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...
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