Davenport advisory committee hears CDBG requests for legal aid, youth services, homelessness prevention and housing rehab

The Davenport Citizens Advisory Committee on Feb. 9 heard hourlong presentations from local nonprofits seeking Community Development Block Grant funding to support legal advocacy for domestic‑abuse survivors, youth mentoring and enrichment, eviction prevention and homelessness‑diversion services, and city housing‑rehabilitation programs.

Chair Adela Raso opened the meeting and explained procedures for the public hearing, including a five‑minute limit for each presenter and timekeeping by Bruce Berger. "Tonight, we will hear presentations by agencies who are applying for the year '52 Community Development Block Grant or CDBG funds," Raso said, setting the agenda for the night.

Family Resources, represented by Cecilia, asked the committee to renew funding for a courthouse‑based legal advocate who helps survivors navigate protection‑order hearings. Cecilia said most survivors served live at or below 30% of area median income and cannot afford private counsel. Denise, the program's legal advocate, recounted her own experience as a teenager to explain the…