This week is National Community Development Week. During this week, we celebrate local investments of Federal Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) in our community and the many important ways grantees put this funding to work in our community.
The City of South Portland receives annual CDBG funding from Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds support the low- to moderate-income population through public service and public infrastructure projects.
Here is an overview of some recent City of South Portland projects made possible by CDBG funds:
- Westbrook Street Multi-Use Path: Completed the final phase of the path, which now provides a safe, motor vehicle free travel path along Westbrook St. from Gorham Rd. to Wescott Rd.
- Church Street Sidewalk: This new sidewalk, which will be completed this spring/early summer, leads to a crosswalk that provides a safe walking route to a bus stop.
- Redbank Community Center & Senior Center: Completed upgrades including ADA-compliant doors and bathrooms, a new parking lot overlay, and new basketball scoreboards.
In addition, the South Portland Housing Authority installed fiber throughout 10 of their housing locations, enabling free Wi-Fi access to tenants.
CDBG funds also support local services that benefit South Portland residents. These include:
- Meals on Wheels, offered through Southern Maine Agency on Aging, helps combat senior adult food insecurity and social isolation.
- Greater Portland Family Promise works with families to secure housing, case management and financial assistance. Last year they were able to assist 57 families in finding safe housing.
- Through These Doors is a local domestic violence resource center that offers free and confidential services 24/7, 365 days a year. Last year, they were able to provide support to 2,958 individuals that included 5,164 in-person meetings.
Community Development Block Grant Funding makes a tremendous impact and provides opportunities for South Portland community members. If you’d like to learn more about past, present and upcoming projects, please visit the Community Development web page or reach out to staff.