Belton City Council approved a reimbursement of $15,000 to Heart in Hand and agreed to formalize memoranda of understanding that document the organizations’ working relationship.

A staff presenter said the reimbursement program mirrors last year’s program and that the homelessness committee voted unanimously to recommend Heart in Hand as the recipient. “The homelessness committee … voting unanimously 8 to 0 to approve Heart in Hand as the recipient of the reimbursement,” the presenter said. The presenter added that Heart in Hand requested an MOU be included to support future grant funding and administrative needs and that the program’s verification and payment structure remain unchanged.

Council members asked how this year’s award compares with last year’s funding and whether the city receives data on use. One council member asked, “Did we increase the money that we gave them this year? I know it was $10,000 last year and we've increased it this year?” staff responded, “It's 15,000 this year.” Staff also said the council packet includes information from Heart in Hand about individuals served and reimbursed items.

Several council members urged broader accountability and transparency about services. One suggested using the program funds for a wider set of services such as cooling centers or driver’s license assistance; staff said the application can accept other recipients and that Heart in Hand has provided a variety of services. A staff speaker recommended adding discussion of funding options to the municipal budgeting process so partner organizations can plan.

Separately, Belton Police Chief Scott Lyons described a second MOU between the police department and Heart in Hand that would meet requirements for a HUD homelessness grant application. “What you have in front of you tonight is a resolution, for the police department to sign a memorandum of understanding with Heart and Hand,” Lyons said, adding the departments have an ongoing working relationship and the MOU addresses timing needs for the grant application. Lyons asked that the MOU could be signed the next day to meet the grant timeline.

Both the reimbursement resolution and the police MOU were approved by voice vote (motion carries). The council directed staff to provide additional detail on the wraparound services being offered and noted the reimbursement application reopens at the start of the next fiscal year for other potential applicants.