CUOMO ANNOUNCES $41 MILLION IN HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR SAN FRANCISCO

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $41 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in San Francisco, in a telephone news conference with Mayor Willie Brown and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.

"These funds will go toward community-based solutions to the housing and economic development challenges San Francisco faces," Cuomo said. "We are funding a comprehensive strategy to create jobs and affordable housing, help homeless people become self-sufficient, provide housing assistance to people with AIDS, and increase homeownership.

Under San Francisco's 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, San Francisco will receive $24.9 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; $6.5 million under the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) program; $984,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds and $8.5 million in funding under the Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the City this year are: public services, public facilities, housing, neighborhood commercial revitalization, homeless and economic development under the CDBG program. ESG funds will be used for emergency shelter and transitional housing for the homeless. HOPWA funds will be used to meet urgent housing and supportive services needs.

Senator Barbara Boxer said: "I applaud this approach to safe and stable community-building and have supported it in the Senate. I commend HUD and the City of San Francisco for working together on creative, practical solutions."

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi said: "This $41 million grant will support a range of services which address the housing needs of San Francisco's diverse population. From AIDS housing to emergency shelters to CDBG economic development programs, San Franciscans of all walks of life will benefit."

Congressman Tom Lantos said: "The approval of these HUD funds is wonderful news for San Francisco. These programs - which are critical in helping those in our city who are most in need of our help - show the importance of the Federal government to our quality of life. The grants to individuals with AIDS and the Emergency Shelter Grants are just two of the critical programs that reflect our compassion to those truly in need."

The Consolidated Planning process developed by Cuomo when he served as HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, ensures that local residents have strong input into the creation of comprehensive, community-based housing and economic development plans. The streamlined process gives communities maximum local flexibility while reducing burdensome regulatory requirements. Local HUD staff are empowered to work closely with communities to customize Consolidated Plans and help them realize their housing and economic development goals.