CC MEETING: April 21, 2020
DATE: April 15, 2020
TO: Erin Rinehart, City Manager
FROM: Laurie Wilson, City Secretary/Admin Services Director
Title
Consider A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Approve Emergency Funding For Metrocrest Services, Inc. In Response To The Covid-19 Pandemic In An Amount Not To Exceed $200,000.00.
Body
BACKGROUND:
Metrocrest Services provides programs for individuals, families, and seniors that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence in Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell, and Dallas in Denton County. They offer a comprehensive bundle of programs to address gaps in finances, health, transportation, and nutrition to holistically end poverty. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Metrocrest has moved to a disaster recovery model to assist children, families, and seniors. Based on current trends, their services will be needed for most of the 2020 year and as such, they have respectfully requested $200,000 in One-Time Emergency Funding to assist with direct costs associated with Food and Housing Assistance.
COMMUNITY IMPACTS:
Since the middle of March 2020, Metrocrest has seen significant increases in demand for food and rent assistance. They have moved to a drive-thru model for the Food Pantry as they continue to provide a week's worth of food for each family along with fresh produce, some toiletry items, toilet paper, and detergent. The Food Pantry demand increased 102% over the past 4 weeks which equates to 3,645 meals being distributed every day. For the week of April 6-11, the organization saw an increase of 376% (5,170 meals per day) over the comparable week last year. They're facing challenges sourcing enough food to continue to meet the nutritional needs of the community. As their partners like the North Texas Food Bank are running low on food, Metrocrest has reached out to retail partners such as Kroger, Sprouts, Wal-Mart, and others which have very little on the shelf to donate. Metrocrest is partner...
Click here for full text