Will County celebrates National Community Development Week April 5– 9, 2021

Communities across the nation will recognize projects funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and HOME Program projects during National Community Development Week, April 5-9.

Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant acknowledged since 1982, the county has received more than $69 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

“Utilizing CDBG program resources, the county has funded a number of projects over the years, including significant public infrastructure improvements to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitary services in under-served areas of the county,” she said.

A recently funded project in Wilmington will include water main replacement to reduce water loss, improve water quality and pressure, and increase fire protection services in a qualified area.

Will County has also received more than $16 million in HOME funds since the program’s inception in 1992. The HOME Consortium uses HOME funds for activities supporting affordable housing, including acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, home buyer assistance, and tenant based rental assistance.

“This past year has reminded us of how important it is to have access to safe, stable housing,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “We encourage residents to visit the county’s website as there are a number of resources available to residents to assist with affordable housing.”

This year’s National Community Development Week will spotlight the impact that CDBG and HOME funds have on communities across the United States, and locally in Will County. In honor of this week, and April as Fair Housing Month, the Community Development Division will launch their Program Year 2021 application process, host a number of listen & learn WebEx events, and spotlight previously funded partners.

The Division uses a fair housing initiative entitled We WILL Build to expand the range of opportunities for all by creating livable communities with diversity of housing stock in the county. Housing not only provides shelter, but also offers stability, economic means, dignity, family ties and ultimately strengthens a community. Having diverse housing options and modern housing solutions, inclusive of all lifestyles and incomes, increases community resiliency and promotes economic development and prosperity.

Those interested in learning more about Will County Block Grant Programs are invited to attend the events scheduled for this month. Visit the website: https://www.willcountyillinois.com/County-Offices/Economic-Development/Will-County-Land-Use-Department/Community-Development-Division/Grant-Administration/We-WILL-Build to learn more about these various programs.

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Tags: Will County Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant fair housing shelter We WILL Build block grants

Documents to download

National Community Development Week 4-6-21 final(.pdf, 1.17 MB) - 228 download(s)