HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-29 11-043 ORDERItem xo. i-. �QJ
Data: 12 -27 -LO
Item/Subject: Order, Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding
with Community Health and Counseling Services and Establishing a Trust and Agency
Account- Winter Emergency Fund
Responsible Department: Health and Community Services
Commentary: In past years, Maine State Housing has provided funding to the Bangor
area for winter emergency housing needs not easily dealt with through other resources.
That funding is no longer available.
A number of organizations and churches are seeking donations to replace this funding,
Community Health and Counseling Services has offered to continue to be the point of
contact for those In need, but has asked the City to serve as the fiscal agent for the
donated funds. If the City is the fiscal agent, other organizations will be better able to
solicit donations for this Winter Emergency Fund without impacting their own
fundraising efforts.
The Government Operations Committee unanimously recommends approval
Department Head
Managees Comments: � �� 6 nMS ager
Assa0iated Informatlon: Order, Memorandum
Budgr:t Approval:
' � a e—n� Director
vaaang,rv�m:
' City Solidtor
Introduced for
x Passage
_ First Reading
Referral
V Aj
33 ✓0� Assigned to Councilor_ Oeatvtek Dere ex 27, 2010
I CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.) Order, Authorizing the Execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with
Community Health and Counseling Services and Establishing a Trust and Agency
Account— Winter Emergency Fund
WHEREAS, Community Health and Counseling Services will solicit donations from
churches, groups and individuals; and
WHEREAS, Community Health and Counseling Services will decide the allocation of the
funds to families and individuals in need; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bangor has been asked to receive and hold the funds and
disburse them as directed by Community Health and Counseling Services,
allowing the funds to be kept separate from other Community Health and
Counseling Services programs to encourage transparency and prevent
confusion with other Community Health and Counseling Services appeal
efforts;
By the City Couna/ of the Clty of Bangor.
ORDERED, THAT the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute a
Memorandum of Understanding with Community Health and Counseling Services to act
as fiscal agent for donations made to the Winter Emergency Fund, and to disburse
funds as requested by Community Health and Counseling Services. The Memorandum
of Understanding shall bus in a final form as approved by the City Solicitor or Assistant
City Solicitor; and
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT there is hereby established a Trust and
Agency Amount for Me Winter Emergency Fund; and
BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT City officials and employees, including all
those listed under Bangor Code § 33-9. 1, are hereby authorized to solicit and receive
donations for the Winter Emergency fund, recognizing, however, that the bulk of any
solicitation is Intended to be done by Community Health and Counseling Services and
other non -City groups and individuals.
Li 043
To: Government Operations Committee
From: Shawn Yardley- Director Health and Community Services
Re: Request to serve as Fiscal Agent
Date: December 7, 2010
By way of background, for a number of years Maine State Housing has made a pool of
funding ($5,000 in the Bangor area) available to regions of the State to respond to
emergency housing needs that arise that aren't easily solved by traditional resources.
The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter has served as fiscal agent in the past with
Community Health and Counseling Services providing the emergency services through
their crisis response team. In our area, these services have primarily targeted familles
with children, given our lack of housing alternatives In emergency situations for this
group. Arrangements with area hotels have allowed these consumers to have a place to
stay short -tern while other resources were identified.
This year, Maine State Housing does not have funding available, in part due to reduced
revenues generated from the sale of propwtles in Maine. In response, a number of
Organizations and churches have been meeting to discuss the challenges anticipated in
the coming winter. CHCS has offered to once again utilize their crisis service staff to be
the point of contact for the mnsumer and suggested that a separate agency serve as
fiscal agent for funds that will hopefully be generated by a community appeal. it K
anticipated that churches and other groups will see this as a systematic msponseyopGon
that will reduce families In need going from place tu place looking for help under
emergency circumstances. It will also reduce the concern that consumers are utilizing
assistance from a number of sources and receiving a disproportionate amount of help
compared to someone who only requests from one murce.
CHCS hasasked if the City would be willing to serve as fiscal agent and this concept
was unanimously endorsed by the faith mmanUm /provider group that has been
meeting for a number of years on related issues. The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter
Prefers not to continue as fiscal agent in order that this new effort is not confused with
their on-going appeal efforts. There Is a precedent of the City being the fiscal agent
with our Greater Penobscot Continuum of Care. Agencies provide money to a fund that
allows us to secure grant writers and coordinators of our COC process that has led to
millions of dollars of funds coming to aur community for homeless housing efforts.
If this request meets with the Commltee's approval, a Council Order would be
Proposed outlining the terns, conditions and responsibilities associated with the City's
status as fiscal agent.
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