During the week of April 11-15, the City of Gastonia is supporting Community Development Week, a nationwide effort to educate Congressional members and the community about the importance of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, its impact on the community, and the need for increased program funding. On April 5, the Gastonia City Council presented a proclamation to Danette Dye, director of Gastonia’s Housing and Community Engagement Department, designating April 11-15 as CDBG Week in Gastonia.
“We are proud to have received several block grants during the past five years and thank our legislators for their support,” said Dye. “We want the public to know how the CDBG program works and how it has made a difference in our city and residents.”
The federal Community Development Block Grant or CDBG program, authorized in 1974, is one of the longest continuously run programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program’s purpose is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities. The CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to more than 1,200 units of local government, insular areas, and States fund an array of activities.
From 2016-2021, the City of Gastonia received more than $3.4 million in CDBG funds that have been used in a variety of ways to benefit the community. A few examples include the Continuum of Care Program, Fair Housing, Housing Rehabilitation, Public Facilities and Improvements, and Lead-Based Paint.
- Housing Rehabilitation
From 2016 to 2021, more than 99 individuals and families in Gastonia received assistance with major home repairs such as electrical units, floors, plumbing, HVAC, roofs, ADA accessibility and other minor repairs. (See a video highlighting this program and an example of repairs completed at the home of a Gastonia resident.) - Public Facilities and Improvements
More than $1.6 million was used to fund repairs to public infrastructure, including high visibility crosswalks, sidewalk connectivity, LED lighting, and several other projects.
“This is a critical time for appropriations,” said Dye. “Work on the upcoming FY 2023 HUD funding bill will be in the initial stages in Washington, DC, and we are hopeful that more funding is allocated so that we can help our residents and create stronger, more resilient communities within our city.”
More about the City of Gastonia’s CDBG Program
