Hollister Council members heard from community groups interested in being involved in this year’s application process for Community Development Block Grant funds.
Council members Monday held a public hearing where five organizations made pitches to have the city apply for the funds on their behalf. As noted at the meeting, Hollister is eligible for up to $500,000 and can apply for grants in categories that include homeownership assistance, public facility projects, public service programs, planning studies, economic development and micro-enterprise activities, planning official Renee Perales told council members Monday.
In 2012, the county received a CDBG grant for $500,000. The city was denied in its application with requests totaling $1.2 million.
On Monday, representatives made their cases from the Homeless Coalition of San Benito County, Jovenes de Antano, Community Food Bank of San Benito County, the Youth Alliance and Community Services Development Corp.
Homeless coalition Vice Chairman Kevin Silva spoke and said there is a much greater cost for jails and emergency wards than providing such shelter.
“It is vital that we have funding to continue operation of our emergency shelter,” he said.
Dolly DeVasier, board president of Jovenes de Antano, requested money so the organization can buy a new food delivery vehicle.
Councilman Robert Scattini asked her about an estimated cost for it. She said she wasn’t sure.
“I just know there are 30 people on the waiting list that desperately need this,” DeVasier said.
For the Community Food Bank, Executive Director Mary Anne Hughes and board member Susan Thompson talked. Both of them mentioned plans to eventually build a new facility.
Hughes said there has been a big increase in community need from the food bank due to the recession. The organization went from serving about 575 families in 2004 to 1,100 now, she said.
Thompson said the organization is raising money for the building in other ways, too.
“What we’re doing is raising dollars for that,” said the retired county administrative officer. “We have some from HUD already. We have a USDA loan in final stages. But, this is free money, and it would help us … if we get it.”
Youth Alliance Executive Director Diane Ortiz and several participants in the group came before council members to speak.
Ortiz said the afterschool period is when most people are victimized by violence.
“They need our support, and we can help link them to services,” said Ortiz, who went on, “These are not fluff activities.”
Maria Munoz was one of the Youth Alliance speakers. The mother of three noted that she is a student at Gavilan College. Her kids get homework help and positive enrichment from the alliance, she said.
“These programs are important for my family and my neighborhood,” she said.
From CSDC, Executive Director Jeffrey Jeffers and local architect David Huboi spoke. They are hoping for funding to continue a 15-unit affordable housing project at 560 Line St.
Jeffers said the loss last year of the city’s redevelopment agency was a major hit.
“We were truly depending on the redevelopment agency to support us on this,” he said.
