Nonprofits working with local neighborhoods asked the Chapel Hill Town Council Monday to consider allocating federal funds to the organizations based on their past successes and plans for the coming months.
Habitat for Humanity of Orange County and the Chapel Hill YMCA both provided reasons they should receive money from the Community Development Block Grant program, known as CDBG, and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, both designed to aid in the development of affordable housing and social programs.
The block grants and HOME programs provide eligible communities with money to buy property, improve public facilities and assist low-income tenants with rent payments.
The programs specifically serve households earning less than 80 percent of the area median income.
Brian Curran, a Habitat for Humanity of Orange County board member and representative for its A Brush with Kindness program, which conducts home repairs, said the Chapel Hill provided $25,000 to Habitat in block grant funds for the current fiscal year, which ends in April.
“I’m here to tell you that the CDBG money has been put to good use," he said.
“Homeowners are typically senior citizens who find themselves somehow unable to maintain their homes and it allows them an opportunity to improve their housing conditions.”
Susan Levy, Habitat's executive director, said the town's allocation of more money to the organization would secure its progress in Chapel Hill.
“I know we’re all looking forward to the release of the initial requests from the source of funds and the impact that their use will have on families that are struggling to find affordable housing options in Chapel Hill," she said.
