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Newark to open $2 million resource center for social services with state and federal support
Summary
Mayor Michael K. Hannon said the city will convert the former Head Start building into a resource center funded with ARPA, a state grant from Assemblymember Alex Lee, CDBG funds and city capital dollars; a grand opening is planned for late summer or early fall.
Mayor Michael K. Hannon said Newark will develop its first-ever resource center in the former Head Start building to centralize social-service providers and nonprofits and make services easier to find for residents.
Hannon outlined the funding package for the project: a total cost of approximately $2,000,000 made up of $600,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, $1,000,000 from state funding secured by Assemblymember Alex Lee, $232,000 from federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $160,000 from the city's capital-improvement fund.
Hannon said nonprofit Viola Blythe will be among the organizations to use the center; Debbie Rodriguez, identified in the program as Viola Blythe's daughter, was recognized in the audience. Hannon thanked Supervisor Elisa Marquez for additional ARPA funding that the city routed to Viola Blythe to support food and other resources.
Construction began in November and Hannon said work is progressing on schedule; the city plans listening sessions hosted by the Recreation and Community Services Department to gather resident input on services and programming. A grand opening was described as likely "later this summer or early fall." Hannon also noted the city's intent to preserve a mural by artist Linda Patterson as part of the center's interior design.
The mayor did not provide a detailed operating budget, staffing plan or long-term funding commitments for nonprofit partners during the address.
