Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Acceptance of Grant Award from the Sun Family Foundation for the Westminster Family Resource Center in Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
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From: Vanessa Johnson, Community Services Director
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Michael Son, Management Analyst; Blanca Luna, Westminster Family Resource Center Supervisor
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Accept the grant award from the Sun Family Foundation for the Westminster Family Resource Center in the amount of $45,000; and
B. Authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute the Grant Agreement.
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BACKGROUND
The Westminster Family Resource Center (WFRC) has been awarded a grant in the amount of $45,000 (Attachment 1) from the Sun Family Foundation (Foundation) to support emergency assistance services for families in Westminster experiencing financial hardship and housing instability.
The WFRC provides comprehensive support services that help children, families, and individuals achieve greater stability and self-sufficiency. Services include case management, parenting education, counseling referrals, domestic violence education, housing assistance referrals, and connections to community resources.
The grant funding will support the WFRC's Emergency Assistance Program, enabling staff to respond quickly to residents facing immediate financial or housing crises. Emergency assistance is provided to Westminster Family Resource Center clients who are receiving or being connected to case management and supportive services. Assistance is based on individual need and is intended to address immediate crises while supporting long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency. Funding will be used to:
• Maintain the WFRC community pantry with food, hygiene products, diapers, and other essential household items.
• Provide grocery assistance for families experiencing food insecurity.
• Provide temporary motel vouchers for families experiencing homelessness or housing emergencies.
• Provide gas cards and other flexible emergency assistance to help residents access employment, school, medical appointments, and emergency shelter.
Approximately 75 percent of families referred to the WFRC experience housing-related challenges, making housing stabilization one of the Center’s highest priorities. This additional funding will provide immediate assistance to help stabilize families while connecting them with longer-term supportive services. It is anticipated that approximately 30 to 40 families will be served.
FISCAL IMPACT
Acceptance of the grant award will require an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Adopted Budget by recognizing grant revenues in the amount of $45,000 to Westminster Family Resource Center revenue account 71800-39049 and appropriating $45,000 to account 71800-44005 for emergency assistance services provided through the Westminster Family Resource Center.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The Sun Family Foundation Community Grant will provide critical funding to assist Westminster residents experiencing financial hardship, housing instability, and other emergency situations. By restoring flexible emergency assistance resources, the Westminster Family Resource Center will be better equipped to help families remain safely housed, meet their basic needs, reduce financial stress, and connect with services that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
It is recommended the City Council accept the $45,000 grant and authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute the grant agreement.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Sun Family Foundation Grant Agreement
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager