As the city weighs how to spend about $6.5 million in surplus revenue from the previous budget year, council members on Monday heard appeals from local church leaders asking for larger, more sustainable funding for Crisis Cold Weather Shelters in Springfield.
The city’s current proposal would allocated $100,000 from the surplus to the shelters but the carryover funds are a one-time distribution, not an annual pledge. Ashley Quinn, who works at National Avenue Christian Church and co-coordinates the crisis cold weather shelter at the Fairbanks, said the funding is necessary and appreciated but an annual investment could help shelters make more meaningful change.
“Winter is not a one-time thing, winter happens every year,” he said.
Struggle to attract volunteers, make meaningful connections
At the Jan. 16 council lunch meeting, council narrowed in on priorities for the funds. Councilwoman Monica Horton emphasized the continued need for money to address volunteers and transportation for the crisis cold weather shelters.