10,500
2017 Grant Award: $10,000
2018 Grant Request: $15,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $7,500
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 insure that more patients finish treatments and advance to prevention and
well care status instead of crisis care. They are asking for GIA monies to expand the
medical clinic to be open six days per week (currently five) and the satellite medical
clinic to three days per week (currently one). Specifically, they would like to apply
$7,500 toward medical expenses and supplies, $3,500 for dental expenses and supplies,
and $4,000 for payroll expenses.
22. Smart Share Housing Solutions DBA HomeShareSLO: HomeShareSLO Housing
Solutions
2017 Grant Award: $6,385
2018 Grant Request: $8,500
2018 HRC Recommendation: $7,650
HomeShareSLO creates new housing units by facilitating matches between providers
with unused rooms and seekers in the need of affordable housing. While clients are not
limited to seniors or low income, the program provides the majority of benefit to those
demographics. Homesharing enables clients to afford the cost of basic needs while
providing companionship and security. The program fills a gap, avoids duplication of
services by partnering with local government and service organizations while leveraging
and expanding the use of existing housing. The Program is requesting GIA funding in
the amount of $6,000 for outreach and marketing, $780 for training events, and $1,720
for background screening.
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23. Tolosa Children’s Dental Center (TCDC): Tolosa Children’s Dental Center – San
Luis Obispo
2016 Grant Award: $5,500
2017 Grant Award: $5,500
2018 Grant Request: $10,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $5,000
TCDC-SLO delivers dental services to children age infant to 18. TCDC-SLO helps
alleviate a t ravel barrier many children experience due to the lack of providers within the
Central Region of the County – the nearest providers who accept uninsured, underinsured
and/or Denti-Cal patients are in North and South County. Operating one day per week in
the City of San Luis Obispo has enabled TCDC to provide care to approximately 900
individual children who would otherwise have to travel from Central County to receive
services. They are requesting $10,000 to cover a portion of the unreimbursed costs
associated with providing continued care to patients residing in the City. Specifically,
$3,400 to help cover the pediatric dentist, $1,680 for dental supplies, and $4,920 of rent
in their downtown San Luis Obispo location.
24. Transitional Food and Shelter (TFS): Transitional Food and Shelter
2016 Grant Award: $13,000
2017 Grant Award: $15,000
2018 Grant Request: $15,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $14,182
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 $15,000 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 apartme nts, motel
vouchers, and the fees of their contracted caseworker.
25. Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA): Homeless Outreach – Library
Project
2018 Grant Request: $5,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $2,500
TMHA provides innovative mental health services in San Luis Obispo County and is
requesting funds for their Homeless Outreach – Library Project. The San Luis Obispo
Library is a well-known hub for many homeless citizens in the County, since admittance
and computer/internet access are free, and the facility is located by multiple bus stops.
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THMA has recently began to visit the library to outreach to homeless individuals and has
been very successful thus far. They are requesting $5,000 of GIA monies to expand their
program to twice-monthly outreach events. The goal is to make contact with members of
the City’s homeless population, provide links and referrals to behavioral, medical, and
social services as needed, and distribution of supplie s for clients such as bus passes, food,
gift cards and clothing.
26. United Way of San Luis Obispo County: 2-1-1 SLO County
2016 Grant Award: $3,000
2017 Grant Award: $3,000
2018 Grant Request: $3,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $1,500
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, bil ingual
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. Callers in crisis or with immediate mental
health needs are connected via a warm transfer to appropriate support lines, where trained
volunteers and staff are prepared to give more personal help. Individuals a nd families are
connected with important services and programs, giving them the support they need to be
productive and healthy community members. The United Way is requesting funding of
$3,000 for ongoing operating expenses of the interface call center co ntract.
27. Women’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County DBA Stand Strong:
Homeless Prevention & Self-Sufficiency Program for DV Survivors
2018 Grant Request: $12,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $10,800
Stand Strong is requesting GIA funds to pay for needed staffing to support the Homeless
Prevention & Self-Sufficiency Assistance Program for domestic violence victims. 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 $12,000
in GIA monies will be used for salaries of direct client service staff working in the
Program.
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PROGRAMS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR FUNDING
28. Assistance League of San Luis Obispo County: Operation School Bell
2018 Grant Request: $5,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $0
Operation School Bell was established in 1995 to provide school-appropriate clothing to
disadvantaged K-12th grade children living in poverty in San Luis Obispo County.
Volunteer members assist the students by selecting school-appropriate attire during a
retail shopping experience. This program has an indirect relationship to the criteria,
therefore it was not recommended for funding.
29. Learn.Connect.Play.Foundation: Cooking on a Budget
2018 Grant Request: $12,450
2018 HRC Recommendation: $0
Learn.Connect.Play.Foundation is seeking funding for their monthly Cooking on a
Budget classes, which will address food insecurity for the low income and homeless
families in a fun, and functional manner while also infusing literacy, math and science
concepts that parents can use to facilitate academic growth in their children. Although a
new program related to the funding criteria, it was felt the program was not fully
established to be recommended for funding.
30. Senior Volunteer Services: Central Coast Community Volunteers
2018 Grant Request: $10,000
2018 HRC Recommendation: $0
Senior Volunteer Services (SVS) requests funding to develop a pilot project to address
the specific challenges associated with homeless prevention and to provide support
services for seniors. Phase I of the project will be to identify the specific needs o f seniors
that enable them to remain in their homes that can be collected and addressed by trained
volunteers. Phase II will use the collected data to develop a plan to link and match the
service needs of a partner agencies with volunteer recruitment effo rts. SVS will use the
funding to develop and disseminate outreach materials. Although a new program, related
to the funding criteria, it was felt that the program was not fully established to be
recommending for funding.
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Minutes
Human Relations Commission
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
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, April 4, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, located at 990 Palm Street,
San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Clayton.
OATH OF OFFICE
City Clerk Teresa Purrington administered the oath of office to newly appointed Commissioners
Michael Hopkins and Emily Rosten.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Barrie DuBois, Michael Hopkins, Samuel Hughes, Emily Rosten,
Carol Sexton, Vice-Chair Nancy Welts, and Chair Clayton
Staff: Cara Vereschagin, Planning Technician; Xzandrea Fowler, Deputy Director;
Teresa Purrington, City Clerk; Deanna Cantrell, Police Chief; Jeff Smith, Police
Captain
ELECTION OF CHAIR OF AND VICE-CHAIR
ACTION: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER DUBOIS, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
HOPKINS CARRIED 7-0-0 to approve the election of Commissioner Carol Sexton as Vice-
Chair and Commissioner Nancy Welts as Chair.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
PRESENTATIONS
1. Police Department 2017 Annual Report
Chief Cantrell and Captain Smith gave a presentation to the Commission on Police Department
updates for the 2016-17 Fiscal Year. Various topics were discussed, such as crime, traffic, noise,
homelessness, types of calls for service, mental health-related responses, current strategies being
used, crime reduction, upcoming challenges, and new policies and programs.
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CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
2.ACTION: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CLAYTON, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER HUGHES CARRIED 4-0-3 to approve the minutes of the Regular
Meeting of the Human Relations Commission of March 7, 2018.
BUSINESS ITEMS
3.Preliminary 2018-19 Grants-in-Aid Subcommittee Recommendations
Vice Chair Welts and Commissioner Hughes described the process that went into the subcommittee
recommendations for the 2018-19 Grants-in-Aid Applications. Both Commissioner Hopkins and
Commissioner Clayton identified that they had a conflict of interest and would only participate in the
broader discussion. Following the description of the process, the Subcommittee answered questions
and went through the recommendations. The Commission requested to review the applications and
preliminary recommendations before the next meeting.
4.Diversity Planning Effort
This item was briefly discussed. The Commission talked about potentially utilizing members of the
Police and Community Together (PACT) program within the City, and was continued to a later date
uncertain.
COMMISSION & STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
Chair Clayton reminded the Commission about the Advisory Body Training occurring on
Wednesday, April 18, 2018 and encouraged members to attend.
Planning Technician Vereschagin announced that the City Council approved the 2018
Community Development Block Grant funding recommendations, and will now move forward to
the Board of Supervisors for review on April 17, 2018.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Welts adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m. The next Regular meeting of the Human Relations
Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room,
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cara Vereschagin
Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ON 05/02/2018
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Minutes
Human Relations Commission
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
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, May 2, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, located at 990 Palm Street,
San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Welts.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Barrie DuBois, Robert Clayton (arrived at 5:10 p.m.), Michael
Hopkins, Samuel Hughes, Emily Rosten, Vice-Chair Carol Sexton (arrived at
5:05 p.m.), and Chair Nancy Welts
Staff: Cara Vereschagin, Planning Technician; Xzandrea Fowler, Deputy Director
Guest: Roy Hanley, Assistant City Attorney for the City of Solvang and City of Pismo
Beach
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1. ACTION: MOTION BY VICE-CHAIR SEXTON, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER
HOPKINS CARRIED 6-0-1 to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Human
Relations Commission of April 4, 2018.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Consideration of the 2017-18 Neighborhood Matching Grant recommendations
Planning Technician Vereschagin went through a summary of the applications and provided a brief
overview of the program. Ms. Vereschagin discussed the staff recommendations for the three
applications submitted including, $1,000 for Mary Lou Johnson representing the Islay Park neighbors,
$4,185 to the Friends of Laguna Lake/Laguna Lake Neighborhood, and $2,785 for the Vista del
Lago/Laguna Lane Neighborhood Community.
Public Comment
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Chair Welts opened the public comment for the public hearing.
Mary Lou Johnson, representing the Islay Park Neighborhood, mentioned her excitement to be
considered for a neighborhood matching grant and provided a brief overview of her project.
Ms. Johnson also stated that she would like to establish a “Friends of Islay Park” group.
There being no others desiring to speak on this item, the public comment was closed.
ACTION: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CLAYTON, SECOND BY VICE-CHAIR
SEXTON CARRIED 7-0-0 to approve the 2017-18 Neighborhood Matching Grant funding
recommendations.
***Chair Welts ordered a two minute recess at this point in the meeting and then called the meeting
back to order at 5:30 p.m.***
3. Consideration of the 2018-19 Grants-in-Aid (GIA) funding recommendations
Commissioner Hopkins recused himself from this item and left the Hearing Room.
Chair Welts opened the item and stated that Commissioner Clayton had recused himself and was no
longer in the Hearing Room. Planning Technician Vereschagin provided a brief overview of process
and applications received for the funding year. Commissioner Welts stated that two letters were
received from the Alliance for Pharmaceutical Access regarding the funding recommendations.
Commissioner Welts also provided information on the criteria used to develop the recommendations,
which included the 2017-19 Major City Goals.
Commissioner Barrie Dubois disclosed that she had previously been a CASA volunteer, and had
volunteered with HomeShareSLO.
Commissioner Emily Rosten disclosed that she was a CASA volunteer, and had volunteered with
Restorative Partners, the SLO Noor Foundation, and TMHA.
Commissioner Samuel Hughes disclosed that he had volunteered with RISE.
Public Comment
Chair Welts opened the public comment for the public hearing.
The following provided comments regarding the recommendations for Grants-in-Aid (GIA)
Funding:
Jane Pomeroy, RISE
Stephanie Barclay, SLO Legal Assistance Foundation
Donna Fioravanti, CAPSLO
Rachel Cementina, United Way
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Andrea Keisler, Food Bank Coalition
Juliane McAdams, Meals that Connect
Marcia Alter, HomeShareSLO
Sarah Reinhart, Alliance for Pharmaceutical Access
Jenny Luciano, San Luis Obispo Big Brothers and Big Sisters
There being no others desiring to speak on this item, the public hearing was closed.
The Commission then deliberated and requested that perhaps for next year the funding priorities would
be clearer.
The item was continued to the next regular scheduled meeting on June 6, 2018.
COMMISSION & STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
4. Diversity Planning Effort
This item was briefly discussed amongst the Commission. A subcommittee was formed consisting of
Chair Welts, Commissioner Clayton, and Commissioner Hopkins to connect with representatives to SLO
PACT, City Council, and other contacts throughout the City.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Welts adjourned the meeting at 6:39 p.m. The next Regular meeting of the Human Relations
Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room,
990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cara Vereschagin
Recording Secretary
APPROVED BY THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ON 06/06/18.
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Minutes - Draft
Human Relations Commission
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
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, June 6, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room, located at 990 Palm Street,
San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Welts.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Barrie DuBois, Robert Clayton, Michael Hopkins, Samuel
Hughes, Emily Rosten, and Chair Nancy Welts
Absent: Vice-Chair Carol Sexton
Staff: Cara Vereschagin, Assistant Planner; Xzandrea Fowler, Deputy Director
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES
1. ACTION: MOTION BY COMMISSIONER CLAYTON, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER HUGHES CARRIED 6-0-1 to approve the minutes of the Regular
Meeting of the Human Relations Commission of May 2, 2018, with the following
correction to the Call of Order that reads:
“A Regular Meeting of the….by Chair Clayton.”
To Read:
“A Regular Meeting of the…by Chair Welts.”
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2. Consideration of the 2018-19 Grants-in-Aid (GIA) funding recommendations
This item was continued from the May 2, 2018 Regular Meeting.
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Chair Welts opened the item. Commissioners Clayton and Hopkins disclosed a conflict of interest,
recused themselves from the item, and left the Hearing Room.
Public Comment
Chair Welts opened the public comment for the public hearing. Susan Graves, from Court
Appointed Special Advocates of San Luis Obispo County, provided comments regarding the
recommendations for GIA Funding.
There being no others desiring to speak on this item, the public hearing was closed.
The Commission then deliberated and decided to adjust the recommendations based on the adopted
funding priorities. Chair Welts reminded the HRC that these funding recommendations would move
forward to City Council for final approval, thus allowing time for non-profit representatives to continue
advocating for their respective organizations.
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER HUGHES, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER DUBOIS,
CARRIED 4-0-3, to recommend that the City Council approve the revised 2018-19 Grants-in-Aid
funding recommendations.
COMMISSION & STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
3. Consider Cancellation of July 5, 2018 Meeting
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER ROSTEN, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER DUBOIS,
CARRIED 4-0-3, to cancel the July 5, 2018 meeting.
Chair Welts spoke about the diversity subcommittee meeting held and informed the commission
that the topic will be agenized for future meetings.
Commissioner Rosten discussed future ideas for the City and suggested installing wayfinding
signs in Spanish.
Assistant Planner Vereschagin informed the Commission that the HRC approved Grants-in-Aid
funding recommendations will move to City Council as a consent item, and she explained what
that process involved.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Welts adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m. The next Regular meeting of the Human Relations
Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing
Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cara Vereschagin, Recording Secretary
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