Longview highlights CDBG and HOME investments, cites $1.9 million older-adult home-modification grant

Dietrich Johnston, Longview’s director of community services, told the council on April 23 that the city is allocating federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds to a mix of housing, public‑service and façade programs that prioritize low‑ and moderate‑income residents. “We were awarded $1,900,000 to help make this happen in April 2025,” Johnston said, referring to a three‑year older‑adult home modification grant.

Johnston said the city’s most recent allocations include roughly $699,848 in CDBG formula funds and about $316,000 in HOME funding for the coming year. The grants will support partner organizations such as Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity, Seesaw Children’s Place, Community Health Corps and the Women’s Center of East Texas, he said. “Those are our most vulnerable populations sometimes,” Johnston said while describing program priorities.

Why it matters: the CDBG and HOME programs are federal formula and competitive funds cities use to support affordable housing, infrastructure in low‑income neighborhoods and services for vulnerable residents. The council was briefed on how Longview directs a large share of HOME funds to Habitat for Humanity, and on smaller, targeted initiatives—façade grants and owner‑occupied rehabilitation—designed to leverage private investment and preserve housing.

Johnston described several program specifics council members pressed on in questions: the façade program typically assists businesses that are already planning storefront upgrades and will match private spending; eligibility for façade funds is limited to low‑to‑moderate‑income census tracts; and first‑time homebuyer assistance helps with down payments or closing costs on a case‑by‑case basis to keep monthly mortgage payments affordable. He also said the first‑time homebuyer assistance operates on a first‑come, first‑served basis and is coordinated with the Longview Housing Authority and local lenders.

The presentation included details about an Older Adult Home Modification program designed to help residents 62 and older remain safely in their homes. A public‑service segment accompanying the briefing listed typical modifications—grab bars, slip‑resistant flooring, ramps and lighting—and provided application contacts: the Department of Community Services at (903) 237‑1201 and rphillips@longviewtexas.gov for more information.

What’s next: Johnston said staff will proceed with program outreach and application processing based on available allocation and competitive awards. No formal council action on allocation changes was taken during the presentation; the briefing provided context for ongoing program administration and outreach.