Evansville approves CDBG grants for food distribution and youth services, and $25,000 childcare renovation

At its Nov. 7 meeting the Evansville Board of Public Works approved a package of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations and a separate $25,000 contract to renovate flooring at Memorial Community Development Corporation’s childcare facility.

Miss Hale (DMD) said items e through j are standard annual CDBG allocations covered under finance ordinance 2024‑06. The board approved $10,000 to Tri‑State Food Bank for a mobile pantry program located at Memorial Lofts, $33,000 for Tri‑State’s Ending Hunger program, and $25,000 for a backpack program that supplies weekend food for children. The board also approved contracts with United Methodist Youth Home Inc. for life‑skills ($20,000), truancy intervention ($10,000), and a high‑school equivalency/GED program ($20,000).

Separately, the Department of Metropolitan Development sought a $25,000 contract with Memorial Community Development Corporation (MCDC) to repair worn flooring at MCDC’s childcare facility at 645 Connie Robinson Way so the facility remains compliant with childcare licensing requirements. Miss Hale said the renovation is targeted to areas where flooring had deteriorated and that the funds come from CDBG.

All the items were approved by voice vote. Staff answered a question confirming the mobile pantry location and explained that modular housing predevelopment funds (a related agenda item) are separate from these allocations.

Next steps: city staff will execute contracts with the named nonprofit providers and administer CDBG payments per established program requirements.