The city of Benton Harbor is working on a five-year plan for use of its federal Community Development Block Grant dollars, and it’s seeking the public’s input.
The city receives hundreds of thousands of dollars per year through the CDBG program, and Mayor Marcus Muhammad tells us those funds are used to benefit residents.
“Eligible expenditures would include home improvements,” Muhammad said. “We are able to donate funds as well to homeless shelters, food pantries. We are also able to do infrastructure work in low-income areas to improve the quality of life.”
Muhammad says points of pride for the program include home improvements the city can help residents complete and work with homeless shelters. Residents are invited to a March 26 public meeting to offer their thoughts.
“So there are a variety of eligible expenses. The needs assessment allows for us to zero in on the most important needs or areas that residents express.”
The CDBG funds have also supported the city’s youth summer jobs program, blight removal, and a meal program for the home-bound elderly.
The public meeting as the city assesses its needs will be March 26 starting at 5:30 p.m. at city hall. Everyone’s invited.
