(Richland PIO) – For National Community Development Week (April 21-25), Richland County’s Community Development Division has organized a diverse lineup of events to showcase how federally funded programs make a positive difference in the lives of low- and moderate-income families.
Programs such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provide important resources for County residents, including affordable housing opportunities, down payment assistance and neighborhood revitalization projects. Richland County Community Development administers this federal funding through these programs. In the past year, the County has invested $3.79 million in CDBG funds in projects in every corner of the County. For every dollar of CDBG funds invested, local partners leveraged another $3.
Richland County Community Development is promoting the following public events this week:
- Monday, April 21
- Kickoff Press Conference and Service Event – The press conference featured County Councilman Paul Livingston (District 4) and leaders from Transitions Homeless Center recognizing the $560,000 in CDBG investments to fund upgrades at Transitions during the past year. Councilwoman Tyra Little (District 3) also attended. Later Monday, elected leaders, Community Development staff and community partners joined Transitions staff to serve lunch to Transitions clients as part of a service opportunity.
- Tuesday, April 22
- Grand Reopening Celebration of Hopkins Pool – Members of County Council and Richland County staff joined the County’s Recreation Commission, the State Legislative Delegation, and community leaders to celebrate the reopening of the Hopkins Park Pool and a new playground. A $385,000 CDBG award helped renovate the pool.
- Day of Service with Richland County at Harvest Hope – Staff with Richland County Community Development will join the City of Columbia’s Community Development team for a joint service effort.
- All week
- Digital and Social Media Engagement Highlighting the CDBG Program – Richland County Public Information will release a special video highlighting recent CDBG projects. The Community Development Division will also engage with partners on social media using #CDBGWorks.
For more information about these events, contact Richland County Community Development: 803-576-2230.