Community Development Recommending Board CDBG Grant Presentations – February 10, 2026

The Community Development Recommending Board (CDRB) met on February 10, 2026, beginning at approximately 10:30 AM local time (16:58 UTC). The meeting was called to order by Chair Miller with a quorum present. The primary agenda item was presentations from agencies applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for fiscal years 2026–2027 and 2027–2028. The total approximate CDBG funding available is $500,000. Each applicant was allotted five minutes for presentation and five minutes for board questions. No votes were taken; the meeting adjourned until the following day.

Consent Calendar

• None.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered.

Discussion Items

Each applicant presented their program and responded to board questions. Key presentations included:

• HopeLink of Southern Nevada – Requested salary and benefits for one employment specialist to sustain its CareerLink program, which in the past year matched 126 program participants with employment. Board members asked about fundraising sustainability and board involvement.
• Arriba Las Vegas Worker Center – Sought funding for no-cost OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 workforce development training. Over five years, they trained more than 2,500 workers. Speakers highlighted the shift in federal funding and the importance of bilingual safety training. Board members asked about scalability and the use of contracted trainers.
• Urban Chamber Community Development Corporation – Presented an AI and STEM career pathways program using an online training institute with a 10-hour course, career coaching, and job placement. The curriculum was completed in November 2025; first cohort of 16 youth trained. Anticipated 50% employment transition for youth, 75% for adults. Board asked about data privacy and evidence-based metrics.
• Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada – Proposed a Micro Business and Employment Empowerment Program with three pillars: workforce training, entrepreneurial development, and real-world application (vendor events, farmers’ markets). Focus on low-income residents in zip code 89101, where nearly 60% of renters are cost-burdened. Client target: 33 over the year. Board discussed recruitment, eligibility, and success tracking.
• Nevada Health Centers, Inc. – Requested $204,288 per year for two years to operate the Nevada Children’s Health Project, a 45-foot mobile medical unit serving homeless and runaway youth. Since 2018, they have seen 3,126 patients (11,710 visits). Cost per patient $137. They aim to serve 380 children annually. Board asked about prescription delivery and scalability if full funding not received.
• Equality Project (Henderson Equality Center) – Sought funding for HIV/STI outreach and prevention, including 5,000 educational contacts, 130 screenings, and prep assessments. Noted that 6% of Nevada’s population identifies as LGBTQ+, 11.6% lack health insurance, and HIV cases increased from 10,341 in 2018 to 17,900 in 2025. No board questions.
• Vegas Stronger – Requested $117,550 for outreach and housing services for homeless individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Reported 87% of six-month program participants are employed, housed, and sober. Aim to reach 60 non-walk-in clients. Board asked about recidivism, audit delays (expected within six weeks), and partnership with police (COPE program).
• No Hero and Heroin Foundation (Tin High) – Requested $65,000 for adult sober living and outpatient services, operating five homes with 60 beds. Goal: 70% employment or training within six months, 90% obtain vital documents within 30 days. Board asked about security (no on-site security, senior peers manage homes) and financial audit status (not required yet due to budget constraints).
• Westcare Nevada, Inc. – Requested funding for three two-bedroom apartments for transitional living for women and children. Emphasized that longer stays (up to two years) improve outcomes. Noted that 30-day treatment is insufficient. Ribbon cutting for first 26 units scheduled for April 2026. Board asked about the evidence base for longer treatment and partnership with architects.
• Helping Hands of Vegas Valley – Requested $65,000 for non-medical transportation for seniors 60+. Already served 117 CDBG-eligible clients (156% of goal) and provided 2,692 rides (150% of goal). 49% of their client base is CDBG. Board recusal by Member Freeman due to organizational discussions; no other questions.
• Solutions of Change – Proposed Youth and Families Wellness Project providing free/low-cost therapy, education workshops, and wraparound services. Served approximately 180 families annually (25,000 over five years). Board asked about evidence of need for diverse therapists (responded with client feedback), and sustainability after large American Rescue Plan funds (now pursuing Medicaid provider status and new funders).
• Desert Springs Community Resource Center – Requested $76,900 for a full-time executive director and expansion of the evidence-based More Than Food program, which involves a nine-month commitment with coaching. Board noted a poor city assessment and asked about recent staff turnover and culture. The executive director (hired in October 2025) explained staff departures unrelated to transition and said they are relocating to a larger facility.
• Hope Christian Health Center – Sought seed funding to expand medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorder, citing a 50% reduction in overdose deaths with MAT. Plan to serve 250 City of Las Vegas residents annually. Noted that nine out of ten Nevadans live in a behavioral health provider shortage area. Board asked about budget items (software, office equipment) and faith-based approach (responded that care is provided without imposing ideology).
• Jewish Family Service Agency – Senior Lifeline Program – Requested $87,700 for a case manager to support vulnerable low-income older adults remain independent. Currently serving 140 seniors with a waitlist of 300. Program has been funded by CDBG for 10 years. Board asked about home ownership (almost none own homes) and socialization (connections through companion program and luncheons).
• St. Jude’s Ranch for Children – Requested funding for a drop-in center for homeless youth aged 18–24. Provide case management, basic needs, and housing assessments. Operate 120 scattered-site apartments. Board asked about financial audit issues (late draws, high-risk rating); COO stated a new CFO was hired and reimbursements are now timely.

Key Outcomes

• The board heard all scheduled presentations but took no votes. The meeting was adjourned until February 11, 2026, to continue with presentations from the remaining applicants (including Foster Kinship and others scheduled for the following day).