HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Services and Housing Funding Board - MINUTES - 05/01/2024
Human Services & Housing Funding Board
SPECIAL MEETING
May 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM
222 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins – Colorado River Room
Additional viewing option via Zoom
5 /1 /2024 – MINUTES Page 1
1. CALL TO ORDER
• At 4:10 PM the meeting was called to order by Pat Hastings.
2. ROLL CALL
• Board Members Present
o Pat Hastings, Chair
o Olga Duvall, Vice Chair
o Erma Woodfin
o Lori Kempter
o Michaela Ruppert
o Mike Kulisheck
o Mike Nielsen
o Pat Hastings
• Board Members Excused
o Christine Koepnick
• Staff Members Present
o Adam Molzer, Staff Liaison, Social Sustainability – City of Fort Collins
o Halley Pucker, Social Sustainability – City of Fort Collins
o Tamra Leavenworth, Social Sustainability – City of Fort Collins
• Community Members in Attendance
o Donna Lopez, Lutheran Campus Ministry at CSU
o Brad Rhoda, Outreach Fort Collins
o Michelle Gerard, Outreach Fort Collins
o Kyla Pfeif, Colorado Health Network (online)
o Runeela Taskeen, The Quarter Project (online)
o Dustin Barrington, L’Arche Fort Collins (online)
o Paula Ordaz, Fort Collins Rescue Mission (online)
o Mindy Vallejos, Denver Rescue Mission (online)
o Sharlene Johnson, Food Bank for Larimer County (online)
o Ann Lindgren, Turning Point & The Lotus Effect (online)
o Tim Pierz, Catholic Charities (online)
o Shayna Kefalas, Larimer County Partners (online)
o Annette Zacharias, Family Housing Network (online)
Due to the duration and extent of the human services preliminary grant review, the summary of the
meeting reflected in the minutes below may not include all details of the HSHF Board’s discussion. For
further information, details and insight, and video recording, resources are available by contacting the HSHF
Board staff liaison.
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3. AGENDA REVIEW
Adam Molzer reviewed the agenda. The Board accepted the agenda without modification.
4. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Guests from the public introduced themselves. No additional public comments.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None.
6. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
None.
7. STAFF REPORTS
None.
8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
9. NEW BUSINESS
a. Deliberations to Formulate Funding Recommendations – Human Services
Adam Molzer provided a review of the deliberations protocol and funding available ($920,287). Adam
reviewed the scorecard criteria and ranking spreadsheet. He noted that funding recommendations will
go before City Council in June and the grant cycle will begin October 2024.
Deliberations protocol has Board members begin at the top of the ranking list, with each proposal open
to further discussion. Funding recommendations will be made with a first and second motion, and
friendly amendments are permitted.
HS-43: United Way of Weld County – Coordinated Assessment and Housing Placement System
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $30,000. Seconded by Michaela Ruppert. Approved 7-0.
HS-19: Homeward Alliance – Murphy Center
Motion by Olga Duvall to fund at $30,000. Seconded by Mike Nielsen. Approved 7-0.
HS-34: The Family Center/La Familia – Childcare Scholarships & Family Support Services
Motion by Mike Kulisheck to fund at $40,000. Seconded by Erma Woodfin. Approved 7-0.
HS-18: Homeward Alliance – Family Services
Motion by Lori Kempter to fund at $30,000. Seconded by Olga Duvall. Approved 7-0.
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HS-10: Crossroads Safehouse – Bilingual & Bicultural Victim Advocacy
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $28,000. Seconded by Olga Duvall. Friendly amendment by Erma
Woodfin to fund at $25,000 was declined. Approved 6-0. Lori Kempter recused herself from the vote.
Adam Molzer provided an update of funds: remaining balance is ~$762,000.
HS-26: Neighbor to Neighbor – N2N Rent Assistance Coordination
Motion by Mike Kulisheck to fund at $32,500. Seconded by Lori Kempter. Approved 7-0.
HS-37: The Matthews House – Youth & Young Adults Transitioning to Independence
Motion by Mike Kulisheck to fund at $30,000. Seconded by Lori Kempter. Approved 7-0.
HS-27: Outreach Fort Collins – Street-Based Homelessness Services Program Support
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $39,000. Seconded by Michaela Ruppert. Approved 7-0.
HS-32: Teaching Tree Early Childhood Learning Center – Childcare Scholarships for Low Income
Families
Motion by Olga Duvall to fund at $40,000. Seconded by Mike Kulisheck. Approved 7-0.
HS-45: Volunteers of America – Handyperson Program
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $16,000. Seconded by Mike Kulisheck. Approved 7-0.
Discussion: The Board discussed the importance of this program and the volunteer coordination
involved.
HS-16: Food Bank of Larimer County – Fort Collins Kids Cafe
Motion by Olga Duvall at $22,000. Seconded by Michaela Ruppert. Approved 7-0.
HS-4: CASA of Larimer County – Court Appointed Special Advocates
Motion by Erma Woodfin to fund at $30,000. Seconded by Lori Kempter. Approved 7-0.
HS-36: The Matthews House – Family to Family Programming at the Community Life Center
Motion by Mike Nielsen to fund at $15,000. Seconded by Olga Duvall. Approved 7-0.
HS-46: Volunteers of America – Home Delivered Meals Program
Motion by Michaela Ruppert to fund at $28,000. Seconded by Mike Kulisheck. Approved 7-0.
HS-11: Disabled Resource Services – Disability Services for Independence
Motion by Olga Duvall to fund at $20,000. Seconded by Michaela Ruppert. Approved 7-0.
Adam Molzer provided an update of funds: remaining balance is ~$490,000.
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HS-29: Project Self-Sufficiency – Career Pathways for Low-Income Single Parents
Motion by Mike Kulisheck to fund at $22,000. Seconded by Michaela Ruppert. Approved 7-0.
HS-8: ChildSafe Colorado – Child Abuse Treatment Program
Motion by Erma Woodfin to fund at $35,000. Seconded by Mike Nielsen. Approved 7-0.
HS-33: The Crawford Advocacy Center – Fighting Child Sexual Abuse & Maltreatment
Motion by Lori Kempter to fund at $15,000. Seconded by Michaela Ruppert. Approved 7-0.
HS-5: CASA of Larimer County – Family Connections
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $30,000. Seconded by Erma Woodfin. Approved 7-0.
HS-3: Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County – Boys & Girls Clubs - Fort Collins
Motion by Mike Kulisheck to fund at $25,000. Seconded by Olga Duvall. Approved 7-0.
HS-25: Meals on Wheels for Fort Collins – Meal Delivery Program
Motion by Olga Duvall to fund at $25,000. Seconded by Michaela Ruppert. Approved 7-0.
HS-39: The Salvation Army – Rent and Utilities Program
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $18,000. Seconded by Erma Woodfin. Approved 7-0.
Discussion: The Board expressed appreciation for the substantial portion of requested funding that
would be allocated directly towards rent and utility assistance.
HS-14: Family Housing Network – Sherwood House - Bridge Housing
Motion by Michaela Ruppert to fund at $16,000. Seconded by Olga Duvall. Approved 7-0.
Adam Molzer called for a short break at 5:21 PM and the meeting resumed at 5:39 PM.
HS-22: Larimer County Partners – Youth Mentoring and Prevention
Motion by Mike Kulisheck to fund at $15,000. Seconded by Olga Duvall. Approved 7-0.
HS-6: Catholic Charities – Senior Support Services - Samaritan House Ft Collins
Motion by Olga Duvall to fund at $27,000. Seconded by Mike Kulisheck. Approved 7-0.
HS-1: A Little Help – A Little Help for Older Adults in Fort Collins
Motion by Erma Woodfin to fund at $20,000. Seconded by Lori Kempter. Approved 7-0.
HS-24: McBackpack – Working to Alleviate Food Insecurity in Fort Collins
Motion by Mike Kulisheck to fund at $15,000. Seconded by Erma Woodfin. Approved 7-0.
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HS-44: Vindeket Foods – Vindeket Market
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $16,000. Seconded by Mike Kulisheck. Approved 7-0.
HS-31: Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center – Sexual Assault Intervention & Prevention Services
Motion by Erma Woodfin to fund at $21,500. Seconded by Lori Kempter. Approved 7-0.
Adam Molzer provided an update of funds: remaining balance is ~$189,000.
HS-20: ISAAC of Northern Colorado – Housing in the Gaps: Safety Net for Unhoused Immigrant &
Refugee Families
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $20,000. Seconded by Olga Duvall. Approved 7-0.
HS-2: Alianza NORCO – Navigation Programming for Immigrants by Immigrants
Motion by Michaela Ruppert to fund at $32,000. Seconded by Olga Duvall. Approved 7-0.
HS-12: Elderhaus Adult Day Program – Direct Care for Fort Collins Residents Living with Disabilities
Motion by Erma Woodfin to fund at $27,000. Seconded by Michaela Ruppert. Approved 7-0.
HS-30: Respite Care – Childcare Scholarships for Low-Income Families
Motion by Olga Duvall to fund at $19,000. Seconded by Mike Nielsen. Approved 7-0.
Adam Molzer provided an update of funds: remaining balance is ~$91,287.
HS-38: The Quarter Project – GEMS - Girls in Engineering, Math & Science
Motion by Olga Duvall to fund at $15,000. Seconded by Lori Kempter. Approved 4-3. Opposed by
Michaela Ruppert, Mike Kulisheck, and Erma Woodfin.
Discussion: Some Board members felt funds could be better utilized by organizations addressing urgent
needs in the community. Other Board members advocated for the long-term investment of this
program, noting its growth and expansion over the years.
HS-42: United Way of Larimer County – Larimer Child Care Fund
Motion by Michaela Ruppert to fund at $15,000. Seconded by Olga Duvall. Approved 7-0.
HS-7: Children’s Speech and Reading Center – Scholarships, Screens & Early Literacy
Motion by Lori Kempter to fund at $15,000. Seconded by Mike Kulisheck. Approved 7-0.
HS-17: Fort Collins Rescue Mission – Nutritious Meal Program
Motion by Mike Nielsen to fund at $0. Seconded by Mike Kulisheck. Approved 7-0.
Discussion: Some Board members expressed concern that the majority of requested funds would go
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toward staff salary and benefits and would have liked to see more go toward food costs.
Adam Molzer provided an update of funds: remaining balance is ~$46,287.
HS-9: Colorado Health Network – CHN Connection Point - Integrative Care & Supportive Services
Motion by Mike Kulisheck to fund at $0. Seconded by Lori Kempter. Approved 6-0-1. Olga Duvall
abstained.
Discussion: Board members acknowledged the program’s value but voiced concerns regarding the
proportion of the program budget it sought in comparison to other applicants.
HS-13: Ensight Skills Center – Low Vision Rehabilitation Care and Support Program
Motion by Erma Woodfin to fund at $15,000. Seconded by Lori Kempter. Friendly amendment by Lori
Kempter requesting that $9,400 go toward direct client assistance, with the remaining $5,600
designated for staff salary. Accepted by Erma Woodfin. Approved 7-0.
Discussion: The Board discussed the importance of this program, especially for seniors, and how it
serves a unique role in the community.
HS-41: Turning Point Center for Youth & Family Development – Connections Program
Motion by Olga Duvall to fund at $15,000. Seconded by Mike Kulisheck. Approved 7-0.
HS-28: Poudre River Public Library District – Social Service Interventions for Unhoused Library
Customers
Motion by Olga Duvall to fund at $15,000. Seconded by Michaela Ruppert. Approved 5-2. Opposed by
Lori Kempter and Mike Kulisheck.
Discussion: Some Board members discussed that having a social worker stationed at a public library is
considered one of the best practices in the nation, and that it would be particularly helpful for Fort
Collins given past incidents at the old town library. However, there were differing perspectives among
Board members, with some viewing it as a duplication of existing services while others emphasized the
increasing community need. Concerns were raised regarding the metric used to gauge success,
specifically the reliance on incident reduction. Additionally, the Board discussed the possibility of the
library incorporating the program into its base budget if the pilot proves successful, though some
members expressed reservations about its readiness for funding.
HS-15: Feeding Our Community Ourselves – Meal Exchange Program
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $0. Seconded by Erma Woodfin. Approved 7-0.
HS-40: The Vegetable Connection – Feeding the Families
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $0. Seconded by Mike Nielsen. Approved 7-0.
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HS-23: Lutheran Campus Ministry at CSU – Student Housing Security Initiative
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $0. Seconded by Olga Duvall. Approved 7-0.
HS-35: The Lotus Effect – Fit to Fight
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $0. Seconded by Mike Kulisheck. Approved 7-0.
HS-21: L’Arche Fort Collins – I/DD Emergency Services Identification
Motion by Pat Hastings to fund at $0. Seconded by Erma Woodfin. Approved 7-0.
Adam Molzer provided an update of funds: remaining balance is $1,287.
HS-34: The Family Center/La Familia – Childcare Scholarships & Family Support Services
Motion by Mike Kulisheck to fund at $41,287. Seconded by Erma Woodfin. Approved 7-0.
Slate Proposals:
Motion by Pat Hastings to adopt the recommended funding slate for Human Services true dollars and
percentages as discussed and presented. Seconded by Erma Woodfin. Approved 6-0. Lori Kempter
recused.
Adam Molzer applauded the Board members for the work achieved in Housing and Human Services
over the last few months and weeks.
10. OTHER BUSINESS
Dianne Tjalkens will be joining the Board to share information about the HUD Consolidated Plan at the next
regular meeting on May 8, 2024.
Adam Molzer shared that a 360-review of the grant recommendation process will be presented at the next
regular meeting on May 8, 2024.
Adam Molzer mentioned that the Board may need to convene for a summer meeting to discuss the Human
Services Priorities Platform. Additionally, he noted that he would be seeking volunteers from the Board to
contribute to the project.
Pat Hastings announced that he will not be renewing his term on the Board, with his final meeting being
May 8, 2024.
11. NEXT MEETING
Wednesday, May 8, 2023 | 5:30 PM | Location: Foothills Activity Center
13. ADJOURNMENT
Pat Hastings adjourned the meeting at 6:42 PM.
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Minutes were finalized and approved by the Human Services & Housing Funding Board on August 14, 2024.