LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: City Council Member Jennifer Brahier
SUBJECT:
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DISCRETIONARY FUNDING ALLOCATION - CITY COUNCIL MEMBER JENNIFER BRAHIER - DISTRICT 1
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That City Council approve funding of $1,000 for The Watson Family Foundation Thanksgiving Food Give Away, $1,000 to Ecomfort, Inc. at the Epps Christian Center, $1,000 for the H.Y.P.E. Annual Turkey Drive and $2,500 to Pensacola Habitat for Humanity from the City Council Discretionary Funds for District 1.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
In accordance with the Section 3.28-3.33 of the Policies of the City Council, prior to any distribution of grant or sponsorship funds from the City Council Discretionary Funds, approval by City Council is required.
The Watson Family Foundation was created in 2016 with the opening of the Watson Firm, PLLC. Attorney Aaron Watson and his wife, Kimberly, were so moved by the community’s support upon opening their law firm that they immediately began looking for meaningful ways to give back. The Watson Firm soon became known for its annual Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway and its Backpack Giveaway. Guided by generational values, the Watsons believe in continuing their family legacy of faith-based outreach, community service and mentorship. The Watson Family Foundation’s mission is to help bridge the gap that separates deserving families from the support needed to guide them toward leading thriving lives. Funding will be used towards their Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway.
Ecomfort is the outreach branch of the Epps Christian Center. The mission of Ecomfort, Inc. is to reach out to the hungry, homeless and hurting in the community. The primary goal of Ecomfort is to improve individual and families socioeconomic status. They plan to accomplish this goal by helping individuals increase their disposable income. Their soup kitchen programs receives and distributes over 60,000 pounds of food a month and gives away food to more than 7,000 people monthly. In 2018 they opened a resource center to help individuals receive needed assistance with job applications, applying for assistance benefits and providing linkage services. Funding will be used towards the distribution of food for individuals and families.
H.Y.P.E. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide comprehensive and innovating programs that will serve the youth to envision and navigate a course for a rewarding future characterized by achievement, independent thought and social responsibility. One of those programs is their Annual Turkey Drive. The Annual Turkey Drive feeds many families that would not be able to afford Thanksgiving meals for their families. It also provides kids the opportunity to help their community and teach them the importance of giving back and community service. Funding will be used towards the Annual Turkey Drive.
Since 1981, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity has built over 1,400 homes in the Escambia and Santa Rosa County areas. They reach wide across the community, with various programs and services aimed at transforming communities, one homeowner at a time. Their programs include a Home Buyer Program, Community Development and HUD Housing Counseling. They offer qualified Home Buyers a quality, energy-efficient home designed to reflect the local climate and culture. Additionally, their Community Development Program works to preserve homeownership for residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. The Community Development Program offers assistance programs for critical home repairs and other services that enhance the quality of life. In addition, this program focuses on engaging and empowering residents to revive their neighborhoods and become leaders within their communities, contributing to the sustainability of these revitalization efforts. Their HUD Housing Counseling program provides assistance towards managing individual or family finances, balancing income and expenses, budgeting, managing debt, improving credit history, saving for future goals and preparing to purchase a home. Funding will be used towards their mission.
PRIOR ACTION:
July 21, 2022 - City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-065 establishing the City Council Discretionary Fund Policy
FUNDING:
Budget: $ 9,200 FY 2023 District 1 Discretionary Funds Balance
10,700 FY 2024 District 1 discretionary Funds
$19,900
Actual: $ 1,000 The Watson Family Foundation
1,000 Ecomfort, Inc.
1,000 H.Y.P.E.
2,500 Habitat for Humanity
$ 5,500
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
A balance of $9,200 is currently within the District 1 Discretionary Fund Account for FY 2023 and $10,700 within the District 1 Discretionary Fund Account for FY 2024 for a total balance of $19,900. Upon approval by City Council, a balance of $14,400 will remain in the District 1 Discretionary Fund Account.
STAFF CONTACT:
Don Kraher, Council Executive
Yvette McLellan, Special Assistant to the Council Executive
ATTACHMENTS:
None
PRESENTATION: No