BOARD OF SUPERVISOR'S

Approve Proclamation declaring May 2022 as "Community Action Month" in the San Benito County and recognize board members who are serving on the Community Action Board. 

SBC FILE NUMBER: 156

Community Action emerged from the heart of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s 1964 proclamation of America’s “War on Poverty” where battles 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 2021:

• 1220 households received $498,299 in benefits toward the payment of a 48 hour shut-off notice, regular bill, wood or propane assistance through the Low- Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), CARES LIHEAP, or the Direct Assistance Program (DAP).
• 355 Homeless & Housing Support Programs issued $441,671 providing families and individuals opportunity for advancement by receiving rental assistance, utility assistance, move-in costs and dental care
• 296 Hotel Vouchers totaling $166,100 were issued to provide emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness in order to protect the most vulnerable individuals in our community & prevent the spread of COVID.
• 20 at-risk homeless families 45 adults and 30 children received emergency shelter from December - March in our Emergency Family Winter Shelter Program for homeless families.
• 127 Homeless individuals received emergency shelter at the year round H.O.M.E. Resource Center. 13 clients found full-time employment, 8 found temporary employment, 35 clients found permanent housing, 17,828 meals were provided.
• A 6-unit transitional shelter with a community kitchen and laundry facilities will assist homeless in their transition to permanent housing. Ribbon Cutting was held July 8, 2022. In 2021 one individual found permanent housing before the end of the year.
• 5 Transitional Housing units for families are being built at the Migrant Center.
• 150 Volunteer Income Tax Returns completed for low-to moderate-income households had their federal and state tax returns prepared by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Of those, 33 completed their taxes free of charge at myfreetaxes.com, saving them the cost of preparation. Refunds totaled $360,964 in federal and state refunds, of that amount $59,951 was Earned Income Tax Credits.
• 431 Volunteers Hours were donated by board members and volunteers who participated on the Community Action Board, Workforce Development Board and through community service.
• 63 Seasonal Farmworker Households received housing and supportive services from May - December. 161 Adults and 96 children 
• 5,753 Client Calls were recorded for individuals seeking assistance at Community Services & Workforce Development and the America's Job Center of California.

Ø  384 were for AJCC Employment Services

Ø  726 were for Housing and Homeless Supportive Services

Ø  2181 were for EDD assistance due to COVID-19

Through Community Services & Workforce Development (CSWD), 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 of the impoverished and continue to provide support and opportunities for all residents in need of assistance.

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