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Lake Elsinore council approves CDBG allocations after local advocates urge funding for foster‑care advocacy and food pantry
Summary
The Lake Elsinore City Council approved staff-recommended Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and community support allocations, after testimony from Voices for Children (CASA) seeking $10,000 and Hope (Helping Our People Elsinore) thanking the council for prior support. Staff said the city's HUD allocation is estimated at $587,000.
The Lake Elsinore City Council on Dec. 9 approved its recommended Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and community support allocations for fiscal year 2026–27, after brief public testimony from local nonprofit representatives.
Voices for Children (CASA) volunteer coordinator Ashley Brown Mills told the council the program served 28 children from Lake Elsinore this year at a cost of nearly $2,000 per child and requested $10,000 in CDBG funding to provide one year of advocacy for five additional children. "These funds will allow us to provide life‑changing CASA advocacy for children in Lake Elsinore's foster care system," she said.
Brent Masters, representing Hope (Helping Our People Elsinore), thanked the council for past support of the pantry ministry and described an ongoing demand for material aid and services; Hope reported serving roughly 3,000 households monthly and recording about 39,000 individual service interactions last fiscal year.
Staff fiscal officer Domenico Piazza summarized the CDBG funding mechanics and limits: the city renewed a joint recipient agreement with Riverside County in 2023 that channels HUD funds to the city, with the county withholding 13% for administration (about $77,310). The city received a notice of funding availability estimating approximately $587,000 in CDBG funds; a maximum of 15% (about $88,050) may be allocated to public service programs. The city had budgeted $30,000 for the separate community support program.
Councilmember Manos moved to adopt the staff recommendations; the motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem McGee, passed unanimously. The approved allocations follow staff recommendations for distribution across eligible applicants.
The decision means Voices for Children and other local service providers will receive city-supported funding for the coming year. Staff will implement the allocations and proceed with grant agreements consistent with HUD and Riverside County joint‑recipient rules.
