Delaware to Receive $750,000 to Renovate Central Branch YMCA

WASHINGTON, DC – Delaware’s Congressional delegation today announced that as a result of their direct efforts, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will provide $750,000 for renovations to the Central Branch YMCA, which they worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2002 VA-HUD Appropriations Bill. Additionally, HUD will release $5,263,000 for housing and related public facilities improvements that serve the needs of low and moderate-income persons in Delaware, and $4,915,000 for Community planning and development projects in the city of Wilmington. “The YMCA of Delaware fulfills a vital need within our community. It provides people a safe and decent place to live as they transition into a more self-sufficient life,” said Biden. “The funding provided for the Central Branch YMCA will be used to renovate single-room occupancy units for low income individuals. It helps the YMCA start people down the road to permanent homes.” Carper said. “The YMCA is an integral part of our community, serving those in need during hardship and these renovations will help improve the facility to more fully address their needs and help them become self sufficient,” said Castle. The $5,263,000 grant for housing and related public facilities improvements would allot $2,036,000 for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), $3,008,000 for HOME grants, $79,000 for Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) and $150,000 for HOPWA grants. HUD allocates the funding according to various projects specific needs whether it is through a CDBG, HOME, or ESG grant. Projects and activities that benefit from the funding include improvements to existing homeless shelters, maintenance and operating costs, mortgage assistance, security deposits, new construction and rehabilitation activities, and supportive services to promote housing opportunities for persons with AIDS and their families. The $4,915,000 grant for community planning and development in the city of Wilmington would allot $3,078,000 for CDBG grants, $717,000 for HOME grants, $105,000 for ESG grants, and $1,015,000 for HOPWA grants. The City will use these funds to continue to provide funding for various new and on-going projects throughout the City. These projects include but are not limited to the following: Kuumba Academy Charter School St. Anthony’s Community Center Kingswood Community Center, Inc. Kappa Mainstream Leadership, Inc. Catholic Charities Delaware Center for Justice The Ministry of Caring Customer Service Office Information Carelink Community Support Services Latin American Community Center Christmas in April Facade Program