Houston Housing and Community Development Shaping Houston’s Future: Celebrating 50 Years of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Milestones
Highlighting Transformative Projects That Preserve Homeownership and Foster Community Revitalization in Houston
August 22, 2024 -- Houston, Texas -- The City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) proudly celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), a transformative funding source that has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of our city. The CDBG program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), has empowered HCD to spearhead a wide range of projects that have strengthened communities, uplifted lives, and paved the way for a brighter Houston.
As we honor this milestone, HCD spotlights two projects that demonstrate the power of CDBG funding: HCD's Single-Family Home Repair Program and the East End Maker HUB. These initiatives highlight our commitment to community revitalization, economic resilience, and the pursuit and preservation of homeownership, which are vital to sustaining Houston’s vibrant communities and ensuring that all Houstonians have the opportunity to thrive.
Single-Family Home Repair Program: A Legacy of Preservation
HCD’s Single-Family Home Repair Program stands as a testament to the department’s unwavering dedication to preserving the welfare of Houston’s homeowners. The preservation of existing homeownership is a critical pillar in HCD's mission. Since its inception, this program has successfully repaired and restored 287 homes. Services range from providing emergency and minor repairs to demolition and reconstruction.
One shining example is the journey of Mrs. E, a homeowner whose residence bore the scars of Hurricane Harvey, Winter Storm Uri, and years of natural wear. Her home was on the brink of disrepair, posing a threat to her health and safety. Through the support of CDBG funds, HCD’s Single-Family Home Repair Program was able to relocate Mrs. E and undertake a rigorous demolition and reconstruction process.
In May of this year, Mrs. E and her family returned to a newly constructed home—one that is more resilient, designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, and thoughtfully equipped with ease of access features. This revitalized home stands as a symbol of resilience and hope for her family and the community.
East End Maker HUB: Revitalizing Houston’s Economic Future
Community revitalization is at the heart of HCD’s mission, and the East End Maker HUB is a shining example of how CDBG funding can drive economic development. This project was made possible with an investment of CDBG funds along with HUD Section 108 loan guarantees. HCD played a critical role in the transformation of a 307,000-square-foot warehouse into a vibrant hub for small and medium-sized manufacturers and light industrial businesses. This rehabilitated space provides below-market rental opportunities for creative offices, studios, and shops, reinforcing the bridge between economic resilience and community revitalization.
The impact of the East End Maker HUB is profound. It has created over 400 local jobs, providing long-term employment opportunities and fostering business growth in one of Houston’s most dynamic neighborhoods. "This project is a cornerstone of our efforts to strengthen the East End community, demonstrating the power of CDBG funding to drive economic and social progress," said Derek Sellers, Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development.
A Visual Journey of CDBG’s Impact
In honor of CDBG’s 50th anniversary, HCD has crafted a visual snapshot that showcases the essence of how various initiatives funded through CDBG—including the Home Repair Program, the East End Maker HUB, and many others—have transformed communities and enriched the lives of Houstonians. These projects highlight the profound impact of CDBG funding in fostering economic resilience, preserving homeownership, and revitalizing neighborhoods across our city.
Information about the City of Houston Housing and Community Development Home Repair Program can be found at: https://houstontx.gov/housing/home-repair.html
The City of Houston Housing and Community Development (HCD) department makes long-term investments to improve the lives of Houston residents by creating opportunities for every Houstonian to have a home they can afford in a community where they can thrive. Our department will invest approximately $450 million in federal, state, and local funds this fiscal year to construct and maintain affordable homes, reduce barriers to homeownership, support the work of social service providers, build public amenities, and facilitate disaster recovery efforts. Learn more about programs and resources for Houstonians at http://houstontx.gov/housing.
