Title
Staff Report for Resolution Authorizing Appropriation of $400,000 to the Community Assistance Budget to Support Social Services from the 2014-15 General Fund Economic Uncertainty Reserve
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council approve a resolution appropriating $400,000 to the 2014-15 Community Assistance Budget to support several social service programs and to fund a Social Service Needs Assessment from the 2014-15 General Fund Economic Uncertainty Reserve.
BACKGROUND
On October 20, 2014 City Council redirected $150,000 for the creation of a Homeless Task Force to establish a Warming Center and support basic needs and outreach in the San Leandro community.
On January 20, 2015 the Homeless Task Force presented to City Council an update on the accomplishments of their inaugural season including enhanced services, improved coordination and preliminary findings on the San Leandro homeless population.
On January 31, 2015 at the City Council Planning Session, agency and community representatives spoke to Council regarding the need for expanded support to social services.
Analysis
Since the 2014-15 budget was adopted in June 2014, the City Council has heard from various community groups and stakeholders regarding the growing demand for social services and identified gaps in current service delivery. Assessments by our social service providers demonstrate a disparity between the growing demand for human services and declining funding. Agencies that provide the basic safety net services to our most vulnerable residents have articulated the need for better collaboration and City support.
The creation of the Homeless Task Force in October 2014 demonstrated the need for our social service agencies to collaborate and coordinate to best provide responsive services. Davis Street Family Resource Center, Building Futures with Women and Children and April Showers, the Interfaith Homeless Network, al...
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