Strafford County Commissioners voted unanimously Nov. 20 to authorize submission of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) application of up to $500,000 to support operations at two local homeless shelters and to adopt location-specific residential anti-displacement and relocation assistance plans required for the application.

The authorization includes empowering the county administrator to sign and submit the application and to execute any documents or amendments necessary to carry out the CDBG contract, including agreements with the Community Action Partnership and with the Stratford Regional Planning Commission as grant writer and administrator. Blair Haney, principal planner with the Stratford Regional Planning Commission, said the competitive application is due Dec. 1 and asked the county to supply draft minutes and supporting paperwork quickly so the narrative can be finalized.

The application presented to the commission is aimed at programs that respond to impacts from COVID-19 and must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Staff explained the request is for operating support rather than capital work; in the county’s example the planned award would be split between two shelters. Staff also told the commission that, if approved, funds must be spent by June 30, 2026.

Betsy Andrews, who joined by Zoom to support the application, said she would work with the regional planning commission and finance staff to finish and file the application. Commissioners said the grant would supplement local contributions already committed by partner municipalities and could help sustain shelter operations for the coming season. Chair George Maglaras said approving the application should help “save the city of Dover and Rochester some money” and protect services for residents.

The commission recorded the votes approving the application authorization and the anti-displacement plans as aye and indicated unanimous support in the public session. Staff will transmit finalized draft minutes and any remaining attachments to the planner preparing the application.