Thanks to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Fullerton social service organizations can get money grants to help with expenses.

The Fullerton Community Development Citizens Committee (FCDCC) met on January 30 to hear five groups deliver their best pitches to receive this grant money. The FCDCC was tasked with deciding if they fit the goals set by HUD. According to Linda Cordova, Fullerton Housing Consultant, the FCDCC will make their final recommendations on March 12 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers.

Michael Pascua chaired the Community Development Citizens Committee. The vice-chair is Tiffany Blay. Dr. Victoria Calhoun and Gladys Patricia Hanzo are also members. The meeting started with Tanya Planchon taking the oath of office, making her the fifth and newest committee member. Fullerton City Council members appoint all committee members.

HUD’s grant goals are simple:

1. to provide decent housing,
2. a suitable living environment, and
3. to expand economic opportunities for low and moderate-income people.

HUD provides these Community Development Block Grants (CDBGs) to cities like Fullerton to allocate to worthy programs according to the Annual Action Plan, City of Fullerton, May 2, 2023, HUD approval pending. Linda Cordova stated that the Community Development Citizen’s Committee’s task was to decide if applicants fit the guidelines and ensure the services assist various categories of need, such as youth, elderly, and homeless.

The Citizen’s Committee also sought assurance that money would benefit Fullerton residents only since these grants were intended for Fullerton. The 2023-2024 grant allocation was $1,388,882. The 2024-2025 grant allocation has not been released yet.

The speeches and PowerPoint presentations offered gave a sampling of Fullerton social services.

First up was the Boys and Girls Club of Fullerton. They described their efforts at improving early literacy assistance and transportation for low-income kids to High School and Junior High. Their spokesman said the grant would help them meet their goal of serving more than 250 kids.

Fullerton City Lights Social Services described their CARE emergency Housing assistance and related social services. They received a block grant of $15,000 in 2023 but sought an increase to $50,000, allowing them to reach their goal of serving 145 individuals.

The Community Care Senior Services representative described their Meals on Wheels lunch program. A committee member questioned the apparent high cost per meal, and the presenter promised to get a more accurate cost.

Next, a presenter from Hart Community Homes described how their Monkey Business Café is a vehicle for foster youth to receive food-service industry job skill experience. They teach youths who have grown out of foster care skills like catering, customer service, and supervisory training. Hart Homes also offers them transitional housing.

The fourth presentation was for Homeless Interventions Services of Orange County, seeking $200,000 in funds. Serving Fullerton’s unhoused and underprivileged population, they monitor CALAIM payments to individuals to ensure they are used only for housing costs. They also provide services such as obtaining IDs.

Finally, Program Manager Mariana Diaz and a rep from Lutheran Social Services described how their Victims Intervention Project assists under-served OC women who have been victims of crimes such as Domestic Violence. They said the money would allow them to help 60 residents annually, bringing clients to self-sufficiency and providing living skills training. Lutheran Social Services also provides housing stabilization help, Crisis intervention, and other services.

During the public comment period, homeless advocate Curtis Gamble gave a multi-point address and emphasized that it was time for all parties to work together to solve homeless issues.

The next Community Development Citizens Committee meeting will be on February 13 at 6:30 pm in the Fullerton Council Chambers. The public is welcome to attend in person or via Zoom at http://www.cityoffullerton.com. The public is welcome to attend on Zoom or in person.