Deltona staff to add short‑term general‑fund assistance to bridge CDBG timing gap; call for coordinated local services directory and summit

City staff reviewed Deltona’s social‑service landscape and told the commission that federally funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public‑service money typically becomes available late in the municipal budget cycle, which leaves a shortfall for emergency assistance late in the calendar year.

Staff said the city currently partners with nine food pantries, multiple nonprofit actors that assist with utilities and services, and county providers that deliver shelter and veteran services. Neighborhood Center of West Volusia provides emergency motel placement when funds are available, but commissioners were told those funds can run out before the highest‑need period.

To bridge the timing gap, staff proposed placing a modest one‑time general‑fund allocation in the city’s proposed budget to maintain emergency assistance capacity while CDBG contracts are finalized. During the meeting staff said a placeholder of about $25,000 was under consideration to cover short‑term needs and allow local nonprofits to serve residents at year‑end when federal allocations are not yet disbursed.

Commissioners also asked staff to keep a centralized, up‑to‑date online directory of local social‑service providers, to expand outreach to veterans and at‑risk residents, and to schedule a recurring social‑services summit where nonprofits can table current services and the city can coordinate referrals. Staff confirmed an existing directory is updated and will be linked prominently on the city website and expanded as part of the proposed summit planning.

Next steps: staff will finalize a proposed general‑fund line item in the draft budget to cover interim emergency assistance, continue to update the social‑service directory and plan an annual social‑services summit to coordinate providers and improve public awareness of available services.