City approves block grant spending




 

 

Guided by the goal of benefiting residents with low and moderate incomes, the City Council approved next year’s action plan for a federal grant program.

The council made the 5-0 vote during its regular meeting April 27.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program provides annual grants to states, counties and cities. The funds are intended to help provide decent housing and expand economic opportunities.

To receive the grant, the City of Camarillo had to adopt a fiveyear plan for fiscal years 2020-24 that identifies local housing and community development needs and outlines strategies to address those needs.

Staff must also prepare annual action plans describing how the city intends to use the funds in a way that aligns with the five-year plan.

Though HUD has not yet released the annual funding amount for fiscal year 2022-23, the city is expected to receive just over $427,000, similar to this year.

Council members approved the preliminary spending plan during its March 23 meeting.

The largest portion of money— about $217,000—is allocated to the city’s affordable housing property acquisition program.

Habitat for Humanity will likely receive $75,000 for home repairs, and roughly $61,000 is expected to cover administration work for city staff related to overseeing the use of funds.

The remaining money is planned to be allocated to Lutheran Social Services, the Turning Point Foundation, Catholic Charities, St. Columba’s Episcopal Church and the Housing Rights Center, as well as the city’s fair housing program.

Staff will adjust the allocations if necessary once they receive the funding amount.

During public comments, representatives from St. Columba thanked the city for supporting the parish’s food pantry.

“We’re happy to use all of these funds to solely provide food for those in need, and as you are all aware, there is a lot of need in our community,” said Maurice Hill, a food pantry volunteer.

Jason Meek, director of the Turning Point Foundation, said the city’s support last year allowed the nonprofit to serve each individual from Camarillo who sought assistance. The foundation, based in Ventura, provides services, including housing, to adults with mental illness.

“They can have meaningful ongoing employment, self-empowerment, a place that they can call their own,” Meek said to the City Council. “That is because of your trust in us as service providers, so we thank you.”

The city will submit the plan to HUD within 60 days of receiving the funding, likely in mid-May. Federal housing officials will then have 45 days to review the plan and provide the city with a funding agreement.