NE Valley Times

The Scottsdale City Council has allocated nearly $2 million to support nonprofit agencies and programs assisting residents in need. This funding will benefit organizations like A New Leaf, which provides shelter and support services for single men, a group that represents the largest homeless population in Arizona.

Ken, a 58-year-old skilled mechanic who became homeless due to financial difficulties, found refuge at A New Leaf’s Men's Shelter. "I’m an optimist, and I know how much A New Leaf can help me and others if we work hard," Ken said. His story highlights the critical need for assistance programs.

The city council's recent approval includes more than $1.9 million from various sources such as the General Fund, Endowment Program, SRPMIC grant funding, and Scottsdale Cares. These funds are distributed among multiple nonprofits to provide essential services like meals, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and educational programs.

The General Fund supports five nonprofits with $198,522: A New Leaf ($28,000), Area Agency on Aging ($13,560), Duet: Partners in Aging and Health ($8,440), Fresh Start Women’s Center ($2,522), and Tempe Community Action Agency ($146,000).

Additional funding through the Endowment Program amounts to $8,600 for two nonprofits: McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's Expedition Days STEM program and Arizona Burn Foundation's early childhood burn prevention education.

SRPMIC grant funding provided $125,000 to nine agencies including Catholic Charities ($28,000) and Central Arizona Shelter Services ($13,580). Meanwhile, Scottsdale Cares funded agencies with $150,000 through voluntary resident donations added to utility bills.

Moreover, the City Council approved over $1.19 million in Community Development Block Grants aimed at public facility improvements and affordable housing projects for lower-income households.

For those interested in supporting these initiatives or learning more about available resources for residents in need can visit Scottsdale Shares.