The City of Bloomington will use nearly $800,000 in grant money to improve community services and housing, but the status of future grants is unclear.
The city council unanimously approved allocations of the Community Development Block Grant funds Wednesday night. The grant is worth $795,743, which comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, also known as HUD. The money is for developing suitable housing, creating viable urban communities, expanding and improving the quantity and quality of community services, and more.
Matt Swinney is program manager for Housing and Construction Projects for Bloomington’s Housing and Neighborhood Development, also known as HAND. Swinney said current grant funds are secure, but funding cuts from the federal government create an unpredictable situation for future grant money.
“We have been given literally zero direction from our HUD field office rep who we meet with very regularly,” Swinney said.
City Council member Dave Rollo said city leaders need to prioritize social service funding considering funding changes and cuts being made by state and federal leaders.
“The argument could be made that we’re entering a recession,” Rollo said. “We may be already in a recession. We have distressed populations in the community, and we ought to be proactive about making this a priority.”
This is where the grant money will be going:
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMS
- Boys & Girls Club- Ferguson Crestmont Afterschool Program - $21,265.92
- Community Kitchen- Free Meals Program - $21,265.92
- Hoosier Hills Food Bank- Food Distribution Program - $17,515.92
- Beacon, Inc.- A Friend’s Place Emergency Shelter - $17,515.92
- Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard- Food Pantry Program - $17,515.92
- Middle Way House- New Wings Emergency Shelter - $12,140.92
- Pathways (Monroe County United Ministries) - Compass Early Learning Center - $12,140.92
Total - $119,361.45
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAMS
- City of Bloomington Utilities- Sewer Mains Extension Broadview - $141,089
- Centerstone of Indiana- Group Home Flooring - $35,000
- Middle Way House- Elevator Railing - $9,418
- LifeDesigns- 1826 Covey, Kitchen; 922 Orris, Roof - $29,512
- Pathways- Playground Water Fountains - $20,000
- New Hope for Families- Outdoor Classroom Shade Structures, Play Equipment - $30,000
- Summit Hill Community Development Corp.- Walnut Woods Playground - $113,397
- Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard- Lot Acquisition 1020 W Allen St. - $138,816.95
Total - $517,232.95
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION
- Administration of Housing and Neighborhood Development Department - $159,148.60
Total - $159,148.60