The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee on December 2025 unanimously recommended that Bend City Council approve an amendment to the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan after Volunteers in Medicine declined its award.

Melissa Kamania, the city’s affordable housing coordinator, told the committee that Volunteers in Medicine "regretfully decline[d] their funding award," and staff proposed reallocating the $43,456 by splitting it evenly between Thrive Central Oregon and Saving Grace. Kamania summarized the effect: "Thrive will go from $33,456 to $55,184, going from 500 to 700 households served," while Saving Grace’s award would increase and its case-management capacity would change modestly.

The reallocation follows HUD rules that require an amendment to the annual action plan whenever funding changes, Kamania said, and the process must include a 30-day public comment period and a public hearing (the public hearing was held during this meeting). Committee member Speaker 12 formally recommended the committee forward the amendment to council; Speaker 7 seconded the recommendation and the committee voted to send the amendment to council for approval.

Why it matters: the reallocation directs limited federal CDBG dollars to two local service providers that were positioned to use additional funding for direct services and case management. Staff emphasized that all activities must meet the consolidated plan’s national objectives, primarily benefit for low- and moderate-income persons.

The committee record shows the approval to recommend the amendment was unanimous. Staff will transmit the recommended amendment and supporting materials to city council, and the normal public comment and council-review timeline will apply.