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County approves $300,000 partnership to expand eviction-prevention program, adds residency verification
Summary
The board amended and approved a $300,000 three-year county investment to support Good Samaritan Ministries' eviction-prevention program, adopting staged funding and contractual requirements for client documentation and reporting to push the program toward private-match sustainability.
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners approved a partnership agreement and funding structure to continue the county's eviction-prevention program with Good Samaritan Ministries. The board amended the proposal to show an intentional step-down model and agreed to contract terms that require client eligibility documentation.
Key points: - Funding: The board approved County support from board-initiatives funds, totaling $300,000 over three years under an amended schedule to encourage external fundraising. Commissioners amended the motion to stage county outlays (proposed amendment discussed at the meeting moved to a 150/100/50 plan across three years) while keeping the same total county investment. The contract also allows up to 10% of grant funds to be used for administration.
- Contract conditions: Commissioners added a requirement that Good Samaritan ask clients to supply documentation indicating legal residency (social security card, ID with address, lease and pay records) as part of eligibility verification. The board also required twice-yearly performance reports with outcome metrics and a narrative explaining results.
- Rationale and safeguards: Supporters said eviction prevention avoids downstream costs (shelter, child-welfare, health care) and that Good Samaritan's record shows high stabilization rates. Several commissioners urged a plan that moves the program toward greater philanthropic support; the contract language and reporting exhibits were structured to support performance transparency and private-sector match (a reported 70% donor / 30% county target in the item materials).
Outcome: After amendments, the motion to approve the partnership and committed fund allocation carried on a roll-call vote. Staff and Good Samaritan will report back as required by the contract's biannual reporting schedule.
Provenance: Board discussion, public comment from nonprofit partners and a roll-call vote (Feb. 26 meeting).
