Hamden Receives $480K Community Development Block Grant

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden has been awarded $480,319 of grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development Block Grant Program, Mayor Curt Balzano Leng announced this week.

The primary objective of the block grant program is to develop "viable urban communities, by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income," according to a press release.

Hamden’s grant increased by $10,147 this year and the town’s annual funding has grown by $100,000 since 2014, according to officials.

“These funds have a substantial impact on Hamden’s ability to serve our community,” Leng said. “I am grateful that we receive these resources, and are able to put these dollars to such good use and helping residents in need of assistance.”

This year’s grant budget has been approved by the Community Development Citizen’s Advisory Commission and the Legislative Council. Officials say it will assist in the following ways: Down Payment Assistance Program (lead-based paint testing on potential properties, and down payment and closing cost assistance), Single and Multi-Family Residential Rehabilitation Program (which may include roof repairs, emergency furnace repair/replacement, window replacement, fire safety, and code violations), Infrastructure Improvements (sidewalk replacement, curb cuts, and lighting improvements), Americans with Disabilities Act Improvements (handicap ramps and sidewalk curb cuts), Commercial Rehabilitation (business façade improvements), and Anti-Blight efforts (graffiti removal and neighborhood clean-ups).

Read more from the press release below:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding is also provided as direct mini-grants to public service agencies that offer beneficial services to Hamden residents. Public Service Agency mini-grants were awarded to 14 programs this year; some examples include the Davenport Dunbar Home Pantry, Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven, Columbus House, and the Church Street School STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Afterschool Program. Applications will be available in January for those wishing to apply for Public Service Agency grants for the 2020-2021 program year. When applications are available, please visit www.hamden.com or contact the Hamden Office of Community Development (203-776-5978x1123).

As in past years, the Town continued its program of citizen-based involvement through the Community Development Citizen’s Advisory Commission (CDCAC), a group of citizen volunteers appointed to two-year terms to oversee and give guidance, from a community perspective, for Community Development program management. Their input and involvement have been critical in program funding determinations.

Community Development Manager Adam Sendroff added, “Hamden’s CDBG program ends up reaching a lot of people, especially though the public service agency mini-grants. We are very fortunate to receive this federal funding to assist our residents. Last year, we were able to help 12 families achieve homeownership through our Down Payment Assistance Program. This program helped make homeownership a reality for these folks, which in turn empowers them to invest in both their families and our neighborhoods.”