Huntersville commissioners hear funding pitches from local nonprofits; board approves procedural recusals

Huntersville commissioners heard presentations from more than a dozen local nonprofit organizations during a board meeting where agencies outlined requests for town funding to support food security, housing stability, youth services, historic preservation and public-safety tree work.

The presentations — from groups including Ada Jenkins Center, Angels & Sparrows Community Table, Arts & Science Council, Bags of Hope, Caterpillar Ministries/Huntington Green, Hope House Foundation, Pottstown Heritage Group, North Carolina Youth Orchestra, Beds for Kids, Hugh Torrance House and others — described growing demand and, for several organizations, a recent loss or pause of other funding streams that the groups said has strained operations.

Those who spoke said town support helps maintain direct services and local access. Harold, an Ada Jenkins Center representative, said the organization had to “pause the program due to lack of funding. In simple terms, we ran out of money.” Ada Jenkins described taking on HUD-funded programs after another nonprofit closed, noting a one-time HUD grant of about $262,000 and another nearly $700,000 grant the organization is currently floating while awaiting payment.

Several food programs described increased need. Cindy Deutsch, development director for Angels & Sparrows Community Table and Resource Center, told commissioners the nonprofit provides daily weekday food access in Huntersville and that its Pathway Program serves families with education and workforce supports. Cindy said federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that supported the program have ended and that replacing that funding has been difficult.

Bags of Hope asked the town for $25,000 to sponsor weekend food bags for students; Nicole Feeler said, “That amount would cover 25 students. That thousand dollars will sponsor 1 student for the school year.” Bags of Hope said it distributed 26,251 bags last school year (about 221,000 meals) and was serving about 750 students weekly, including roughly 315 students in…