City council has approved a contribution of $25,000 to the Lighthouse for 2017.
The reason is to support a mobile outreach program that the Lighthouse has started. It utilizes a vehicle to help pick up and transport the homeless or others in need around the city. It would also respond to calls from community agencies or medical services, among others.
Two businesses have already been referred to this service, indicated City Manager Jim Puffalt, who noted the service will be “very valuable” to the community.
The contribution was included in the 2017 Budget Revisions approved at council last month.
The year before, in 2016, the city had approved a $25,000 grant to the Lighthouse to match donations raised from their “Coldest Night of the Year” fundraising initiative. It was also suggested at the meeting that the Lighthouse be encouraged to approach council during the budget period with any requests for funding, so it would be considered alongside the other requests at that time.
Council unanimously approved the contribution at Monday’s meeting.
