Social Services - Community Development Block Grants

HRA helps Franklin County and North Quabbin municipalities secure Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG) for social service projects to address the human resources needs of residents. Towns may seek assistance for new or expanded programs to address dramatic increases in need, to replace non-local funds lost to budget cuts, or to continue CDBG-funded programs lacking other resources.

Public social service activities are eligible for CDBG assistance under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The national objective for public social service activities is to benefit low to moderate income persons.

Funding for public social service activities cannot exceed 20% of the total CDBG grant awarded to any one community under CDF grant programs.

CDBG-assisted public social service activities attempt to remedy social problems through prevention, education, training, counseling and crisis intervention. Examples of social service projects that can be assisted with CDBG funds include but are not limited to programs addressing the following need areas:

HRA's Community Development department will be pleased to assist your community to develop and submit an application for MCDBG/CDF funds.

Applications are Processed Yearly: In January of each year, HRA sends out reminder letters to Franklin County municipalities. The letter outlines the process and deadlines for requesting assistance. Interested communities request HRA's assistance in developing an application by sending a written response by the deadline mentioned in the reminder letter.

Additional Questions & Support: Simply email us at the"Contact HRA" link above, or call HRA at 413-863-9781 (X 133 or 144) for more information and to request an information packet.