City Council agreed unanimously* to submit applications to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for several grants which will become available in 2008.

The deadline for these applications is Thursday.

As part of the application process, the City is also required to submit a copy of its 2007-2008 budget.


About the grant programs

* Community Development Block Grant: Established in 1974, this program is used to address affordable housing, services for low-income individuals, and job expansion and retention. Community need is based upon a formula and grant requests require a highly-detailed plan.

* HOME Investment Partnerships Program: This grant is used by states and localities to build or rehabilitate affordable housing, or to provide rent assistance to low-income individuals. Local non-profit groups are often the project partner. Grant awards to localities are based upon a formula.

* Housing Opportunites for Persons With AIDS Program: Since 1992, this program has specifically benefitted low-income people with HIV/AIDS and their families. Funds can be used to provide affordable housing, social services, rent assistance, and health care. HUD estimates that 73,700 households will have been assisted by their 2004 program allocation.

* Emergency Shelter Grants Program: This grant helps to pay the operational costs of shelter facilities and can also be used to provide assistance to those who are in danger of becoming homeless. Funds are usually disbursed to governments, who then make the money available to local government agencies and private non-profits.

* Councilmember Laketa Cole was absent.