The Office of Community Development is charged with coordinating housing and community development related activities in St. Louis County by administering federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The OCD receives funds allocated to St. Louis County each year; approximately $4.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and $2.8 million in federal Home Investment Partnership program (HOME). These funds are utilized in participating municipalities and unincorporated areas throughout St. Louis County to carry out programs and activities which benefit low- and moderate-income households or eliminate slums and blighted conditions.
Housing Programs, primarily using HOME funds, were designed to create solutions to abandoned, substandard and unaffordable housing stock by assisting in the development of housing for low and moderate income individuals and families. The St. Louis HOME Consortium was formed to assist in creating and maintaining affordable housing. The Consortia utilizes funds to provide down payment assistance to first time homebuyers in
St. Louis County | St. Charles County,
Jefferson County, | Florissant | O'Fallon
City of St. Charles and Wentzville.
Funds are also provided to developers of affordable for sale and rental housing for low and moderate income residents. Low and moderate income residents often find obstacles to maintaining their residences. St. Louis County offers assistance through the Home Improvement Program and the Lead Hazard Program.
Community Development Block Grant funds provide annual grants on a formula basis to entitlement cities and counties. The purpose of the CDBG program is to assist in developing viable urban communities. These communities are responsible for carrying out a wide range of community development activities including but not limited to:
- Acquisition of real property
- Relocation and demolition
- Rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures
- Construction of public facilities and improvements such as water, sewer, streets, parks, neighborhood centers, and the conversion of school buildings for eligible purposes.
- Activities relating to energy conservation and renewable energy resources
- Economic development and job creation/retention
- Demolition
- Historic Preservation
In addition to these programs, the OCD operates an extensive Lead Hazard Control Program and a privately funded down payment loan program. The 1st HOPE Down Payment Loan Program is for families buying their first home in the County.