U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe and U.S. Senator Susan Collins today announced that the Maine State Program has been awarded a combined $20,093,501 in grant funding as part of the Community Development Block Grants, Emergency Shelter Grants, and HOME programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
"Community Development Block Grants, Emergency Shelter Grants, and HOME Grants form the backbone of countless community development efforts," Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. "They are especially vital to communities in Maine because they support the expansion of programs and infrastructure that benefit low-income and struggling residents. We are pleased that the Maine will be receiving these funds."
The CDBG program provides annual grants to States and local units of government to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate- income persons.
The Community Development Block Grant program works to ensure decent affordable housing for all, and to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, to create jobs and expand business opportunities. CDBG is an important tool in helping local governments tackle the most serious challenges facing their communities.
The HOME program helps to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low-income families by providing grants to States and local governments to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds private housing developments to assist in housing opportunities for low income residents. HUD provides rental assistance to approximately 1.5 million low-income households. It also funds community revitalization projects to meet local needs and expand opportunities for Americans.