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Commission reviews Breath of Life grant request; debates use of funds for van and driver
Summary
The commission discussed a grant application from Breath of Life Ministry for an open-abatement/ opioid-related transportation program; staff said the nonprofit is approved and requested additional funding for a van and driver (application requested $135,400 with $85,000 already funded); a motion to table failed and the funding item proceeded to a vote.
The Hamblen County Commission considered an open-abatement grant application from Breath of Life Ministry, a 501(c)(3) that requested additional funds to add a driver and another van to support recovery-court participants. Commissioners asked whether the organization was accredited and whether the funding must come from opioid-recovery sources; staff said the organization is a nonprofit and had been approved previously.
One commissioner asked why the county should fund a van if existing transportation options (referred to in the discussion as Etherea) could perform the service. Staff replied that Breath of Life works directly with Recovery Court in ways other providers do not, and that the application showed the nonprofit had previously been funded. A motion to table the grant for further review was made and seconded but failed on roll call; the commission then proceeded with the vote on the application.
The application packet (as discussed in the meeting) listed a request of $135,400 with $85,000 already funded; staff said the new funding request would support an additional driver and a van. Commissioners directed staff to ensure program alignment with Recovery Court requirements as the item moved forward.
