City Council Minutes 2020 04 21 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes April 21, 2020 Page 3 of 6 The City does not have a Human Services department or provide general human services or programming. Like many other cities, human services are provided by the county, as the county is the recipient of federal and state funding for this. Boulder County serves as the lead agency in working with community partners, including municipalities, to help those affected by COVID-19. Boulder County has developed a comprehensive approach to assist county residents (including Louisville residents) in need of assistance due to COVID-19. We have learned that like others our community is not immune to the economic impacts this emergency is having on individuals and families. She stated there has been a 300-400% increase in requests for access to County services. This includes access to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program. Likewise the Sister Carmen Center tells staff the requests from Louisville families is up 300% for help with rent assistance, food assistance, and other resources. The County also tells staff that county-wide unemployment claims increased significantly in March. Deputy City Manager Davis stated the senior meal site at the Recreation Center has seen an increase in demand for services as has Meals on Wheels. The meal site has modified services to respond to community need while meeting the public health order through curb-side delivery. They are providing both meals and bags of shelf-stable food to seniors. This need is likely to continue even if regulations are relaxed later this month. The Senior Center staff has secured an additional $60,000 from the Area Agency on Aging to fund this. The Center is also completing welfare calls to check on seniors. The City also provides funding for to the Utility Assistance Fund administered by the Sister Carmen Community Center. Earlier this year the City provided an additional $5,000 and more funding is likely to be needed for the remainder of this year. The Sister Carmen Community Center is the Southeast Boulder County designated family resource center and comprehensive basic needs provider for the City of Louisville. They have requested an increase in funding due to the impacts on COVID-19. The requests for service from Louisville families have increased from 12% to nearly 20%. Staff recommends the City continue to replenish the Utility Assistance fund in $5,000 increments once the current funding has been allocated, at least through the end of the year. That can be reassessed in 2021 if needed. Staff also recommends the City double the already approved $9,000 FY2020 grant funding provided through the General Fund to Sister Carmen for a total grant of $18,000. In addition, staff will request Sister Carmen provide regular updates to City staff regarding increased need.