May proclaimed Community Action Month

The Area Governing Board of Green Hills Community Action Agency (GHCAA) met recently at the central office in Trenton. Items on the agenda include Area Governing Board Member Service Awards, new Area Governing Board Member roster, Finance and Operations Committee reports, and Emergency Shelter Grant, Housing Preservation Grant, and Domestic Violence Shelter Services proposals. A Community Action Month proclamation form Gov. Bob Holden was also presented.

Bud Cox, finance committee chair, reported on committee review of the May financial statements. He noted that revenues and expenditures are in line with budget projections.

Operations Committee Chair Ray Smith and Housing Development Director Art Heriford presented bids for construction of new homes for income-eligible families. Five single-family homes are proposed in Chillicothe, and three single-family homes in Trenton.

Mr. Heriford mentioned that one of the five homes in Chilllicothe and one of the three homes to be constructed in Trenton will be fully handicap accessible. All the homes proposed for construction will be three bedroom, two bath units, and construction is slated to begin in June.

Don Warren, executive director, honored retiring board members and alternates for their years of service on the GHCCA Board of Directors. Among those retiring members recognized were David Holcomb, Coffey and Charles Bartlett, Gallatin. New board members and alternates elected or selected to sit on the GHCAA Area Governing Board were introduced. Those included Donna Cline, Pattonsburg and Danny Heldenbrand, Altamont,

The Community Action Area Governing Board is composed of three members and three alternates from each of the nine counties served by GHCAA. These new members will serve with non-retiring board members to make up a board roster of 27 members and 27 alternates.

An Emergency Shelter Grant Proposal for homeless prevention services in the amount of $25,000 with a $25,000 state or federal grant funds match was discussed. The funds will assist eligible clients with rent payments, utility bill assistance, and security deposits in an effort to keep individuals from becoming homeless.

Marvin Meeker, weatherization/rehabilitation director, presented a Rural Development Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) for Harrison County. Meeker explained that $45,000 in HPG funds will be matched with funds from the Missouri Housing Trust Fund and Weatherization Fund to rehabilitate approximately seven homes in Harrison County.

A Division of Family Services Domestic Violence Shelter Services proposal was presented by Cheryl Leffler, director of the Green Hills Women’s Shelter. The grant total of $56,200 will provide overnight shelter and related support services to women and their children needing shelter and support due to domestic violence.

Lisa Hostetler, administrative assistant, displayed a proclamation form Gov. Bob Holden declaring May to be Community Action Month in Missouri. She noted that GHCAA is one of 19 community action agencies in the state. Community Action Agencies are non-profit organizations established under the Equal Opportunity Act of 1964 to fight America’s War on Poverty.

Since then, GHCAA has focused on assisting low-income people in their efforts to become self- sufficient. Services are provided to enable families to improve their financial, physical, mental and social level through programs designed to motivate individuals to set and reach personal goals. GHCAA County Offices are the first source of help for families in need, and a place where trained staff and volunteers develop plans with families to alleviate their current crisis and stabilize the family. Gov. Holden’s proclamation urges citizens to support community action agencies and the important services they provide.

The next meeting of the Green Hills Community Action Agency Area Governing Board will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2002.