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Council approves $24,500 to Molding Hearts for pilot housing and reentry services
Summary
After hearing from Lita Johnson of Molding Hearts, the council approved a $24,500 grant to support short- and long-term housing placements, case management and supportive services for unhoused residents; members discussed reimbursement models, verification of provider references and program scope.
The Twentynine Palms City Council voted to provide $24,500 to Molding Hearts, a nonprofit provider that presented a plan to house and provide rehabilitative services to unhoused residents in the Morongo Basin.
Lita Johnson, CEO and founder of Molding Hearts, told the council her organization operates multiple locations in San Bernardino County, provides three meals and case management to clients and partners with county behavioral-health agencies and probation services. Johnson described the provider's low-barrier approach and said placements include supportive services, employment assistance and pathways to permanent housing. "We require you to work; we require you to save 80% of your income," she said, describing a structured re-acclimation model.
Council discussion included verification of references and prior city grants to other nonprofits. One councilmember said staff had checked references and found generally supportive letters. Another councilmember suggested a reimbursement-per-placement model as an option; staff said payment mechanics would be worked out in follow-up and that the council could structure future awards with performance conditions.
The council then moved and approved the requested $24,500 by recorded vote. The motion passed 5—0 with all council members voting in favor.
Nut graf: The funding is an initial, limited city investment to begin placements locally and to make behavioral health and employment supports more accessible to 29 Palms residents; city staff will follow up on contract terms, verification and any reporting requirements.
Ending: Council requested staff to draft an agreement outlining payment terms, metrics and reporting, and to return if substantial contract provisions require explicit council approval.
