BUSH ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES NEARLY $4 MILLION TO STIMULATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING IN MONMOUTH COUNTY
HUD grants targeted to lower income persons and families in need

NEWARK, NJ - Monmouth County will receive nearly $4 million in funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to stimulate its economy, help homeless individuals and familes and produce more affordable housing. HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson said the funding represents another investment in improving the living conditions
for Monmouth County's lower income families.

"This Administration is committed to promoting economic development and job growth, increasing the supply of affordable housing, and helping our most vulnerable neighbors," said Jackson. "These funds will serve as a catalyst
for low-income families trying to cross the threshold into homeownership and reinforces our commitment to rebuilding entire communities."

The funding announced today includes:

• $3,780,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; and,
• $141,197 in Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG).

For the past 30 years, HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program has awarded over $100 billion to state and local governments to target their own community development priorities. CDBG is one of HUD's oldest and most popular programs. The rehabilitation of affordable housing has traditionally been the largest single use of the grants although CDBG is also an important catalyst for job growth and business opportunities. CDBG funds are distributed by formula around the country based on a community's population, income levels, poverty rates and the age of its housing stock.

Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) help local communities to meet the basic shelter needs of homeless individuals and families. These grants also provide transitional housing and a variety of support services designed to move the homeless away from a life on the street toward permanent housing. This block grant program, in concert with more than $1 billion HUD awards by competition, helps thousands of local homeless assistance programs to help those
who would otherwise call the streets their home.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, and people with disabilities. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's
fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet and espanol.hud.gov.

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