Bordallo announces $4.5 million in federal grants for housing assistance in Guam

by May 3, 2018Congress0 comments

Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D) today announced that the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded the Government of Guam $4,501,845 in federal grant assistance four housing assistance programs in the territory, designated for the following purpose:

  • $3,096,003 was awarded for the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program. CDBG provides annual grants to local governments to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment. CDBG also helps jurisdictions provide economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
  • $1,073,432 was awarded for the HOME program. HOME helps to expand the supply of decent, affordable housing to low- and very low-income families by providing grants to local governments to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities.
  • $235,382 was awarded for the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program. ESG provides funding to engage homeless individuals and families living on the street; improve the number, quality and operations of emergency shelters for homeless individuals and families; provide essential services to shelter residents, rapidly re-house homeless individuals and families, and prevent families/individuals from becoming homeless.
  • $97,028 was awarded for the Housing Trust Fund (HTF). HTF is a new affordable housing production program that will complement existing Federal, State and local efforts to increase and preserve the supply of decent, safe, and sanitary affordable housing for extremely low- and very low-income households, including homeless families.

Bordallo reacted by saying that “[f]inding affordable housing is a significant challenge for many families on Guam and throughout our country. Each year, I support federal investments in these housing assistance programs so that families can receive the assistance they need. While more resources are needed to fully address the challenges on Guam, these grants will give many families an opportunity to obtain and keep a roof over their heads, and support GovGuam’s efforts to offer housing assistance programs. I look forward to GHURA administering these programs and for these federal funds benefitting our community.”