Year
1999 PROGRAM STATUS REPORT
ISLAND COUNTY Service Center
the Opportunity Council
Prepared by Lisa Clark
January 2000
On Site Employees
- 2 full time Family Services
- 2 full time Weatherization Techs
- 2 part time receptionists (provided by Green Thumb)
- 1 VISTA volunteer (service scheduled to end 4/1/00)
Client Geographic Breakdown
- North Whidbey 65% of clients
served
- Central Whidbey 18%
- South Whidbey 13%
- Camano Island 3%
Emergency Shelter
Funding Sources:
Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG); InterWest Bank; Emergency Shelter
Assistance Program (ESAP); Whidbey Presbyterian Church; Community Donations
1999 Statistics
- # of clients sheltered
82
- # of shelter bed-nights 2229
Age Breakdown:
Birth to 5 = 25
6 to 11 =
7
12 to 17 =
6
18 to 21 =
5
22 to 44 = 35
45 to 54 = 2
55 to 69 =
1
70+ = 1
Both houses currently occupied as well as an additional shelter provided through
Homeless Families with Children funds (ESAP contract).
Homeless Prevention (Rental Assistance)
Funding Sources:
ESG; ESAP; FEMA; LIHEAP- Other Emergency Services
- # of households 119
- # of individuals
311
# of bed-nights 8797
- $ allocated from all sources $21,330
Transitional Housing Assistance
Funding Sources:
Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA);
Transitional
Housing Opportunities Rental Assistance (THORA)
There are currently six families on housing vouchers that provide the potential for up
to two years of assistance. All families on housing vouchers are in case management and
are seen on a weekly basis for the first three months and twice a month thereafter or as
necessary. Clients are reviewed on a six-month basis to confirm progress made towards
identified goals and determine renewal status.
Readiness to Participate Program
Funding Source:
Work Source (Private Industry Council)
Five initial referrals have been made and services have begun for families with
barriers to employment. A team approach, involving all agencies working with the family,
is being utilized to facilitate effective strategies and promote an environment of
success.
Information and Referral
Funding Sources:
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG); VISTA; United
Way; Community donations
- Calls documented in 1999 = 5537
The Community Online Resource Database can be viewed online at www.oppco.org:591 . It is currently in a rough
state and the introductory/splash page is being created, yet the information collected and
the method of dissemination has already proved to be a valuable asset. We will be
obtaining an update of FileMaker Pro software, which will greatly enhance the presentation
of material.
Energy Assistance and Weatherization
- Applications processed to date for Island County
= 356
- Appointments scheduled (to be seen) = 62
- Weatherization assessments are being performed weekly. The vast majority of qualified
households live in mobile homes.
We are currently taking information only and have started a waiting list.
Child Care Resource and Referral
- Infant/Toddler Capacity Grant - funds to provide resources for increasing number of
child care slots for infants and toddlers in Island Co.
- Quality Enhancement Grant - partnership with Island County Health Dept. and Island
Mental Health to provide in home support visits to child care providers.
- An Advisory Council devoted to child care issues is active and meets on a monthly basis.
Miscellaneous
- 1999 Christmas Toys for Tots Intake and Distribution
= 357 children
- Issued 148 gas vouchers and provided funding for 8 car repairs
- Administer a community fund where no other resources exist
= $1312 in 1999
Planned Projects
- Community Voice Mail
- Medicaid Outreach
On February 8 we were notified that United Way had allocated funds totaling $15,000 to
the Island County office. The application was submitted for $30,000 but we are pleased
with the outcome. The three prior applications submitted had requested funding of $20-25K
but amounts awarded were $2500 and subject to a contract. The current funds will not be
restricted. We believe this is a community vote of confidence in the work we are doing.
With current funding levels from all sources, we anticipate hiring a third person. It
is our intention, especially if Community Voice Mail proves to be a feasible project, to
create a communications position to work both CVM and the database, as well as be another
support person for information and referral.
We have been invited to provide a brief monthly activity report to the Island County
Board of Health. Current members include county commissioners, the mayor of Oak Harbor,
and a Whidbey General Hospital Commissioner.
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