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Politics & Government

Council Opens Social Services Funding Process

Nonprofits may begin submitting proposals to West Hollywood officials.

The City Council unanimously gave the green light Monday for social service providers to start submitting contract proposals for the 2013-16 funding period.

West Hollywood has $4.2 million to allocate to nonprofit social service agencies in the form of one-year contracts eligible for two annual renewals, according to a city staff report. Proposals must be for three-year programs.

Weho's Request for Proposal (RFP) document spells out the city's goals and priorities for contracted social service providers:

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  • Foster innovation, collaboration, and coordination among social service providers.
  • Intensify outreach and service delivery to address homelessness.
  • Develop innovative approaches to support residents aging in place to maintain independence.
  • Identify additional service resources for substance abuse prevention and treatment.
  • Broaden mental health services, including access to psychiatric care.
  • Continue to support comprehensive efforts for testing, treatment, prevention, and education related to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Develop educational initiatives on public health issues of importance to our community, in particular, cigarette smoking and alcohol and drug-related harms.
  • Explore concentrated efforts to support households living below the poverty line.

Findings from the West Hollywood Community Study, which wrapped up in March, added these areas of focus to the city's social-service agenda:

  • Comprehensive services to address hoarding behavior, unsafe living conditions and to prevent homelessness.
  • Case management services which have the capacity to work with clients whose mental illness or substance abuse is a barrier to accessing services.
  • Legal, medical/dental, food and nutrition, and employment services.

"Priority target populations (include) include seniors; youth, children and families; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community members; women; immigrants; people living with disabilities, including HIV and AIDS; people who are homeless in the City; people who are at risk of homelessness; and people who are in need due to poverty or low income," the report states.

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Proposals are due by noon June 5, according to the RFP. The process continues through the summer via staff and Human Services Commission action, cuminating with a council vote Sept. 3 on funding recommendations.

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