City of Charleston

The Mayor's Office of Economic and Community Development strives to be a leader and an active partner in the development of a viable, urban community, the City of Charleston, by providing safe, decent housing, suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities targeted to low-to-moderate income persons.

Staff Amie Brada, General Information (304) 348-8035

For additional information, questions or comments, please contact the MOECD via email to moecd@cityofcharleston.org.

MOECD PROGRAMS

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

The primary objective of the CDBG Program is the development of viable communities, including decent housing, suitable living environments and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate income residents.

“CDBG” is an acronym for the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant program.  The CDBG program is authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.  Its primary objective is the development of viable urban communities.  Viable communities are achieved by providing:

• A decent housing
• A suitable living environment; and
• Expanded economic opportunities, principally for low– and moderate-income people.
• The CDBG program grew out of eight programs:
• Open Space
• Urban Renewal
• Neighborhood Development Program grants
• Historic Preservation grants
• Model Cities supplemental grants
• Public Facilities loans
• Neighborhood Facilities grants
• Water and Sewer grants
• Eligible activities under the CDBG program include the following:
• Acquisition of real property
• Disposition of real property
• Public facilities and improvements
• Clearance, demolition of property
• Public services
• Loss of rental income
• Housing services
• Housing rehabilitation
• Code enforcement
• Historic preservation
• Special economic development
• Planning
• Fair housing

While all of these activities are eligible based on the HUD CDBG regulations, only the activities ranked “high” or “medium” in the city’s Consolidated Plan will be funded through the city’s CDBG program.  However, the city may write letters of support on behalf of agencies seeking funding from other sources for activities determined to have a “low” ranking.

In addition to being eligible, proposed activities must meet at least one national CDBG program objective:

• Benefit low– and moderate-income people;
• Eliminate or prevent slums or blight;
• Address urgent needs posing a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the community.

Funds are awarded to non-profit organizations on a competitive basis.  An application must be completed and submitted to the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Community Development by 5:00 PM on Monday, February 01, 2010. 

Charleston Owner-Occupied Rehab Programs (CORP) Emergency Rehab - up to $3,500 grant

• Owner Rehab - up to $20,000 forgivable loan
• {50% and below income guidelines - forgivable loan}
• {51% to 80% income guidelines - 3% 10-year loan}

HOME Program and HOME Blend Program (First Time Home Buyers) - both are designed to assist low-mod persons in becoming a homeowner. American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) – used in conjunction with the HOME programs to assist first-time homebuyers.

Rebuilding Together - Annual one day event held in April. Local volunteers rehabilitate homes. Applications are available in months of October, November and December. Homeowner must be low moderate income and be located within the city of Charleston corporate limits.

World Changers - This is a week long event held in July. Volunteers, 15-21 year olds, perform rehabilitation work. Volunteers are sponsored by Southern Baptist Association and come from throughout the US to Charleston. Homeowner must be low moderate income and be located within the corporate limits of the City of Charleston. Call MOECD for application availability.

Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) Program - operational and supportive services to homeless providers in the City of Charleston.

FUNDING CYCLE

The City's CDBG program operates on the fiscal year, with new funding becoming available every July 1. During each program year, MOECD holds at least 3 public hearings (November, December and January) to receive input from citizens and non-profit organizations regarding its program and policies. Applications are due by the end of January for funds to be disbursed after July 1 of the same year. Amendments to the Block Grant budget are advertised in the local newspapers for 30 days prior to funding availability in order to receive citizen input. All recipients of the Block Grant program are required to sign an agreement with the City at the beginning of the funding cycle.

ALLOCATION

FY 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan