Approximately $3.6 million in a second coronavirus emergency grant is going to homeless street outreach, emergency shelters, rapid rehousing, and homeless prevention programs for homeless persons in Garden Grove affected by COVID-19.
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Proposals to provide services were received from Interval House, Mercy House, Families Forward, Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, Inc., Colette’s Children’s Home, Stand Up for Kids, and Illumination Foundation, according to a city staff report. An internal committee conducted a comprehensive review and evaluation of each of the proposals and determined that all groups have staffing capacity and expertise to administer successful programs.
The Illumination Foundation was allocated $1 million – the highest amount of all the groups – to provide safe housing, health care, and educational services for the homeless. The Orange County-based organization is committed to disrupting the cycle of homelessness, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has aided the homeless population by providing increased healthcare and medical services, according to the group’s website.
The City Council approved the funding in August to be distributed among the seven service providers through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act to expand services to assist homeless Garden Grove residents affected by COVID-19. The money was awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“We are able to provide additional services and homeless resources to families, transitional youth, women, and children,” Lisa Kim, who serves the city’s community and economic development director, said during the August council meeting.
The first coronavirus emergency grant in Garden Grove was for $3.7 million and was allocated toward protective supplies, disinfection and modification of public areas and facilities, unemployment costs, and more, according to a July staff report.
The City Council meetings are streamed on the panel’s Youtube Channel. The body meets next on Oct. 13.