During the Aug. 11 public comment period several nonprofit leaders, faith representatives and residents urged the commission to continue funding and support for Salina Grace and other local service providers addressing homelessness.

Chad Young, executive director of Salina Rescue Mission / Salina Grace, thanked the commission for past and current funding and described recent results: he said the community’s coordinated effort helped 130 people move off the streets during the winter and 50 people into housing or shelter during the rest of the year. Young said partnerships and funding helped provide meals, shelter and case-management services.

Linda Salem spoke on behalf of First Presbyterian Church and described the faith community’s contributions: she said Salina Grace serves roughly 40 to 80 people daily and coordinates with more than 17 local agencies for housing, health care and employment services. Salem said First Presbyterian organizes about 35 volunteer hours per week for meal preparation and provides about 30 weekend food bags; she estimated the church’s volunteer time and food investment at over $50,000 annually.

Other speakers expressed both gratitude and concern about the regional nature of demand. Commissioners acknowledged Salina’s regional “pull factor” — residents from outside the city who travel to Salina for services and commerce — and noted the city’s funding decisions consider that regional role and the contribution of sales tax revenues.

A commenter representing the Granny Brigade invited the public and commissioners to a community meeting focusing on nonprofits and their needs. A different commenter said faith organizations should primarily fund these services, and commissioners responded that the city’s role and community partnerships are part of the overall service system.

No formal action was taken at the meeting specifically on Salina Grace funding during the day’s agenda items; the topic arose during the public hearing on the 2026 budget and during Citizens Forum.