During the week of April 1 – 5, 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 March 19, the Gastonia City Council presented a proclamation to Danette Dye, Director of Gastonia’s Housing and Community Engagement Department, designating April 1 – 5 as CDBG Week in Gastonia.
“Our city relies on continued support through CBDG funding,” said Dye. “Now more than ever before, these funds are vital to the success of our programs to provide housing and housing-related support to our current and future residents.”
Since 2021, the City of Gastonia received more than $1.8 million in CDBG Funds that have been used in a variety of ways to benefit the community. A few examples are: The Continuum of Care Program, Fair Housing, Housing Rehabilitation, Public Facilities and Improvements, and Lead-Based Paint.
- Continuum of Care
The Gaston-Lincoln-Cleveland Continuum of Care exists as a network of businesses, non-profit agencies, local government and community advocates working together to address homelessness. The CDBG Program provides funding to help with administration and planning activities needed to address homelessness. CDBG funded up to $200,000. - Public Facilities and Improvements
More than $1.2 million of CDBG dollars was used to fund public facility improvements, including such activities as community center parking lots, park shelters and restroom facilities.
The 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.
For more information about the City of Gastonia’s CDBG Program here or call 704-866-6752.