Applications for funding under the City of Knoxville's Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and HOME Investment Partnerships Act programs are now available. 

Application packets can be obtained at the Community Development Division, 5th floor, City/ County Building and on the City's web-site at www.knoxvilletn.gov/citygrants
ESG funds are available for projects that assist homeless persons in accordance with the Knoxville-Knox County Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. HOME funding is available to certified Community Housing Development Organizations for housing related activities, including housing development and improvement.

Due to an anticipated decrease in CDBG funding for fiscal year 2008-2009, and no carry-over funds from previous years, the City of Knoxville will only fund subrecipient projects in 2008-09 that provide specific "essential services" to the community on behalf of the Community Development Division. 

CDBG funds will be available to non-profit and public agencies for the following projects:
housing improvement projects, including emergency home repair and minor home repair
home buyer education 
planning and design technical assistance to non-profit and community organizations
management of the homeless information and tracking system.

Both CDBG and HOME funding must be used to assist people who meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's low to moderate income limits (currently $43,850 for a family of four). 

All applications are due by 12:00 (noon) on Monday, February 18, 2008.

Mandatory technical assistance workshops for applicants will be held at the Charles W. Cansler YMCA at 616 Jessamine Street. 

Workshop date and times are:
ESG - Friday, January 25, 2008 9:00 a.m.
CDBG - Friday January 25, 2008 10:00 a.m.
HOME/CHDO - Friday, January 25, 2008 11:00 a.m

Workshop attendance is mandatory for all applicants and funding sources. Applications from agencies not attending the appropriate workshop(s) will not be considered for funding.

A Public Meeting will be held on January 24, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. at the Charles W. Cansler YMCA at 616 Jessamine Street. This meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to give City staff input about community development, housing and homeless needs and issues.

For further information or to have an application package sent to you, please call (865) 215-2120.