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City updates coalition plans for warming center; RHTP grant could add 24/7 community paramedics
Summary
City staff reported that Northern Hope Center is willing to operate a warming center at a new location pending fire, safety and funding approvals; the coalition is pursuing Rasmussen Foundation and Alaska Mental Health Trust funding and has advanced to the second round of the Rural Health Transformation Program grant, which could fund additional community paramedics.
Brenda McFarland, the city's community resources coordinator, updated the Fairbanks City Council on July 27 about efforts to secure a warming center this coming winter and the coalition's funding strategy.
McFarland said Northern Hope Center has agreed in principle to operate a site and that the group is considering a new location at 513 12th Avenue, but the project remains "subject to final capacity, fire and safety requirements, state approval, insurance, staffing, security, and adequate funding." She said North Star Community Foundation will serve as the fiscal agent for grant applications and that the coalition has submitted a letter of intent for the Rasmussen Foundation and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.
On federal-state grant prospects, McFarland said the city advanced past the RHTP (Rural Health Transformation Program) first round into the second round and that an award could bring "24/7 community paramedics" to support operations. "If we get our RHTP grant, we will also have 24-seven community paramedics that could help there as well," she told the council.
Council members pressed for clarity on capacity, sprinklers and timing. McFarland said Northern Hope quoted an occupancy around 120 but added that the city will inspect egress and sprinklers with the fire department and that detailed approvals remain outstanding. The coalition's immediate funding plan will include private foundation applications and potential city support for initial months of operation if awards do not arrive before the proposed start date.
