The CDBG program, which is run by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, offers money for cities and other entities to use in service of three national objectives. The objectives are to benefit low- to moderate-income populations; prevent or eliminate slums or blight; or deal with urgent needs that threaten the welfare of communities.
Grant applicants must submit a consolidated plan detailing the proposed use of grant funds.
Pearland plans to spend $478,854 in grant money on a variety of different items, according to Joel Hardy, Pearland grants and special projects administrator. Hardy broke down the spending into different categories during a public hearing held at the regular Sept. 26 Pearland City Council meeting.
In total, $271,049 will go toward improving a mental health facility for local nonprofit Counseling Connections for Change alongside $26,828 for mental health services support, according to Hardy’s presentation on the annual action plan for FY 2022-23.
Another $20,000 will go toward rental assistance offered through the Pearland Neighborhood Center, and $25,000 will go toward child care services, according to the plan and Hardy.
Another $67,496 will go toward the home repair program offered to the elderly, disabled and low-income individuals, and $68,481 will go toward program administration, according to the plan.
“This year, I think we recognized that there were some higher priorities that needed consideration based on the requests and the recommendations that came out of the plan,” Hardy said.
The city’s application for the grant was disapproved on Sept. 8 because the public hearings for citizen input on the grant required by HUD were held too close together in July, Hardy said.
However, the city will have a chance to resubmit on or before Oct. 21 after city officials offer more citizen involvement opportunities, including the Sept. 26 public hearing and an additional comment period that is being held from Sept. 15-Oct. 14.
