For Immediate Release
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022
January 24, 2007

PROGRAMS TO HELP THOSE IN NEED NEARS FINAL PASSAGE

Gilgis:  "This plan has a positive impact on the lives of those who are most in need and who have no where else to turn"

WHEATON— The 2007 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development took another step toward final action on Tuesday.   The plan, which is currently receiving public comment, allocates funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) and the American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI). 

DuPage County Board Member Kyle Gilgis (District 3), Chairwoman of the Development Committee, notes that each of these programs provide a lifeline to those in DuPage County who are most in need.

“This plan has a positive impact on the lives of those who are most in need and who have no where else to turn,” said Gilgis. 

Funding for each program expected for 2007 include:

• $4.1 million for CDBG, which provides assistance to low and moderate income person and persons with special needs by supporting housing activities, public improvements and public services.  Approximately 35,000 County residents will benefit from CDBG programs.
• $2.3 million for HOME, which provides financial assistance to government agencies, non-profit groups, for for-profit groups to maintain and increase the supply of affordable housing.  Past recipients of these funds have included the DuPage Homeownership Center, the Community Housing Association of DuPage, and DuPage PADS.
• $156,186 for ESG, which supports providers of shelter and service to homeless persons by funding homeless prevention activities, delivery of essential services to the homeless and maintenance and operation of facilities for the homeless.  Programs funded through the Emergency Shelter Grant will assist nearly 1,700 DuPage residents.
• $49,443 for ADDI, which provides downpayment assistance for low-income first-time homebuyers.  These funds will help five low-income households in DuPage purchase their first home.

Final action on the plan is expected to take place at the next County Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 13, 2007.

-30-