Housing program faces delays as demand surges

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for housing repair activities, particularly focusing on the Department of Planning and Development's limited repair program. Reginald Jefferson from Housing and Community Development addressed inquiries regarding the remaining budget for the program, acknowledging the need to consult with staff for precise figures.

The conversation highlighted the pressing demand for assistance among senior citizens, who have expressed a need for home repairs, including bathroom renovations. Jefferson emphasized the importance of transparency in communicating available resources to the community, noting that citizens often feel frustrated when they are referred to programs without receiving help.

Currently, the limited repair program, funded by CDBG, is one of two active rehabilitation programs, the other being the Healthy Homes Production Grant. Jefferson clarified that while the CDBG program has an annual budget, the Healthy Homes grant does not operate on a fixed annual allotment.

The application intake process for the limited repair program has been temporarily halted due to a high volume of applications—over 200 are currently being processed. Jefferson encouraged residents to continue reaching out to be placed on a waitlist, although he could not provide a timeline for when the application process would reopen. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges in addressing housing repair needs within the community and the importance of effective communication regarding available assistance.