- December 15, 2025
With a local match, $200,000 will be allocated for homelessness-prevention services.
The Flagler County Board of County Commissioners ratified a $100,000 grant March 19, for the prevention of homelessness in Flagler County.
From the Florida Department of Children and Families, the approved grant includes a county funding match. Last budget year, Flagler appropriated $64,000 for emergency assistance.
“It gives us more money to help people stay in their homes, by paying their electric bills, mortgage assistance (and) rental help,” said Deputy County Administrator Sally Sherman.
The funds can also be used for utility deposits, in landlord negotiations and to avoid eviction and foreclosure.
“You’ve got to be really on the rocks to apply,” Communications Manager Carl Laundrie added. “It’s (a) pretty strenuous (screening process).”
According to County Administrator Craig Coffey, the assistance funds are meant for Flagler County’s “in-betweeners,” meaning those in transition between struggle and stability.
“If you’re truly trying hard, this helping hand will right your ship,” Coffey said.
After applying, potential beneficiaries meet with counselors to review tax records and bank accounts. Counselors then determine who is most in need of assistance, as well as refer applicants to food banks and other community resources.
“There’s some judgment calls in there,” Coffey added, “but (our counselors) use that money very meticulously.”
Funds from this grant must be used by June 30, 2013.
County renews inmate work-squad contract
The County Commission approved a one-year, $58,004 agreement with the Florida Department of Corrections for continued use of participants in the Tomoka Correctional Institution’s inmate work program.
The original agreement was signed last February and included an optional one-year renewal. Taken from Parks and Recreation funds, the $58,004 cost covers expenses for an inmate supervisor, employed by the Florida Department of Corrections. In return, it offers the services of up to eight inmates.
According to Sherman, the county has reduced its use of inmate labor in an effort to cut costs, instead assigning duties to existing county workers.
Last budget year, she said, about two inmate work squads were cut from Flagler’s work roster.
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