week of 1/15/03
 
 
 
  Macon, REACH hope to add housing options
By Don Hendershot

Macon County commissioners and the Department of Social Services are taking advantage of an opportunity that could help provide funding to build new housing for victims of domestic violence.

REACH of Macon County will contract with DSS and the county to expand housing capacity for victims through the reinvestment of federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds.

Jane Kimsey, DSS director, told commissioners that because the county would meet its Maintenance of Effort (MOE) of $168,596 by the end of March, it would be eligible to request TANF funds in the amount of $100,000.

Kimsey said that because of a significant decrease in Work First Cash Assistance cases, the county could better utilize the TANF money by contracting with REACH.

“We have contracted with REACH in the past, and they have been a great asset to our department,” Kimsey said.

According to Kimsey, increased family safety based on decreasing abuse is a targeted DSS outcome. She told commissioners that REACH was very successful in addressing domestic violence issues in the community.

“We have this money through May 31. We would only be doing this as a one-time effort — trying to maximize our dollars,” she said.

The money would be used as reimbursement, to REACH, for temporary housing needs provided for victims of domestic violence. Eligibility for the service would be determined by DSS and reimbursements would be claimed by REACH through DSS.

REACH director Ann VanHarlingen told commissioners that current REACH facilities were being maxed out and that a guaranteed contract with the county could free up other funds for expanding facilities. VanHarlingen said REACH has already purchased property for a new shelter but a lack of funding has delayed construction. She said REACH’s new plans would increase housing capacity from 21 to 36.

Kimsey told commissioners that while she had verbal agreement from all the necessary state agencies, she only had one written agreement. She said the county’s commitment was the first step and would likely lead to OKs from the state.

Commissioners unanimously approved a motion accepting the concept of the proposal and authorizing DSS and REACH to finalize details and enter into the contract as proposed. Kimsey said she expected to have a signed contract by the end of January.