Palmdale City Council approves $7.1M for SAVES facility expansion project

In the heart of Palmdale's city hall, a sense of purpose filled the air as council members gathered on February 18, 2025, to discuss vital community initiatives. Among the key topics was the proposed expenditure of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds aimed at enhancing local services, particularly for the nonprofit organization SAVES, which has been a cornerstone of support for residents in need.

The meeting opened with a public hearing on item 7.1, where David Laird, a local pastor and long-time partner with SAVES, passionately addressed the council. He highlighted the growing demand for food assistance in the Antelope Valley, noting that the number of individuals relying on their services has surged from 80 to 364 over the past two decades. Laird urged the council to invest in a new facility that would better serve the community's increasing needs.

Sophia Reyes, the director of housing, presented the details of the proposed Section 108 loan application, seeking approval for $7.1 million to fund improvements at SAVES' new location on Third Street East and East Avenue Q. The planned upgrades include essential renovations such as ADA-compliant restrooms, enhanced heating and air conditioning systems, and the installation of solar energy and electric vehicle charging stations. The total funding package, which includes additional CDBG and ARPA funds, amounts to nearly $9 million.

Council members expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the significant impact SAVES has on the community, serving over 6,000 residents annually. One council member emphasized the importance of this investment, noting that the current facility is at capacity and that the expansion has been a long-awaited goal.

The council unanimously moved to approve the loan application, viewing it as a strategic step to address immediate community needs while ensuring sustainable support for the future. As the meeting concluded, the commitment to enhancing local services resonated, leaving a hopeful outlook for the residents of Palmdale and the vital work of SAVES.