City Stewards Program
FY 2006-2007 Proposed Budget: $100,000
The City Stewards Program, initiated in FY 2005-2006, has created a stepping stone for many homeless community members to embrace a new role in their life, regain a work ethic and give back to the community.
The program, which began in September of 2005, has given 11 people a second chance in life by giving them positions as guides serving businesses, patrons and tourists in the downtown area. The program employs six Stewards and a supervisor. Since its inception, 11 people have used the program as a stepping stone to permanent employment and a life beyond homelessness. The Stewards have truly embraced this opportunity funded by the City of Fresno and operated by Larry Arce, Chief Executive Officer of the Fresno Rescue Mission, and they have made a positive contribution to downtown.
The Stewards have earned significant respect and appreciation, as downtown merchants now refer their patrons to the guides for more information on downtown activities, parking and points of interest in the area. In addition, they offer support for special events and conventions in the area by offering parking information, directions, event details and handy visitor information. In one instance, a Steward was effective in retrieving a snatched purse, much to the delight of a Fresno woman.
The Stewards also serve the people of Fresno by providing landscape work, general clean-up, graffiti removal and median maintenance once a week in the downtown area. They have also been able to reach out to other homeless citizens by offering them information on where to find food, shelter and clothing.
The Stewards Program has been a tremendous success for downtown, and it has truly improved the lives of its participants.
The Proposed FY07 Budget appropriates $100,000 for the Stewards Program through a contract with the Rescue Mission to continue this very important and successful program. This funding is the same amount as was approved by Council last year in the FY06 Budget. This funding provides uniforms, training and support for the homeless who choose to serve their community as Stewards.