Community Development Block Grant Applications Available Starting September 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2007

For More Information:
Lisa Abbott, Director, HAND, City of Bloomington, 349.3576
Maria Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569

Community Development Block Grant Applications Available Starting September 6

Bloomington, IN -- Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today that applications for the 2008 Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) will be available beginning Thursday, September 6, 2007, in the City of Bloomington's Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department.

CDBG funding is federal community development assistance dollars provided annually to the City by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

"The CDBG program provides vital funds to local organizations looking to enhance and promote their missions in the Bloomington community,” Kruzan said. “With CDBG monies, recipients are able to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services. I encourage organizations to attend the informational meeting to learn more about these grant opportunities.”

Applications can be picked up in HAND, located in City Hall, 401 N. Morton, Suite 130, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., or downloaded online at www.bloomington.in.gov/hand/block_grant_application.php.

In 2007, HAND allocated $685,951; $555,692 went to physical improvements and $128,235 went to social services. However, this funding total does not impact the amount the City will receive for 2008 funding cycle. That amount will be known toward the end of this year.

Individuals interested in learning more about these grants are invited to attend an informational meeting on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 8 a.m. in the McCloskey Conference Room in City Hall, 401 N. Morton. Agencies new to the CDBG process are especially encouraged to attend.

Organizations applying for a CDBG must serve city residents whose household income is less than 80% of the area median income. Applicants must submit a "Letter of Intent" by 4 p.m., October 5, 2007, and turn in completed applications to HAND by 4 p.m. December 7, 2007. Agencies that serve minority populations are encouraged to apply.

For more information on CDBG, call HAND Program Managers Bob Woolford, regarding physical improvement projects, or Marilyn Patterson, regarding social service programs, at 349-3401.


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