On Nov. 13 the Pomona Neighborhood Services Department met at the Pomona City Council Chambers for the first community needs meeting.
This meeting is part of the Annual Action Plan and served to get the community’s opinion on how federal funds should be spent.
The funds come from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and go to federal entitlement programs including the Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnerships Program and Emergency Solutions Grant.
The CDBG program goes mainly for public infrastructure and public services. These services include housing rehabilitation, historic preservation and public facilities. For 2018-19, Pomona was given $2,167,226.
The HOME program addresses health and safety issues for homeowners such as repair, construction and rent. While discussing the community impact of HOME, pictures were shown.
“That’s why we keep these pictures. It’s very rewarding, very rewarding,” housing analyst Isabel Abundis said.
Pomona received $803,709 this year for HOME. This program has been regaining funding since the 2008 recession.
Neighborhood Services tab on Pomona website has info on criteria for services and how to apply, and it is mostly income-based.
“As long as we tell HUD that we’re addressing a need, then we should be okay,” Abundis said.
ESG goes towards help for the homeless.
This includes emergency shelter, homeless prevention, street outreach and rapid rehousing. This program has the least amount of funding at $181,281.
The program will be implemented by a non-profit agency that is familiar with the community.
Pomona residents can participate in the decision for spending by filling out a survey available on the City of Pomona website.
The survey asks the community what they view as priorities.
Residents can vote on housing, community development, homeless services, public service, and more. The responses from the community will go to City Council as a recommendation for spending focus.
The next meeting will be held on Dec. 4 at the Pomona City Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m.
