Federal Housing Programs

Welcome to the City of Vancouver’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership programs! These federally funded initiatives are overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Annually, the City of Vancouver is allocated CDBG and HOME funding to support projects and programs that directly benefit residents facing low-income challenges. Navigate through our website to delve into the details of these programs, their impact on our community, and our unwavering commitment to creating a city that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and housing equity.

2025 Federal Housing Applications

The City of Vancouver is accepting applications for the 2025 Economic Prosperity and Housing funding cycle. The city anticipates making approximately $1.8 million available from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs, including HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) for eligible housing projects. It is estimated that these federal funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will be available July 2025 based on the release of funds. These housing funds support projects and programs that benefit people experiencing low to moderate incomes and create lasting community improvements.

For more information and guidance throughout the application process, please review the 2025 CDBG & HOME Funding Ap6plication Guidelines.

How to Apply

Applications are completed through Neighborly Software, an online grant management system, starting October 1, 2024, at 8 a.m. by visiting the Neighborly Software link. All pre-applications are due October 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

Mandatory Application Information Sessions

Four (4) virtual mandatory application information sessions were held on October 2nd and 3rd via Microsoft Teams. If you were unable to attend, please review the appropriate information session at the link below. Reviewing recording will count towards participation. If you have questions after viewing the recording, please attend the Technical Assistance drop-in session.

TA drop-in sessions

City of Vancouver staff will be available for virtual technical assistance and questions on October 11, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please use this Microsoft Teams link to join.

For any questions, please email housing@cityofvancouver.us.

Notice of Hearing and Request for Comment on Submission of and Application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) Program

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to interested parties of the opportunity to offer written or verbal comment regarding the City of Vancouver’s 2024 Pathways to Remove Obstacles (PRO) Housing grant application. HUD has issued its second PRO Housing Notice of Funding Opportunity under the authority of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-12242, approved March 9, 2024), which appropriates $100 million for competitive grant funding for the identification and removal of barriers to affordable housing production and preservation. Applications must be submitted to HUD by October 15, 2024.

PRO Housing supports communities who are actively taking steps to remove barriers to affordable housing. The City is applying for funds to boost affordable housing production in the Evergreen and Grand, the Heights, Mill Plain, and East Vancouver MFTE areas. Funding would be used for site acquisition, provide equity for financing, low interest loans, or to buy down interest costs for affordable housing projects.

Meeting Date: October 9, 2024

Meeting Time: 4:00 PM

Meeting Location: City Hall Aspen Room, 415 W 6th Street Vancouver, Washington (also conducted remotely)

Topic: City staff will conduct a public hearing to receive public comment on its draft PRO Housing application to HUD, prior to submission

This Public Hearing meeting is open to in-person and remote attendance. To join remotely, contact Kimberly.kerlee@cityofvancouver.us. City Hall provides accessible parking, entry, and elevator access as well as accessible restrooms. Assistive listening devices are also available at City Hall. Individuals who have limited English proficiency may request an interpreter to fully participate in a Vancouver Public Hearing. Any person with a disability who needs an alternative format, ASL interpreter, or other accommodation to fully participate may request an accommodation. If you have questions or to request an accommodation, please contact the City Manager’s staff in advance at (360) 487-8600 or WA Relay: 711 (for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing). Every attempt at reasonable accommodation will be made.

The draft PRO Housing application is available to view below. Public review and comments are encouraged and will be accepted through 5 PM, Thursday, October 10, 2024. Public comments may be submitted in writing to Chim Chune Ko, Real Estate Project Manager, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver WA 98668-1995, or housing@cityofvancouver.us, or by calling (360) 487-7933.

Vancouver City Hall is served by C-TRAN transit. Bus schedules are available at Vancouver City Hall, the library, and other public buildings. For information on times, fares, and routes, please call C-TRAN at (360) 695-0123.

FY24 Draft PRO Housing Grant Application for Public Comment

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that supports community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities. Each year, the City of Vancouver receives approximately $1.3 million in CDBG funding to support projects and programs benefiting residents experiencing low-income. Funds are awarded yearly on a competitive basis to programs or projects that are selected and approved by City Council.

The Vancouver City Council determines the funding priorities for the City’s CDBG program based on community needs. Current priorities include: revitalizing eligible neighborhoods, providing housing and services to people experiencing low and moderate income and/or homelessness and providing business technical assistance.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

HOME is the largest Federal block grant to State and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing. HOME funds activities such as building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to people experiencing low income. Each year, the City of Vancouver considers applications for affordable housing activities supported by HOME Funds.

Fair Housing

The City of Vancouver’s CDBG and HOME-funded activities operate under fair housing practices. Fair housing is the right to choose housing free from unlawful discrimination. Fair housing laws protect people from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, and housing choice voucher status. For more information, visit the Fair Housing Center of Washington, the Washington State Human Rights Commission, or the Department of Housing and Urban Development.