The City of Shreveport and the Department of Community Development supports the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program by recognizing National Community Development Week, April 2-6, 2018. Spearheaded by the National Community Development Association, the week-long celebration brings together citizens, government officials, businesses, media, and non-profit organizations through events to showcase the impact of CDBG and HOME in the community. National Community Development Week also serves as a venue for educating the public about the programs.

This year marks the 44th anniversary of the CDBG program. The CDBG program provides grants to over 1,200 state and local governments to create neighborhood approaches that improve the physical, economic and social conditions in communities. Both programs play a vital role in attracting investment into low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Every $1.00 of CDBG leverages another $4.11 in other funding; bringing additional vital resources to communities. The HOME program, now in its 28th year, provides grants to over 600 local participating jurisdictions to create safe, sanitary, and affordable housing in communities nationwide. Every $1.00 of HOME leverages an additional $4.33 in other funding. Both programs are administered nationally by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

CDBG and HOME have been sharply reduced, yet the need for both programs continues to grow locally. The CDBG program has been cut by $1.4 billion, from $4.4 billion in FY 2001 to $3.0 billion in FY 2017, resulting in unmet need and delayed and cancelled projects. Likewise, the HOME program has been cut by 50% since FY 2010, from more than $1.8 billion down to $950 million in FY 2017, yet the demand for affordable rental and homeowner housing continues to grow sharply. Further, the President’s FY19 budget proposal eliminates both programs.
CDBG and HOME are needed more than ever to help our most vulnerable citizens and improve the overall condition of our neighborhoods. The Department of Community Development will highlight both programs during National Community Development Week.