The Community Development Division is requesting approval to accept a $1,000 donation from Venture Theatre, proceeds from the donation drama event: "A Heart Without: Real stories of homelessness" on behalf of the Billings Area Resource Network. Approximately 100 people attended this event.

The funding will help the Billings Area Resource Network to provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness and individuals at risk of homelessness at the 2011 Project Homeless Connect.

The 2011 Project Homeless Connect will be the fifth annual event organized as collaboration between the City of Billings AmeriCorps VISTA and the Billings Area Resource Network. Over 50 service providers will be present to help the estimated 600 individuals who will attend this year's Project Homeless Connect at the Al Bedoo Shrine Auditorium on January 26, 2011.

Alternatives analyzed include either accepting the donation or not accepting the donation.  If unable to accept the donation, the Billings Area Resource Network would not be able to receive funding which helps them to connect services to those in need in our community.

The City is not required to match the donation and the financial impact to the organization is limited to costs associated with Project Homeless Connect.

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the donation of $1,000 from Venture Theater on behalf of the Billings Area Resource Network.