Town distributes federal funds through its block grant program
By Gloria I. Wang
Community development block grant funding season has come and gone, and this year Los Gatos allocated approximately $180,000 to various local nonprofit organizations and programs.
As is annual tradition, the town receives federal Department of Housing and Urban Development monies through Santa Clara County and then conducts a funding request process. According to Community Services Director Regina Falkner, the town distributed applications in January and held public hearings in March. The community services commission then made funding recommendations to town council members, who on April 2, voted to accept the commission's recommendations.
Four public service organizations received funding for 2001-2002, while the rest of the money will be used for town and county programs. The largest allocation, which was approximately $109,000, went to the town's affordable housing fund, which serves to construct affordable housing for low-income or disabled residents. According to a staff report, the General Plan mandates that the town help fund 15 new affordable housing units by 2005.
Other organizations that received funding include:
- The Catholic Charities of San Jose's Ombudsman Program was allocated $7,720. The program provides for volunteers to deal with complaints made by residents of long-term facilities. Staff and volunteers visit Los Gatos facilities, keep in contact with residents and investigate complaints. The program also holds community education sessions for care providers;
- Live Oak Adult Day Services received $16,530 for its adult day care. The funding pays for the activities, food and staff for the day care, which is located in San Jose. Elder care support is also provided;
- San Jose State University Foundation's nursing facility, called the Health Place, received $8,817. Also relating to elderly care, the money will be used for home visits to Los Gatos clients, blood pressure screenings, education programs and consultations with other sources;
- Second Harvest Food Bank was given $3,600 for Operation Brown Bag, which provides groceries for very low-income Los Gatos seniors. Funding is used to purchase groceries, for newsletter production and distribution, volunteer events and nutrition and consumer safety programs.
The San Jose Emergency Housing Consortium and Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence did not receive funding, but town staff recommends the two organizations apply for a town community grant, which is funded by the town's general fund.
|
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
