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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Friday awarded more than $2.7 billion in funding to nearly 2,900 public housing authorities (PHAs) in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to make capital investments in their public housing units.
The U.S. Virgin Islands was allocated $10.3 million from the $2.7 billion HUD funding.
HUD said the grants announced Thursday are provided through its Capital Fund Program, which offers annual funding to all public housing authorities to build, renovate, and/or modernize the public housing in their communities. Housing authorities can use the funding to complete large-scale improvements such as replacing roofs or making energy-efficient upgrades to heating systems and installing water conservation measures, HUD said.
Also on Friday HUD announced $5.5 billion in funding to local programs throughout the country that provide affordable housing, community development and economic opportunity, and support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Of the $5.5 billion, the USVI has been allocated $3 million.
“These core programs provide our local partners the funding they need to provide homes and vital services to some of our neighbors in need,” said HUD Acting Secretary Matt Ammon.
“This funding comes at a critical time for our country, when these bedrock programs have never been more important,” said James Arthur Jemison, principal deputy assistant secretary for community planning and development.
These grants are provided through the following HUD programs:
- $3.4 billion — The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties 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.
- $1.3 billion — The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) provides funding to states and localities that communities use - often in partnership with local nonprofit groups - to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people.
- $387 million — The Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grants provides rental housing assistance for persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
- $290 million — Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) provides funds for homeless shelters, assists in the operation of local shelters and funds related social service and homeless prevention programs.
- $25 Million — The Recovery Housing Program (RHP) allows states and the District of Columbia to provide stable, transitional housing for individuals in recovery from a substance-use disorder.
Combined, ESG, HOWPA, CDBG, HOME and RHP programs will provide critically needed funding to thousands of local programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands, said HUD.
