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Jacksonville celebrates National Community Development Week with CDBG-funded homes and housing plans
Summary
City officials in Jacksonville marked National Community Development Week by unveiling two CDBG-supported homes and outlining plans to invest Community Development Block Grant and local dollars in 12 transitional units for people experiencing homelessness and 72 apartments for low- and moderate-income families.
Jacksonville officials marked National Community Development Week by unveiling two newly restored homes and describing plans to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and local dollars to create 12 transitional housing units for people experiencing homelessness and 72 apartments for low- and moderate-income families.
The presenter, speaking at the event, summarized the program’s origin: “The Community Development Block Grant or CDBG program was enacted into law as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974,” and said the grant’s main purpose is to provide “decent, sanitary, safe housing, suitable living environment, and economic opportunities to low and moderate-income people.” The presenter added that CDBG remains a primary flexible funding source for localities to address neighborhood deterioration.
City officials said the new homes reflect the city’s response to public comments submitted for HUD-required five-year and annual action plans. The presenter named Whitney Abernathy and Shamika Lynch as the homeowners of the houses being celebrated and recognized builder Jimmy Dial for his role in restoring these properties and others on Cox Avenue.
Officials described local assistance terms tied to the homes: the city is providing some lots using a third-mortgage arrangement and will forgive the lot’s value if the home is owner-occupied for 10 years. A city staff member at the event also outlined down-payment assistance, saying the city and state programs together can provide up to $50,000 in assistance for eligible buyers.
“This is a testament of true partnership and collaboration,” the staff member said, thanking program staff and partners for their work. Organizers said the goal of National Community Development Week is to showcase projects, educate the public on program benefits and invite government and community partners to observe how CDBG funds are used locally.
Event organizers also announced upcoming week activities, including a spring property refresh where volunteers will assist two homeowners with cleanup and an annual appreciation luncheon for employees to close out the week.
The presentation cited the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and HUD planning requirements for five-year and annual action plans as the statutory and program context for the projects described. No formal votes or motions were taken at the event; officials framed the announcements as program updates and community celebrations.
