On June 4, the Rochester City Council approved the FY25 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, one of the longest-running initiatives of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary on August 22, 2024.

The CDBG Program was established to assist local governments in providing opportunities for low and low-moderate income individuals through various programs, including housing rehabilitation and public service agencies. For FY25, the City of Rochester has been allocated $246,681 in Entitlement Funds from HUD.

The approved funds for FY25 will be distributed as follows: $49,336 will be allocated for administration and planning, adhering to the 20% cap. Public service agencies will receive $37,000, within the 15% cap, with specific allocations as follows: $1,000 to ACT/COAST, $2,000 to HAVEN, $3,000 to the Dover Adult Learning Center, $3,000 to Hope on Haven Hill, $5,000 to Waypoint, $5,000 to Strafford Nutrition Meals on Wheels, $8,000 to Cross Roads, and $10,000 to the SHARE Fund.

Additionally, $140,000 is designated for public facilities, infrastructure, and housing rehabilitation projects, specifically for the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center.

There is $23,983 in unallocated funding available for public facilities/infrastructure or housing rehabilitation projects. Nonprofits interested in applying for these funds are encouraged to contact the City’s Community Development Coordinator, Kay Wright, to review eligibility.

Projects to be funded by prior year funds include the Strafford Community Action Partnership’s Weatherization Program, which will receive $75,000 ($52,632.75 from FY23 funds and $22,367.25 from FY24 funds). My Friend’s Place will receive $30,000 from FY23 funds for a new roof and siding for barn storage. Home for Now, a program of CAPSC, will receive $21,740 for basement updates and heating installation, with $2,186 coming from FY23 funds and $19,554 from FY21 funds.

Questions and comments on the FY25 Annual Action Plan will be accepted by the Community Development Coordinator until 5:00 pm on June 21, 2024. Send inquiries to Kay Wright at kay.wright@rochesternh.gov. Please note, questions and comments may be forwarded to HUD for consideration.