The Clearwater Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board convened on April 9, 2024, to discuss various community programs aimed at enhancing housing services and support for residents. The meeting featured presentations from several organizations seeking funding to expand their initiatives.

The first speaker highlighted the achievements of their organization, which has been providing culturally sensitive homebuyer education since 2002. They emphasized the importance of accessible and engaging educational resources, particularly during the housing crisis, which underscored the community's need for effective homebuyer education. The organization reported that their innovative online platform, Hometrack Online, has successfully educated over 13,000 new homeowners and provided $148 million in loans with down payment assistance. They plan to target Clearwater residents through social media and partnerships with local banks.

Next, Amanda Markiewicz from the Intercultural Advocacy Institute, also known as the Hispanic Outreach Center, addressed the growing Hispanic population in Clearwater, which comprises about 20-22% of the total community. She discussed the need for culturally competent programming for Hispanic families, particularly through their youth leadership partnership program. The center is seeking $40,000 to expand its services, which currently support educational and leadership development for local youth.

Sean Nagle, executive director of Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LIFT), presented on their programs for students with neurodiversity. LIFT has grown significantly since its inception in 2013 and now serves over 170 students. Nagle requested funding for two key projects: a sensory-friendly playground and an expansion of their community internship program. The organization aims to enhance opportunities for students with autism and other learning disabilities, emphasizing the importance of play in learning.

Lauren Smith from Metropolitan Ministries discussed the Neighbor Hope Project, which targets high-need areas in Pinellas County. She requested $50,000 to enhance case management services and provide rental assistance to families in need, particularly in the North Greenwood area.

Helena Vonoto from Personal Enrichment through Mental Health Services (PEMHS) presented a funding request for $101,000 to improve wayfinding and signage at their facility, which serves individuals in crisis. She illustrated the challenges faced by clients navigating the campus and stressed the need for clear signage to ensure safety and accessibility.

Finally, representatives from the Pinellas Opportunity Council discussed their emergency assistance program, which has been operational since 1968. They requested $25,000 to expand their services, which assist residents with utility and rent payments. The council aims to increase their outreach to Clearwater residents, building on their previous successes.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of community collaboration and the need for continued support to address housing and social service challenges in Clearwater. The board will review the funding requests and consider the potential impact on local residents in their upcoming decisions.