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Clean Slate Advocates updates council on laundry program; city staff commit to follow‑up on funding mechanics
Summary
Clean Slate Advocates reported the Soap the Hope laundry program served more than 4,000 people in 2024 and sought clarity on city reimbursement; city staff said roughly $30,000 in HUD‑eligible support is possible but federal reimbursement rules require clearer separation between nonprofit services and any for‑profit operation.
Robert Frazier, executive director of Clean Slate Advocates, updated the committee on the nonprofit’s Soap the Hope program, which provides laundry services and hygiene support to Springfield residents. Frazier said the program served 4,175 people through Dec. 24, with total program spending of $46,922 and an average monthly household income among users of roughly $969.88.
Alderwoman Purchase asked whether Clean Slate had submitted an application for city funding; Frazier said the organization had met with city staff and that the city’s Office of Planning & Economic Development previously discussed providing roughly $30,000 in HUD/CDBG‑eligible reimbursement funds subject to program eligibility and federal rules. Director Amy (city staff) told the committee the city met with Frazier and provided guidance on allowable uses of HUD funds, documentation required for reimbursements and the need to separate for‑profit activity from nonprofit program expenses for federal compliance.
Frazier and staff agreed there are administrative hurdles — including demonstrating that personnel, supplies and machine use are correctly allocated to the nonprofit service rather than to a for‑profit enterprise — and that those issues must be resolved for the city to draw HUD funds. Council members encouraged continued collaboration to adapt the program to eligible activities (for example, workforce development or support services) and to produce the documentation the city needs to process reimbursements.
Ending: City staff committed to continue working with Clean Slate Advocates to identify eligible funding streams and to provide guidance on compliance for federal reimbursement; the committee requested staff brief the council when there is a concrete funding path to support the program.
