DATE:
June 16, 2026
TO:
Mayor and Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Orlando Acevedo, Director of Development Services
Connor Biggerstaff, Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT:
2026-27 Community Assistance Program (CAP) Final Rankings and Funding Recommendations
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Review the Community Assistance Program (CAP) application rankings as recommended by the City Council Advisory Committee (CCAC); and
2. Approve the recommended funding allocations for FY 2026-27.
BACKGROUND
The Community Assistance Program (CAP) is available for public service programs and projects that assist Hesperia residents through services related to food, clothing, shelter, medical needs, youth services, differently abled services, seniors and veterans. CAP is funded through the City’s General Fund and managed by the Economic Development division.
On June 17, 2025, upon the certification of the FY 2025-26 CAP application ranking, City Council provided direction to staff to increase the program’s funding amount to $75,000. During a subsequent Council meeting, on August 5, 2025, the Council reaffirmed support of the increased funding allocation.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Eligible CAP applicants must meet the program requirements established by the City Council and demonstrate the ability to provide qualifying public services benefiting Hesperia residents.
Priority funding categories include:
Food & Clothing Services
Unhoused Services
Youth/Foster Care Services
Disability Services
Senior/Veteran Services
Animal Care Services
Eligible applicants must also:
Be a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status;
Serve City of Hesperia residents (must meet 75% of stated unduplicated goal in application during the CAP NOFA period July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027); Must require clients to complete Client Intake Forms;
Provide the following documentation with the application:
Copy of current Articles of Incorporation for the organization; Copy of by-laws for the organization (as of 2026);
Non-profit Determination Letter from the IRS for the organization; Organizational Chart for the 2026-2027 fiscal year for the program/project; List of Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 fiscal year for the program/project.
Applications determined to be eligible were reviewed and ranked by the CCAC prior to City Council consideration based on established program priorities, organizational capacity, and community benefit. Final ranking recommendations from the CCAC are documented in attachment 3, CCAC Final Ranking Sheet. A summary of the top 10 recommendations are detailed below:
Community Assistance Program FY 2026-27 CCAC Final Ranking Recommendation Rank
Organization
Total Score
1. Call for Life Pregnancy Help Center
467.0
2. Little Lambs Resource Group
462.0
3. Holy Family Church Food Pantry
449.0
4. New Life Chapel Food Pantry
444.0
5. High Desert Animal Coalition
443.0
6. God’s Hand Extended
437.0
7. Restore Unity Incorporated
419.0
8. Moses House Ministries
408.0
9. Assistance League of Victor Valley
402.0
10. Welcome to America, Inc.
370.0
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Future Development - Facilitate balanced growth to ensure cohesive community development and pursue economic development.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this program in the amount of up to $75,000 is included in the FY 2026-27 Budget.
ALTERNATIVES
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT
Resolution No. 2026-27
CCAC Final Ranking Sheet
CAP NOFA
Applicant Notebooks (Binders provided under separate cover) City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia STAFF REPORT City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT
Staff Report to City Council
2026-27 Community Assistance Program
June 16, 2026