Washington, DC - Today U.S. Reps. John Dingell (D-MI15) and Mark Schauer (D-MI07) announced that Washtenaw County will receive $2,220,242 in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), and $1,685,812 in federal HOME funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This award is in addition to the $308,567 in CDBG funding Washtenaw County received earlier this year through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Especially in times such as these, making sure that families have affordable housing options is paramount,” said Dingell. “While the current recession has hit Michigan hardest, these grants will help us to rebuild deteriorating neighborhoods and make sure people aren’t forced out of their homes. Congressman Schauer and I strongly support this type of government assistance and applaud the social and economic benefits it will bring to our otherwise suffering communities.”

“This funding will offer a much-needed boost to the local economy and help those hit hardest by the economic crisis,” said Schauer. “By rebuilding our neighborhoods and making sure more families have a roof over their heads, we can lay the foundation for an economic recovery and put people back to work.”

The CDBG program works to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses.

Funds may be used for a wide range of purposes which include, but are not limited to: assisting businesses carry out economic development and job creation activities; rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures; construction of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities, streets, neighborhood centers, and the conversion of school buildings for eligible purposes; activities relating to energy conservation and renewable energy resources; and relocation and demolition.

The HOME program helps to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low-income families by providing grants to States and local governments to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities.

HOME funds are awarded annually as formula grants to participating jurisdictions. The program's flexibility allows States and local governments to use HOME funds for grants, direct loans, loan guarantees or other forms of credit enhancement, or rental assistance or security deposits.