Foster Announces More Than $2 Million in Grants for Kane County, DeKalb
Grants to Create Housing, Economic Opportunities

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Washington, Jun 24, 2008 - Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-14) announced that Kane County and DeKalb have received grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“I am pleased to announce these grants, as they will allow more families in the 14th district to pursue the American dream of homeownership,” Foster said.  “Current economic conditions are a daunting challenge for many families throughout the district, and the grants that have been awarded to Kane County and DeKalb will give families in our community a chance to obtain quality housing.”

DeKalb received a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $407,155, and Kane County also received a CDBG in the amount of $1,245,786.  The CDBG program provides annual grants to States and local units of government to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment.  The CDBG program also expands economic opportunities, particularly for low- and moderate-income people.

Frank Van Buer, Mayor of the City of DeKalb, said, “We are so pleased to receive this funding, as the money will do tremendous good here in DeKalb.  The grant will aid many important community projects like sidewalk improvements in old neighborhoods and support for Safe Passage, an organization that provides a range of services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, including short and long-term housing.”

In addition, Kane County received an American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) award in the amount of $5,896, and a HOME award of $735,592.  The HOME program helps to expand the supply of affordable housing to low- and very low-income families by providing grants to States and local governments to fund housing programs that meet local needs and priorities.  ADDI is a new initiative under the HOME program, designed to promote homeownership opportunities by providing necessary resources for downpayment and closing cost assistance to low-income and minority households.  

Scott Berger, Program Developer for the Kane County Development Department, said, “This Federal funding plays a critical role in addressing housing and community development issues here in Kane County.  In the coming year, Community Development funds will support a variety of worthwhile projects – everything from reconstructing community infrastructure to developing neighborhood parks.” 

HOME funds will allow Kane County to provide housing rehabilitation loans to families struggling to make ends meet, and provide down payment and closing-cost assistance to first-time homebuyers.  For every dollar in Federal assistance invested under these programs, another $3 in local public and private funding will be leveraged here in Kane County, for a total community investment of approximately $8 million. 

Furthermore, this Federal funding comes as the Kane County Board launches a major public information campaign – “Help for Homeowners” – aimed at making residents aware of the variety of services available to assist them through these difficult economic times.  Among these services is free foreclosure prevention counseling, which Kane County is supporting – in part – with Community Development Block Grant funds.