CRANSTON, RI - In an effort to help revitalize neighborhoods and provide more Rhode Islanders with access to safe and affordable housing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Cranston, Pawtucket, Warwick and Woonsocket will receive over $7.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The funds are provided through three different HUD programs: the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG); the Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESG); and the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME).

Recipient - Grant Type - Amount

Cranston - CDBG - $1,205,066

Pawtucket - CDBG - $2,261,240

Pawtucket - HOME - $854,678

Pawtucket - ESG - $91,066

Warwick - CDBG $1,029,391

Woonsocket - CDBG - $1,457,237

Woonsocket - ESG - $58,728

Woonsocket - HOME - $579,514

COMBINED: $7,536,920

"This funding will help cities improve public facilities and address critical housing and economic development needs," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, who helped secure the funding. "These programs are designed to give local communities the resources and flexibility they need to revitalize neighborhoods, increase affordable housing, and boost our economy."

The CDBG program funds activities that allow recipients to implement a variety of community development activities, such as affordable housing, public infrastructure improvements, job creation, and public services that primarily benefit low and moderate income households.

ESG funds will be distributed to public and private organizations to improve the quality and number of emergency homeless shelters.

The HOME program helps to expand the supply of quality, affordable housing to working families by providing federal grants to state and local governments to fund housing programs.

Reed has been a consistent supporter of these community development and housing assistance programs.

CDBG and HOME funds go directly to cities and towns which distribute them to non-profit agencies and local neighborhood groups that competitively apply for the funding.