By: Yuritza Arroyo
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced that the County of Union is allocating $2.2 million in CDBG funds through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to organizations to help residents impacted by Covid-19, according to officials.
“This is an investment in our County that will help provide important building upgrades and social services to organizations in helping residents who still may be recovering from Covid-19, Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados.
“Many residents faced financial and career hardship due to the pandemic, and this additional money will help boost the many programs and services our residents need.
I encourage all organizations who are eligible to log onto our website and apply today. Together, we will continue to build a stronger Union County to strengthen our community and improve the quality of life for all.”
The funding is to be spent to prepare for, respond to, or prevent COVID-19. Any project administered with these funds must also meet CDBG regulations and criteria.
Funding is available in specific assistance categories for organizations to administer to residents impacted by COVID-19.
In making decisions for funding with this special CDBG-CV allocation, Union County will consider factors such as the eligibility, national objective, and whether the project provides substantial community benefits to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.
Projects must serve a majority of low and moderate-income persons. Projects must be ready to implement immediately. Eligible sub-recipients may use the funds for building improvements (public facilities); and public services that prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.
The County of Union encourages applicants only to apply to administer funds within their capacity. “The Community Development Block Grant program makes a big difference in our County, and it is with grants like these that we are able to make important investments in infrastructure and, most importantly, investments in our residents,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon, who serves as the CDBG Liaison.
“Organizations who are accepted are going to benefit greatly from this funding, and their growth will overall help us continue to succeed as a County.”
Applications will be reviewed and scored for the applicant’s financial/accounting capacity and compliance, community need for the proposed project, overall project benefits, experience, and HUD compliance.
By request, translation services and documents, as well as alternative accessible document formats, are available to persons with varying language needs or disabilities.
The CDBG-CV Application is now available on our website www.ucnj.org/cdbg and will close on Friday, February 3, 2023, at 5 pm. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.