Title
Resolution to Allocate Funds for Shelter Diversion, Eviction Prevention, and Programming in Under-Resourced Communities
Body
Whereas, The impacts of the current federal administration are falling hardest on members of our under-resourced communities due to reduced support for established safety net programs; (1*)
Whereas, Resolution R-24-449 was approved by City Council on December 16, 2024 that allocated funding for impacts at the local level due to the change in the federal government administration;
Whereas, The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County and SOS Community Services are collaborating on a pilot Shelter Diversion program (2*) that faces a $140,000.00 gap compared to prior year funding;
Whereas, Shelter Diversion is an intensive case management program for those who wish to end their homelessness experience without a shelter stay (3*), is successful at finding immediate housing solutions, and should continue to be fully funded;
Whereas, Community Action Network (CAN) is achieving positive outcomes for low-income youth: CAN students attend 19 more days of school per student, per year compared to their economic peers at AAPS (2024) and attend 11 more days of school per student, per year compared to all AAPS students (2024); (4*)
Whereas, The loss of AmeriCorps funding due to federal administration cuts has forced CAN to terminate $130,000.00 worth of summer volunteer labor and lose a $45,000.00 federal grant; (5*)
Whereas, CAN reports that $100,000.00 will help stabilize their summer programming;
Whereas, Keeping individuals and families housed through Eviction Prevention is of the utmost importance during this period of inflated prices and reduced federal support to agencies helping people once they have entered homelessness;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor Housing Development Corporation has distributed Eviction Prevention funds effectively, providing support to 455 households between March 7, 2023 and September 16, 2024, with disbursements cov...
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