Grand Rapids Reporter

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids has outlined funding recommendations totaling $8.5 million available for activities supporting the FY 2024 Neighborhood Investment Plan and HOME-ARP Allocation Plan.

At today’s City Commission’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Connie M. Bohatch, senior managing director of community services, outlined investments of $8,494,574 from various federal funding sources to achieve outcomes included in two plans administered by the Community Development Department.

The FY 2024 Neighborhood Investment (NI) Plan is used to allocate Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program funds. Activities support the third year of the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2021-2025 Regional Consolidated Housing and Community Development (HCD) Plan adopted by the City Commission on February 9, 2021. NI Plan recommendations constitute the City’s FY 2024 Housing and Community Development Annual Action Plan activities which serves as the application for the CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs.

The HOME Investment Partnerships - American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Allocation Plan is used to allocate supplemental funding authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. These funds primarily benefit qualifying individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations. Activities include development and support of affordable housing and supportive services (including rental assistance that does not exceed 24 months).

An RFP workgroup reviewed and made funding recommendations selected from 76 applications from organizations requesting more than $18.6 million. One City Commissioner from each ward (Third Ward Commissioner Nathanial Moody, First Ward Commissioner Drew Robbins and Second Ward Commissioner Milinda Ysasi) sat on the workgroup and were assisted by Community Development staff.  The Coalition to End Homelessness Funding Review Committee also provided input.

With nearly $6.7 million available for NI Plan activities and approximately $2.1 million available for HOME-ARP projects, the workgroup reviewed proposals with the aim to maximize limited funding. Each proposal had to address needs in the City’s Consolidated Housing and Community Development and HOME-ARP Allocation plans. They also had to align with the City’s Strategic Plan.

“The amount of federal funding appropriated from a variety of sources this year will help meet the needs of our low-income and unhoused populations,” Bohatch said. “I thank all who submitted applications for funding and are stepping up to provide these much-needed services.”

Residents and stakeholders can provide feedback on the funding recommendations through April 14. Written comments are welcomed by emailing communitydev@grcity.us. Those interested can also participate in a 7 p.m. March 28 public hearing before the City Commission. Funding recommendations and plans are available at: www.grcd.info. City Commission is scheduled to review and approve the recommendations April 25.

Original source can be found here.