Title
Vote to approve a contract with Second Bloom of Chatham, Inc for an emergency shelter and grant reimbursement cashflow assistance for $450,000
Abstract
Introduction & Background: On December 16, 2013, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Family Violence and Rape Crisis Services (FVRC) to support the acquisition of land and construction of a new emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence. However, the shelter was never established by FVRC, and the associated funds were never disbursed. FVRC dissolved in 2016.
In 2017, Chatham County supported the launch of Second Bloom of Chatham, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and responding to domestic violence and sexual assault. The County now contracts with Second Bloom to provide emergency shelter operations and services for domestic violence victims. This funding reflects Chatham County’s statutory authority to support programs that promote the safety, health, and welfare of its residents and underscores the County’s commitment to partnering with local nonprofits to deliver critical human services.
Discussion & Analysis: Since its founding, Second Bloom of Chatham has been actively working to secure ownership of a permanent shelter facility. They have negotiated the purchase of the property where the current shelter operates under a rental agreement. The facility will require renovations and upfitting to meet the standards of the North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement, including accessibility requirements.
The proposed contract with Second Bloom of Chatham, Inc. will facilitate the transfer of $450,000 in funds to support the purchase and improvement of the shelter property ($300,000) and assist with operational cashflow ($150,000). The requested funding amount for cashflow purposes is owing to a change in grant funding structure where many of Second Bloom’s grants have been converted to reimbursement grants as opposed to lump sum drawdowns. The feedback Second Bloom has received about this new structure puts into question the timeframe for receiving reimbursements after reimbursement requests are made. This portion of the funding is scheduled for 24 months, at which point this funding will be repurposed for a future mutually agreed to use.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: The proposed funding supports key goals of the Chatham County Comprehensive Plan, particularly in the areas of Human Services, Healthy Communities, and Housing. By helping Second Bloom secure a permanent, accessible emergency shelter, the County is expanding support for vulnerable residents, improving access to critical services, and promoting safety and well-being. This initiative reflects the Plan’s commitment to public health, safe housing options, and strong partnerships with local nonprofits.
Budgetary Impact: The proposed contract will allocate $450,000 to Second Bloom of Chatham, Inc. for the as herein provided. These funds were previously designated in 2013 for shelter development and have remained unspent. No new funding is required beyond what has already been allocated.
Recommendation/Motion: Vote to approve a contract with Second Bloom of Chatham, Inc for an emergency shelter and grant reimbursement cashflow assistance for $450,000.