Ten nonprofit organizations aiding low- to moderate-income Fort Wayne residents are getting their share of $360,000 from the federal government. The funding comes from the City’s Community Development Block Grant -- or CDBG -- dollars.
Every year, the City of Fort Wayne forms a committee to determine which organizations should benefit from the federal government’s annual disbursement of CDBG dollars.
This year, organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne, Just Neighbors and other community groups providing assistance with shelter, basic needs and youth development received a piece of the $360,000.
Mayor Tom Henry says these dollars are critical to Fort Wayne staying innovative and unique in comparison to other communities.
“We all offer tax abatements and TIF financing and all these other tools that are made available to us, so we needed to come up with something a little bit better than those that we compete with," said Henry. "So we’ve really delved into the area of quality of life.”
Wellspring was another organization to earn funding. Executive Director Frank Zirille says the funding will help his nonprofit meet increasing demands locally.
“Last year, we were up 50 percent in the number of emergency individuals we serve," Zirille said. "So far this year, we’re up 20 percent, so there’s a need out there. And we try to be available.”
CDBG funding is approved based on the city’s committee recommendations and its five-year consolidated plan for Housing and Urban Development dollars.
