The last step in Bloomington securing over $1 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was completed Wednesday night.
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City council approved Resolution 21-03, a measure that will allocate federal dollars through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Local organizations had the opportunity to submit their funding requests to the city last fall.
The grant will mainly fund improvement projects within the city’s Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) program, but a portion of the money will also support several local social service agencies.
"The HUD guideline is in the event you want to spend this on social services, you can't spend more than 15%," said Brent Pierce, HAND's new director.
The breakdown of funding is split into three separate categories:
- Physical Improvements: $661,700 (65%)
- Program Administration: $203,600 (20%)
- Social Services: $152,700 (15%)
Pierce said HUD does not mandate that CDBG funds go toward social services, but the city has also made it a priority to do so.
"Bloomington wouldn’t have to spend a dollar on social services, but we choose to, and we choose to spend the maximum percentage that we’re allowed to by federal law," Pierce said.
Within the category set aside for social services, the following organizations will be receiving the $152,700:
- Community Kitchen: $25,000
- Hoosier Hills Food Bank: $25,000
- Mother Hubbard's Cupboard: $25,000
- Monroe County United Ministries: $25,000
- Boys and Girls Club: $25,000
- New Leaf-New Life: $25,000
- MCCSC Broadview Learning Center: $2,700
Pierce said HUD has already told the city it will be awarding at least another $900,00 in CDBG grant funds for 2022.
Organizations seeking assistance can apply for the program through the city's online portal in the coming months.
