San Leandro Human Services Commission Meeting - June 30, 2025

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on April 23, 2025, but the user-provided date is June 30, 2025. This summary uses the specified date.

The Human Services Commission met on June 30, 2025, to discuss Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) updates and Community Agency Partnership (CAP) funding recommendations. The commission voted to adopt Option 1 for CAP funding, funding 16 agencies, and removed CDBG from the voting agenda due to federal funding uncertainty.

Agenda Amendments

• The commission voted to split item 7A into two separate votes: one for CDBG funding and one for CAP funding, to allow Commissioner Bailey to recuse herself from agencies she is involved with.
• Item 7B (CDBG) was removed from the agenda as no vote would be taken on CDBG tonight; instead, it was presented as an informational item.
• Item 7A was amended to read "Human Services Commission CAP final funding recommendations to city council" (removing CDBG reference).

Consent Calendar

• The draft minutes from March were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deborah Lopez Nicaragua, a senior commissioner, announced that the Cherry Festival flex ride shuttle would be available again this year on June 7th, inviting commissioners to join the senior commission.
• Eve, director of Juniper Corner (a startup applicant), spoke in support of Option 1 for CAP funding, emphasizing the need for an indoor play space in San Leandro and the impact on families not enrolled in licensed childcare. She noted that Juniper Corner is recommended for funding in Option 1 but not in Option 2.
• A public commenter inquired about how organizations like SLED (San Leandro Education) can access future funding; staff offered to provide information.

Discussion Items

6A: CDBG Service Updates

• Carrie Housler, Housing Manager, presented on CDBG funding for the next two-year cycle. She explained that federal funding from HUD is uncertain, and the City Council approved using general funds to backfill potential HUD reductions for the 2025-2026 cycle. Three agencies are recommended for CDBG funding: Calico ($26,000+), Service Opportunities for Seniors Meals on Wheels ($57,000+), and Spectrum Community Services ($35,000+). These agencies have been removed from CAP consideration. Davis Street moved from CDBG to CAP. No vote was taken; the commission received the information.

6B: CAP General Fund Funding

• Staff presented two options for allocating $320,000 in CAP funding (a one-time increase from previous $160,000). Option 1: Fund 16 agencies that scored above 45 points, with allocations ranging from $15,000 to $27,500 per year. Option 2: Fund 12 agencies that scored above 50 points, with allocations from $25,000 to $33,000 per year. Two agencies (The Home More Project and Upwards) were not recommended under either option. Staff noted that all agencies have historically accepted partial grants.

Key Outcomes

• The commission voted unanimously to adopt Option 1 for CAP funding, recommending 16 agencies for funding to the City Council.
• The commission removed CDBG from the voting agenda due to federal funding uncertainty; the CDBG recommendation will proceed directly to City Council.
• Commission members expressed appreciation for the increased funding and the diversity of applicants.
• Commissioner Reed announced the Grant Avenue Foundation's fourth annual backpack giveaway on July 26, 2025, at San Leandro High School, with 2,000 backpacks and school supplies.

Adjournment

• The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.