In light of the newly approved $1.2 million “Addressing Homelessness Grant,” for Grants Pass Councilor Rob Pell’s recommendation to include criminal and financial background checks for key individuals in organizations applying for these funds is a must. These background checks are about accountability and transparency.
Background Key points:
Pell raised the issue during the council meeting; the City Attorney responded that background checks aren’t typically part of grant processes.
Pell cited examples of Oregon cities, counties, and state agencies that already conduct such checks for public fund recipients.
Cities like Portland, Oregon City, and Multnomah County have implemented background check policies for employees, contractors, and some grant-related services.
State agencies like ODHS and OHA also require checks for anyone working with vulnerable populations.
Requiring background checks is not about exclusion it’s a standard safeguard to protect taxpayers, ensure program integrity, and build trust.
Please consider sending the below sample letters to our city officials requesting they include background checks into into the homeless grant application process.
City Attorney: Stephanie Nuttall snuttall@grantspassoregon.gov
City Manager: Aaron Cubic acubic@grantspassoregon.gov
Mayor & Council: mayorcouncil@grantspassoregon.gov
There are two sample letters below – you can pick which one you prefer or write your own.
You can either:
a) Copy the email addresses and letter below into your own email app, or
b) Click the button below to open a pre-filled email—just add your name at the end before sending.
Sample Letter 1:
Subject: Request for Background Checks on Grant Applicants
Dear City Attorney Nuttall, City Manager Cubic, and City Council,
I’m writing to urge you to require criminal and financial background checks for key personnel in organizations applying for the new $1.2 million “Addressing Homelessness Grant.”
Other cities and counties in Oregon already include these checks as part of their due diligence, especially when public funds are used to serve vulnerable populations. This isn’t about exclusion it’s about accountability, transparency, and protecting taxpayer dollars.
Please consider adding this important safeguard to ensure trust in the grant process.
Sincerely,
Sample Letter 2:
Subject: Support for Background Checks on Homelessness Grant Applicants
Dear City Attorney Nuttall, City Manager Cubic, and City Council Members,
I’m writing to express my strong support for requiring criminal and financial background checks on board members and key personnel of organizations applying for the City’s new $1.2 million “Addressing Homelessness Grant.”
When public funds are involved, especially those aimed at serving vulnerable populations like the homeless basic due diligence is essential. Background checks are a standard practice in many Oregon cities and counties, including Portland, Oregon City, and Multnomah County, to ensure accountability, transparency, and public trust. These checks help prevent misuse of funds and reduce the risk of awarding grants to individuals with a history of unethical or criminal behavior.
Incorporating this requirement would not be burdensome it would simply reflect the common-sense standards already used across the state. I urge the City of Grants Pass to adopt this safeguard and set a high standard of accountability in the grant-making process.
Thank you for your time and leadership.
Sincerely,
