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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Minutes - Community Development Advisory Commission - Meeting Date: 1/4/2016 FINAL MINUTES CITY OF GLENDALE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING #1 COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5850 W. GLENDALE AVENUE GLENDALE, ARIZONA Monday,January 4,2016 4:00 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Cherie Hudson, Chair Matthew Versluis Chuck Jared Sharyn Nesbitt Mickey Nunez Dorlisa Dvorak Dennise Rogers Denise Flynn Karissa Ann Ramirez Cathy Cheshier Ronald Jauregui MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Eric Strunk, Community Services Director Gilbert Lopez, Revitalization Manager Renee Ayres-Benavidez, Revitalization Grants Supervisor Melissa Galvez, Accounting Specialist Charyn Palmisano, Revitalization Supervisor Call to Order and Introductions Chair Hudson called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. II. Roll Call Committee-members introduced themselves. Mr. Lopez made staff introductions. III. FY 2016-17 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Services and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Funding Requests Chair Hudson made opening remarks and explained the steps of the hearing and recommendation process. Chair Hudson noted that each agency representative would be allowed 4 minutes;for a presentation this evening and then time for Committee questions if necessary. Mr. Lopez thanked the Committee-members for their participation and the agency representatives for their attendance at the hearings. Mr. Lopez commented that there are $480,002 in Public Services requests with approximately $316,192 available and $303,470.00 ESG requests with Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 2 approximately $171,540 available. Mr. Lopez stated that the amounts available for each category are estimates based on last year's CDBG funds received. Grants awarded will be adjusted pro-rata based upon exact amounts received from the federal government once announced in the spring. Mr. Lopez noted that staff has performed all technical application reviews and is available for clarifying questions during the hearings. Mr. Strunk welcomed all present and announced that Mr. Lopez recently completed his 25th year of service with the City of Glendale. Chair Hudson asked if any of the presenters needed an English to Spanish translator. There were no requests. Presentations for the following programs were made: 1. City of Glendale Community Action Program—Eviction Program- $85,000 request Ms. Rebecca Daniel, Program Manager, stated that the goal of the program is to provide a vital service to Glendale citizens who need help with rent payments. Recipients must meet the CDBG 50% median income guidelines. Ms. Daniel stressed that for each applicant, various requirements are verified such as proof of income, social security number, and citizenship. The program helps prevent homelessness due to such reasons as a recent layoff or reduction of income, a recent family crisis or a serious medical issue. The office works with TANF under a DES contract and there is a requirement that funding be approved only for families with children under 18 years of age in the household. 100% of the funds go to Glendale citizens. $85,000 is requested to help approximately 85 residents. The average rent/mortgage is $700.00 - $850.00; however, it could be more or less. Ms. Daniel noted that there is a $1,000 maximum monthly cap. Ms. Daniel stressed that there is great need for this type of assistance in the community. Committee-member Flynn wondered what was done with extra funds if most of the applicants are in the $700-$850 monthly payment range. Ms. Daniel replied that all monies left over would be used to assist more applicants. Committee-member Versluis asked if rent/mortgage was paid directly to the landlord or mortgage company. Ms. Daniel replied in the positive. Committee-member Ramirez asked for confirmation of one time per year assistance. Ms. Daniel replied in the positive. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Daniel for her presentation. 2. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul—Keeping Families Together- $74,500 request Ms. Roseanne Gutierrez, of the St. Vincent de Paul SocietyLady Perpetual Our of Pe etual Help, provided the following highlights of the program: • The agency is requesting funds to help Glendale residents with rent and utilities. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 3 • The agency is appreciative of the support from the City of Glendale CDBG funds for the past 10 years. • The program is run 100% by volunteers, no paid staff and no overhead. • Nearly 100% of the money received goes to the clients. A small amount of money is used for a financial audit which is required. • Prior to receiving assistance, all paperwork must be completed correctly, including proof of social security cards, income eligibility, and citizenship. Applicants must sign a notarized statement indicating that their application information is true and correct. • Collaborations are made with other agencies. Church parishioners donate to the program. • Income level, verification of identity/citizenships, and City of Glendale residency are verified. • A call in pre-screening system is utilized prior to a face-to-face appointment. Committee-member Cheshier confirmed the agency anticipates the funding request to help 400 residents. Ms. Gutierrez replied in the positive and added that this equates to approximately 150 families, seniors and disabled persons. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Gutierrez. [Committee-member Nunez entered the meeting.] 3. Homeward Bound—Empowering Families - $22,739 request Ms. Whitney Silence gave a presentation, which included the following highlights: • Homeward Bound was founded over 25 years ago. • The agency provides transitional housing to families experiencing homelessness, job loss, domestic violence and other situations impeding independence. The goal of the program is to provide families with the skills necessary to become self-reliant and break generational homelessness cycles. • There must be a child in the family to receive assistance. • There are 80 2-bedroom units in Thunderbird Family Village and over 50 single family homes in the valley, including Glendale. Requested funds would be used to operate and maintain 6 of the 2-bedroom units and 3 of the single family homes in Glendale. • All families have access to childcare, emergency food, and clothing. Case management is provided with a focus on life skills, social services, budgeting, and long-term employment. Educational life skill classes are offered/required. • 75%of the families in the program move onto permanent housing. • Families contribute 30% of their adjusted gross income to participate in the transitional housing program. The rest of their income is used to pay down debt and save money in order to eventually move into permanent housing. • Outcomes include monthly budgets, life skills, permanent housing and elevated employment. Committee-member Flynn inquired if statistics were kept on class attendees as to if attending classes makes a more successful impact. Ms. Silence stated that there are four mandatory classes: Financial Basics, Parenting, Domestic Violence, and Home Basics. Attendees take both pre- and post-tests. Ms. Silence added that other classes are offered as well. Committee-member Flynn wondered if the people who take the additional classes do better in the long run. Ms. Silence Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 4 replied in the positive and added that many participants encourage others to take additional classes. Committee-member Ramirez inquired as to the definition of a family. Ms. Silence noted that it can be single or dual parent, a grandparent with a child or a guardian with a child. Committee-member Versluis inquired as to the types of jobs the residents are preparing for. Ms. Silence explained that the main goal is to help the residents obtain higher paying positions. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Silence for the presentation. 4. Arizona YWCA of Maricopa County—Congregate Meal Program- $70,000 request Ms. Regina Edwards, CEO, represented the agency and provided comments regarding the program including the following: • Through the Congregate Meals Program, a warm, nutritionally balanced meal is provided to the elderly population. For most, this is their main meal of the day and over 50% report that it is their only meal of the day. • 100% of the funds will pay for the raw food and supplies needed to prepare, serve and clean up the meals. • The meal meets 1/3 of the day nutritional requirements. • Meals are prepared and served Monday through Friday at 3 different sites in the city. • The goal for FY 2016-17 is to serve 29,000 meals to 500 Glendale seniors or disabled adults. • The mission of the program is to keep seniors in their homes and independent while providing nutrition for their health. • The program also provides socialization for the participants. It helps to keep the seniors' bodies and minds active. • 95% of participants report annual income of less than $25,000. Ms. Edwards shared a written testimonial from a senior participant. There were no questions from the Committee. 5. Arizona YWCA of Maricopa County—Home Delivered Meal Program- $70,000 request Ms. Edwards provided a presentation, including the following highlights: • The Home Delivered Meal Program is also known as "Meals on Wheels". • The program provides a nutritionally balanced meal to the home-based elderly and disabled. • Delivery drivers also conduct a daily well-check during the delivery. Drivers are trained to respond to falls, medical conditions, signs of abuse and other situations. • 80% of the recipients report that this is their main meal of the day and 35% report that it is their only meal of the day. • Diabetic, low sodium and weekend meals are available per request. • The goal in Fiscal Year 2016/2017 is to serve meals to 450 Glendale residents. • 100% of recipients report less than $25,000 of annual income. • Greater than 70% of recipients report lest than $10,000 of annual income. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 5 • Eligibility: Clients are homebound, physically unable to prepare their meal and/or have no other way to obtain a healthy, hot, nutritious meal. • Each client has an assigned case manager but the driver is the eyes and ears in between visits by the case manager. • Each meal provides 1/3 of the daily nutritional requirement. • The driver can sometimes be the clients only contact with the outside world. Ms. Edwards shared written client testimonials praising the merits of the program. Committee-member Versluis inquired about delivery of weekend meals. Ms. Edwards explained that weekend meals are frozen and delivered along with the Friday meal. Committee-member Flynn commented on the inclusion of the "We Feed Four Feet" program within Meals on Wheels. Ms. Edwards stated that the agency found that many recipients were sharing their delivered meals with their pets. Now, the clients can request and receive pet food for their pets as well. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Edwards for the information. 6. Duet: Partners in Health&Aging—Aging in Place with Dignity- $13,500 request Ms. Elizabeth Banta, Executive Director, represented Duet and was accompanied by Ms. Marilyn Kirby, a client. Highlights of Ms. Banta's presentation included the following: • Over 9,000 Glendale residents have difficulty shopping and getting to doctors visits. • The program helps approximately 110 Glendale residents by volunteers who put in over 6,000 hours annually. • Volunteers work free of charge to the client. Volunteers transport clients to the grocery store, medical offices and any other locations necessary. • These services are critical to helping seniors remain in their homes. • This is the only agency in Glendale that performs this service. • Grant funds will be used for a staff volunteer coordinator who will recruit and train volunteers, fingerprint the volunteers and match volunteers with their senior clients. • The funds will be used to help recruit, train, and match volunteers with clients. The request represents 23% of the cost to run the program. Ms. Kirby, a 91-year ear old senior, shared her experience e with Duet and how the services have improved her life. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Banta and Ms. Kirby for their time. 7. Friendship Retirement Corporation dba Glencroft Senior Living — Senior Health and Wellness Program- $50,000 request Mr. Les Smith gave a presentation which included the following highlights: Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 6 • The agency is non-profit and faith-based. Glencroft is the largest single campus retirement community in Arizona with over 700 residents. • Seamless transitions are provided between independent housing, assisted housing, HUD housing,memory care, and skilled nursing. • Friendship Retirement Corporation has been in operation for 45 years and is one of Glendale's largest employers with approximately 450 employees. • The Wellness Program will be used to keep seniors healthy and active. • The goal is to reach seniors socially, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. • Between 175 and 200 seniors are anticipated as participants. • Progress charts will be used to track and report on each senior monthly. Surveys will be conducted as well. • The Wellness Program will increase independence and wellness while decreasing disease and a sedentary lifestyle. • The program can also be used as a model and expanded to other organizations in the City. Mr. Smith read aloud a written testimonial from a senior resident regarding Glencroft. Committee-member Flynn asked for specifics on how the funds would be utilized. Mr. Smith stated that the funds would be used for recruitment of the Program Manager who would fully develop the program. Committee-member Flynn inquired about outcome measurements. Mr. Smith stated that participants would be tracked on factors such as weight and other measures. Furthermore, surveys will be completed. Committee-member Versluis asked for clarification on program expansion. Mr. Smith stated that once the Program is in full force, it could be used as a model for other organizations. Chair Hudson thanked Mr. Smith for his presentation. 8. St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance—Glendale Home Food Delivery- $20,000 request Mr. David Martinez gave a presentation which included the following information: • St. Mary's works with 30 valley food banks/pantries to distribute food to the hungry, including Hope for Hunger in Glendale. • 19% of Glendale residents are food insecure. • Over 225 boxes of food were delivered to homebound seniors last month in Glendale. • The Emergency Food Box Program provides a box of foods such as bread, meat, vegetables, fruit, cereal, and pasta. Grant funds for this program will be used for food transportation costs such as driver salaries. • Recipients must have income of less than$15,000 annually. Chair Hudson thanked Mr. Martinez for his presentation. 9. Aid to Ado.tion of S•ecial Kids AASK-AZ —AASK Mentorin. Program - $10 000 re•uest Ms. Julie Turko gave a presentation which included the following information: Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 7 • Last year in Arizona, there were 19,000 children in foster care. Three years ago, there were 14,000. 10% of these children are in group homes and shelters. The kids in group homes and shelters do not have the guidance of a foster family or parent and the presence of a mentor can make a great difference. • AASK matches foster kids with mentors. The mentors can help these kids transition to an independent life. • Grant funds will be used to recruit, screen, and train youth mentors. • Many foster children were removed from their families due to neglect, abuse, and/or abandonment. Many are overcoming trauma. • As they age out, foster children are at risk for homelessness, crime, teenage pregnancy, and/or dropping out of high school. Intervention of a caring adult mentor can help these teens transition while they age out or remain in group homes. Committee-member Cheshier inquired as to the number of staff members at the agency. Ms Turko replied that there were 3 full time employees. Committee-member Cheshier asked for further clarification of how the funds would be used. Ms. Turko explained that the funds would be used to support the full time position of Teen Engagement Specialist, which is a current position. Committee-member Cheshier asked how many children would be helped with the funds. Ms. Turko stated that there are currently 125 mentor/mentee matches and more can be made. Ms. Turko noted that there are 22 mentees/18 mentors in Glendale specifically. Ms. Turko shared that in Glendale, a child is 50% more likely to be in foster care than in other valley cities. Committee-member Versluis wondered what happens to foster children at age 18. Ms. Turko explained that they can choose to stay in the system until age 21, if they agree to remain with their case manager and abide by certain rules. Committee-member Ramirez noted that the Glendale matches were not a one-to-one ratio. Ms. Turko agreed, adding that sometimes siblings are paired to the same mentor. Committee-member Flynn inquired as to outreach and advertising and suggested using LinkedIn to reach professionals. Ms. Turko commented that the agency markets on various media and casts a wide net in order to find people looking to help foster children. Committee-member Ramirez asked if mentors turn into foster parents. Ms. Turko stated that this is rare because mentors want to serve but do not have either the calling or capacity to make a full- blown commitment to raising a family. Ms. Turko stressed that the mentors do become an extended family to the mentees and are very important as they provide unconditional support. Committee-member Jared suggested contacting some of the professional athletes, including the Coyotes, who are very supportive of children's charities. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Turko for her presentation. 10. Back-to-School Clothing Drive Association — New Clothes, New Beginnings Annual Clothing Distribution- $10,000 request Ms. Nikki Fisher provided information on the program, including the following: Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 8 • At the Back to School Clothing Drive, children are provided with new school uniforms, belt, socks, shoes and a backpack with school supplies. Furthermore, clothing from Stitches of Love is provided to wear outside of school hours. The items are valued at $300.00 retail but only cost $100.00 due to leveraging of partnerships. • Recipients are determined when families apply for free or reduced lunch. These children are near, at, or below poverty level. • The agency works with 140 Title 1 schools and serves over 25,000 children. Six of the schools are in the Glendale Elementary School District and approximately 350-400 Glendale children are served. Committee-member Nunez inquired if Isaac Imes School was a participant in the program. Ms. Fisher responded in the positive. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Fisher for her presentation. 11. Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix — Swift Kids Branch After-School Program - $10,000 request Mr. Tim Emory and Mr. Alex Garza represented the agency and were accompanied Ariana and Osden who are teen participants at the club. Mr. Garza gave a presentation, which included the following: • The program is about safety, education, food and fun. More schools are cutting programs and this is reflected in the daily attendance which is up 40% and teen participation which is up 400%. • 57% of children responded in a survey that the club has saved their lives. • The goal of the club is to produce caring,productive citizens. • Approximately 65% of attendees are Hispanic and parents might not speak English at home. • The homework help received at the program is important to academic success. On site tutors assist the children with homework. • A snack is also provided as children do best when they are not hungry. Teen club members Ariana and Osden shared their positive experiences at the center. Osden is President of Keystone, which is the Teen Leadership Development Program at the Club and a teen must have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be a member of Keystone. Mr. Emory commented that in a recent survey, 57% of children responded that the club has saved their lives. Committee-member Flynn asked the teens to share more details of their experience with the Club, which they did. Committee-member Ramirez asked if the Boys and Girls Club will open more locations. Mr. Emory stated that the agency is always looking to expand but it takes $8 million to open a site and $500,000 a year to operate one so it takes funding partnerships to expand. Committee-member Ramirez would like to see the Club come back to the downtown Glendale location. Mr. Lopez Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 9 stated that the old building in downtown Glendale no longer met the needs of the Club and therefore had to move to a new location. Chair Hudson thanked Mr. Emory, Mr. Garza and Ariana and Osden for their time. 12. Valley Life—Counseling for Adults with Developmental Disabilities - $5,000 request Ms. Brenda Redel provided information on the grant request, which included the following: • The agency has been in business since 1947 and runs 12 group homes in Glendale for the developmentally disabled. • Grief counseling is important for residents to cope with senior disorders, depression, anxiety, loss and the death of others. • The funds will be used to provide 83 hours of grief counseling for 58 Glendale residents. • There is now a subcontracted psychologist on staff and the grant request go toward payment of salary. Committee-member Flynn inquired as to the use of the requested funds. Ms. Redel replied that the request is for services for those in Glendale only, however, the agency has a larger budget as it helps seniors throughout the valley. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Redel for her presentation. 13. A New Leaf, Inc. —West Valley VITA Coalition- $15,000 request Ms. Eva Felix provided information on the grant request, which included the following: • VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. • Volunteers provide tax-preparation services free of charge to low- and moderate-income households. • Based on past figures, the program has processed up to $2 million in tax returns annually that Glendale and other valley residents can spend in their communities. • A New Leaf will soon take over responsibility for this program from Valley of the Sun United Way. • Grant funds will be used to recruit and train volunteers, set up and operate VITA sites and for community outreach and awareness. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Felix for her presentation. 14. City of Glendale Development Services Department — Code Compliance — Neighborhood Preservation through Code Compliance - $59,915 request Mr. Tim Boling presented the grant request. Highlights are as follows: • Code Compliance plays a vital role in the community. • One inspector handles 800-1,000 cases annually. • Code issues include: blight, abandoned vehicles, illegal parking, waste, zoning, ordinances, animal issues, and signage. • Blight has a dramatic impact on property values. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 10 • The department has a 75% response rate due to reduction in staff levels. Five years ago, there was a 25% response rate. Much of this increase is due to the CDBG assistance in the past. There is currently one inspector fully funded by last year's CDBG grant. The funds from this request will be used for a Code Compliance inspector's salary again. Committee-member Versluis commented on the previously granted CDBG funds over the past years to the department and wondered if the City would approve a full time inspector out of City funds. Mr. Boling stated that a salary for a full-time inspector for the department is not in the budget yet. Committee-member Dvorak inquired as to the process of gaining compliance and if fines are issued. Mr. Boling explained that most cases are voluntarily resolved. However, if compliance is not achieved, a citation is sent and a court date is scheduled. This occurs in less than 2% of cases. Mr. Boling noted that most times, residents simply need to be educated on City code and they will voluntarily comply. Committee-member Flynn asked where any fines paid are held. Mr. Boling stated that fines paid go into the City's General Fund. Committee-member Jauregui asked if the inspectors come out based on calls only or if they drive the communities as well. Mr. Boling replied that calls are a priority, then as time allows, the inspectors will proactively drive the neighborhoods. Committee-member Jauregui asked about the number of inspectors on staff. Mr. Boling replied that there are 7 citywide residential inspectors. However, at one point, there were 13 on staff. Committee-member Jauregui suggested that the department request more funding for additional inspectors from the City. Committee-member Nesbitt inquired about a typical inspector salary. Mr. Boling stated that the full-time salary for the CDBG funded inspector is $44,000, plus benefits and training costs. Mr. Boling noted that this is the low end of the average valley salary range for the position. Chair Hudson thanked Mr. Boling for his presentation. 15. Community Legal Services—Housing and Fair Housing Legal Services - $12,263 request Ms. Lillian Johnson presented the grant, with highlights as follows: • Community Legal Services is a non-profit law firm which provides civil legal services to low income clients. • Major areas of legal need are in housing issues: evictions, foreclosure, and enforcement of fair housing laws. • CLS works with landlords to resolve issues. Many times, a landlord is not educated on fair housing or tenant laws. CS provides training and support to landlords, city officials, residents, and public housing staff on fair housing, tenant's rights and landlord's rights. Many people are not aware of their responsibilities or rights. There were no Committee-member questions. 16. Community Legal Services — Removing Barriers to Justice for Low Income Glendale Residents - $12,000 request Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 11 Ms. Lillian Johnson presented the grant, with highlights as follows: • In this capacity, Community Legal Services assists low-income clients with consumer legal issues. • Various consumer cases include issues with: used cars, health provider bills, employment law and issues resulting from eviction/foreclosure. • CLS partners with the Salvation Army on employment training. • Access to legal help is very important for all and it is especially difficult for low-income residents to afford services. Committee-member Versluis asked if the undocumented population request services from CLS. Ms. Johnson stated that CLS cannot assist people who are in the country illegally. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Johnson for her presentation. 17. A New Leaf, Inc. —Faith House Emergency Shelter Operations - $25,000 request Ms. Rosalie Hernandez provided details grant request, including the following highlights: • Faith House is the only shelter of its type in the City. • It is a 16-bed emergency shelter, offering up to a 120-day stay. Once at the shelter, a client becomes a Glendale resident. • Clients are processed through a centralized screening hotline. • Initially, a safe place for healing is provided. Once stabilized, participants set goals and work on successes. • 24/7 staff provides basic needs, housing, case management, employment assistance, licensed childcare and more. • The facility is a Maricopa County Workforce site. • The agency works with many collaborating partners to assist clients in obtaining other services Faith House cannot provide. Chair Hudson asked if the considerable findings in the past audit have been resolved. Ms. Hernandez explained that a corrective action plan was submitted to City staff and has been implemented. Mr. Lopez agreed and added that that agency has resolved the audit issues. Staff will continue to monitor compliance with the corrective action plan in the future. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Hernandez for the information. 18. A New Leaf, Inc. —Rapid Re-Housing Services - $40,000 request Mr. Mark Dobay provided details on the agency and grant request: • The purpose of Rapid Re-housing is to assist individuals or families in maintaining/finding permanent housing. • Clients must be employed or employable with no criminal history. • Once screened, a full HTMS intake is done on a client. • Referrals are made to an appropriate shelter or housing program. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 12 • Housing for one to three months is provided at no cost. Up to five months is provided at 75% cost to the client. • Case management is provided and the agency works with many collaborating partners. • Rental/mortgage assistance is paid directly to the landlord/bank. Committee-member Flynn noted that in the grant application, it appears as if projections are based on funding, not need. Mr. Dobay replied in the positive added that there are more people in need than there are in funding. Additional funds granted would be used to help more residents. Committee-member Flynn inquired about wrap-around services. Mr. Dobay commented that case management and services are intensive during a typical 90-day stay. Chair Hudson thanked Mr. Dobay for the information. 19. Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) — Regional Emergency Shelter Services for Single Adults - $50,000 request Mr. Mark Holleran, Chief Executive Officer, thanked the City of Glendale and the Committee for its past support of the CASS programs. Mr. Holleran shared the following information: • This current fiscal year, CASS has served approximately 200 Glendale residents out of 8,000 homeless men, women and children. The homeless are very transient, moving around the valley. Therefore, the homeless problem is a valley issue and needs a regional approach. • Affordable housing continues to be an increasing problem. • Seventeen CASS staff members live in the City of Glendale and many Glendale vendors are utilized. It is estimated that Glendale receives $8.00 to $10.00 return on every $1.00 invested in CASS. Committee-member Ramirez inquired about the screening process. Mr. Holleran stated that the SPDAT system is used to find out who is most in need and to find reasonable alternatives instead of staying at the shelter. Sex offenders are not allowed as well as any other client who has been previously kicked out of the shelter, which is very rare. Committee-member Flynn inquired as to the goal of a client securing stable employment with a living wage. Committee-member Flynn wondered what was considered a living wage. Mr. Holleran stated that $10.50 or more would be considered a living wage, although, many of these people might move into housing with one or more roommates. Mr. Holleran commented that recently Los Angeles increased its minimum wage to $15.00/hour. Mr. Holleran noted that an increase in wages at CASS to $15.00/hour would increase the annual CASS salary budget by $500,000, which would be quite an impact. Mr. Holleran explained that this is the dual issue with raising the minimum wage. No Committee-member questions were asked. 20. Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)—Rapid Re-Housing Glendale - $55,000 request Mr. Holleran shared the following information regarding the second grant request. Highlights are as follows: Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 13 • This current fiscal year, CASS will serve 8,000 unduplicated homeless men, women and children. The homeless are very transient, moving around the valley. Therefore, the homeless problem is a regional issue, not specific to only one city. • In the last twelve months, CASS has served 11 households in Glendale in Rapid Re-housing capacity. Five are still in housing of their own, five are still at the shelter and one is in jail. • The SPDAT assessment tool is used at intake. • Rapid Re-housing is most successful for clients who eventually able to be self sufficient. However, housing must first be secured and then clients can pursue a job and benefits. • CASS had received a $600,000 grant from DES for Rapid Re-housing, which was used to help 125 households. An 80% permanent success rate was realized which is a great investment of the grant funds. Different valley communities have different implementations of Rapid Re- Housing, but it appears as if the average 80% success rate is trending. Chair Hudson thanked Mr. Holleran for his presentation. 21. New Life Center—Emergency Shelter Services - $20,000 request Ms. Kelli Hernandez gave a presentation which included the following highlights: • New Life was founded in 1991 and is a 104-bed facility serving approximately 1,000 women and children annually. • It is the only domestic violence shelter in the southwest valley. 10% of Arizona domestic violence victims are located in the west valley. 16% of the shelters residents come from Glendale. • One unique feature of New Life is that is can accommodate larger families of up to 12 individuals. • A second unique feature of New Life is that it will accept teen boys with their mothers. • Last year, 95% of the families served did not return to their abuser. Committee-member Nesbitt asked if$2.5 million total budget was for services for the entire state. Ms. Hernandez replied in the positive. Committee-member Flynn asked for clarification on why teen boys are not allowed at other shelters. Ms. Hernandez explained that there are logistical issues, such as housing teen boys with girls/women and also philosophical issues in that some feel the teen boys might have picked up abusive tendencies from the abuser. Committee-member Ramirez noted that men can be victims as well. Ms. Hernandez agreed and added that although the shelter does not have beds for men, support groups for men are offered. Committee-member Ramirez asked if New Life refers male victims onto male shelters. Ms. Hernandez replied in the positive. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Hernandez for her presentation. 22. Streetlight USA—Shelter Operation Costs/Utilities - $33,470 request Ms. Holly Craw presented the grant request. Highlights include: Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 14 • The agency provides a safe house and treatment center for girls who are facing issues of child sexual trauma and sex trafficking. • Grant funds requested will be used for half of the utility cost at the shelter. • The number of clients increased by 22% last year and is expected to increase by 50% this upcoming year. The Thunderbirds Charities is providing funding for expansion to provide more beds. • Up to 450 girls have been served. • Girls are referred to StreetLight USA by the state. • In the program, the girls are safe, finish school and have opportunities they would not otherwise have. The goal is to finish high school, obtain a job and avoid homelessness or and/or poverty. Counseling, mentoring and therapy are provided. • One girl came back to the program of her own volition today. She has been in the program four times already but is now committed to finishing high school and attending college. Committee-member Flynn asked for clarification on the housing expansion. Ms. Craw stated that additional construction will add 60 more beds. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Craw for her time. 23. UMOM New Day Centers, Inc — Emer•enc Shelter for Homeless Glendale Residents - $30,000 request Ms. Karen Fletcher gave a presentation which included the following highlights: • The agency is over 50 years old is the largest homeless family shelter in Arizona. • SPDAT is used to determine need assessment. A family must be homeless for 30 days in order to be eligible for the program. • Case management is offered to the families and a full continuum of services is provided for success. Tools included consist of child care, health care, legal services, and education. • UMOM is the lead on the Family Housing Hub, which is regional/central intake for all of the shelters in the county. 75 homeless families each week are coming into the Hub. There were no questions from the Committee. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Fletcher for her presentation. 24. City of Glendale Community Action Program—Rapid Re-Housing - $50,000 request Ms. Rebecca Daniel, Program Administrator, provided the presentation, which included the following highlights: • Currently, there is a high demand for homelessness assistance. Last year, CAP received 249 requests. $37,877 in emergency funding was used to house 43 Glendale residents this past year. • Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements. Income needs to be less than $20,090 for a family of three. • Case management is provided as well as referrals for other services. Minutes of the Community Development Advisory Committee January 4,2016 Page 15 • The grant request is for funding to house more residents. The more people who can be assisted, keeps more people off of the streets and in shelters. • Assistance can include first month's rent and rent security deposits. There is a maximum assistance limit of $1,500, with a one-time assistance cap. Average rent for clients are $650.00-$750.00. The Committee had no questions. Chair Hudson thanked Ms. Daniel for her presentation. IV. Public Comment Chair Hudson opened the floor to public comment on the FY 2016-17 funding recommendations. No comments were made. Chair Hudson closed the floor to public comment on the FY 2016-17 funding recommendations. V. Adjournment Committee-member Jared motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:36 p.m. Chair Hudson made the second. The motion carried 11 —0. Respectfully submitted, Denise Kazmierczak Recording Secretary