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Pima County creates short-term crisis grant to help organizations respond to SNAP cuts
Summary
The board approved an $838,000 short-term crisis and emergency resources grant (10% of projected carryforward) to deliver rapid awards to nonprofits addressing food, housing, transportation and medical needs; board clarified program caps ($25k–$75k per program), added legal-assistance eligibility, and set an application deadline of Dec. 3 with board review on Dec. 16.
Pima County approved a short-term crisis and emergency resources grant program on Nov. 18 designed to give rapid financial support to community organizations responding to emerging needs from federal SNAP changes and other urgent pressures.
County Administrator Jan Lesher said staff estimate roughly $8.3 million of additional carryforward capacity for the year and recommended allocating 10 percent (about $838,000) to a short-term grant fund. Applications will be a one-page form, reviewed by an outside agency citizen-review committee appointed by the board, with recommendations returned to the board by Dec. 16. The proposed service categories are food assistance, housing and utility support, transportation, and medical expenses; staff recommended awards sized from $25,000 to $75,000.
Supervisor Hines asked that the cap language not limit an agency to a single maximum and sought clarification that large organizations may apply for multiple program awards; staff responded that the cap applies per program, mirroring the outside-agency framework. Hines also requested adding legal services or assistance paying federal application fees when those services help a resident obtain food or benefits; the board adopted an amendment to add that clarification.
Supervisor John Christie repeatedly asked whether property taxes would pay for the program; staff said funds are allocated from the general fund (property-tax supported) carryforward. The board approved the program as amended by a 4–1 vote with Christie opposed.
