HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY - T. Belton

Approve Proclamation declaring May 2020 Community Action Month in the San Benito County and recognize board members who have served on this Board for over 3 years.

SBC FILE NUMBER: 130

Community Action emerged from the heart of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 proclamation of America’s “War on Poverty” wherebattles must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House. Community Action Agencies have now been providing services throughout the United States for the past 56 years. In San Benito County, the Community Action Board (CAB) was established in 1986 providing valuable services to our low-income community. Here are a few highlights for 2019:

1. 2,451 low-income residents received services through Community Action,

2. 780 low-income residents received assistance with the Low Income 

    Heating Energy Assistance Program to prevent shut-off,

3. 226 families/individuals received homeless services including the Winter Shelter Program, hotel vouchers and the HOME Resource Center

4. 437 residents received free tax preparation services through the Volunteer

   Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA),

5. 156 Families received rental assistance for three up to 12 months-

6. Provided housing to 72 migrant seasonal farm worker families during the farm season of May-November.

7. Over 4,236 residents received services at the America's Job Center,

8. Over 118 clients received comprehensive training services with local

   employers or completed the Individual Training Account (ITA) vocational training,

9. Completed Phase ll of the HOME Resource Center to provide training and supportive services for homeless individuals.

The CAB is committed to providing services to our low-income residents with the goal of reaching self-sufficiency. Community Action will continue to implement innovative and cost-effective programs to improve the lives and living conditions ofthe impoverished and continue to provide support and opportunities for all residents in need of assistance.

In addition, the Community Action Board would like the Board of Supervisors to recognize community action board members who have served on this Board for over 3 years. They are as follows:

The Community Action Board is requesting the Board of Supervisors to declare May as the Community Action Month.

Approve Proclamation declaring May as the Community Action Month in San Benito County and recognize 11 community action board members who have served on this Board for over 3 years.