REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MIKE KARBASSI, Council Vice President
District 2
BY: ALYSSA STEVENS, Chief of Staff
District 2
SUBJECT
Title
Approve Grant Agreement with Marjaree Mason Center (MMC) allocating $300,000 in funding for Domestic Violence Emergency Response and Safe Housing Programs
Body
RECOMMENDATION
To approve the allocation of $300,000 as identified in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the Marjaree Mason Center for domestic violence emergency response and safe housing programs
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 1984, Congress established the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) to create a Crime Victims Fund (CVF) that supports services for victims of crimes, including domestic violence. Funded by penalties on federal offenders, VOCA grants are critical for local programs, especially as demand for services has surged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, over the past decade, reductions in CVF funding have significantly impacted local communities like Fresno, where domestic violence service providers, such as the Marjaree Mason Center (MMC), have faced funding cuts of up to 45%. This has raised concerns about potential reductions in vital services.
To address this funding shortfall, a budget allocation of $300,000 was proposed from the city's General Fund to support MMC during Fiscal Year 2025. This decision, made amidst increasing calls for domestic violence services, was unanimously approved by the council. Additionally, two federal bills are in progress to restore VOCA funding, potentially providing up to $1.9 billion to help bridge the funding gap. However, delays in federal budget approval could complicate matters further, leaving local agencies at risk of service cuts as demand for assistance grows, especially following recent policy reaffirmations regarding homeless encampments.
BACKGROUND
In 1984, Congress passed the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) fund to create a Crime Victims Fund (CVF) that funds support services for victims of certain crimes,...
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