County to consider state grants, Meals on Wheels pass-through and Phoenix House renewal

COWLITZ COUNTY — Health and Human Services staff told commissioners they will present three related contract items at the upcoming meeting: an amendment with the Washington State Department of Health to fund sanitary surveys of Group A water systems, a Department of Commerce community development block grant (CDBG) pass-through to Lower Columbia CAP for Meals on Wheels, and a renewal for supportive-services at Phoenix House.

Gina James, Health and Human Services, said the Department of Health amendment adds funding to complete sanitary surveys for Group A water systems — public systems with more than 15 connections often associated with churches, mobile-home parks or campgrounds — and that the county's role is assistance, not permitting or regulation. "This amendment is adding some funding for group a water system work," James said.

James also summarized the CDBG public-services funding: the state contract is $70,000 and the county will pass through $66,500 to Lower Columbia CAP to support Meals on Wheels; the state permits the county to retain about $3,500 for administrative costs. Officials said they previously held a public hearing and CAP staff described the program to the board.

Finally, James described a renewal contract with Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington to cover supportive services at Phoenix House. The program typically operates about 20 units and serves roughly 20 adults and 20–25 children at a time; eligibility requires individuals be exiting an inpatient treatment program.

James said she will check whether program staff will attend the meeting to answer follow-up questions and noted the agency previously reported commitments and expected state funding announcements related to a local development project.