Lt. Governor Karyn Polito was joined by state and local officials in Randolph to celebrate more than $38 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) through 45 awards that impact 57 communities. Everett will receive $825,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance for 12 units and social service assistance to include homelessness prevention, ESOL, youth services, elder services and a food pantry.
CDBG funding can be used for a variety of important social services, including childcare, teen services, senior services, food pantry operations and more, with a focus on enabling cities and towns to undertake local projects that benefit low- and moderate-income communities.
“Community Development Block Grants have been critical to our efforts to support communities across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Now more than ever, it is important that we focus our efforts on providing services to our most vulnerable residents, and the projects we fund through CDBG are geared toward doing just that.”
“Community Development Block Grants play an essential role in so many of our cities and towns, giving them the resources to pursue projects that have a real impact on the lives of individuals,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Working with our federal partners, we will continue to deploy this important funding and provide support for projects that address the unique needs of Massachusetts communities.”
The majority of the CDBG funds are awarded through a competitive grant program designed to help small cities and towns meet a broad range of community development needs. Eligible communities may apply for funding alone or jointly with other cities and towns. CDBG is designed with the flexibility that allows recipients to use funds on a wide range of eligible projects. Assistance is provided to qualifying cities and towns for housing, community and economic development projects that assist low- and moderate-income residents or revitalize blighted areas.
In 2020 and 2021, DHCD distributed more than $75 million in federal CARES funding through the CDBG program to address critical needs. The funding helped 36 communities purchase and provide critical resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also seeded micro-enterprise and small business assistance through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, the Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program and food security efforts throughout the state.
“The Commonwealth’s path to recovery from the global pandemic is more than just a return to pre-COVID standards; it’s also about investing in our communities to help create resilient neighborhoods, pipelines to employment, and positioning them for long-term growth,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Through this round of Community Development Block Grants, we can continue our support for communities in their efforts to address a wide range of priorities, which include increasing economic opportunities for residents, enhancing local assets, and preserving needed housing.”
“Municipalities continue to prove their adaptability with rapidly changing demands during this extended period of uncertainty. DHCD and our partners are here help communities address short-term needs and plan for growth and shared prosperity,” said Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. “I also want to thank the team at DHCD for their attention in distributing an additional $75 million CDBG CARES funds to support eviction diversion efforts, food stability initiatives, and other critical services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In Randolph, CDBG funds will help the town rehabilitate 16 housing units and provide childcare to residents.
“The town of Randolph is grateful to be a recipient of CDBG funds,” said Randolph Town Manager Brian P. Howard. “The funds will have an immediate impact on our residents by addressing health and safety issues in their homes and by allowing parents the freedom to work and provide for their family while ensuring that their children receive safe, stimulating, and nurturing care.”
“Congratulations to Randolph on being awarded $800,000 in CDBG funds,” said Representative Bill Driscoll, Jr. “I’m thrilled to see these funds go toward providing much needed support to Randolph’s working families and homeowners.”
“This Community Block Grant will provide important financial assistance to the town of Randolph,” said Representative Bruce Ayers. “The expansion of housing and childcare programs will offer vital assistance to families in need.”