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INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA <br />AGENDA ITEM <br />Deputy County Administrator / <br />Community Services <br />Date: September 29, 2023 <br />To: The Honorable Board of County Commissioners <br />Thru: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator <br />Michael C. Zito, Deputy County Administrator <br />Cindy Emerson, Community Services Director <br />From: Leigh Anne Uribe, Human Services Program Coordinator <br />Subject: United Against Poverty, Inc., Memorandum of Understanding <br />�L <br />BACKGROUND: <br />The Human Services Division manages vital County assistance programs to improve residents' <br />social and economic well-being. Our services include emergency financial aid for rent, utilities, <br />indigent cremations, and access to essential prescription medications. Food assistance is also <br />available at a remote site in Wabasso through a partnership with the Treasure Coast Food Bank <br />and County Health Department. <br />Until June of this year, we operated an on-site food pantry at the County Health Department <br />alongside our local division offices. Due to Human Services restructuring and space limitations, <br />we temporarily suspended this program to explore a more sustainable solution aligning with <br />community needs to address food insecurity. <br />At this site, we are now transitioning from the food pantry model to provide food assistance <br />through vouchers issued for United Against Poverty (UAP). This change reflects our commitment <br />to efficiently combat food insecurity while adapting to our department's evolving landscape. <br />Importantly, we'll continue to support our community's food needs by reimbursing the Treasure <br />Coast Food Bank for its services as well. <br />DESCRIPTION AND CONDITIONS: <br />United Against Poverty (UAP) is a well-established nonprofit organization that offers a <br />comprehensive range of social services akin to those provided by Human Services. UAP <br />collaborates with local organizations to address the immediate needs of families facing adversity, <br />tackle health-related challenges, and connect families with essential resources. Among the <br />valuable services offered by UAP is the Member Share Grocery Program, which serves families <br />18 <br />