Community Development Block Grant and HOME Programs

Welcome to the City of Vancouver’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership programs! These federally funded initiatives are overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Annually, the City of Vancouver is allocated CDBG and HOME funding to support projects and programs that directly benefit residents facing low-income challenges. Navigate through our website to delve into the details of these programs, their impact on our community, and our unwavering commitment to creating a city that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and housing equity.

Updates

Draft Consolidated Plan and opportunity for Public Comment

The City of Vancouver has completed its draft 2024-2028 Consolidated Plan (including the draft 2024 Annual Action Plan), and draft 2024 Community Participation Plan. Every five years, a Consolidated Plan, which outlines community needs and program goals, is developed and submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Additionally, each year an Action Plan, implementing the Consolidated Plan, is developed, which describes in detail the activities that will be undertaken in each respective year of the five-year cycle using the federal CDBG and HOME resources available to the City. The 2024 Action Plan is included as the first year of the 2024 – 2028 Consolidated Plan. The Community Participation Plan outlines how community members can provide input into these plans throughout their duration.

We request that you review the documents and Notice of Public Comment Period and Hearings and provide any comments to our office within the public comment period. Submitted comments will be noted and incorporated into the final plan document. Comments may be submitted in writing to Samantha Whitley, PO Box 1995, Vancouver, WA, 98668-1995, by email to samantha.whitley@cityofvancouver.us or by calling 360- 487-7952 | TTY: 360-487-8602 | WA Relay: 711. To provide comments at the public hearing please register to speak in advance with the Council administrative staff at 360-487-8600 before noon on May 8, 2024.

For any additional information or questions, email housing@cityofvancouver.us.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that supports community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities. Each year, the City of Vancouver receives approximately $1.3 million in CDBG funding to support projects and programs benefiting residents experiencing low-income. Funds are awarded yearly on a competitive basis to programs or projects that are selected and approved by City Council.

The Vancouver City Council determines the funding priorities for the City’s CDBG program based on community needs. Current priorities include: revitalizing eligible neighborhoods, providing housing and services to people experiencing low and moderate income and/or homelessness and providing business technical assistance.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

HOME is the largest Federal block grant to State and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing. HOME funds activities such as building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to people experiencing low income. Each year, the City of Vancouver considers applications for affordable housing activities supported by HOME Funds.

Fair Housing

The City of Vancouver’s CDBG and HOME-funded activities operate under fair housing practices. Fair housing is the right to choose housing free from unlawful discrimination. Fair housing laws protect people from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, and housing choice voucher status. For more information, visit the Fair Housing Center of Washington, the Washington State Human Rights Commission, or the Department of Housing and Urban Development.