Asheville, NC — The City of Asheville wants to hear ideas on how nearly $3,000,000 in federal funds should be spent next year to help low-income citizens with affordable housing or other needs.
Two public meetings are planned to kick off the process for allocating 2008-09 funds for the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the HOME Investment Partnerships program.
A meeting for residents of Buncombe and Madison Counties will be held on Monday, November 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Works Building located at 161 S. Charlotte Street in Asheville. Henderson and Transylvania County residents are invited to a meeting on Monday, November 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the Operations Center at 305 Williams Street, Hendersonville.
In recent years, CDBG and HOME funds have been used to build affordable homes, provide housing repairs, improve infrastructure, and assist small businesses. Examples of successful projects include:
· Renovation of the Battery Park and Vanderbilt Apartments in downtown Asheville
· New homes built by Habitat for Humanity in West Asheville
· Down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers
· Safe housing for victims of domestic abuse
· Benches, shelters, and route signs at bus stops throughout Asheville
CDBG funds must be spent within the City of Asheville and can be used by the City and non-profit organizations for a wide range of activities that benefit low-income residents, including housing rehabilitation, economic development, social services, and neighborhood improvements. HOME funds can be spent anywhere in Buncombe, Madison, Henderson and Transylvania Counties and must be used for affordable housing programs.
