Today, the city of Phoenix received $30 million from the Department for Housing and Urban Development for valuable community programming.

The dollars are provided through several federal HUD funding sources, including Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), House Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) and the American Dream Down-payment Initiative (ADDI).

Grant funds are used by the Mayor and Council to support affordable housing efforts, neighborhood revitalization, suitable living environment, job creation and economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.

"The impact this funding has on the Phoenix community is immeasurable," states Mayor Gordon. "It takes a cooperative effort among local and federal agencies to address the needs of low and moderate income residents, not only in Phoenix but in communities across the country, and we look forward to our continued partnership."

The 2004-2005 planning process for the budget allocation plan was initiated in September of 2003 with public hearings. Residents emphasized the need for the continuance of small business assistance, affordable housing, housing rehabilitation, shelters, services for the homeless, and neighborhood blight removal. In addition, residents stated the need for continued support of youth services and facilities, senior day care and services for the disabled.

CDBG program targets funding to local priorities. Housing programs, neighborhood revitalization, public facilities, economic development and public services are the focus of the allocation.

HOME funding supports the need for affordable and supportive housing in Phoenix for lower income persons.

HOPWA dollars are used, where possible, to maintain eligible persons in their current living conditions and to increase the number of shelter, transitional and permanent housing units for persons living with HIV/AIDS.

The ESG Program is used by the Human Services Department to support essential services to address the immediate need of homeless persons living on the street, for the prevention of homelessness through financial assistance in the form of rent and utility payments, the operating costs of emergency shelters and administration of homeless program activities.

ADDI is administered by the Housing Department and provides funding for down payment and closing cost assistance for low and moderate-income first time buyers.