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 role's impact: "This funding does save lives," she said, urging continued support so advocates can accompany survivors through the protection‑order process.

Friendly House, represented by Resource Development Manager Terry Hansen, and a youth participant described after‑school programming, food‑pantry access and a 130th‑anniversary community open house. Hansen requested CDBG funding to maintain youth‑services workers so the program can continue long hours of care and enrichment for families in Davenport.

Vera French Community Mental Health Center outlined its Community Support Services program, which provides medication support, transportation and social‑connection groups to help people with serious mental illness live independently. Presenter Denise Bank noted demand has increased since the state ended the integrated health home program.

The Salvation Army sought funds for a homeless‑prevention case management specialist, citing local eviction pressure and program results. Kelly Larned told the committee that, from January 2025 to January 2026, the program's case manager served 514 people (149 households) and the organization spent more than $438,000 assisting Davenport residents with rent and deposit aid.

Big Brothers Big Sisters and CommonAccord described mentoring and music‑mentoring programs, respectively, that pair consistent adult mentors with youth to boost attendance, reading and social skills. Sarah Sperry of Big Brothers Big Sisters and Tyson Danner of CommonAccord both emphasized measured benefits and asked the committee to maintain CDBG support.

Iowa Legal Aid reported on an eviction‑diversion help desk in Scott County court. Managing attorney Chris Merkel said attorneys handled 132 cases between July 1 and Nov. 1, 2025, securing favorable outcomes in 97 instances and helping 309 people, including 129 children. He cited the program's role alongside partners such as the Salvation Army.

Project Renewal and Humility Homes and Services described after‑school opportunities and shelter intake/diversion roles that aim to prevent shelter entry; Project Renewal cited measured reading‑score gains for sample participants, and Humility Homes said their facility served roughly 802 individuals over the past year.

City staff housing programs were summarized by Alexi Edmonds, housing rehabilitation program manager, who described five offerings including owner‑occupied deferred loans, accessibility grants, down‑payment assistance, an urban homestead program and the Dream program designed to increase homeownership among low‑to‑moderate‑income residents. Bruce Berger closed the presentations by summarizing CDBG administration tasks, environmental reviews and annual reporting requirements.

Votes at a glance: the committee approved the minutes from the Jan. 5, 2026 meeting by voice vote (motion moved by Hodges; seconded by Reagan Johnson); no opposition was recorded. Tyson Danner moved to adjourn, Chad Kiefer seconded, and members voted to adjourn.

The CAC will accept scoring materials by end of day Monday, Feb. 23, and the next meeting is scheduled for March 2. Committee members were reminded to consult appointing officials about reappointment if they wish to continue serving.