Community Development Block Grant Celebrates 50th Anniversary

November 13, 2024, marked a momentous occasion as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. These federally funded grants allow communities like Waukesha County the ability to partner with private and non-profit sectors to address community needs. 

"Investing in nonprofit organizations is  a commitment to strengthening the fabric of our community. These organizations provide critical services and resources for residents when they need them most in life, ” Parks & Land Use Director Dale Shaver said. 

About 30 local non-profits across the county use these funds annually to address critical and unmet community needs including those for housing rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, public facilities, infrastructure, job creation, public services, and more. 

For the past 50 years, community partners have worked together with HUD to deliver impactful change, especially for low- and moderate-income communities through CDBG. Each year, over 1,200 state, local, and territorial jurisdictions receive CDBG funds to revitalize and strengthen their communities.  

“Empowering nonprofit organizations amplifies their impact. By directing resources through these channels, we fuel missions that drive transformative change, ensuring essential support reaches every corner of our communities,” Community Development Manager, Kristin Silva said. 

Waukesha County has created a short video to highlight four of our partner non-profit organizations; The Women’s Center, Lake Area Free Clinic, Habitat for Humanity, and The Hope Center. These nonprofit organizations, and many others, work hand in hand with Waukesha County’s Community Development Division to use CDBG to make a difference in our community.  

CDBG Video: 

https://youtu.be/6UDtLR6jxE4 

About Community Development Block Grant: 

Waukesha County - Community Development