FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2017
Contact: Yolanda Fields
Community Resources Director
479-575-8290
yfields@fayetteville-ar.gov
City Seeks Public Input for Community Development Block Grant Program Plan
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The City of Fayetteville invites public input regarding the 2018 Annual Action Plan (AAP). The document details how the City plans to address, and fund identified needs for low- to moderate-income Fayetteville residents through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. A draft of the action plan can be downloaded (PDF) at this webpage or citizens can pick up a printed copy of the plan from the Community Resources or City Clerk’s offices. Comments can be submitted via:
- email (yfields@fayetteville-ar.gov)
- written comments by mail (City of Fayetteville c/o Community Resources, 113 W. Mountain St., Fayetteville AR 72701)
- written comment in person (Community Resources office, 125 W. Mountain St., Fayetteville AR 72701)
Comments about the plan are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 22. The plan is a requirement for entitlement cities, such as Fayetteville, to receive funds its CDBG program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The draft for this year’s action plan shows that funds will be used for program administration and assist low- to moderate Fayetteville residents in the following programs:
- case management for affordable housing
- rehabilitation and repairs for owner-occupied housing
- redevelopment of residential property in target areas
- City of Fayetteville Transportation Assistance Program
- six sub-recipients:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas (youth mentorship)
- CASA of Northwest Arkansas (legal advocacy to abused and neglected children)
- Central United Methodist Church (rapid-rehousing assistance for homeless individuals and families)
- Credit Counseling of Arkansas (one-on-one financial counseling, financial education classes)
- One Community (summer youth literacy program with children and their parent(s)/caretaker)
- Welcome Health (dental care for individuals and children)
CBBG program funds also help with administration of the Fayetteville’s unique and popular Ranger’s Pantry Pet Food Bank. This program helps qualifying participants with pet food, allowing cats and dogs to remain with their owners during difficult financial times. The program relies 100% on donations of food and donations to purchase food. Community Resources staff uses its Ranger’s Pantry Facebook page for public outreach to the community and to the CDBG audience.
For over 40 years, the City of Fayetteville has been providing much-needed services to low-to-moderate income residents of Fayetteville. CDBG serves as the cornerstone of the federal government’s commitment to collaborating with state and local governments to strengthen communities like Fayetteville, improving the quality of life for those in need.
For more information about CDBG programs, please call the Community Resources Division at 479-575-8260, or visit the community development section of the City’s website.
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