Federal funds in hidden during the next five years will focus on helping vulnerable people, creating affordable homes and taking out homeless people, according to a priority plan recently approved by the City Council.
The Housing and Neighborhood Services Manager, Danielle López, said that the US Housing and Urban development Department requires that the cities present a consolidated plan on the needs of their communities every five years.
The previous five -year plan listed 13 priorities, but the new consolidated plan focuses on four to 2029.
first, there is the development and preservation of affordable rental and property housing, followed by greater access to support services to prevent and reduce the lack of housing, promote housing stability and promote long -term solutions.
Next, the security and health of the communities was promoted by improving public facilities, the modernization of infrastructure and support for the revitalization of neighborhoods.
The last priority was to establish essential services for vulnerable populations, including families and older people with low or moderate income, as well as people with special needs.
Dominique Clark, from RSG Inc., consultant hired by the city, explained that the consolidated plan required by the HUD includes an evaluation of needs, an analysis of the local real estate market, a strategic plan to benefit low and moderate income households and an action plan on how funds will be used to meet the needs.
Clark indicated that the process began in November and December with community meetings to discuss the priorities and a survey of 164 people.
The survey asked the participants to list their three main priorities, and 54% indicated that the services for homeless people were among them. 45% supported the development of affordable housing and 35% considered economic development a priority.
The survey also compiled more details about the main priorities. As for the services for homeless people, respondents indicated that the greatest need was greater help with substance abuse and mental and behavioral health. The second most important need was an orientation or resources center for homeless, and the third, the prevention of the lack of housing.
The main priority need in housing matters were more affordable rentals, followed by affordable homes for sale and affordable rental housing for people with disabilities.
The main need in community services was identified as child care centers, followed by mental health services and transport services.
The survey participants identified the creation and retention of employment as the main priority in economic development, followed by repairs and improvements in commercial buildings. The last priority were subsidies and loans for small businesses.
On April 17, a 30 -day period was opened for the review and public comments on the plan. The 171 pages document is available in the town hall and online in hidden.gov/220/cdbg-program-Overview.
On June 11, a second public hearing will be held on the recommendations for the investment of the HUD funds.
The HUD assignments for the next fiscal year will be announced in mid -May, and the consolidated plan will be presented to the HUD for approval 60 days after the announcement.
In fiscal year 2024-25, the assignment of the HUD to the city was $ 574,000 in funds of the Home Investment Association to create affordable homes for low-income households and $ 1,378 million in funds of the global subsidy for community development for housing and economic opportunities, mainly for low and moderate income persons.
Hidden usually allocates 65% of its CDBG allocation to the revitalization of public facilities and neighborhoods, housing and rehabilitation, historical preservation and purchase of properties.
Additional 20% are used for administration and 15% to services such as home delivery, legal assistance and mental health.
The majority of Home funds are allocated to organizations dedicated to the development of rental housing, rent assistance, rehabilitation of owners and assistance to first -time buyers.
While hidden has not received funds from the subsidy for emergency solutions in several years because it did not comply with an eligibility threshold, López said the city could know in May if any this year will have, and the money could be used for shelters, street extension and prevention of the lack of housing.
Original Story
Homelessness, housing, economic development among Escondido priorities
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