WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help revitalize local neighborhoods and provide more Rhode Islanders with quality, affordable housing, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Providence will receive over $9.9 million in federal aid through the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program, the Home Investment Partnerships (HOME), the Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) program, and Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG). Reed helped secure these funds in the Fiscal Year 2010 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill.

"This federal funding will help create jobs and support local initiatives. These funds will spur economic development, provide affordable housing, and help improve public facilities in Providence," said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

"This is exactly the type of federal investment that helps strengthen families by providing more affordable homes, builds strong neighborhoods and puts people back to work," said Mayor David Cicilline. "I want to thank the entire Congressional delegation, and in particular, Senator Reed, for advocating on behalf of Rhode Island families every day."

Providence will receive $6,152,614 in CDBG funds; $2,689,100 in HOME funds; $874,203 in HOPWA funds; and $248,396 in ESG funds.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.