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CONSIDERATION OF A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE SOCIAL AND VOLUNTARY SERVICES COMMISSION TO APPROVE A REQUEST FOR FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,500 AND ENTER INTO CONTRACT NO. K-1415-55 WITH FOOD AND SHELTER, INC.
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BACKGROUND: Funding for social service agencies of $150,000 was established in the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 City of Norman budget adopted on June 10, 2014. Interested agencies were required to submit an application that required information regarding the overall mission of the agency, specific project for which funding was being requested, financial information including budget summary and projected budget, copy of most recent audit and copy of IRS tax exempt status letter. The application also required a list of the current board members and staff members of the agency.
Agency project funding will be on a reimbursement basis. Payment will be made as invoices with appropriate documentation of project execution and receipts are received.
DISCUSSION: On September 22, 2014, the Social and Voluntary Services Commission (SVSC) heard presentations from 21 social service agencies who had submitted applications for funding. The Commission held a subsequent meeting on September 29, 2014 to discuss the applications received and to determine their funding recommendations.
After consideration of the applicants, the SVSC Commission determined that 19 of the agencies would be recommended for funding to the Norman City Council at the October 28, 2014 meeting (see attached spreadsheet). Each of these agencies, if funded, will be visited a minimum of once during the fiscal year by Commission members. The members will visit each workplace and meet with agency staff. They inquire about future trends, what special challenges are ahead for the organization and how partnerships with others doing work in this field can be established. They evaluate and form an overall impression of the organization as well as determine contract compliance.
Food and Shelter, Inc., founded in 1983 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, United Way agency. The mission is simple, Food and Shelter feeds those who are hungry and help those who are lost and alone find their way home. The funds will provide $5,000 towards the utilities and maintenance expenses in the 13 housing units and $10,000 towards the case management expenses associated with the services provided to these residents. In addition $12,500 will be utilized to cover the costs of the overnight shelter monitor. This staffed emergency overnight shelter is operated from approximately November 1 thru March 31 dependent on the severity of the weather.
RECOMMENDATION: The Social and Voluntary Services Commission recommends approval of the proposed contracts. Funds are available in Contributions (account 010-1087-411.47-41).