AGENDA #5e

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM:            Human Services Advisory Board

SUBJECT:       2002 Needs Report

DATE:             January 28, 2002

INTRODUCTION

Each year the Human Services Advisory Board presents a Needs Report to the Town Council to identify the most important human service needs in Chapel Hill. In response to these needs, local human service agencies apply for funding from the Town to provide services. The Board assesses the applications in the context of the Needs Report and recommends to the Council which services to purchase from local nonprofit human service agencies.

BACKGROUND

The Chapel Hill Human Services Advisory Board was created in 1981. The Board is charged with the responsibility of keeping the Town Council informed about human service needs and issues that affect Chapel Hill residents.

To accomplish this mandate, the Board facilitates a request for proposal process and invites local human service agencies to present program plans for Chapel Hill residents.  The Board prepares recommendations to the Town Council on funding levels for local human service agencies that offer effective programs to address identified needs. Other duties of the Board include work with agencies to coordinate delivery of services and advocacy for residents with human service needs.

The Human Services Advisory Board works cooperatively with Orange County and the Town of Carrboro to utilize a combined application process for human service agencies. Joint hearings with the Town of Carrboro permit service providers to present proposals to both towns simultaneously.

After completion of the hearings the Board meets to discuss the agency proposals and formulate funding recommendations for the Town Council.  Last year, the Council approved Town allocations totaling $196,000 to meet identified human service needs. The allocations provided funding to 33 agencies for this fiscal year.  

RECOMMENDATIONS

The rising unemployment rate in the area, indicative of the serious economic downturn, has resulted in dramatically increased need for assistance. Both public and private agencies report sharp rises in requests for aid. At the same time, many agencies are experiencing decreased contributions from their traditional donors. It is particularly important to consider those nonprofit agencies that are facing cuts to critical services due to the economy and resources diverted to assist the victims of the September 11 tragedy. The Board anticipates that the requests for Town of Chapel Hill assistance from these agencies will increase. The high cost of housing and childcare and the increasing population of Latinos are issues that continue to affect human service agencies and our community.  Additionally, agencies with limited budgets will need more help this year than those organizations that enjoy great attention and success.

Particular areas of need include:

· Family and individual support toward self-sufficiency

· Youth services

· Substance abuse treatment and prevention

In summary, the Board wishes to express appreciation to the Town Council for supporting human service agencies. It is the view of the Board that the funding provides much needed services to Chapel Hill residents. 

2002 Human Services Advisory Board members

Lew Borman; Chair                 

Harriet Crisp; Vice-Chair

Bryan Lange

William Powers

Mary Reeb