Make Your Voice Heard on County Plans

By Evelyn Ankers

The county is welcoming public comment on plans to spend millions on housing initiatives.

Montgomery County is holding a hybrid public hearing on its draft plan on Tuesday, June 20, at 6 p.m. Interested parties who wish to offer comment on the draft plan may attend in-person at 425 Swede Street, Room 201, Norristown. There are also virtual options for joining. Registration is required.

There is no question that there is a significant need in Montgomery County for additional affordable housing and programs. There is also a need for a network of shelter and housing support services to not only prevent homelessness, but help transition the homeless into permanent housing. Although some of these services currently exist, they need to be organized, mobilized and increased.

As part of addressing these needs, Montgomery County has recently prepared its Year 4 Action Plan, the fourth of five plans to be prepared under the County’s Five-Year Consolidation Plan Process. This draft plan’s goals are to provide quality housing through an Affordable Housing Strategy, as well as through community development activities in lower income neighborhoods. The plan also aims to provide supportive services so that residents can maintain their independence.

The draft plan indicates the intent to achieve these goals with funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program. An application for these funds can be submitted by 1) a unit of local government; 2: public agencies; 3) non-profit organizations; 4) homeless service providers; and 5) private developers.

Please do not miss this opportunity to make your opinion count!