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Lawrence Committee advances state grant to secure 204 winter shelter beds
Summary
The committee forwarded authorization to expend a $268,180 state grant (Executive Office of Housing in Livable Communities) to secure 204 winter beds and warming centers through April 30; Homelessness Coordinator Milagro Gulan said the city will partner with eleven local organizations and use a reimbursement process for invoices.
The Budget & Finance Committee voted Dec. 11 to forward to the full City Council a state grant award that the Homelessness Coordinator said will secure 204 winter shelter beds and supporting warming-center services.
Milagro Gulan said the Commonwealth offered this seasonal funding directly to municipalities for the first time to address increasing homelessness. The city requested funds to provide shelter when temperatures drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit and to support individuals living in encampments or other unsuitable locations. The grant award requires a cash match and in-kind services in some cases; Gulan said the grant is reimbursement-based — partner organizations submit invoices and the city pays.
Gulan listed collaborators named in the grant application, including Lazarus House, Mercy House, local churches, Merrimack Valley Transit, the Board of Health, Police, Senior Center, Veterans Services and the Lawrence Public Schools. She said hotels could be used only when organizations provide them (not the city directly) and that the grant period runs through April 30. Committee members asked for clear coordination with existing nonprofit providers; the committee voted to send the authorization to the full council with a favorable recommendation.
