The Soldotna City Council voted last Wednesday to reimburse Bridges Community Resource Network, Inc. for $1,000 worth of food gift cards, which were distributed at this year’s Project Homeless Connect. The annual one-day homelessness outreach event, which provided resources to an estimated 122 people, was held last month.

Kathy Gensel, who spoke on behalf of Bridges Community Resource Network Inc., told Soldotna City Council members last week that $5 gift cards from Arby’s, Subway and Safeway were distributed to Project Homeless Connect participants, with leftover cards now being distributed at Love INC on Kalifornsky Beach.

The funds were made available through the City of Soldotna’s Mini Grant Program, which makes up to $1,000 available to eligible organizations for programs that contribute to the overall quality of life for the Soldotna community and for residents.

The other application considered Wednesday came from Greenhouse Music, formerly known as Delana Music. Run by Delana Green, the program is an online music education program that offers virtual lessons

Green was awarded the $4,000 “Spark Soldotna” award last year, where she pitched “Delana Music” to a panel of judges. The money she applied for through Soldotna’s mini grant program, she said during a work session with city council members, would have been used to purchase additional video and audio equipment.

Council members scored each presentation, with the recipient being whoever received the most points. The pitch from Bridges Community Resource Network, Inc. racked up 135 points, while Greenhouse Music received 68 points. Wednesday’s council meeting can be streamed on Soldotna’s website at soldotna.org.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.