Emeryville Community Action Program (ECAP) is located on San Pablo between 36th and 37th St. and passes out food and clothing to people who do not have enough to get along. Sometimes when I bike or drive by I see a line down the street that turns the block. Nellie Hannon, who has run ECAP for a long time, used to serve on the Emeryville City Council. The council will recognize her contributions to the community at this Tuesday's City Council meeting (4/3, 7:15pm, City Hall, 1333 Park Ave.).
For years the Emeryville Redevelopment Agency supported ECAP by paying the lease on their building and the cost of utilities. It cost the Redevelopment Agency about $45,000 per year. There was an additional donation from Community Development Block Grants in the amount of $2,000 per year for holiday baskets. With the end of the Redevelopment Agency in February, the financial support for ECAP disappeared.
At the same time, ECAP lost its tax-exempt status due to lack of filing papers. A new entity, Ohana Community Outreach, has stepped in to help support ECAP and keep the doors open. They are working on plans to sustain the current services and expand them as well. They have applied to regain the tax-exempt status for the organization as well.
My question to the community as we plan for our next two year budget cycle, is whether the City of Emeryville should renew its support for ECAP (or another entity) that provides these services? Right now, money is very tight with redevelopment funds gone. At the City we are potentially cutting staff and shrinking our own services. But within our $28 million General Fund, is there room for the $45,000 that the RDA gave over the years for ECAP? We provide a rent-free location to the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce. Can/should we arrange something similar for ECAP?
Please send me an email at emeryvillewest@gmail.com to let me know your opinion.
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