Community Development Department
Improving the quality of life in Amarillo’s low and moderate income neighborhoods is the primary goal of the Community Development Department. The Community Development Department administers five major federal programs funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The two primary programs are the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the Housing Assistance Payments program. Each year the City of Amarillo receives approximately $3 million for the CDBG, HOME and ESG programs and $8 million for the Housing Assistance program. Community Development is a city department and its 17 employees are City employees. The funds to operate the department and pay salaries are provided by HUD through grants and contracts.
CDBG (Community Development Block Grant)
The purpose of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is to develop viable urban communities and improve the living and economic environment of low and moderate income households and neighborhoods. Typical CDBG projects include street paving, park improvements, demolition and clearance, rehabilitation of private homes owned by low income families, subsidized child care and adult day care, and the renovation and expansion on non-profit community facilities, such as senior citizens centers, recreational and youth centers. Funding for projects is considered in May and June of each year. Project must be located within the TARGET AREA.
Community Development Block Grant Application Information
Demolition & Clearance
Demolition and Clearance - Information on the demolition and clearance of substandard structures can be obtained by calling (806) 378-3005.
Environmental Review
Environmental Review information for CDBG, HOME, & ESG projects can be obtained by calling (806) 378-3005.
Finding of no significant impact on the environment - intent to request release of funds -Downtown Women’s Center-Abba House
Finding of no Significant Impact on the Environment Intent to Request Release of Funds – August 20, 2010
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR THE HOMELESS
The Emergency Shelter Grant assists non-profit agencies to improve the lives and safety of the homeless in Amarillo. Between 9 and 11 shelters are supported each year.
Homeless Assistance - Information regarding shelters, travelers’ assistance, and emergency food and clothing if available from the United Way Helpline (211 Texas) at (806) 373-2662 or 211 or by visiting the Tyler Street Resource Center at 200 S. Tyler.
A program called Shelter Plus Care offers rental assistance and case management to homeless persons with mental illness. The Shelter Plus Care program is a 5 year project coordinated with Texas Panhandle Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority.
The Supportive Housing Program provides rental subsidies and case management to homeless families. This contract is coordinated with Catholic Family Service. For more information on the Shelter Plus Care Program or Supportive Housing Program call (806) 378-6281.
The Transitional Housing Program provides rental assistance to individuals and families who are homeless. For more information, contact 806-378-6281.
HOMEBUYERS ASSISTANCE
A Homebuyer's Assistance program helps low & moderate income families buy a home by giving them a down payment
and closing cost grant. The grant will provide 75% of the costs up to $5000. There are 20 participating lenders. About 120 homebuyers are helped annually. For more information on the Homebuyer's Assistance, call (806) 378-9319 or view the applications/forms on the right side of the menu bar.
HOMEOWNER GRANT ASSISTANCE
The Emergency Repair Grant program uses CDBG money to provide lower income homeowners grants to repair hazardous or life threatening problems in their homes. Renovations to improve accessibility can also be made. Examples of work include replacement of water and sewer lines, water heaters, heating systems, and gas lines. Accessibility may include contraction of ramps, curb cuts, handrails, widening of exterior and interior doors, and bathroom modifications. The maximum grant is $3500 in a 12 month period.
RENTAL ASSISTANCE
The Section 8 Housing Assistance programs pay rent subsidies to owners of existing rental property on behalf of lower income families, elderly and disabled persons. For more information on the Housing Assistance program call (806) 378-3098. Applications are taken the first Tuesday of each month between 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. The waiting list is approximately 18-24 months.
The Family Self-Sufficiency initiative provides coordinated supportive services, education and training and rental assistance to housing participants. The goal is to transition families from dependency on rental assistance to economic self-sufficiency. Call (806) 378-6281.
The Rental Rehabilitation project provides funding to owners or developers for half of the cost to renovate substandard rental units. The assistance is forgiven after 5 or 10 years if the restrictions are followed.
FAIR HOUSING
Fair Housing Complaints - Complaints by tenants or home buyers alleging violations of the local fair housing ordinance may be filed with the Prosecutor’s office in Municipal Court. For more information call (806) 378-3082.
Complaints may also be filed directly with the U.S. Fair Housing Complaints Fort Worth, Texas, 76013 or by calling Toll Free 1-800-669-9777. For any additional questions on how to file a complaint call
(806) 378-4203.
Fair Housing Information - Information regarding your rights as a home buyer or renter under the Fair Housing Act is available from the Community Development office by calling (806) 378-4203.
HUD Website-
http://www.hud.gov
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
The Community Development Department interacts with many City departments and community service agencies in the implementation of its projects and activities. The success of these programs involves direct participation by neighborhood groups and community organizations.
The department staffs a City Commission appointed boards known as the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) . The CDAC has evening meetings once a month and a series of neighborhood meetings once a year.
Community Development Citizen Participation Plan
Roster of Committee
Agenda & Notices
Annual Action Plan
- Notice of Technical Assistance and Allocations
- Neighborhood Meetings
- Community Meetings
- CDAC Public Hearing
Community Development Applications/Forms (brochures, grant information, housing forms, etc)
