City staff told the council that an unexpected one‑time payment of roughly $157,000 from Maine DHHS arrived to offset part of the city’s general assistance (GA) obligation. The council previously approved using $60,000 of that money to support winter warming centers.

Jen Gunerman, a city department director overseeing GA programs, said staff opened an application and received two proposals — from Bridal Church and Together Place — each requesting the full $60,000. Because only $60,000 is immediately available, staff recommended splitting the funding into two $30,000 awards and pursuing an additional $60,000 so each organization could eventually receive the full requested amount.

Gunerman said staff derived the $60,000 figure from estimates of minimum operational needs: past warming centers suggested 30 beds as a baseline, staff doubled that when calculating capacity, and they reviewed the GA per‑bed emergency shelter costs. She said the bulk of applicants’ budgets were for heating, supplies and small stipends, and that code enforcement is working with both organizations on minor building upgrades.

Staff estimated the two warming centers combined could serve about 110 people per night but acknowledged an unmet need in the community. Warming shelters would serve adults (18+); staff will confirm policies on service animals. Finance and legal staff are drafting contracts and utilization reporting so the city can track beds filled and expenditure reporting through the warming season (staff said they plan reporting through April).

The council did not record an additional formal vote at the workshop on splitting funds; staff reported advising applicants they would each receive $30,000 pending pursuit of additional funding.