Big Island Office of Housing and Community Development accepting proposals for federal funding

The County of Hawaiʻi Office of Housing and Community Development has issued a request for proposals for a share of over $10 million in federal funds.

Proposals from eligible agencies and organizations seeking the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants and funding will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. November 15, 2023.

“The Office of Housing and Community Development is pleased to announce this request for proposals for funding that will support a variety of efforts to enhance the quality of life for Hawaiʻi Island communities. Over the years, these federal investments have helped with constructing and renovating low-income, senior, and veteran housing, acquiring and renovating shelters for victims of domestic violence, and making community facilities accessible to all,” said Housing Administrator Susan Kunz. “We encourage all eligible applicants to submit their projects for funding consideration.”

The County of Hawaiʻi anticipates it will receive about $2.6 million for the Community Development Block Grant Program in 2024. The Community Development Block Grant Program encourages the development of viable communities by providing decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities for persons of low and moderate income. For more information on CDBG Program criteria, eligibility requirements, and program objectives, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/cdbg.

For the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the County of Hawaiʻi expects to receive about $3 million in 2024 that can be used to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for very low- and low-income persons. HOME Program funds are allocated through the State of Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation on a three-year rotation basis between Hawaiʻi, Maui and Kauai counties, which means after 2024, the County of Hawaiʻi’s next HOME allocation will come in 2027. For more information on program criteria, eligibility requirements, and program objectives, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/homeprogram.

Under the HOME-American Rescue Plan Program, the County of Hawaiʻi anticipates being allocated over $1.97 million in 2024 through the State of Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The funds can be used for acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction of affordable rental housing primarily for “qualified populations.”

“Qualified populations” include persons or families that are homeless; at risk of homelessness; fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; other populations where providing supportive services or assistance would prevent homelessness; and veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet criteria for one of the qualifying populations. For more information on program criteria, eligibility requirements, and program objectives, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/home-arp.

For the National Housing Trust Fund Program, the County of Hawaiʻi expects to receive about $3 million in 2024 through the State of Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation. The funds can be used to preserve the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing, with primary attention to rental housing for extremely low-income and very low-income households at or below 30% of the area median income, or homeless. Like the HOME Program, funding under the National Housing Trust Fund Program is allocated on a three-year rotation basis between Hawaiʻi, Maui and Kauai counties, which means after 2024, the County of Hawaiʻi’s next National Housing Trust Fund Program allocation will come in 2027. For more information on program criteria, eligibility requirements, and program objectives, please visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/htf.

HOW TO APPLY FOR CDBG FUNDING

Project proposals for Community Development Block Grant funding will only be accepted electronically through an online application platform launched September 1, 2023. For more information on CDBG Program criteria, eligibility requirements, and program objectives, and to submit an electronic proposal, visit www.hawaiicounty.gov/cdbg.

HOW TO APPLY FOR HOME, HOME-ARP, AND HTF FUNDING

HOME, HOME-ARP, and HTF project proposals must be submitted in printed hard-copy format. Each program’s online proposal packet includes an application. The original project proposal and two copies must be received by 4:30 p.m. November 15, 2023, at one of the following locations:

• Office of Housing and Community Development, Kinoʻole Plaza, 1990 Kinoʻole Street, Suite 102, Hilo, HI 96720
• Office of Housing and Community Development, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740