Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The 2023 calendar year is the City of Rome's 19th year as a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement community. CDBG funding is an important source of funds in the City's efforts to address the priority needs of its low and moderate-income citizens and in the revitalization of distressed urban neighborhoods. CDBG funds may be used for property acquisition, relocation and demolition, rehabilitation of residential structures, public services, and job creation/retention activities. Each activity must meet one of the following national objectives for the CDBG program. Rome's CDBG funds have provided approximately $475,000 per year for use on housing and public improvements, primarily in older neighborhoods with concentrations of low-income persons. These funds must be used primarily to benefit low-income persons (based on family size and income); eliminate slum and blight; or address an urgent need. CDBG attracts investment in underserved communities. Every $1.00 of CDBG leverages another $3.68.

Our program at a glance:

• 15 homeowners, who are low/moderate income, received assistance for home repairs in 2022 & 2023 through the CDBG Program. 
• 8 businesses in Rome received Small Business Emergency Assistance in 2021 through the CDBG Program. These grants allowed these businesses to keep their doors open and their employees on payroll. 
• 105 households, who are low/moderate income, received Emergency Rental & Utility Assistance Grants as of March 2022. These grants allowed these households to avoid eviction and utility disconnections.

HUD does not provide CDBG assistance directly to individuals, businesses, nonprofit or organizations, or other non-governmental entities. If you are interested in participating in this program, you need to contact the Community Development Department to find out how the program operates in this area. Participation requirements vary.