A Look at Two Federal Grants that Benefit Our Community

During National Community Development Week earlier this month, the City hosted two events to showcase the impact of federal grants such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Grant (HOME). Community development activities build stronger and more resilient communities. CDBG funds can be directed to a wide range of community development activities, including affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic development and public services that primarily serve low and moderate income residents. The City has administered federal programs for almost 50 years.

The events included a virtual panel discussion where nonprofits shared impact stories about the federal programs that are vital to improving the overall condition of Cambridge neighborhoods. This was important because the CDBG and other federal grant stories cannot be told without the participation of the nonprofits that help administer these programs. The second event was an award ceremony recognizing the City staff and area nonprofits administering those grants that serve the most vulnerable members of our community.

Watch this video to learn how the City is using these grants to address homelessness, enhance the character and diversity of the City's neighborhoods, preserve and increase affordable housing, and support sustainable economic growth. Learn how these grants bring added safety, security, and stability to Cambridge.

Congratulations to the 2023 award recipients:

• AIDS Action Committee
• Bridge Over Troubled Waters
• Cambridge Camping Association
• Cambridge Community Television
• Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee
• Cambridge Housing Authority
• CASPAR
• Catholic Charities
• Center for Women and Enterprise
• De Novo
• East End House
• Ethiopian Community Mutual
• Food For Free
• Greater Boston Legal Services
• Hildebrand
• Homeowner's Rehab, Inc
• HomeStart
• Just A Start
• Margaret Fuller House
• Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers- MAPS
• Phillips Brooks House Association
• Riverside Community Care
• Salvation Army
• SCM Transportation
• The Capital Network
• The Young People's Project
• Transition House
• YWCA Cambridge

City Department Divisions and Staff recognized included:

• Cambridge Multi-Service Center Team, Department of Human Service Program (DHSP)
• Economic Opportunity & Development Division Team, Community Development Department
• Fiscal Division Team, Community Development Department
• Housing Division Team, Community Development Department
• Planning & Development Division Team, DHSP
• Robert Keller, Associate Planner, Community Development Department
• Betty Lyons, Federal Grant Consultant

Photo: 2023 Community Development Week Award Recipients