Explanation
BACKGROUND: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a grant agreement with Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center (CRC) in an amount up to $50,000.00 to support the Family Services Program.
Millions in the United States struggle with the incessant distractions and anxieties of living in poverty as they seek to obtain basic necessities to provide for themselves and their families. Through its mission “to deliver responsive services, cultivate partnerships, and promote opportunities to foster a healthier community,” the CRC is able to provide some traction-assistance towards attaining those goals for any/all residents of the City of Columbus. This grant will address food insecurity throughout the City of Columbus by providing financial support for the CRC’s Family Services Program.
The Family Services Program (FSP) is one of three Programs supported through the Clintonville-Beechwold’s Community Resources Center (CRC). Food assistance, the crux of the Family Services Program, is provided - regardless of ZIP code - in the form of healthy, affordable, and local food sourced through the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, regional brick-and-mortar stores (e.g. Kroger, Target, Weiland’s, Bruegger’s Bagels, Lucky’s, etc), the Clintonville Farmers Market, and the CRC Community Garden. Sack lunches and “grab-and-go” meals are also provided. Albeit the crux, food assistance is but one of a bevy of other services provided by the Family Services Outreach Workers including, but not limited to, the following:
? Addressing healthcare barriers,
? Assistance with SNAP, HEAP, and MEDICAID benefits,
? Income assistance information,
? Financial assistance with mortgage, real estate taxes, rent, and utilities.
The Family Services Program staff includes a Licensed Social Worker who manages a “Crisis Desk.” This individual is able to address immediate, critical needs which may include domestic abuse situations, treatment r...
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