Community groups plead for money

"There are more extraordinary needs than there is money," said Councilman John Lee. "It breaks our hearts."

Funding to organizations such as Samaritan House and Broadway by the Bay, which provides less fortunate children with the opportunity to experience the arts, will decrease by $1,000 to $5,000 next year. The money comes from federal Community Development Block Grants and Redevelopment Housing Set-Aside funds. Funds to the city decreased by eight percent this year and the council must decide how to cut back much-needed social services.

The city received proposals requesting a total of $537,756 from 27 organizations this year. It is only allocating $324,000 from the funding provided by the federal government to assist low-income areas. Redevelopment Housing Set-Aside funds benefit programs that provide housing assistance to people with special needs. Community Development Block Grants benefit social programs for children and needy families and can be used for any number of improvements to low-income neighborhoods.

Broadway by the Bay serves 200 students a year with four programs that run four times a year. Its funding is being cut to $12,000 from $15,000.

The program plans to supplement the difference with savings or private donations. Each year funding gets harder, said Executive Director Rosemary Hood.

"We didn't realize we'd be fighting for our life," said Hood.

The council will likely approve the new funding at the March 21 council meeting.