Current CDBG and HOME Programs

The City Commission prioritizes the CDBG funding annually based on community need. The 2008/2009 CDBG funding is prioritized as follows:

*	Affordable housing	25%
*	Public facilities improvements	29%
*	Public service activities	15%
*	Economic Development	11%
*	Administration	20%

HOME funding is not prioritized as the single intent of the program is to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing in the community.

A)     City Housing Programs Description

The City of Great Falls offers several programs targeted at promoting affordable housing on a citywide basis. All funds are available on a limited basis and projects are selected by a loan committee on the basis of need and benefit. Specific income guidelines apply to the housing programs. In all instances, the property must be within the city limits of Great Falls and mobile homes are not eligible.

Applications for the programs are accepted year round as funds become available. For complete details, program requirements and applications for these City-sponsored housing rehabilitation programs, see the application online version, contact the Community Development Department at (406) 455-8404, or email Rehab Specialist. These programs include:

1. Deferred Payment Loan Program

   These funds are used primarily to assist single family homeowners in the low income range to make necessary repairs to bring their homes up to code and make them safe and sanitary places to live. The applicant must own the home and have lived in it for at least one year. The funds are provided to the homeowner in the form of an interest free loan; monthly payments are required to begin being paid when the first mortgage is paid off. In addition, the full loan amount is due upon any transfer of title. The maximum loan amount is $20,000 per homeowner.

   
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2. Rental Improvement Fund Program

   
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   These funds are used to assist property owners to make code-related repairs to rental property. Rents for rehabilitated units must be affordable to low income tenants and tenants' rents cannot increase for two years. Funds are provided to the rental property owner in the form of an interest free loan; monthly payments are required to begin being paid back as soon as the project is complete or six months after the loan is awarded, whichever comes first. The maximum loan amount is $10,000 per unit and a maximum of $30,000 is available to any one owner or group.

    

3. Water and Sewer Loan Program

   
   Trench and pipe for a Water and Sewer Loan Program project

   The objective of this program is to stabilize and improve water and sewer service lines by providing financial assistance to landlords and homeowners who own their rental and residential property.

   The water/sewer program will require a re-payment to begin plus 3% interest when the project reaches substantial completion. Handicap, elderly and low income owners may be interest exempt depending on financial ability to repay. Monthly payments are due the first of each and every month.

    

B)     Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. AKA Neighborworks Great Falls

The City has allocated CDBG and HOME funds to Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., to promote affordable housing activities within our community. This agency is using CDBG funds for purchase and rehabilitation of housing, neighborhood clean-up, and other activities which address affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. Currently, HOME funds are being used to construct single family homes and to provide financial assistance to help low income first time home buyers, single heads of households, and disabled people purchase homes.

Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., also has specific income guidelines for the services they provide. Call them at (406) 761-5861 to obtain information and eligibility requirements related to the housing programs they administer.

C)     Accessible Space, Inc.

The City has allocated HOME and CDBG funds to Accessible Space, Inc., a non-profit housing agency, to assist with development of three housing complexes. Southwinds Estates (located at 1615 Oasis Court) is a 24 unit, subsidized, accessible apartment building for low income adults with severe mobility impairment, and it includes 24 hour supportive services. The Portage (located at 1521 23rd Street South) is a 48 unit accessible apartment building for the elderly and low income disabled adults. Meadow Lark Apartments, another 18 unit subsidized, accessible apartment building for low income adults with severe mobility impairments was recently constructed at 1701 1st Street Northwest.

D)     Income Guidelines

Low income guidelines for the City's housing programs are as follows:

Size of Household	Low Income (50% MFI*)	Moderate Income (80% MFI*)
1	$18,150	$29,050
2	$20,750	$33,200
3	$23,350	$37,350
4	$25,950	$41,500
5	$28,050	$44,800
6	$30,100	$48,150
7	$32,220	$51,450
8+	$34,250	$54,800

*MFI - Median Family Income for Great Falls, February 2008

Other financial factors, such as existing assets, are also taken into consideration to determine eligibility for City housing rehabilitation programs. Contact Bruce Haman at (406) 455-8404, or email Bruce Haman, with specific program eligibility questions.

E)    Public Facility and Infrastructure Improvements/ Handicap Accessibility

The City uses the CDBG program to fund activities which will improve public facilities which are primarily used by low income people and to make infrastructure improvements in areas of the community which are primarily low income.

CDBG funds are provided to local non-profit agencies and other City departments to promote handicap accessibility in public buildings and parks.

Public Facility Improvement and Handicap Accessibility activities being funded in 2008/2009 include:

 

2008/2009 PUBLIC FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS LIST

GATEWAY COMMUNITY SERVICES

$13,825
Provide handicap accessible front entryway in facility which houses agency that provides comprehensive community-based alcohol & drug abuse treatment services

GREAT FALLS CITY PARK & RECREATION, COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER—HVAC

$111,961
Heating and cooling system upgrade at Community Recreation Center

GREAT FALLS CITY PARK & RECREATION—WEST KIWANIS PARK

$29,000
Purchase and install handicap accessible play structure, two benches and borders for play area at West Kiwanis Park

GREAT FALLS CITY PUBLIC WORKS—HANDICAP RAMPS

$75,000
Install handicap ramps (curb cuts) to provide handicap accessibility on Central Avenue from 34th to 37th Street, Central Avenue and 42nd Street, 16th Avenue South and 4th Street and other areas at request of disabled citizens

GREAT FALLS CITY PUBLIC WORKS—SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT

$50,000
Grant program to provide assistance to low income homeowners to remove & replace hazardous sidewalks in Census Tracts 3, 4 and 5 (Park Drive to 15th Street North between Central Avenue and 8th Avenue North) and other areas at request of low income homeowners

GREAT FALLS SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER

$7,000
Replace upstairs, ramp, staircase and downstairs entryway carpeting in facility located at 1004 Central Avenue which houses programs to serve the elderly
         Propose funding carpeting on ramp, balance toward other areas

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

$29,262
Install sewer and water lines, excavate for foundation, and install sidewalks and parking pads at three lots where single family houses will be constructed for low income people

HEISEY YOUTH CENTER

$20,000
Remodel locker room at youth center to make it handicap accessible; renovations to include flooring, plumbing, fixtures and partitions

VOICES OF HOPE

$10,000
Install security system on elevator to provide secure access to 24 hour crisis assistance call center

F)    Public Service Activities

The City Commission has allocated CDBG funds to a variety of public service activities that provide services to low and moderate income individuals. Public service activities being funded in 2007/2008 include:

2008/2009 PUBLIC SERVICE ACTIVITIES

AREA VIII AGENCY ON AGING

$25,000
Purchase food for Meals on Wheels, a citywide home delivery meal program for seniors who are handicapped or unable to prepare meals

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF NORTH CENTRAL MONTANA

$20,400
Recreational/educational scholarships for summer program for children from low income families

CASA-CAN CHILDREN’S ADVOCATE NETWORK

$4,800
Purchase computer and volunteer training materials and provide training conference expenses to expand volunteer program which provides advocates for abused and neglected children in the legal system

EASTER SEALS-GOODWILL INDUSTRIES

$17,750
Provide scholarships for P.L.A.Y., an early intervention program for children with Autistic Disorders under the age of three; purchase specialized commercial shredding equipment for Outsources Unlimited, an employment program which provides jobs for disabled workers

FAMILY CONNECTIONS

$18,750
Provide child care scholarships for low income families

GREAT FALLS CITY PARK & RECREATION—COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER

$6,500
Provide scholarships for low income children for after school child care program, summer camp programs, and lifeguard certification

HANDS, INC.

$20,149
Provide child care scholarships for children from low income families

QUALITY LIFE CONCEPTS

$7,211
Purchase and install ceiling tracking system for use as a wheelchair transfer aid at group home for people with developmental disabilities

YOUNG PARENTS EDUCATION CENTER

$17,000
Provide day care scholarships and emergency housing scholarships for low income teen or young adult parents completing high school or GED programs

 

G)     Upper and Lower River Road Water and Sewer District

The City has allocated CDBG funds to the Upper and Lower River Road Water and Sewer District to extend water and sewer mains to connect the district to existing City lines. This project will be implemented in three phases over the next several years and involves a variety of funding sources.

H)     Economic Development

The City Commission has allocated CDBG funds to activities which will create job opportunities for people with low to moderate incomes.

 

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