Grant Will Support Affordable Housing and Economic Development in South Flint
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Representative Dan Kildee today announced the City of Flint and the Flint Housing Commission will receive a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The grant will support the replacement of the Atherton East public housing complex with new modern, affordable housing units, and will help current residents relocate to neighborhoods in South Flint with better access to basic services and job opportunities.
“Flint families have shown tremendous strength in the face of serious challenges, and this award will help build a brighter future for this resilient community,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to support this project that will not only build new affordable housing, but will also help revitalize the entire community.”
“Thanks to the hard work and focused determination of so many community leaders, Flint has made incredible progress,” said Senator Stabenow. “New affordable housing builds on this progress, strengthening neighborhoods and creating job opportunities for Flint residents. There is still much more that needs to be done but today’s announcement is another step forward in the city’s recovery.”
“My hometown of Flint is full of promise and this federal grant is an important part of our community’s recovery. Flint families have been through a lot, but our community is tough and Flint is coming back even stronger than before. By boosting economic growth and supporting affordable housing, this Choice Neighborhood grant will mean new investments and opportunities for Flint families,” said Congressman Kildee.
In addition to boosting economic development, the grant will support several Flint community organizations that are partnering with the Flint Housing Commission to provide services to South Flint residents. Mott Community College Workforce Development will provide career case management services to help residents secure employment; Hurley Medical Center will help residents access basic health care services, including nutrition counseling and mental health services; and The Flint and Genesee Literacy Network will connect families with educational programming to improve literacy.
Peters, Stabenow and Kildee sent a letter to HUD in support of Flint’s application. The letter was also signed by 11 other members of Michigan’s Congressional Delegation.
Choice Neighborhood Grants leverage public and private investments to help local development organizations revitalize struggling neighborhoods.
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