Homestead City outlines CDBG and HOME uses, previews down-payment aid and emergency repair program

Gretchen Cano, the Human Services Manager for Homestead City, opened a virtual community meeting to explain how the city uses federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds and invited residents to submit questions via social platforms.

Vicky Placid Bucard, the city’s CDBG consultant with Calvin Giordano Associates, told viewers that “CDBG funds primarily benefit low-to-moderate income individuals,” and that every proposed activity must meet one of HUD’s national objectives: benefit low‑to‑moderate‑income people, address slum and blight, or meet an urgent need.

Staff noted Homestead City’s prior-year CDBG allocation was about $878,000 and described how the city must demonstrate eligibility and document benefits to remain compliant. “When you get the funds, the federal government basically says, okay, we have priority areas,” Placid Bucard said, and the city must submit an application describing planned projects before HUD confirms the allocation.

The presentation listed common CDBG-eligible activities: housing rehabilitation and first-time homebuyer support, public services such as youth STEM programming and swimming lessons, economic development for small businesses, and public improvements including parks, sidewalks and drainage upgrades. Rachel, a city presenter, highlighted local examples, including the Cybrarium library and technology center, and said the city currently funds STEM and a swimming program as public services.

Rachel noted a federal limit on public-service set-asides: “Of the city’s allocation, only 15% can be used for public service,” which constrains the pool available for youth and social programs.

On HOME funding, staff said Homestead City became a HOME recipient in 2024. The HOME program focuses on affordable housing; staff described planned HOME uses including purchase assistance and CHODO (community housing development organization) activities. Gratwohl, a Community Development and Human Services Division staff member, said the division is developing a HOME‑funded down‑payment assistance (DPA) program and that “this HOME program is specifically funding the down payment assistance program,” which the city hopes to launch in summer 2026.

Staff also previewed an Emergency Repair Program (ERP) funded by a State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) grant. The ERP is intended for critical, health‑and‑safety home repairs for single‑family homeowners, with proposed assistance up to $30,000 and a stated priority for seniors.

The presenters emphasized data and eligibility steps: HUD‑issued income limits (Miami‑Dade County figures cited from May 2025) determine household eligibility for HOME and some CDBG activities. Staff explained the annual action‑plan process: the draft will be posted for a 30‑day public comment period, the plan is expected before City Council on July 22, and, if approved, it must be transmitted to HUD before a grant agreement allows work to begin on Oct. 1.

Contact information and program links were posted for residents: cdhs@homesteadfl.gov, homesteadfl.gov/swim for swimming registration and homesteadfl.gov/cares for the Homestead CARES utility assistance application. The division said it will follow up with details and formal application processes ahead of program launches.

The meeting closed with staff thanking participants and reminding viewers of the public‑review opportunity for the annual action plan.