Question: Please provide an explanation regarding the removal of funding from the Alexandria Fund for Human Services (AFHS) to support the newly created Survival Services funding area. (Mayor Gaskins)
Response:
During the Healthy, Thriving and Equitable Work Session, staff shared that the funding for the three entities providing Survival Services (ALIVE!, Carpenter’s Shelter, and Senior Services of Alexandria) would include new funding in the amount of $550,000, in addition to the current funding each had received through the Alexandria Fund for Human Services (AFHS) FY2024-2026 funding cycle and $500,000 for ALIVE! through the DCHS base budget. The total proposed dedicated funding is $1,313,115.
The amount previously awarded by the AFHS to these programs totals $263,115, broken out as follows:
- ALIVE!: $140,000
- Carpenter’s Shelter: $107,207
- Senior Services: $ 15,908
The combination of the current and new funding is necessary to meet current and projected shelter and food security needs. As a result, $263,115 from the AFHS FY 27-29 will be used to support Survival Services. The amount of funding remaining for the competitive AFHS grants process is $1,733,315.