Southwest Gardens is asking for $91,461 for Ark House, which serves women and children who have fallen on hard times.

Dr. Kimberly Richards, co-director of Ark House, said the shelter raised matching funds in a variety of ways.

"We've received funds from area churches and private citizens. We've received cash donations, in-kind services and volunteers," Ms. Richards said.

The shelter can accommodate up to 20 women and children.

Southwest Gardens has a two-year budget of $182,923. Of that, the program is asking for $91,461 in grant money.

The grant requires a dollar-for-dollar match.

Southwest Gardens is proposing this two-year proposed budget for the grant, which includes the match amounts figured in:

   » Administration, $3,875.

   » Essential services, such as education, training and transportation, $74,654.

   » Operations, including administration expenses, salary and payroll, and building maintenance, $58,794.

   » Homeless prevention, which includes helping people with mortgage payments, utilities and furniture, $46,560.

Council will hold a hearing at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 to discuss the city's grant applications.

The budget for the shelter will be considered at that meeting.