City of Cape Girardeau works towards developing Community Development Block Grant Program

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The city of Cape Girardeau is working toward a program that would help address housing needs in the city, a federal Community Development Block Grant.

The City of Cape Girardeau grant coordinator, Alex McElroy talked about how the city has worked with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, (HUD), developing a plan for the program since September of last year.

Alex McElroy also tells me that the city has partnered with the PORCH Initiative, helping the city form a plan for what’s next as they work through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

“we were notified by HUD that we were eligible to now participate in the formula program.” Said Cape Girardeau grant coordinator Alex McElory, “we’ve been working since that time (September) to establish the program.”

When asked who this grant will impact, McElory says, “A low income individuals, the funds are intended to benefit a low to moderate income community members.”

“Cities of a certain population size are eligible for formula funding,” said Alex McElroy, Cape Girardeau’s grant coordinator. “If they’re able to establish a program per HUD’s regulations, they can receive funds on an annual basis.”

McElroy and his team have been working on a plan to ensure the funds are effectively used to benefit Cape Girardeau residents.

“We’ve been working to establish the program to target low income individuals,” he said. “The funds are intended to benefit low to moderate income community members.”

As part of its planning process, the city has partnered with the PORCH Initiative, a Southeast Missouri based nonprofit, with a focus on helping families achieve homeownership.

Dr. Tamara Zellars Buck, board chair of the organization, said the collaboration is a perfect fit.

“The grant is perfectly paired with what PORCH is doing and our mission,” Buck said. “The purpose is to work on housing for low and moderate income families and to address issues like housing stock improvement, and rehabilitation.”

She added that the city’s long term strategic vision laid the foundation for this partnership.

“The city identified PORCH as a strategic partner in its Vision 2024 plan,” Buck said. “Now we’re moving beyond just having a plan on paper we’re making it happen.”

While details on program eligibility are still being finalized, McElroy said the city is developing a consolidated plan to submit to HUD by the end of the month. A public comment session will follow.

“We haven’t established all the requirements yet,” McElroy said. “But the public will have an opportunity to review the plan and provide comments.”

Buck says that transparency and accountability are key components of the program’s success.

“The money dries up if the work doesn’t occur,” she said. “But we know it’s going to happen because it’s already happening. We’ve been doing this for years and have a strong grasp on what’s required. The city is entrusting us as a partner. It’s a win win.”

The plan is expected to be finalized in October. Once approved, the first year of funding will be released and efforts will focus on rehabilitating existing houses.

“This is about fixing what’s already here and helping current residents,” Buck said. “It’s about building generational wealth.”