AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT - CLOSE – PUBLIC SERVICES (CDBG CL-PS) PROGRAM

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Sauk County is participating in the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration CDBG-CLOSE Program. This program will allow Sauk County to apply for federal funds for up to three projects totaling the amount of the County’s Closeout Account, $978,793.

The Wisconsin prison system has decreased their requirements for pre-release curriculum making it optional and self-guided. Prison inmates are frequently not incarcerated in or near their release area, placing them at a great disadvantage for re-entry preparation. Absence of essential resources such as affordable housing, education assistance, job training and placement, mental health and substance use treatment, and transportation perpetuates the cycle of intergenerational poverty in which these individuals and their families live and results in decreased social connectivity, limited opportunities for success, and increased recidivism. The proposed project would fund a two-year program for re-entry for Sauk County citizens.  The re-entry coordinator will work with individuals being released from prison or jail into the community to set up necessary services, including housing and health insurance. This project will form the basis for applying for additional grants for program continuation. 

The Executive and Legislative Committee has recommended an application be submitted to the State of Wisconsin Department of Administration for the following project: Sauk County Re-entry Coordinator. The requesting amount for this project is $400,000. It is necessary for the Sauk County Board of Supervisors to approve the preparation and filing of an application for Sauk County to receive funds from this program only after holding a public hearing. The Sauk County Board of Supervisors will review the need for the proposed project and the benefits to be gained therefrom.