City Seeking Input on Housing, Funding Prioritization

City Seeking Input on Housing, Funding Prioritization

The City of Cedar Rapids is developing a plan for the City’s housing and community development needs, and invites residents to join the conversation on housing needs, community services, barriers, and funding priorities by taking an online survey. 

Each year, the City receives approximately $1.3 million in funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Programs, which primarily serve low to moderate income households. Since funding is stretched to cover a variety of needs, community input serves as a valuable tool to assist with establishing priorities for these limited funds and meeting the needs of the community.

Electronic Survey
Investing 10 minutes of your time to take the survey will help the City make important decisions about housing priorities. 

TAKE THE SURVEY

Paper copies of the survey are also available by contacting Community Development at (319) 286-5182. The survey will remain open until March 6, 2020.

The public input process will assist the City in preparing for a five-year consolidated plan, which is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in order for Cedar Rapids to receive federal housing and community development funding. Public input will be used to prioritize funding received during the 2020 – 2025 funding cycle.

How Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds are Used
CDBG funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and are directed towards housing, public services, non-profit facility improvements, and other community needs. The City of Cedar Rapids supports multiple local organizations with program funding, including:

• Aging Services, Inc. – Housing Repairs for Low-Income Seniors
• Matthew 25 – Transform, housing repairs for Northwest and Taylor neighborhoods
• Willis Dady – Permanent Supportive Housing
• ASAC – Safety and Security Upgrades
• Safe Place Foundation – Air Conditioning Installation
• Catherine McAuley Center – Services for Homeless Women
• Community Health Free Clinic – Wages for Specialized Staff
• HACAP – Homeless Housing Case Management
• NTS – Transportation Services 2:00 – 6:00 AM
• Olivet Neighborhood Mission – Youth Programs
• Tanager Place – Children of Promise Mentoring Program
• Waypoint Services – Case Management Services
• Willis Dady Emergency Shelter – Case Management

How HOME Investment Partnership Program Funds are Used
Funds from HOME are specifically used for housing rehabilitation, housing new construction, homebuyer assistance, or tenant based rental assistance.

The City of Cedar Rapids supports the following local organizations with this program funding:

• City of Cedar Rapids’ First Time Homebuyer program – down payment assistance
• Hope Community Development Association – refurbishing blighted houses & training program
• Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity – new home construction for low-income families

Individuals who require auxiliary aids, services or sign language interpreters for the open house on February 26 can contact Chrystal Kohl at (319)286-5182 a week before the meeting so appropriate arrangement can be made.