GRANT DESCRIPTIONS

GRANT DESCRIPTIONS

  1. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The City of Kenner has received CDBG funds since the authorization of the program by Congress in 1974.  Federal regulations require that no less than 70% of CDBG funds be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate-income.  Activities funded with CDBG dollars must meet eligibility criteria and comply with at least one of the three program National objectives.

The National objectives are:

  • Benefit low- and moderate-income persons
  • Aid in the elimination of slum and blight; and
  • Meet an urgent need
  1. The HOME Investment Partnership Program 

Through the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), HUD allocates funds by formula to eligible states and local governments.  The purpose of the program is to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for low-income families.   The City of Kenner is a member of the Jefferson Parish HOME consortium.  HOME funding is awarded annually to the City of Kenner through the Jefferson Parish Community Development Department, the HOME consortium lead agency.

III. The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

The Emergency Solutions Grant replaced the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program in 2011.  ESG grant applications are submitted annually to the Louisiana, Housing Corporation.    This is a competitive grant process.  The department has been successful in achieving approval of their grant applications and the award of funds for several contiguous years.   ESG grants provide for the operation of two existing emergency shelters, homeless prevention assistance such as rent and utility payments, emergency housing at hotels, short and long-term rental assistance for the homeless, counseling, and other supportive services.

The Department of Community Development also oversees the operation and service delivery systems of three (3) community resource centers. The resource centers are the Arthur P. Clay Center, 200 Decatur St., the Hispanic Resource Center, 4312 Florida Ave., and the Martin Luther King Resource Center, 1042 31st Street. Each center provides a varied group of services to youth, elderly, and non-English speaking citizens. Programs and services offered include free electronic income tax filing, housing & utility assistance, first-time homebuyers training classes, GED, and English as a second language (ESL) classes in collaboration with the Jefferson Parish School System (JPSS), and an after-school tutoring and homework assistance program. Monthly, special guest speakers from law enforcement, health, and social services and legal aid conduct informative workshops and helpful consumer information classes.

The City of Kenner is a recipient of CDBG entitlement funds. We also receive HOME funds through our participation in the Jefferson Parish HOME Consortium. The following is a description of housing, community improvement, and social services offered by the Department of Community Development.