Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homeless Grants topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves $50,000 in homeless and disadvantaged grant awards after community appeals
Summary
After several nonprofit representatives and residents described services and need, the New Smyrna Beach City Commission unanimously approved the commission-recommended homeless and disadvantaged grant awards for FY 2024–25.
The New Smyrna Beach City Commission unanimously approved the proposed homeless and disadvantaged grant awards for fiscal year 2024–25 after hearing public comment from nonprofit leaders and residents.
Director Bergeron presented the program’s history and selection process, saying the pilot program began in fiscal 2017 and that this year’s budget includes $50,000 for the awards. She said applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and undergo a detailed application and presentation process scored by a committee.
The nut graf: nonprofit leaders and service providers told commissioners the grants support repairs and services that help vulnerable residents stay housed and access food and other basic needs. Those public remarks, combined with staff recommendations, prompted the commission to move the item from the consent agenda to administrative consideration and approve the awards.
During public participation, Mark Billings (housing partner) and Bridal Arnold (HUD/Habitat partner) highlighted programs that have used past funding to make accessibility and repair work for residents and reported more than 125 repairs completed across repair programs since Hurricane Ian. Bridal Arnold said the “critical care repair program” has helped with conversions, termite tenting, roofing and other repairs to keep residents in their homes.
DJ Lebo, representing the Early Learning Coalition, and Donna Hinkle of Under the Stars Missions also spoke in favor of the awards, praising collaboration among local nonprofits and the housing authority’s work connecting residents to services.
After the staff presentation and public comments, Commissioner McGurk moved to approve the grant recommendations; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll call with all voting in favor.
The commission did not identify individual award amounts in the meeting record distributed to the dais; the staff packet and the commission’s grant scoring process were presented during the item. Staff said applicants present to a committee and awards are based on a score sheet and committee grading.
The commission’s approval sends the recommended awards forward for implementation by the city’s grant administration office; staff said the grant coordinator and the grants office will follow up with awardees.
