The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. The primary objective of the CDBG program is the development of viable urban communities, principally for low-income persons through the provision of the following:
- Decent housing
- A suitable living environment
- Economic opportunity
CDBG grantees are responsible for assuring that eligible activities meet one of the following three national objectives:
- Directly benefit low-income persons: The project must be located in a Harris County target area or serve an area with Harris County’s service area where at least 51% of the residents are low income persons (Area Benefit), or must provide a direct benefit to Harris county individuals or families, the majority of whom are considered low income based on the median area income figures (Limited Clientele Benefit.)
- Aid in the prevention of slum or blight: The applicant must supply proof that the area meets the State or local government’s definition of slums and blight.
- Meet an urgent need: The activity provides a remedy to a serious and immediate health or welfare problem, such as a natural disaster; and there are no other funds available; and the problem is or a recent origin.