Pastor Delfina, who leads Selma Community Outreach Ministries (SelmaCom), asked Selma City Council March 18 for city support after detailing a multi‑year, grant‑funded operation that provides meals, showers, diversion, rapid rehousing and case‑management services to people experiencing homelessness and addiction.

Pastor Delfina told the council the group operates daily services from a downtown facility and runs an outreach shower trailer, twice‑monthly community food distributions, and a multi‑component diversion and “hand‑up” rapid‑rehousing program. She said SelmaCom’s in‑house case managers have housed people removed from the streets and helped arrange medical, benefits and treatment links for those who seek assistance.

Apostle Andy Barraza and staff described a new youth curriculum called “The Truth About Drugs,” aimed at 13–17 year olds; the ministry said fentanyl‑laced pills are now the urgent local threat and recommended in‑school and community education. Multiple residents and clients testified about recovery and rehousing outcomes they attributed to SelmaCom’s programs.

Pastor Delfina requested a pilot city allocation — she suggested $50,000 to cover staff and direct assistance — and offered to provide monthly accounting and program metrics if the council considers a grant. Some council members and attendees suggested a smaller pilot (for example $25,000) and asked for detailed, auditable reporting and clearly defined performance targets before committing ongoing funds.

Why it matters: Council members said they want to support services that reduce street homelessness, address public safety and help residents recover from addiction. Staff advised that any city funding would need contract terms, measurable outcomes and a clear compliance path; SelmaCom and supporters said the organization already keeps case records and can provide monthly tallies of clients served.

What happened next: Council directed staff to include the item in budget discussions and to return to council before final appropriations with recommended contracting language and performance measures. Council members asked for an initial, short written proposal that would specify deliverables, timelines and a reporting cadence so the city can weigh a pilot allocation in time for the next budget cycle.

Key numbers and details provided by SelmaCom during its presentation: average monthly meals distributed (example cited: 1,500 families served twice monthly when those distributions take place), shower‑ministry costs (roughly $1,500 monthly for operation of a two‑stalled shower trailer), average cost per month for daily meals (SelmaCom estimated about $3,250/month based on approximately 325 meals). Pastor Delfina requested $50,000 as an example of one-time direct assistance funding, and said staff capacity would improve results if funded.

Community response: More than a dozen current or former clients, volunteers and partner nonprofits described successful housing and treatment outcomes after working with SelmaCom; one family described being able to move from street sheltering to stable housing. Several attendees urged the council to pilot a smaller amount and add accountability measures.

Next steps: City staff will return to council with a proposed contracting approach, recommended performance metrics and options for an initial pilot allocation to be considered during upcoming budget discussions.