COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

General Goals:
The primary objective of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is the development of viable urban communities by (1) providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and (2) expanding economic opportunities. The goals and funding are principally to benefit low-moderate income persons.

Entitlement funds are provided on an annual basis to the city by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Under both statute (Public Law 93-383, as amended) and regulation (24 CFR 570), the CDBG program gives maximum feasible priority to activities which will carry out one of three broad national objectives: (1) benefit low-moderate income persons, (2) aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight, or (3) meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs.

Organizations located within the City of Haverhill that have a 501 C(3) tax-exempt designation from the Internal Revenue Service can apply for theCity of Haverhill's annual CDBG Public Service Grants. These grants areprovided to the community to fund eligible activities for low incomeresidents (below 80% of Area Median Income) that meet HUD's guidelines andthe City's local Consolidated Action Plan. Information in the Workshop fileis more specific to the types of programs the City of Haverhill willconsider funding.

Applications are reviewed by the members of the Community Affairs AdvisoryBoard and approved by the Mayor and City Council. All activities funded bythese grants will commence no sooner than July 1, 2010.

Upon being granted approval, subrecipients are expected to comply with allfederal regulations and local policies in order to access funds. Mandatorytraining is given to new grant recipients to inform them of all complianceissues. All funds are disbursed on a reimbursement only basis. Please contact Linda Pooler, Program Manager, for further information regardingthis notice.  Applications are available under forms in the box on the right and must be returned by December 18, 2009 by 4 p.m to Room 309, City Hall, 4 Summer Street, Haverhill, MA 01830.

Home Improvements Program:

Community Affairs Advisory Board (CAAB):
Sharon Sullivan - Chairman
J. Jesse Medley - Vice-Chairman
Anne Vlack
Robert Driscoll
Angelo Petrozzelli
Sheila Callahan

Current Funding:
CDBG Entitlement for 2008-2009: $1,042,478
HOME federal allocation: $235,740

Current Projects:
Public Services ($144,000)
Public Improvements ($216,000)
Rehabilitation ($395,344)
Misc. Projects ($76,355)
Admin. & Planning ($198,380

Other CDBG-Related Programs:
First-Time Homebuyers
Haverhill Housing Partnership
Haverhill Historical Commissions
Haverhill Foreclosure Prevention Workshops