Community Development
The Department of Community Services and Economic Development administers and monitors receipt and expenditure of the City's annual entitlement allocation of federal grant dollars known as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds. This responsibility includes staff support of the Euclid Citizens Advisory Committee that, each year, reviews all funding applications for spending such grant dollars before submitting its recommendations to Euclid City Council.
The Department manages a number of CDBG-funded housing and commercial assistance programs based on priority objectives as follows:
Objective 1: Housing Renovation & Neighborhood Revitalization
The City of Euclid has funded several programs directed towards single-family dwelling units in need of repair. The programs are designed to aid low- and moderate-income residents to live in a dwelling unit that complies with the City's Housing Code, is externally attractive, energy efficient and, if needed, handicap accessible. The following is a summary of these programs:
1. Low Interest Home Improvement Loan Program
This program provides an affordable financial mechanism for individuals of low- and moderate-income residing in structures requiring extensive repair to be able to renovate the dwellings in conformity with the City's Housing Code.
2. Health, Safety and Well-Being
This program aids low- and moderate-income residents to live in dwelling units that comply with the City's Housing Code, is externally attractive, safe and energy efficient, and does so through the following:
• Operation Overcoat
Painting of faded and /or deteriorated aluminum or vinyl sided single-family homes.Project Handyman Aids older residents and handicapped individuals who are incapable of repairing minor home code violations.
• Vinyl Siding
Provides free vinyl siding to qualified residents with older wood framed homes.
• Weatherization
Provides weatherstripping, caulking and insulation necessary to minimize heat loss and cold infiltration. Also provides for qualified residents a one time only free furnace inspection and cleaning.
• Services to the Handicapped
Allows for the free installation of handicapped entrance ramps and/or handrails and grab bars.
Objective 2: Human Resource Support
Since the City of Euclid's most valuable resource is its citizens, the rehabilitation of the City's neighborhoods must simultaneously recognize the human needs of its residents. The following program has been funded to address the provision of human services:
• Euclid Senior Programs
Senior Citizens comprise approximately 28% of the City's population. This aging sector of the population requires far more than programs geared to the physical rehabilitation and maintenance of their residences. Utilizing Title III of the Older American's Act, the City's General Fund, and the Block Grant as local match and support, Euclid has developed a Senior Service Program that addresses social, nutritional and emotional needs.
Objective 3: Commercial Preservation / Economic Development
This objective provides the City with a mechanism to revitalize its commercial and industrial areas by providing incentives to the private sector to encourage commercial rehabilitation and industrial reinvestment.
• Storefront Renovation Program
Storefront Renovation leverages private sector monies with Block Grant funds as an incentive for commercial rehabilitation and renovation in Improvement Targeted Areas or low/mod areas.
Objective 4: Public Facilities and Improvements
• Municipal Beautification Program
This Program provides additional incentives to the private sector while working hand-in-hand with the Storefront Renovation Program by providing pedestrian amenities and a more pleasing pedestrian environment in Improvement Targeted Areas and low/mod services areas.