Cambridge Celebrates National Community Development Week April 10-14, 2023


4/6/2023 • 1 year ago

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 1 year ago.

During National Community Development Week April 10-14, 2023, communities across the nation highlight the impact of the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program was created in the 1970’s to more efficiently distribute resources directly to the communities where the funds were to be utilized. A number of smaller grants were combined into one “block grant” and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) distributed the money to cities and counties based on a formula. The CDBG program was intended to benefit low and
moderate income residents and businesses, minorities, and other disenfranchised segments
of the population.

The City of Cambridge will hold two events to celebrate the important work that the CDBG program supports for Cambridge residents and businesses.

Virtual Panel on Impact of Federal Grants
Tuesday, April 11, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Participate in a virtual session with Cambridge non-profits and city administrators who will share federal grant impact stories. Learn about the influence of federal grants such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Home Investment Partnership Grant (HOME) and how these programs are strengthening Cambridge neighborhoods by delivering equitable access to housing and expanding economic opportunities. 

Zoom meeting link: https://cambridgema.zoom.us/j/82911157659
Meeting ID: 829 1115 7659

Cambridge Community Development Week Celebration to Recognize Grant Recipients
Wednesday, April 12 12-2 p.m.
Cambridge City Hall, 2nd Floor, Sullivan Chamber, 795 Massachusetts Avenue
 Please join us to celebrate Cambridge nonprofits working with the City of Cambridge to improve the quality of life for Cambridge residents. This event will recognize the impact of Cambridge nonprofits and their work that is supported by federal grants such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership Grant (HOME), and Emergency Services Grant (ESG) funds. Cambridge nonprofits, business owners, and residents are invited to attend.
Please RSVP to ptuccinardi@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-4610.

In addition to CDBG funding, the City of Cambridge administers Home Investment Partnership Grant (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) grant funds. These federal grants currently total approximately $3.3 million annually and fund a range of initiatives that support programs for residents, businesses, and affordable housing.

While initiatives are carried out by nonprofit organizations and local agencies, the grant programs are administered by the City of Cambridge Community Development Department (CDD) and the Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP). With recommendations from the Cambridge Human Services Commission, DHSP administers 15% of Cambridge’s annual CDBG funding through 23 Public Services grants to community programs. CDD administers grants funds that support workforce development; local business improvements; and acquisition, preservation, development, and rehabilitation of affordable housing.

More information about these City of Cambridge federal grant programs is available in the FY23 HUD Grant Overview - Cambridge.