WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help revitalize local neighborhoods and provide more Rhode Islanders with safe and affordable housing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Providence will receive over $9.4 million in federal aid through the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program, the Home Investment Partnership (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG), and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) program bringing Rhode Island's total funding for these programs to over $28.3 million for fiscal year 2009. Reed helped secure these funds in the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill, which was approved by the U.S. Senate earlier this year.

"This is a flexible source of federal funding that helps create jobs and economic opportunities for local businesses. These funds will spur economic development, provide affordable housing, and help improve public facilities in Providence," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

"Jack Reed is a great fighter for Providence and his leadership is especially important in these difficult economic times. Thanks to a strong partnership with Senator Reed and the Obama Administration, we will be able to steer critical help to many of our residents who need it most," said Mayor Cicilline.

Providence will receive $5,666,429 million in CDBG funds; $2,701,863 in HOME funds; $820,541 in HOPWA funds; and $246,933 in ESG funds.

In July, Senator Reed announced the following federal grants for Rhode Island:

CDBG
Rhode Island State Program: $5,229,149
Pawtucket: $2,077,204
Woonsocket: $1,339,292
Cranston: $1,097,397
Warwick: $932,190
East Providence: $815,000

HOME
Rhode Island State Program: $5,489,680
Pawtucket: $858,871
Woonsocket: $582,144

ESG
Rhode Island State Program: $351,914
Pawtucket: $90,687
Woonsocket: $58,512

CDBG provides local municipalities with a flexible source of federal funding to address a wide range of neighborhood development needs. The money may be used for capital-improvement projects or distributed to non-profit organizations that benefit the community.

HOME 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.

ESG provides annual grants to state and local governments as well as private entities to upgrade and expand emergency homeless shelters.

HOPWA provides grants to local communities, states, and nonprofit organizations so they can offer housing assistance and related supportive services to low-income individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

These programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).