This year Bloomington is eligible for a $1,018,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The city's Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) made funding recommendations and presented in front of the Redevelopment Commission Tuesday night in the form of Resolution 21-09. The amounts would be put toward three separate categories:
- Physical Improvements: $661,700 (65%)
- Program Administration: $203,600 (20%)
- Social Services: $152,700 (15%)
DOWNLOAD: Resolution 21-09 for complete funding breakdown.
The grant would mainly fund improvement projects within the city’s Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) program, but would also support several social service agencies in the area.
"Fortunately, we are in a position this year to fund all applicants at their requested amounts. We don’t have to shortchange anybody given the funding that we have on-hand," said HAND assistant director, Brent Pierce.
The funds are part of HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Local organizations submitted their funding requests to the city last fall.
Pierce said this process saves organizations the time of having to apply for these grants on their own.
"They can be a bit nuanced and complex. It is federal funding, so presenting additional organizations with the opportunity is a goal going forward," said Pierce.
The portion of the grant earmarked for "Social Services" would help organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of Bloomington, New Leaf-New Life and MCCSC’s Broadview Learning Center.
Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, Hoosier Hills Food Bank and the Community Kitchen would also each get $25,000.
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"I think making it more accessible to individual organizations to ask for more CDBG funds will make it better for the community in its entirety," said redevelopment commission member, Nick Kappas.
The Redevelopment Commission supported the CAC's recommendations Tuesday night.
The City council will now consider adopting the resolution and allocating the money at its March 3 meeting.
