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Carbondale homeless outreach asks town for larger annual contribution as demand rises
Summary
Carbondale Homeless Assistance requested the town increase its historical $1,500 contribution to about $4,000 to cover expanded operating costs and shower-pass and emergency housing expenses; trustees said staff will review the request during budget discussions.
Lynn Kershner, who identified herself as representing Carbondale Homeless Assistance, told the Board of Trustees on Oct. 14 that the volunteer-run group has been operating locally for about 12 years and is requesting a larger town contribution to meet growing needs.
“For the record, my name is Lynn Kershner, and I'm here tonight representing Carbondale Homeless Assistance,” Kershner said. She described services the group provides, including shower passes (bought from the town recreation department), grocery cards, camping gear and referrals to local organizations that supply clothing and equipment.
Kershner said the group has received a $1,500 annual contribution from the town for many years but that the organization’s expenses have grown. “This past year, our growing need in the community has evolved to about $4,000 in expenses. And so we'd like the board to consider, if there's any possibility to expand their contribution to us,” she said, asking the trustees to consider increasing the town payment to roughly $4,000.
Town staff and trustees discussed how the existing arrangement works: the town has historically provided funds and the recreation department sells shower passes that Carbondale Homeless Assistance buys back for distribution. Town Manager Ryan (first name used in the meeting) noted the model has been an informal, long-running arrangement, and that the town has supported the program for many years.
Trustees did not take a formal vote on Kershner’s request during the meeting. Mayor and staff indicated the topic would be considered during the budget process: the board was holding its first budget overview that evening and staff said they would review discretionary allocations and follow up with Kershner as part of upcoming budget discussions.
Kershner also said recent clients include local residents who had been successful previously but fell into hardship because of injuries and a vehicular accident that left one person without his van. She said the group’s fall fundraising goal is $10,000 and that donations (including clothing, sleeping bags, tents, gift cards and cash) are being accepted. Kershner provided handouts to the board and gave contact information for follow-up.
