Congressman Cohen Announces More Than $14 Million in Federal Housing Funding Bound for Memphis
WASHINGTON -- Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today announced a total of $14,254,835 in federal funds to combat homelessness and support affordable housing programs and facilities for vulnerable populations throughout Memphis. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) HOME Investment Partnership program, Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, Community Development Block Grant program, and Emergency Solutions Grants program.
"Access to affordable, quality housing is a staple of health, happiness, safety and success," said Congressman Cohen. "These federal funds are needed in Memphis and Shelby County, and they'll help to further develop and maintain affordable housing throughout the Ninth District."
Memphis will receive $3,580,035 through HUD's HOME Investment Partnership Grants program, which provides states and local governments, often in partnership with local non-profit organizations, to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. From 1992 – 2016, HOME Investment Partnership Grants have funded the construction of 914 rental units, 2,017 homebuyer units and the rehabilitation of 1,132 homeowner units in the 9th Congressional District of Tennessee.
Memphis will receive $3,547,703 through HUD's Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) grants program, the only Federal program dedicated to the housing needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. Under the HOPWA program, grants are awarded to local communities, States, and nonprofit organizations for projects that benefit low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Memphis will receive $6,586,442 through HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The CDBG program provides annual grants to local governments and states to ensure decent affordable housing, provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion of and retention of businesses. One such example of the use of CDBG funds was the $9/9 million CDBG grant that funded the redevelopment of the downtown Pyramid.
Memphis will receive $540,655 through HUD's Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program. The ESG program provides funds to rehabilitate and operate emergency shelters and transitional shelters, provide essential services, and prevent homelessness.