Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes allocating $225,000 across eight community agencies. The recommended awards are a result of an RFP process prioritizing community responses that help populations affected by COVID-19 connect to basic needs and that support service gaps identified in the Public Health Violence Prevention Plan. Funding for the $225,000 is included in the Community Development Division’s 2021 adopted operating budget. No additional city appropriation is required.
Title
Approving the provision of up to $225,000 in City funds to support Violence Prevention and COVID Relief efforts as recommended by the Community Services Committee, and authorizing the Mayor and the City Clerk to enter into agreements with selected agencies to implement the designated projects.
Body
The City’s 2021 Adopted Operating Budget authorized a total of $725,000 in the COVID Relief Fund, to be administered by the Community Development Division (CDD), to support community-directed responses to needs arising from the social and economic fallout from the pandemic. Prioritized use of these funds will include initiatives supporting community responses that help populations affected by COVID-19 connect to basic needs and support service gaps identified in the recently released Public Health Violence Prevention Plan. On January 19, 2021, the City Council approved the expenditure of $500,000 of the COVID Relief Fund (RES-21-00042) for rental assistance. Remaining funds were directed to be allocated through a competitive RFP process. The Community Development Division (CDD), in partnership with Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC), conducted an RFP process to allocate the remaining $225,000 within three distinct service areas:
1) Program Model Development and Implementation of a Community Safety-Direct Outreach Program
2) Youth Violence Prevention through Middle School Program and Youth Employment Expansion
3) Connections to Basic Needs for Individuals and Families Impacted by Violence
Allocation decisions were finalized at the Community Services Committee meeting on April 28, 2021 and are presented in this Resolution. Funds must be used by December 31, 2021.
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has, and continues to, cause widespread economic and social disruption both locally and across the country; and
WHEREAS, the City’s 2021 Adopted Operating Budget appropriated $725,000 in the COVID Relief Fund, to be administered by the Community Development Division (CDD), to support community-directed responses to needs arising from the social and economic fallout from the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2020, the Community Services Committee unanimously recommended that $500,000 of the $725,000 COVID Relief Fund be used for eviction prevention; and
WHEREAS, the remaining funds, totaling $225,000, were directed to be allocated through a competitive RFP process; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Division (CDD), in partnership with Public Health Madison and Dane County (PHMDC), conducted an RFP process prioritizing community responses that help populations affected by COVID-19 connect to basic needs, and that support service gaps identified in the Public Health Violence Prevention Plan.
WHEREAS, the CDD received requests from community partners totaling approximately $1.5 million in response to the RFP; and,
WHEREAS, utilizing the criteria set forth in the RFP, CDD and PHMDC staff evaluated proposals and formulated funding recommendations for consideration by the Community Services Committee; and
WHEREAS, on April 28, 2021, the Community Services Committee reviewed and finalized those recommendations as described below:
Focused Interruption Coalition: up to $60,000 for the planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive community safety-direct outreach program model.
Community Agency Bridging the Gap: up to $10,000 for crisis intervention services that support community while also building resident leadership, engaging in connecting residents to resources, and improving cultural responsiveness and supporting the cultural identity of community members.
Lussier Community Center: up to $30,000 to expand the Teen Build Up Youth Action Summer Interns and Peer Leaders program for high school aged youth.
Rooted WI, Inc.: up to $30,000 to expand the Rooted in Culture summer enrichment program for middle school age youth by exposing them to food and food systems and increase healthy food access in their communities.
Domestic Abuse Intervention Services: up to $40,000 to expand direct services to individuals and families served under the Dane County Violence Prevention Collaborative which is comprised of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS); Focused Interruption Coalition (FIC); The Rainbow Project (RP), and The Rape Crisis Center (RCC).
Mentoring Positives: up $15,000 to expand direct services to families in the Darbo neighborhood and increase salary and fringe support for two staff.
Mellowhood Foundation: up to $15,000 to expand direct support services to vulnerable households in Southwest Madison.
Allied Wellness Center: up to $25,000 to increase the amount of and reliability of supplies available in the Essentials Pantry and increase the amount of direct financial assistance available to individuals and families in need.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council approves the recommended funding allocations as detailed above; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the Mayor and the City Clerk, on behalf of the City, to execute agreements with the above listed agencies, to accomplish the purposes set forth in this resolution.