The City of Jacksonville will join communities throughout the nation to observe National Community Development (NCD) Week, April 17 - 22, recognizing the contributions and successful outcomes of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. CDBG is a federal formula entitlement grant awarded annually to the City through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. NCD Week is observed to raise awareness about the benefits provided to the community through various CDBG programs.
Since 1975, the City of Jacksonville has received more than $393 million in CDBG funds that have been used to develop and implement a wide-range of programs directed toward neighborhood revitalization, economic development and improving community services. Throughout the years, the Jacksonville community has benefited from many projects and services funded with federal grant dollars including new streets, sidewalks, water and sewer lines, parks, housing repairs and more.
The Housing and Community Development Division of the Neighborhoods Department has planned week-long events showcasing many of the programs and services provided through the CDBG program. The events will also recognize the significant role these programs play in improving the quality of life for Jacksonville citizens.
National Community Development Week Activities:
Monday, April 17
NCD Week Kick-off and Support Rally – 10:30 a.m.
Edward Waters College (1697 Kings Rd. – 32209)
The Mayor’s Office will present a proclamation designating April 17 – 22 National Community Development Week. Local and federal officials will participate to observe the contributions of the CDBG program to the City of Jacksonville.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Book Fair – 12:30 p.m.
Kings Trail Elementary (7401 Old Kings Rd. S. – 32217)
CDBG funds were used to pay stipends to 18 low and moderate income Foster Grandparents volunteers who tutor and mentor 600 local youth.
Tuesday, April 18
Single family and Multi-family Affordable Housing Tour – 10 a.m.
Ed Ball Building (214 N. Hogan St. – 32202)
The housing tour will showcase some of the current affordable housing projects in Jacksonville. The tour will begin at 214 N. Hogan St. and continue to single family projects in the Pine Forest & Oakland Commons areas and multi-family projects located at 1055 1st St. E, 122 8th St., 5175 N. Main St., and 1250 16th St. W. Persons interested in joining the tour should contact Tina Beals at 904-255-8208.
What Community Development Means to Me Youth Poster Contest – 4 p.m.
The Bridge of Northeast Florida, Inc. (1824 North Pearl St. – 32206)
CDBG funds were used for personnel to provide after-school academic enrichment activities, health education courses, job skills training and employment programs for teens ages 14-18 through The Bridge of Northeast Florida, Inc. Funding also supports a summer camp program offering positive youth programs and opportunities for employment to 185 low and moderate income underserved at-risk youth.
Wednesday, April 19
Grand Opening of the Beaver Street Veterans Villas Permanent Housing – 2:30 p.m.
Beaver Street Veterans Villas (605 W. Beaver St. – 32202)
CDBG funds were used to update and improve a vacant three-story building now known as the Beaver Street Veterans Villas. The updates to the new Clara White Mission facility provide 16 mixed use permanent housing units for homeless veterans. The building also offers commercial and program space. Mayor Curry is scheduled to attend.
What Community Development Means to Me Youth Poster Contest – 4 p.m.
Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, Inc. (3856 Grant Rd. – 32207)
CDBG funds were used for personnel to provide healthy social and emotional development programming to 525 girls through activities that encourage personal responsibility, increase self-esteem, teach skills to address and resolve conflict productively, and reduce high-risk behaviors.
Thursday, April 20
What Community Development Means to Me Youth Poster Contest – 10 a.m.
The Arc Jacksonville, Inc. (1050 North Davis St. – 32209)
CDBG funds were used for personnel to serve approximately 2,050 persons with disabilities and their families providing them access to information, training, resource materials and more.
Grand Opening Reception of Gateway’s New Outpatient/Administrative Building – 5 p.m.
Gateway Community Services (555 Stockton St. – 32204)
CDBG funds were used to improve the administrative outpatient building that provides adult residential treatment, and adolescent outpatient treatment for 2,000 low to moderate income clients.
Friday, April 21
In-Service Meeting – 9 a.m.
Mary Singleton Center (150 E. 1st St. – 32206)
CDBG funds were used to pay stipends to 18 low and moderate income Foster Grandparents volunteers who tutor and mentor 600 local youth.