The City of Vancouver is now accepting applications for its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Programs.
Donor Name: City of Vancouver
State: Washington
City: Vancouver
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/31/2023
Size of the Grant:
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): $950,000
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME): $750,000
- HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP): $500,000
Grant Duration: 2 year
Details:
Approximately $2.2 million will be available through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME ARP). This funding supports projects and programs benefitting people who are experiencing homelessness and those with low to moderate income within the City of Vancouver limits.
Types of eligible activities include homeless supportive services, affordable housing, business assistance, public facilities and other public services. Proposed activities must meet one of the goals within the City of Vancouver’s Consolidated Plan and comply with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s funding requirements.
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – Federal funds – $950,000
- Benefits people experiencing low- to moderate- income (80% of the area median income (AMI) or less) by funding projects that revitalize neighborhoods, increase affordable housing, expand economic opportunities, and/or improve community facilities and services.
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) – Federal funds – $750,000
- Supports a wide range of activities that build, buy and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership or provide direct rental assistance to people experiencing low-income (60% AMI for rental units or 80% AMI for homeowner units)
- HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) – Federal funds – $500,000
- Funds must benefit qualifying individuals and families who are homeless or in other vulnerable populations. Eligible activities include tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) and provision of supportive services.
Funding Period
CDBG and HOME funds can be used for activities between July 2024 through December 2025 with the following parameters:
- Funding for HOME projects shall be contracted within two years and expended within five years. Acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation activities must commence within two years from the date City Council awards the funding.
- To meet HUD program year funding restrictions, all public service activities using CDBG funds must end by June 30, 2025, which may result in a contract agreement that is less than 12 months.
Eligible Projects
CDBG AND HOME PROJECTS
- Housing Acquisition, Construction and Rehabilitation Projects (HOME)
- Housing projects that increase and preserve affordable housing opportunity for households experiencing low-income and people experiencing homelessness through the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of rental or homeowner housing and homebuyer assistance programs. Housing assisted with City of Vancouver funds must include units meeting the following affordability requirements:
- Rental housing: At or lower than 60% AMI
- Homeowner housing: At or lower than 80% AMI
- Non-congregant Shelter: People experiencing homelessness and at or lower than 60% AMI
- Housing projects that increase and preserve affordable housing opportunity for households experiencing low-income and people experiencing homelessness through the acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of rental or homeowner housing and homebuyer assistance programs. Housing assisted with City of Vancouver funds must include units meeting the following affordability requirements:
- Rental Assistance & Housing Services Programs (HOME, HOME ARP, CDBG)
- Rental assistance and housing services programs can provide up to 24 months of rental assistance (HOME) and case management (CDBG) to house people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Participating households must have income of 60% AMI or less. HOME ARP can also be used for other homeless supportive services.
- Public Services (CDBG)
- Public services aim to reduce poverty, increase stability and prevent and address homelessness for individuals and families through services focused on homelessness, poverty reduction, youth programs, financial empowerment, housing system coordination, promoting public health and increased food security, etc. To be eligible for CDBG funding, a public service must be a new service or demonstrate a quantifiable increase in the level of an existing service above that which has been provided in the previous 12 calendar months. Participants must have an income of 50% AMI or less.
- Microenterprise Business Assistance (CDBG)
- Microenterprise business assistance activities increase economic opportunity by supporting small businesses within Vancouver city limits. Activities may include technical assistance and resources (e.g. grants, loans) to current and prospective business owners. Funds are targeted to serve microenterprises (up to 5 employees) and other small businesses with a focus on historically underutilized businesses. Participants must have an income of 80% AMI or less.
- Public Facilities and Shelter (CDBG)
- Funds are available for acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of public facilities that serve people experiencing low- to moderate-income and homeless overnight shelters (up to 24- months). Shelters may apply for operating expenses as a stand-alone request or paired with acquisition, construction or rehabilitation costs.
Eligible Project Costs
Eligible project costs for acquisition, construction or rehabilitation activities (Housing Projects, Public Facilities, and Shelter Capital Projects) include but are not limited to the following:
- Appraisals
- Architectural fees
- Closing costs
- Homebuyer down payment assistance
- Inspections and surveys
- Insurance
- Construction, including sales tax
- Interest
- Development fees and permits
- Financing fees
- Engineering fees
- Environmental assessments and fees
- Gap financing
- Professional services
- Project management
- Purchase/acquisition
Eligible program costs for Rental Assistance and Housing Services, Public Services, Microenterprise Business Assistance, Homeless Supportive Services, and Shelter Operating proposals include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Personnel costs (salary and benefits)
- Operating supplies
- Rent, telephones and computers
- Travel and training
- Outreach
- Administrative costs specific to City-funded program
- Insurance
Eligibility Criteria
Nonprofit agencies and public organizations may apply for funds. Private individuals are not eligible for funding awards. Applicants proposing Housing Projects must demonstrate, or have partners that demonstrate, experience developing, owning, and/or managing multifamily or homeowner housing.
For more information, visit City of Vancouver.
