KANKAKEE, Ill. (June 23, 2020) – The Mayor’s Advisory Committee (MAC) and City Council approved funding for fiscal year 2020-2021 to four local nonprofits through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA).

 

The purpose of the Public Service Program is to aid not-for-profit agencies that provide comprehensive services to low-to-moderate income persons in the City of Kankakee. The following programs received funding:

• Catholic Charities-$12,040 for transitional housing furnishings and utilities
• Fortitude- $20,000 for shelter supplies
• KCCSI- $13,500 for senior nutrition program
• Options- $15,000 for portable ramp program and $8,000 for homeless prevention

 

The application process was between December 2, 2019 and January 17, 2020.  A letter of intent from each applicant had to be received by December 13, 2019 to be eligible for funding. The public hearing was held May 7, 2020 via YouTube and Comcast local channel four due to the state’s Executive Stay-at-Home Order while each applicant was allotted 10 minutes to present their program.

 

“Your community is our community and we’re here to help,” said Jan Gathing, the Public Service Administrator and Assistant Program Manager for ECDA.  Mrs. Gathing works with applicants during the application process and monitors each social service agency’s program to ensure needs are being met across the City.   

 

“The agencies receiving funds are working overtime to assist with some of our most vulnerable residents with the greatest needs,” comments Executive Director Barbi Brewer-Watson, “I am grateful that the City has the opportunity to fund their efforts.”  

 

The Community Development Block Grant is part of a five-year strategic plan followed by annual action plans by the City of Kankakee to develop viable urban communities by providing “decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.”

 

“As we move Kankakee Forward, the administration will continue to work collaboratively with  community organizations to ensure that residents are receiving the services required to enhance their quality of life. I am grateful to allocate these funds to our local nonprofits who work tirelessly throughout our community,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

 

The Public Service Program has been administered by the City of Kankakee for over 20 years.  The next application process will open the first Monday in December 2020.

 

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About the Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA):

The Kankakee Economic and Community Development (ECDA) is a local government agency whose mission is to improve the lives of Kankakee residents and enhance the economic vitality of communities through housing, economic development and community development. The ECDA administers programs that serve the neighborhoods and residents of the City of Kankakee provided by federal, state and local funding. For more information, contact ECDA at 815-933-0506, Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

About the City of Kankakee, Illinois:

The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

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