COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES WILL HELP THOSE IN NEED THROUGHOUT DU PAGE

WHEATON―  The DuPage County Board approved the Community Development Budget this week, which will help low-income first-time homebuyers, support prevention programs for the homeless and help maintain and increase the supply of affordable housing in the DuPage County.

County Board Member Michael Connelly (District 5) notes that the money to fund these important initiatives is received from the Federal Government, through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“This comprehensive plan is the result of the cooperation between local not-for profits and the County to address our current needs, as well as any long term needs that will arise,” said Connelly.  “By working together, we can ensure that those in need have somewhere to turn in our County.”

The 2008 update was approved by the DuPage Community Development Commission on December 11^th and by the DuPage County Board on March 25^th.  The 2008 plan allocates funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) and American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) programs to specific activities. 

“A key component of the Plan is the mandate for measurable results.  Every organization receiving funds under this program will be required to list their objectives, outline their activities to fulfill those objectives and describe the measurable benefits of their program activities in quantitative terms,” said Kyle Gilgis, Chairwoman of the County’s Development Committee.

The 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development (ConPlan) was prepared for the 2005 program year and is updated every year with a new list of activities. 

Below is a breakdown of how the funds in the next year will benefit persons in DuPage who need help:

Housing ($4,738,492) ―These needs include owner housing (Buyer programs and home rehab), renter housing (acquisition, new construction, and rehab), and special needs housing for seniors and people with disabilities (acquisition, new construction, and rehab).

Neighborhood Investment and Public Facilities ($1,134.000) ― Funds will be used for water, sewer, and street improvements in a low-moderate income neighborhood; acquisition of space for a food pantry, and improvements to a facility that provides respite for medically fragile children.

Homeless ($368,942) ― Funds are used for all points on the continuum of care for persons who are homeless including prevention of homelessness, emergency shelters, and transitional housing.  Most funds are for operating programs, but some direct emergency assistance is provided (rent, utility payments, etc.).

Other Public Services ($393,001) ― In addition to public services for the homeless, funds are also provided to nine neighborhood resource centers, legal assistance, a youth employment-readiness project, a food pantry, in-home respite for seniors, and parenting support.

Other ($890,000) ―This category includes administration, planning, and fair housing activities.

The complete Action Plan in available on the web at www.dupageco.org/cdc.