Committee recommends $125,000 for Path of Life, $25,000 for Family Services in CDBG community services split

The Community Development Advisory Committee on Tuesday recommended allocating $125,000 to Path of Life Ministries and $25,000 to Family Services Association from the city's community development block grant community services set-aside, a motion approved by a verbal majority vote.

The action follows presentations from both nonprofits and staff guidance that federal rules allow the city to allocate up to 15% of its CDBG allocation to community services (about $150,000 this cycle). Path of Life asked for roughly $130,000 to preserve street outreach and shelter bed nights; Family Services requested $30,000 to expand senior meal services.

Tom Donahue, program administrator for Family Service Association, described the senior nutrition program's operations, saying the congregate lunch serves about 60 seniors daily and the agency provides more than 15,000 meals annually. Donahue said about 80% of the agency's revenue comes from federal and state contracts, roughly 12% from CDBG and other grants, and the rest from donations. "We will never turn anybody away," Donahue said, explaining the program maintains backup frozen meals when demand exceeds daily hot service.

Chris Oberg of Path of Life Ministries described the organization's two-part contract: street outreach and emergency shelter beds. Oberg said the city's CDBG funding preserves three shelter beds reserved for Jurupa Valley residents and supports part-time outreach in the city. "The $130,000 request ' is the bread and butter of the household," Oberg said, explaining that further cuts would likely reduce outreach days from three per week to two.

Committee discussion focused on trade-offs between maintaining outreach presence and preserving shelter bed nights, and on rising need among seniors. Several members said the senior meal program's users face growing financial strain and pressed for increased funding. Others warned that reducing Path of Life's allocation could cut outreach capacity in the city.

After debate, staff read a motion recommending $125,000 to Path of Life Ministries and $25,000 to Family Services Association as the committee's recommendation to the City Council. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote (recorded as three ayes, one nay). The recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council as part of the annual action plan for final approval.

The committee also discussed the possibility of both agencies applying for smaller, separate community service grants that open in July, a funding avenue staff suggested members could pursue with councilmembers.