Interested in spiffing up the neighborhood?

SAN DIEGO – Residents who want to improve the community where they live might qualify for federal money depending on the project. In the past, residents, non-profits and other businesses have helped senior centers and parks, made drainage improvements and hosted neighborhood trash clean-up events, projects made possible with federal community development funds.

The County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will tell area residents how to apply for the funds at a public meeting on Sept. 17, 10 a.m., at the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane, in the Eucalyptus Room.

The money comes from the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and is given out by HCD. The funds are designed to help lower income residents of the unincorporated area pay for improvement projects that benefit the public. Proposals must show the public benefit and meet the County Board of Supervisors’ strategic priorities.

Federal officials are still determining final eligibility requirements. The deadline to submit proposals for CDBG funding is Oct. 18.

The upcoming meetings will also provide general information about the following programs, HOME Investment Partnerships and CDBG Affordable Housing Programs, Emergency Solutions Grants, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS.

Additional information and applications are available at http://www.sdhcd.com or at the HCD office located at 3989 Ruffin Road in Kearny Mesa. The public can also contact Luisa Tumini at (858) 694-4810 or [email protected]. People who are hearing impaired can call (866) 945-2207.

Anyone who needs assistance to participate in the meeting (e.g., non-English speaking, hearing or visually impaired, etc.) should call HCD staff at least five days prior to the meeting for special arrangements.