The Clearwater Neighborhood & Affordable Housing Advisory Board meeting on April 9, 2024, highlighted significant initiatives aimed at enhancing childcare services and supporting local families. A key focus was the proposed partnership with We Care Inc., which operates the Upwards Boost program. This initiative seeks to strengthen the childcare ecosystem in Clearwater, addressing the pressing need for affordable childcare options.

Judy Almada, the program director for We Care, emphasized the challenges faced by childcare providers, noting that many operate on tight budgets, with average earnings around $12.92 per hour. The Boost program aims to provide financial support and resources to daycare providers, helping them optimize their operations and increase their capacity to serve children. The program is requesting $131,354 to support salaries and benefits for its staff, with the potential to create seven new low to moderate-income jobs in the community.

The Boost program will offer business coaching and technical assistance to licensed microenterprise daycare owners, enabling them to improve their financial stability and expand their services. Almada highlighted that with proper support, daycare providers could significantly increase their earnings, potentially generating over $100,000 annually at full capacity.

The board members expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of bolstering the childcare sector, which serves approximately 3,091 children under six years old in Clearwater. The discussions underscored the community's commitment to enhancing childcare services, which are crucial for families and the local economy.

In addition to the childcare initiative, the meeting addressed staffing challenges within the housing department, with concerns raised about the impact of unfilled positions on service delivery. The housing director noted the stress of managing multiple roles without adequate support, highlighting the need for timely hiring to ensure effective operations.

Overall, the meeting underscored Clearwater's proactive approach to addressing community needs, particularly in childcare and housing, as the city continues to seek solutions that enhance the quality of life for its residents.