December 17, 2024
City Council
DATE: December 17, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Council Member Doria Robinson
Vice Mayor Claudia Jimenez (co-sponsor)
Council Member Gayle McLaughlin (co-sponsor)
Subject:
Authorize emergency financial support to sustain
unhoused services at Richmond’s family shelter -GRIP
(Greater Richmond Interfaith Program)
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $500,000 loan to be repaid in full to the City in terms and funding source to be determined by City Manager
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
GRIP (Greater Richmond Interfaith Program ) is
experiencing a $500,000 funding gap which threaten s to shut down and/or dramatically decrease much-needed
unhoused services they provide in Richmond . Providing
emergency financial support through a $500,000 loan to
be repaid in full to the City in term s to be determined by City Manager , provides GRIP the time they need to
successfully fundraise to fill this funding gap.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
AUTHORIZE the city manager to negotiate and execute
an emergency, short-term, no-interest loan agreement for $500,000 with GRIP to ensure uninterrupted family
homeless shelter and emergency warming center for
Richmond’s unhoused residents - Vice Mayor Clau dia
Jimenez (510 -620-6565), Councilmembers Doria
AGENDA
REPORT
December 17, 2024
Robinson (510 -620-6568) and Gayle McLaughlin (510 -
620-6636).
DISCUSSION:
GRIP is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic coalition of congregations from varied faiths working together as a diverse and inclusive coalition dedicated to helping those of our community in need to transition to self -sufficiency. Their mission is to provide a safe & nourishing place that helps transform those who are unsheltered and in need to move toward self- sufficiency.
GRIP is experiencing a pressing $500,000 funding gap which is threatening to shut down and/or dramatically decrease much-needed unhoused servic es they provide in Richmond, including but not limited to the only family shelter in Richmond, warming center, soup kitchen, and emergency food pantry.
Over the years, GRIP has evolved from a small community food pantry to a multiservice agency, which se rves 15,000 homeless, hungry, and low -income residents annually. GRIP has earned a reputation as a trusted housing and service provider with a proven track record for making inroads with individuals who have histories of chronic homelessness.
GRIP, equally, is noted for being fiscally responsible and transparent in accounting practices and reporting. GRIP maintains lines of open communication with its donors, funders, and community supporters. In order to give GRIP the time they need to successfully fundraise to fill this funding gap we would like to request City Council support for the City Manager to work with GRIP on negotiating and executing an emergency, short-term, no-interest loan agreement.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None.