Community Development Block Grant
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a flexible federal program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs.
The City of Central Falls along with the 32 other non-entitlement Rhode Island municipalities apply to the State Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) for funds on an annual basis. Funds are applied for awarded in the competitive application process.
"While the program supports a myriad of activities including housing, economic development, facilities/improvements, services and planning - the program's priorities are housing, economic development and neighborhood revitalization. Revitalization is a targeting of resources on a designated, distressed, predominately low- and moderate- income neighborhood. All activities must meet a national objective, the primary of which is predominate benefit to low- and moderate- income persons.” ohcd.ri.gov
The City of Central Falls will continue to collaborate with local organizations to address community needs. Some current and previous community development partners include: Pawtucket Central Falls Development, Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, Housing Network of Rhode Island, Family Services of Rhode Island, SER Jobs for Progress, Riverwood Mental Health, New Hope for Families, Progreso Latino, and more.
Some recent CDBG-funded projects include:
- Workforce Development with SER Jobs for Progress
- Major improvements to Jenks, Sacred Heart, and Crossman Parks
- Closing cost assistance program with PCFD
- Renovation of the Veterans Memorial Park
- Remediation & Renovation of the Macomber Stadium Park
- Affordable housing development with PCFD
- Housing Support Specialist with Family Services of Rhode Island
- Business Microenterprise Stabilization Grant (MicroE) Program
