Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council narrowly approves $5,000 to Mission Ministries Alliance after survivor testimony
Summary
After a presentation from Mission Ministries Alliance and personal testimony from a service recipient, Marion City Council voted 3-2 to give MMA $5,000 from Special Projects funds; council also unanimously placed Overdose Awareness Day on the city calendar.
The Marion City Council voted 3-2 on Jan. 6 to approve a $5,000 contribution to Mission Ministries Alliance (MMA) after the nonprofit’s executive director described increased demand following Hurricane Helene and a survivor gave personal testimony.
Crystal Sweatt, Executive Director of Mission Ministries Alliance, told the council MMA is currently housing 40 households displaced by Hurricane Helene, has provided more than $190,000 in direct financial assistance and reported a 43% increase in the annual Point-in-Time Count. Sweatt described MMA’s six programs serving roughly 450 households annually and requested city support for cold-weather supplies, food assistance and that Overdose Awareness Day be added to the City calendar.
Olivia, a current MMA client, described losing housing after a relationship breakdown and credited MMA with shelter, stability and help securing services; she said MMA assisted her with childcare and steps to return to work. Sweatt emphasized MMA’s role in “restoring dignity by providing basic hygiene items, clothing, and essential needs to shelter residents.”
Staff told council approximately $15,000 is available within Special Projects funds for potential allocation. Council Member Billy Martin moved to contribute $5,000 to MMA; Mayor Pro Tem Don Ramsey seconded the motion. Council Members Zach Wallace, Billy Martin and Don Ramsey voted in favor; Council Members Ann Harkey and Juanita Doggett voted in opposition. The motion passed 3-2.
Separately, the council voted unanimously to place Overdose Awareness Day on the city calendar.
Council discussion touched on the limited Special Projects balance and differing views on committing scarce discretionary funds; no additional ongoing city funding was approved at the meeting.
