Penn Hills residents, community organizations request CDBG funding

Penn Hills is set to receive $674,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds — $26,000 less than last year — in addition to $35,000 from homeowners repaying loans as part of its CDBG-funded housing rehabilitation program. Another $110,000 for affordable housing will come from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, a $10,000 reduction compared to last year.

On March 9, officials heard suggestions from residents and community organizations in the first of two public hearings to guide the spending.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development administers CDBG funds to communities based on the extent of poverty, population changes, housing conditions and other factors. Municipalities must use the money to benefit low- and moderate-income residents, combat blight or address other urgent community development needs — all outlined in an annual action plan sent to the agency.

Planning director Chris Blackwell said he was eager to hear the public’s ideas on how to spend the funds, but wanted attendees to keep financial constraints in mind.

“Our budget is pretty tight, so that if we’re going to fund new public services, it’s going to have to take away from one we already have,” Blackwell said.

Isis Chatman, founder and chief executive of consulting company Ruth’s Way, spoke about her organization’s mission to help girls and young women overcome barriers to achievement. Chatman requested funding to hold forums and one-on-one consulting sessions with clients from low-income households.

Ruth’s Way received $5,000 in CDBG funding last year, and, according to Blackwell, used the money to help 50 girls and young women in Penn Hills.

Kathy Lynch, coordinator for the Penn Hills Service Assocation’s food pantry, requested money to purchase essential food items and Shop ‘n Save gift cards for families in need.

“We all know the cost of food is rising,” Lynch said. “Over the last few months, we’ve had six or seven new clients sign up for food. We believe this number will continue to increase.”

The organization received $30,000 in CDBG funds last year to ”provide food, clothing, and medical supplies to low-income residents and families,” the Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Action Plan shows.

Penn Hebron Garden Club president Felix Catlin gave the final presentation of the evening. He said the club tends to “fall through the cracks” on funding and has struggled to access HUD dollars in the past.

Catlin specifically mentioned the need for a new sidewalk by the garden club with an estimated cost of less than $10,000. According to Catlin, the club is considering spending its remaining American Rescue Plan money to accomplish this, but would like to explore other funding sources.

The planning commission will hold another public hearing on March 23 before council meets on April 17 to approve the CDBG and HOME budget.