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Supervisor: SNAP, rental and energy assistance demands are rising; department will seek funding at Feb. 24 Board of Finance hearing
Summary
Staff reported an increase in calls for rental, security-deposit and energy assistance, summarized youth program activity, and said the department will ask the Board of Finance on Feb. 24 to fund a third youth-and-family coordinator to sustain BEST substance-abuse prevention work.
Community services staff told the Youth and Community Services Commission on Feb. 3 that demand for basic assistance is increasing and outlined program activity and a forthcoming budget request to the Board of Finance.
The supervisor reported that staff completed four SNAP applications and that five families have used United Way’s immediate response fund (up to $1,000 per household). Staff said 20 families are currently receiving services and that there have been four intakes since the last report; the office has received 45 referrals for positive youth-development programming. Caseloads commonly include multiple needs—rental assistance, security deposits and utility help.
Staff also summarized active programs: Project AWARE, a Young Women’s Issues Group at Bristol Prep Academy, Girls With Goals (starting Feb. 24 at Bristol Eastern) and the Circle of Security four-week parenting program. The department reported that its holiday gift program served more than 500 children and 192 families, a 16.5% increase in children served over five years.
On finance, staff said the department will present a sustainability plan for BEST (Bristol Illuminated Substance Abuse Together) to the Board of Finance on Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. The department will request funding for a third youth and family coordinator—intended to replace a grant-funded role that will end in September—and suggested possible local funding sources such as cannabis-tax revenue and opioid settlement funds. Staff emphasized that final funding decisions rest with the controllers and the Board of Finance.
The supervisor also reviewed juvenile diversion (YDT) statistics for January: five juvenile arrests reported by police, one direct court referral that will be scheduled for intake with the youth diversion team, and four court referrals; most matters were low-level charges. Staff described the intake process and typical YDT recommendations—community service, counseling or prosocial programming.
Staff asked commissioners for outreach help before the Feb. 24 hearing and invited youth commissioners to be part of public testimony and program promotion. The Board of Finance hearing is scheduled at City Hall council chambers with Zoom access; staff will share presentation materials with commissioners ahead of that date.
