The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Federal grants make impact for community

April 7, 2022 - When it comes to building a stronger community, funds from federal housing and development grants have a big impact in Oak Park.

Each year the Village receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

For Program Year 2021, which began in October, Oak Park received more than $1.6 million in federal CDBG.

The federally funded, but locally administered program is specifically earmarked to help support and nurture a wide range of programs and services for individuals and families that HUD defines as low and moderate income.

A share of the funds also goes toward public infrastructure improvements for persons with disabilities and in areas of the Village that meet income-eligibility requirements based on census data.

The Village is celebrating National Community Development Week from April 11-15 by raising awareness about the CDBG Program’s impact on the community.

From direct hunger relief and domestic violence services to emergency shelter for homeless individuals and ADA-compliant crosswalks, federal funds are allocated locally to activities that have a direct impact in Oak Park. Nonprofit agencies apply for CDBG grants through the Village each year.
 
A rigorous application process managed by professional Village staff and the Community Development Citizens Advisory Commission determines how the money is allocated.

Staff and commission volunteers review all grant applications and make recommendations to the Village Board, which makes the final decisions on funding allocations.
 
For Program Year 2021, funds were allocated locally to 13 organizations that serve persons of low and moderate incomes.
 
A share of the grants also funded infrastructure projects such as alley improvements in census-defined areas of the community and bringing sidewalks into compliance with standards outlined in the American Disabilities Act.
 
The Village additionally uses CDBG funding for its small rental and single-family rehabilitation loan programs earmarked for residents whose incomes meet HUD guidelines.
 
For more information, visit www.oak-park.us/cdbg, email grants@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5416.
 
Program Year 2021 Grant Recipients