Small Cities Grant Program Hearing In Westport April 14

From the City of Westport: Elaine Daignault, Director of Westport’s Department of Human Services, announced today that a Public Hearing has been scheduled to discuss the Connecticut Department of Housing Small Cities Grant Program, on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at 6PM. Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order No. 7B, there is no physical location for this meeting. It will be held electronically. To attend the Zoom meeting, interested parties should be dial into: +16468769923, Meeting ID:890047282# to participate virtually.

The Town of Westport will provide an update on the two previous grant years, followed by a review of the anticipated FY 2020 grant application trough The Connecticut Department of Housing Small Cities Program, also known as the Community Development Block Grant, for Public Service Set Asides for program years 2020-2021.

“The grant proposal funds Diversion Specialists throughout the Fairfield County Coordinated Network Area for Shelter Diversion.” Said Daignault. “Many do not realize that this is not just an urban problem. Collaboration and cooperation between towns and cities allows us to have a collective community impact on homelessness prevention and is meant to help families and individuals to avoid becoming homeless in the first place.”

This program supplements DOH’s existing efforts to end homelessness in Connecticut. Westport is the first municipality in CT to apply for, and receive the grant on behalf of an entire county.

Daignault continues, “This grant provides a unique opportunity for Westport and our neighboring communities to work with existing providers and other municipalities to enhance resources and support regional efforts in the prevention of homelessness throughout Fairfield County.”

The Town of Westport anticipates applying for FY 2020-2021 grant funds that collectively amount up to $500,000 under the eligible activity of public services for Diversion Specialists. Diversionary specialists are hired by existing providers throughout Fairfield County with Westport serving as the administrator of the funds. The purpose of the public hearings is to provide a clear explanation of the proposed programs and to give an opportunity for citizens to present their views on the Town’s needs and development priorities concerning assistance to low and moderate income persons in the community.

If you are unable to participate in the virtual public hearings, you may direct written comments to the Town of Westport, Human Services Department, 110 Myrtle Avenue Rm. 200, Westport CT, 06880 or email Humansrv@westportct.gov or you may telephone (203) 341-1050. In addition, information is available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays in the DHS office.

This press release was produced by City of Westport. The views expressed here are the author's own.