At the Lebanon City Council meeting on February 9, council members agreed to sponsor a state Community Development Block Grant application on behalf of Project 360 Youth Services. This nonprofit organization has worked for nearly ten years to support local teens facing unstable living conditions.
The decision does not create a new city-run program. Instead, it reflects Lebanon’s practice of working alongside established community organizations that provide direct services while the city continues its focus on infrastructure, safety, and redevelopment.
Project 360 Youth Services was formed after community leaders learned that 24 students at a local high school were experiencing homelessness. Patti Brayfield, Director of Project 360, explained during the meeting that this discovery led to a grassroots effort aimed at offering stability and mentorship for youth in need. “The goal has always been simple — helping young people build a path toward stable and successful adulthood,” Brayfield said.
Since its founding, Project 360 has served hundreds of teens through access to clothing, hygiene resources, food support, transportation, and mentorship. The organization partners with schools, churches, and volunteers to continue its work. More information about their services is available at www.p360youth.org.
The council’s resolution allows Lebanon to sponsor an application for up to $500,000 from the Community Development Block Grant program. City Administrator Troy Schulte noted during the meeting that sponsorship begins the process required for certain state funding opportunities but does not mean the city will operate or manage Project 360’s programs. Schulte said this step is part of Lebanon’s ongoing approach: “supporting local partners when projects align with community priorities.”
Plans call for Project 360’s new facility at 1015 N. Jefferson Avenue—a site containing a deteriorated commercial building already identified under the city’s Wipe Out Blight program as needing demolition due to safety concerns. By linking blight removal efforts with Project 360’s redevelopment plans, Lebanon aims to improve neighborhood safety while assisting an initiative led by community members using existing budgeted funds.
City staff stated that coordinating these efforts enables responsible redevelopment and maximizes use of resources allocated for addressing unsafe structures.
Lebanon addresses challenges facing youth and families through partnerships rather than single-agency responsibility. Alongside organizations like Elevate Lebanon and various churches and schools, these collaborations help residents who are struggling.
City leaders emphasized that although Lebanon is not structured or funded to run shelters or direct social services itself, it can play a role by connecting nonprofits with grant opportunities and supporting neighborhood improvement initiatives.
Currently, Project 360 is working toward raising $3 million for its new drop-in center; approximately $1.7 million has already been secured from federal and state sources.
By sponsoring this grant application and integrating it into broader redevelopment strategies such as Wipe Out Blight, Lebanon officials say they aim to strengthen neighborhoods while supporting organizations serving local needs daily.
As the city grows, leaders expect collaboration between residents, nonprofits, and government will remain central to future progress.
