Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Furniture Bank of Central Ohio (FBCO) for the provision of services for a twelve-month period. The total amount of this grant agreement is $10,000.00.
The legislation targets a social service program that falls into one or more of the City’s three priority areas including emergency and basic needs, employment and self-sufficiency, and social success for our residents and neighborhoods.
The mission of the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio (FBCO) is to stabilize living situations for Central Ohio families and individuals struggling with poverty and other severe life challenges. The Furniture Bank collects and builds furniture and works with over seventy-five social service agencies and other nonprofits to distribute furniture to families in need. Through a new tiered service system that FBCO has implemented, agencies can choose the amount of furniture their families need ranging from five to twenty pieces.
Homelessness is the most frequently cited reason that families visit the Furniture Bank and represents nearly one fourth of all families served. Since 2010, FBCO has served more than 6,600 families who were previously homeless- including nearly 8,000 children. This $10,000 grant for the Furniture for Families Program will provide approximately 40 families (est. 120 individuals) with an average of 16 pieces of furniture the same day they select it at FBCO’s one-stop shop warehouse.
Emergency action is necessary to avoid causing interruptions in the delivery of program services.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for these expenditures is allocated from the Neighborhood Initiatives Fund ($10,000.00).
Title
To approve the grant application of the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio seeking financial assistance to address emergency human service needs pursuant to Columbus City Code; to authorize the appropriation and expenditure of $10,000.00 f...
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