💻On Behalf of Commissioner Tommy Calvert (Using HUD Grants in Bexar County)

Dear Residents,
Please join us for a virtual conversation to discuss using HUD grants in Bexar County!

Thursday, February 24^th at 6:30 p.m.

Join online via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/92945020783
Call-in Number: (346) 248-7799
Meeting ID: 929 4502 0783

In addition to the items listed below, we have been exploring the option to use CDBG for neighborhood streetlights, parks, open spaces, community improvements, etc. in the unincorporated areas of the county.

Please share your ideas so we can look at ways to improve the quality of life in your neighborhood.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) develops viable urban communities and expands economic opportunities for low-to-moderate income people. Bexar County has broad discretion in how CDBG funds are utilized, but all activities must (1) benefit low- or moderate-income households, (2) prevent or eliminate slums or blight, or (3) meet a need having a particular urgency.

Eligible CDBG activities include:
·         Public Service Activities
·         Housing-Related Activities
·         Infrastructure and Public Improvements
·         General Administrative and Planning Activities

EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT (ESG)

The Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH Act) amended the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, including major revisions to the Emergency Shelter Grants program, now called the Emergency Solutions Grants program and is federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program is designed to identify sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons, as well as those at risk of homelessness, and provide the services necessary to help those persons quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.

ESG Funding

The program is also intended to lower the increase of homelessness through the funding of preventive programs and services. Eligible applicants include units of local government or private, nonprofit organizations that receive approval by an appropriate unit of local government.

The ESG Program provides funds to:
·         Provide essential services to shelter residents.
·         Rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families.
·         Prevent families and individuals from becoming homeless.

ESG Program funds may be used for one or more of the five program components:
·         Street Outreach
·         Emergency Shelter
·         Homelessness Prevention
·         Rapid Re-Housing
·         Homeless Management Information System

HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME)

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program develops and expands the supply of safe, decent, and affordable housing for families earning no more than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Grantees may utilize HOME funds for a broad range of eligible housing activities, including:
·         Construction of new housing
·         Demolition of dilapidated structures
·         Rehabilitation of existing units
·         Site acquisition or improvement
·         Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
·         Other expenses related to the development of non-luxury housing

Bexar County Economic and Community Development
Learn more and take the survey at:
https://www.bexar.org/2739/Community-Development