During a recent city council meeting, Kofia Dee, chairman of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Board, presented urgent concerns regarding critical home repair funding and the impact of COVID relief funds on local residents. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in Petersburg, particularly seniors and veterans, who are at risk of losing their homes due to inadequate repair resources.

Dee reported that the CDBG board had previously recommended $494,482 for six projects, but noted that critical home repair funding was overlooked in the city council's allocation. This omission has left Project Homes, the city's primary partner for home repairs, unable to assist residents in need this funding year. Dee emphasized that without intervention, many residents could be displaced, exacerbating issues of gentrification in the area.

The presentation underscored the importance of critical home repairs, which are essential for maintaining safe living conditions for homeowners. Dee pointed out that 161 households are currently on a waiting list for repairs, with many residents living in deteriorating conditions. He urged the council to consider reallocating unused COVID relief funds, amounting to $282,181, to support Project Homes and address the urgent repair needs of these residents.

Justin Randolph, director of home repair at Project Homes, echoed Dee's concerns, sharing personal testimonies from residents like Darlene Myrick, a dual-status veteran and lifelong Petersburg resident, who has been on the waiting list for three years. Myrick passionately appealed to the council for assistance, emphasizing the need for timely repairs to ensure that seniors can remain in their homes.

Council members expressed their support for the initiative, with several advocating for immediate funding to address the backlog of repair requests. They raised questions about the prioritization process for repairs and the need for a more structured inspection program to ensure that the most critical cases are addressed promptly.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to explore solutions for funding critical home repairs, recognizing the importance of preserving affordable housing and supporting the city's most vulnerable residents. The next steps include further discussions on the allocation of COVID relief funds and a follow-up presentation scheduled for mid-October.