Sedro‑Woolley Council approves $80,000 package for winter housing services split between Helping Hands and Family Promise

Sedro‑Woolley — The City Council on Nov. 5 approved a one‑time allocation of $80,000 to support winter housing and human‑services programs, splitting the funds evenly between Helping Hands Food Bank and Family Promise.

The approved package combines $40,000 remaining in the city’s 14‑06/15‑90 service funding accounts with a $40,000 match taken from the pending $300,000 Helping Hands land‑sale payment to the city. Councilman (name redacted in the transcript) moved to allocate the funds, and Councilman LaVaca seconded; the motion passed 4–3 with Councilwoman Kestie, Councilman Henderson and Councilman Loy opposed.

City staff told the council an unexpected $300,000 payment from Helping Hands — proceeds from a Department of Commerce grant and a land sale — could be used to backfill service funding. Charlie (city staff) said the $300,000 is an unanticipated human‑services source tied to the sale of leased land to Helping Hands and had been confirmed in e‑mail correspondence with the Department of Commerce.

Presenters from five agencies described needs and proposed uses. Eric of Helping Hands Food Bank asked for flexible funding to provide short‑term rental assistance, temporary shelter and staff to coordinate services, saying the program’s navigators “look at the whole picture” of a household’s needs. Tom Pierce of the YMCA asked for renewal of operating support for the Sedro‑Woolley Rec Center, citing increased meal service and youth contacts. A Family Promise representative detailed prior use of city funds and requested $86,000 tonight to expand prevention and transitional housing; the presenter said $45,000 could fund prevention services for about 30 families and $41,000 could provide transitional housing nights or seasonal shelter. Felicia Mento of Home Trust said the nonprofit would accept any amount for down‑payment assistance. Ron of the Boys and Girls Club withdrew that agency’s request for these funds.

Council members delivering reasons for the vote said the allocation is an urgent, time‑sensitive response to winter needs. Councilman Burns urged setting aside funds now to avoid people freezing or losing housing, calling it “a good way for us to spend these funds.” Councilman LaVaca and Councilman **** (mover) supported matching the $40,000 to make a meaningful impact; Councilwoman Kestie, Councilman Henderson and Councilman Loy opposed using the matched money, citing reserve preservation and competing infrastructure needs.

Motion and vote: Motion to allocate $40,000 from 14‑06/15‑90 and $40,000 from the Helping Hands payment, with $40,000 each to Helping Hands Food Bank and Family Promise. Mover: Councilman (unnamed in transcript). Second: Councilman LaVaca. Vote: 4 in favor, 3 opposed (Kestie, Henderson, Loy). Allocation is to be administered by the City’s housing/services staff in coordination with awardees.