Wellness Center. A national program, CDBG grants fund community services and capital projects that serve moderate and low income residents of jurisdictions like Salinas, Monterey, unincorporated Monterey County, and many other communities across the country.
This year, to begin acknowledging block grant recipients who are providing exceptional services in the community, the City created the David Swanson awards. David Swanson, who died last year shortly after retiring from the City of Salinas, was a longtime friend to Interim. He served in multiple positions in the City’s Community Development Department throughout his career and was a key proponent of the City’s use of the CDBG program to expand affordable housing and community service projects in the City. Interim received a Swanson award for its MCHOME homeless outreach program. Mary Swanson, Dave’s wife, who has served on Interim’s Board of Directors in the past, traveled from Texas to present the awards.
Interim has leveraged the use of CDBG funds to build multiple housing projects and fund its services over the years. The Pajaro Street Wellness Center, where the event was held, was also funded by the City’s CDBG program. The Center now houses multiple service programs and serves as a community center for people with mental health challenges. Without the steadfast support and assistance of Dave Swanson, some Interim projects might never have been built.
