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Newport council authorizes mayor to endorse Joshua House’s $263,000 state grant request
Summary
The council unanimously authorized Mayor Rick Efertjes to sign a municipal certification supporting Joshua House’s application for $263,000 in state funds to operate an expanded six‑month warming shelter. Joshua House leaders said the grant would fund paid staff and greatly increase capacity from last winter’s operations.
Victoria LaGuardia, a Joshua House volunteer who said she works in Newport and has coordinated the shelter this winter, asked the council to provide the municipal certification required for a state funding application. She said Joshua House is seeking $263,000 to operate a warming shelter for six consecutive months and to hire paid staff to ensure consistent coverage.
LaGuardia summarized Joshua House’s history and recent activity, saying the organization ran 32 nights last winter, served 19 individuals and provided about 173 bed‑nights during some of the coldest nights. She said the group is seeking to expand to meet a “severe” regional need and described community fundraising that helped relaunch operations this season.
Council members asked about staffing and sustainability. LaGuardia said the grant would allow Joshua House to hire full‑time employees while still using volunteers for food and hospitality. Council members praised the volunteer effort and noted local fundraising support.
Councilmember (speaker S5) moved to authorize the mayor to sign a letter of support to accompany Joshua House’s state application; the motion was seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote. Mayor Rick Efertjes said the city will provide the requested certification so Joshua House can submit its application.
The council did not attach conditions to the certification; the motion approved only the authorization for the mayor to sign the support letter. The council did not discuss any city financial commitment beyond the certification and did not identify any oversight or reporting requirements tied to the application.
