Program Description
The
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was established
by the federal Housing and Community Development Act of
1974. The California program is administered by the Department
of Housing and Community Development.
The
primary objective of the CDBG program is the development
of viable urban communities by providing decent housing
and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic
opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate
income. "Persons of low and moderate income" or
the "targeted income group" (TIG) are defined
as families, households, and individuals whose incomes do
not exceed 80 percent of the county median income, with
adjustments for family or household size.
Each
year the State of California makes funds available to eligible
cities and counties through several allocations: General
and Native American, Economic Development, Planning and
Technical Assistance, and Colonias. The funds are awarded
to jurisdictions on a competitive basis. Successful applicants
enter into contracts with the State to complete the specified
activities with the grant funds.
Each
year Kings County may apply for up to a combined total of
$800,000 under both the General Allocation and Economic
Development components of the CDBG program. The maximum
amount per application is $500,000. Grants up to $35,000
per year from the General Planning and Technical Assistance
allocation and $35,000 per year for Economic Development
Planning and Technical Assistance allocation may be awarded
and do not count toward the $800,000 cap.
Potential
projects under General Allocation include housing acquisition,
housing rehabilitation, new construction, public works and
community facilities. Potential projects under Economic
Development include business loans, infrastructure grants,
micro enterprise assistance, and other types of loans and
grants for businesses. Projects funded with CDBG allocations
must carry out at least one of three National Objectives
as follows: benefit to targeted income group persons, elimination
of slums and blight, or meeting urgent community development
needs.
Kings
County Programs
Kings
County has received grants each year from 1992 to 2001 except
1995. Each grant is for $500,000. The funds have been used
for housing rehabilitation and the construction of three
day care facilities. At present the County has two grants
open, the 2001 Housing rehabilitation in the Corcoran fringe
and Home Garden areas, and the 2000 Kettleman City community
facility.
Housing
Rehabilitation Program
Kings
County offers housing rehabilitation in the target areas
listed above. A waiting list exists for rehab for out of
target area rehab. Home owners who qualify may receive help
when their home has health and safety problems such as a
leaky roof or poor electrical wiring. The County will loan
the home owner up to $55,000 to bring the home up to code
and the program can provide new carpet, paint and other
fixtures. The loan can be deferred until the home owner
sells the home or is able to begin payments or loans are
made at a low interest rate, approximately 3%. The County
will have a lean on the property until repayment is made
in full. Rehab in the Corcoran fringe area is administered
by the City of Corcoran and interested home owners can receive
information by call in 992-2151, extension 234. Rehab in
the Home Garden area is provided by Self-Help Enterprises
and information can be received by calling Rudy Quintana
at 651-1000, extension 664. Home owners who do not live
in a target area can receive information by calling 582-3211,
extension 2674.
HOME
Program
Kings
County also participates in a first time home buyers program
called HOME. Essentially, the County will loan a qualified
first time home buyer up to $20,000 to help a person qualify
for home purchase. The loan is in the second position and
is deferred for the life of the first loan or if the home
owner sells the house. This program is available in all
the unincorporated areas of Kings County and is administered
by Self-Help Enterprises. Information about this program
can be obtained by calling 651-1000, extension 642.
