NeighborWorks Umpqua reports local housing-rehabilitation outcomes as Roseburg closes CDBG grant

NeighborWorks Umpqua described results from a regional housing rehabilitation project funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and requested that the Roseburg City Council direct staff to close out the grant.

NeighborWorks representative Robert (introduced in the packet as Robert Woodsell and identifying himself on the record as Robert Whitzel) said the organization connected with the city in December 2021 and, following release of funds in October 2022, served 30 homes in the most recent cycle — meeting a city commitment to serve at least 11 within Roseburg city limits and ultimately serving 16 inside the city and others in surrounding areas.

"We were able to get her an HVAC system. We were able to repair the siding on her home, and we're able to make the back steps to her house accessible," Whitzel said, describing repairs for low-income homeowners and a disabled veteran the program helped. Staff read the public hearing notice that estimated the project benefited at least 63 persons and 30 households, 100% of whom were at or below 80% of the area median income for Douglas County.

Whitzel said the grantee sought $500,000 from Business Oregon (CDBG) — with $400,000 typically available for home repairs plus an additional $100,000 for manufactured-home work — and reported construction spending of $456,630 in the last cycle. He listed partner contributions including Energy Trust of Oregon and the 3 Rivers Foundation.

After the presentation, Speaker 9 moved to direct staff to officially close out the Regional Housing Rehabilitation Program CDBG grant; the motion was seconded and carried.

Next steps: staff will process the grant closeout paperwork as directed and file the final reports with the state program office.