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HomeMy WebLinkAbout27695-06-2025 - City Council - OrdinanceOrdinance No. 27695-06-2025 AN ORDINANCE INCREASING ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND APPROPRIATIONS IN THE SPECIAL DONATIONS LTD FUND, IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000.00, FROM VARIOUS PRIVATE DONATIONS, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FUNDING THE NATIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK ACTIVITIES (CITY PROJECT NO. S00150); PROVIDING FOR A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; MAKING THIS ORDINANCE CUMULATIVE OF PRIOR ORDINANCES; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS: SECTION 1. That in addition to those amounts allocated to the various City departments for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 in the Budget of the City Manager, there shall also be increased estimated receipts and appropriations in the Special Donations LTD Fund in the amount of $1,000.00, from various private donations, for the purpose of funding the National Community Development week activities (City Project No. S00150). SECTION 2. That should any portion, section or part of a section of this ordinance be declared invalid, inoperative or void for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision, opinion or judgment shall in no way impair the remaining portions, sections, or parts of sections of this ordinance, which said remaining provisions shall be and remain in full force and effect. SECTION 3. That this ordinance shall be cumulative of Ordinance 27107-09-2024 and all other ordinances and appropriations amending the same except in those instances where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct conflict with such other ordinances and appropriations, in which instance said conflicting provisions of said prior ordinances and appropriations are hereby expressly repealed. SECTION 4. This ordinance shall take effect upon adoption. CITY SECRETARY _____________________________ Jannette S. Goodall City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: ____________________________________ Assistant City Attorney ADOPTED AND EFFECTIVE: June 0, 2025 Free E vents " a� C0% ••:•' �� FORT WORTH '�t* Iopmeot .. 1 I Week Schedule of Events -_Q ® Monday, April 21 Wednesday, April 23 0500 • CDBG and HOME Video Presentations • Community Development Week Video • CDBG/HOME Grant Highlights Video • Special Video Presentation • ® Tuesday, April 22 • Community Development Council Chair Highlight Video • City Council Proclamation o New City Hall Council Chambers at 10 am • Neighborhood Services Open House! o New City Hall - Mezzanine Floor 0 2-3:30 p.m. o Learn about CDBG funded services & HOME eligible and past projects o Light Refreshments o English and Spanish info sessions o CDBG/HOME Trivia Thursday, April 24 16; 1 • CDBG Highlights! Video • Resource Fair featuring kids zone & community agency recognition, scavenger Hunt 6 - 7:30 pm Como Community Center 4660 Horne St, Fort Worth, TX 76107 Friday, April 25 Q • CDBG and HOME Video Presentations em E NTpFy 0 0 1 ,LL ■ ■ as Get to know your Neighborhood Services Department and how they are transforming Fort Worth! i 4 f U INeighborhood Services VRIL 2-3:31)PM MEZZANINE • NEW CITY HALL 100 FORT WORTH TRAIL, FORT WORTH, TX Refreshments, Networking & More! CDBG and HOME are federal HUD grants that fund local efforts to support low-income communities in • Fort Worth and focus on projects like affordable housing, infrastructure, and public services. HOME grants funds affordable housing development & rehabilitation. View our CDBG-HOME week-long activities and more at :{ ti FortWorthTexas.gov/neighborhoods o *-- - ■ a FREE & OPEN TO ALL! Como Community Center 4660 Horne St, Fort Worth, TX 0 FORT WORTH:.. I Neighborhood i Services D � 7HuR.SDAVJ APRI'L2% Jv 0" 0' Community Resources, Kid Zone, Games & •1r. Giveaways, Free Food & More! CDBG and HOME are federal HUD grants that fund local efforts to support low-income communities in • Fort Worth and focus on projects like affordable housing, infrastructure, and public services. HOME grants funds affordable housing development & rehabilitation. View our CDBG-HOME week-long activities and more at FortWorthTexas.gov/neighborhoods 2025 National Community Development Week Tool Kit #CDWeek2025 #CDBGWorks #HOMEWorks The 2025 National Community Development (CD) Week will be celebrated April 21-25, 2025. This tool kit is designed to help communities with the planning and implementation of their National Community Development Week activities. ncdaonline.org Section 1: Background Section 2: Planning and Marketing Section 3: Activities Section 4: Meet With Congress Section 5: Social Media TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 WHY NATIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK? National Community Development Week was created in 1986 by the National Community Development Association (NCDA) and several other national organizations to bring national attention to the Community Development Block CDBG (CDBG) program through grassroots support at a time when the program was facing scrutiny by Congress. National Community Development Week also provides the opportunity to support the Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) program. The main objective of National Community Development Week is the education of Congressional members on the importance of CDBG and the HOME programs, their local impact and, most importantly, the need for increased program funding. National Community Development Week is intentionally held duringthe Congressional appropriations process so that the significance of these programs can be imparted to Congressional members through local activities conducted by grantees and program partners at the grassroots level. National Community Development Week will be held April 21-25, 2025. This is a critical time for appropriations; work on the upcoming FY 2026 HUD funding bill will be in the initial stages. National Community Development Week provides the perfect opportunity to cement the importance of CDBG and HOME in the minds of those in Washington to increase program funding. Start planning your activities immediately. The CDBG and HOME programs may be in jeopardy of funding cuts or elimination in the coming year.Your participation and engagementin National Community Development Week iscritical to amplifying support for the programs.This engagement could be a meeting, a projects tour, or other activity that directly affords Congressional offices the opportunity to learn about the programs and see firsthand how the funds are being used and why more funds are needed. Highlighting the work that occurs with CDBG and HOME dollars in your community creates a tangible connection for lawmakers between the funding they appropriate for the program and improvements to their states and districts. Congressional members like to hear directly from the organizations or people the program serves. If possible, put a face to your program by including beneficiaries and subrecipients in your National Community Development Week activities. Now is the time to reach out to your Congressional offices to make sure National Community Development Week is ontheir schedule. To contact your Congressional members, please use the links below. U.S. House of Representatives https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative United States Senate https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm?Class=1 SECTION 1: BACKGROUND 2 Individuals assisted by public improvements (FY05-FY23) CDBG PROGRAM HISTORY AND PURPOSE Enacted by Congress in 1974 under the Housing and Community Development Act and signed into law by President Gerald Ford on August 22, 1974, the program officially turned 50 on August 22, 2024. The Act consolidated eight federal categorical programs into one block grant – CDBG – and devolved federal decision making for urban issues to local governments CDBG provides funding to communities across the country to address infrastructure, economic development, housing, disaster recovery, and other communityneeds. The program provides local communities with the flexibility to design and implement strategies tailored to meet local needs and priorities. WHO BENEFITS? Low- and moderate-income people are the direct program beneficiaries. States and entitlement cities and counties receive direct program allocations. Small, rural communities receive assistance through their state. Nonprofit organizations, contractors, and other local partner organizations serve as program subrecipients to deliver local CDBG activities. State and local governments work with their local program partners and harness input from the public to develop community development programs that invest in low- and moderate- income people and neighborhoods. One of CDBG’s greatest strengthsisitsability to leverage other investments. As a flexible resource designed to accommodate local needs, CDBG often serves to match other sources of public and private funds. Program resources also help projects and services become reality providing gap funding to meet budget needs. CDBG PROGRAM NEED The program has never been adjusted to inflation in the entire 50-year period of the program even though local activity and operating costs increase annually. The program’s inaugural funding level of $2.4 billion (1974) is the equivalent of $13.9 billion in 2024. The number of grantees receiving CDBG funding has grown from 594 in 1975 to more than 1,245 today, further exacerbating the need for increased program funding. CDBG IMPACT 3 produced or preserved (since 1992) households received (since 1992) HOME PROGRAM HISTORY AND PURPOSE Authorized in 1990 through the Cranston-Gonzalez Affordable Housing Act, the HOME program is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low- income households. HOME funds are awarded annually as formula grants to more than 600 participating jurisdictions. HOME funds can be used to support rental and homeownership through new construction, rehabilitation, down payment assistance, and tenant-based rental assistance. HOME funds benefit persons at or below 80 percent of area median income (AMI). HOME PROGRAM NEED Like the CDBG program, the HOME program has never been adjusted to inflation even though program demand for affordable housing and program activity and operational costs increases annually. HOME IMPACT 4 GOALS OF NATIONAL CD WEEK Increase awareness of the impact and need for CDBG and HOME funding. Organize eventsthatpositively showcaseCDBG and HOME funded projects. Involve lawmakers, program partners, and local mediain your events. Market andamplify your events early andoften through a variety of advertising. NATIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK ACTIVITIES National Community Development Week is designed to focus local as well as national attention on the CDBG and HOME programs. Public support and involvement from Congressional offices, local and state elected officials, program subrecipients and beneficiaries, media, community leaders is important. In whatever activities you choose, make sure to reiterate the following key points. How program funds are invested in the community to meet critical needs and leverage resources. The need for more program resources. ACTIVITYEXAMPLES Meetings with lawmakers Proclamation Press release Program fact sheets Projects tour Social media News articles Radio spots Television interviews, showcase of projects Press conference Highlight events, programs on local web site Ribbon Cutting/Groundbreaking events Community service events Public fairs and workshops Videos SECTION 2: PLANNING AND MARKETING 5 IMPORTANCEOF MARKETING ANDCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Advertising and promotion are critical to a successful National Community Development Week. Proclaim, announce, promote National Community Development Week! Most importantly, marketNational CommunityDevelopmentWeekearlyand oftenthroughout your community. Use a variety of methods to reach all stakeholders - social media, print media, radio, television, and the internet. Reach out to Congressional offices early to guarantee their participation in your events. SAMPLE NATIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK TIMELINE While the most impactful National Community Development Week celebrations includeeventsevery day ofthe week, that level of participation is not possible for most grantees. The following timeline is shown simply to provide ideas for National Community Development Week activities. The most important activity is to engage with your Congressional members, preferably in person or through virtual platforms or by email. Remember to take photos and share them on social media! MONDAY: meeting with Congressional member, proclamation, panel discussion with community leaders TUESDAY: guidedtour of recent or futureCDBG/HOME funded projects WEDNESDAY - community service event (park rehabilitation, street cleanup, food drive) and picnic or community lunch, radio or television or print media story THURSDAY - Partner with local businesses and subrecipients to host clinics and/or resource tables (homebuyer or renter assistance, neighborhoodservices, code compliance, library services, police oversight) FRIDAY - Recognizing the work of the CDBG and HOME staff and partners (award ceremony, meet and greet withCongress member or other elected officials). Gifting CD week “swag” and photosof CDBG funded projects to board commissioners 6 DISTRIBUTE KEY TOOLS AND RESOURCES Visit the websites of the CDBG Coalition and HOME Coalition to download relevant state and program area fact sheets which you can distribute to policy makers and community leaders during CD Week. See these sample fact sheets below: 7 DEVELOP LOCAL PROGRAM FACT SHEETS Develop program fact sheets that outline program accomplishments and program needs. Share these with your Congressional delegation, the media, and other program supporters. Executive Summary Why is the CDBG program important to my community? Who is served by the program? How is program funding used in my community? Why is more CDBG funding needed in my community? Program Accomplishments Number of people assisted Description of projects completed. Be sure to describe how the projects met a need in the community Leveraging Program Need Pipeline of applications waiting to be funded Increase in activity and program costs – construction materials, labor, housing prices, program regulations Programs have never been adjusted for inflation SECTION 3: ACTIVITY IDEAS 8 SPOTLIGHT: CITY OF MANCHESTER, NH 9 PRESS RELEASES Issue a press release announcing National Community Development Week. Follow- up with the passage of a National Community Development Week proclamation by your local elected body. Send the press release and proclamation to local media outletsand to your Congressional delegation.These activitiesrequire minimal effort and can be undertaken by every grantee. A sample press release and proclamation are included in this guidebook. Some communities also hold special ceremonies or press briefings to announce the passage of the proclamation to gain further media attention for National CD Week. TIPS FOR WRITING A PRESS RELEASE Use a catchy title and a picture of a CDBG or HOME funded project to catch the reader’s eye. Include the most important information – who, what, when, where, and how – at the beginning of the press release. Provide a timeline of upcoming activities and events to increase public awareness and engagement. Briefly describe CDBG and HOME program local impact and demand for funding. Include quotes from local elected officials regarding CDBG and HOME program successes. Include contact information for people who can answer questions about the release. Type ### centered below the last line to signal the end of the release. 10 SPOTLIGHT: CITY OF DALLAS PRESS RELEASE 11 PROCLAMATIONS The passage of a National Community Development Week proclamation by your local elected body is an effective first step in making the public, Congress, and media aware of the impact and need for CDBG and HOME funding. Send a press release and proclamation to local media outlets and to your Congressional delegation. This activity requires minimal effort and can be undertaken by every grantee. Some communities also hold special ceremonies or press briefings to announce the passage of the proclamation to gain further media attention for National Community Development Week. 12 SPOTLIGHT: CITY OF LEWISVILLE, TX PROCLAMATION 13 SPOTLIGHT: CITY OF BIRMINGHAM, AL PROCLAMATION SPOTLIGHT: CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, NH PROCLAMATION ncdaonline.org 1 15 HIGHLIGHT CD ACTIVITIES ON DEPARTMENT WEBSITE 16 NEWS ARTICLE Reach outto local newssources to publish stories aboutCD Weekand upcomingCDBG/HOME funded projects in your community. This article was published by 256 Today in Huntsville, AL. 17 HIGHLIGHT PROGRAM SUCCESSES Utilize news outlets and social media to advertise Community Development Week by shining a spotlight on local projects and organizations that have been funded by the CDBG and HOME programs. Raising awareness is essential for gaining community support for future funding. TOUR LOCAL PROJECTS or HOST PROJECT GROUNDBREAKING or KICKOFF EVENTS Invite Congressional offices to tour local projects. Select projects that positively showcase the programs. Develop a written project description to hand out during the tour. INVOLVE PROGRAM PARTNERS AND BENEFICIARIES The CDBG and HOME stories cannot be told without incorporating the testimony of the many subrecipients and beneficiaries who are served through the programs. Subrecipients and program beneficiaries are on the front lines of providing and receiving program assistance. They are essential to relaying program impact. Put a face on your programs by including beneficiaries and subrecipients in your National Community Development Week events. 18 SPOTLIGHT: MCHENRY COUNTY PROJECT GROUNDBREAKING ANNOUNCEMENT 19 SPOTLIGHT: LITTLE ROCK, AR RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY SPOTLIGHT: CNI PROJECT TOUR ncdaonline.org 1 SPOTLIGHT: ADDITIONAL PROJECTS AND EVENTS BIRMINGHAM, AL - WILL CLINIC As one of their daily CD week activities, the City of Birmingham partnered with a local attorney to hold an Estate and Will Clinic for the citizens to create a legacy plan to leave for their loved ones. This clinic recognized the importance of keeping homes within families and maintaining affordable housing. PASCO COUNTY, FL - PROJECT SHOWCASE Pasco County hosted a community Lunch and Learn activity to educate the local community and dignitaries about the CDBG funded AmSkills Workforce Innovation Center that serves youth, adults, persons with disabilities, and veterans by helping them explore and train for careers in the manufacturing industry. COLUMBIA, SC - PRESS CONFERENCE, BANQUET TokickoffNationalCDWeek2024,theCityofColumbiahostedapressconferenceandday ofservice celebrationincollaborationwithColumbiaInternationalUniversityonMonday.The pressconference promotedthe50thanniversaryoftheCDBGprogram andhighlightedthe importanceoftheprogramin thecommunity.CitystaffprovidedupdatesonupcomingCD activities throughout the week, as well as community driven projects scheduled during the monthofApril.OnThursday,theCity’sCommunity DevelopmentDepartmentutilized Columbia’sannualCouncilofNeighborhoodsBanquettofurther celebrateCDBG’s50th anniversary and speak on its local impact. Columbia’s mayor and city council members attended bothevents. City of Columbia’s Community Development Department at the banquet. GREENVILLE, NC - ACTION PLAN PUBLIC MEETING The City of Greenville hosted unique events and activities to engage the public each day of CD Week 2024. On Thursday, April 4th, the community was invited to City Hall to participate in the annual Action Plan planning process. The city received valuable feedback on projects completed in the last year and community priorities for the upcoming year. This event worked to increase transparency between city officials and community members LITTLE ROCK, AR - INFORMATIONAL FLYER Thisflyer from the City of Little Rock, Department of Housingand Neighborhood Programs Community Development Division effectively displays the city’s planned events for CD Week 2024. During the week, they revealed factsheet data with the intention of educating the community on how grant funds can be spent to produce tangible results. FORT WORTH, TX - PANEL DISCUSSION LIVE STREAM The City of Fort Worth hosted a community event which included a panel discussion with local media, elected officials, community development council members, and program partners. This event was broadcasted on a local TV network and live streamed on YouTube. The focus for the discussion was specifically set on residents who had no idea what CDBG and HOME were. Live streamingthe event allowed the city to reach more residents, educate them aboutthese federal grant programs, and emphasize the need for additional funding. FORT WORTH, TX - INFORMATIONAL VIDEOS The City of Fort Worth also produced multiple informational videos to be shared with the public. A CD week kickoff video detailed the purpose of the week and the events that would be taking place. A CDBG/HOME montage video highlighted various local projects and services which were supported by federal funds. This video served as a virtual open house tour for residents to see exactly how grants are used in Fort Worth. The short video also allows elected officials and other stakeholders to easily point out the impact the grants have. CDWeek Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCGxPUzPTvE Projects Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSjNgF99O0E 25 MEET WITH CONGRESS Meeting with your Congressional members or their staff is one of the most effective ways of supporting the CDBG and HOME programs since it affords Congressional members the opportunity to hear first- hand how the funds are being used. Highlighting the work that occurs with program dollars in your community creates a tangible connection for lawmakers between the funding they appropriate for the program and improvements to their states and districts. Events like National Community Development Week attract positive attention and publicity for the programs which are instrumental in creating the next generation of program champions on Capitol Hill. As mentioned previously, Congressional members like to hear directly from the organizations or people the programs serve. If possible, put a face on the programs by including beneficiaries and subrecipients in the meeting. Come prepared with the fact sheet mentioned previously that outlines program accomplishments and needs. If your Congressional member or their staff are not available to meet during National Community Development, then schedule a meeting with them sometime during March, April, or May during a Congressional recess period when they are back home. You can also email your Congressional offices a short YouTube video that shows recently completed projectsand outlines program accomplishments and needs. Creating a video in-house using YouTube is an economical and easy method of sharing program information with Congressional offices. SCHEDULING A MEETING WITH YOUR CONGRESSIONAL MEMBER Go to the links below to locate the Congressional member websites. The websites contain contact information (usually at the bottom). Call or email their DC office, ask for their scheduler and request a meeting with the Congressional member. House of Representatives: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative U.S. Senate: https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact SECTION 4: MEET WITH CONGRESS 26 FY01: $4.4 BILLION FY24: $3.3 BILLION TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS Schedulethe meetingin advance. Thoroughly prepare the issues you wish to discuss. Arrive on time, act professionally, and thank them for listening to your concerns. Follow-up. Send a thank you letter or email andprovide any additional information that was requested during the meeting. EMPHASIZE THE LACK OF PROGRAM FUNDING! Meetingwith Congress is the ideal time to emphasize the lack of program funding for CPD programs. Despite their measured successes, CDBG and HOME have both faced funding cuts in recent years. CDBG funding has been reduced by $1.1 billion since FY2001 while the number of eligible grantees continues to rise. 27 SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE Social media is an easy and intuitive way for large amounts of people to learn about and act on all kinds of issues. Having an active social media presence is crucial not only for informing your own members, but also for engaging with the wider public and growing support for your cause. For the National Community Development Week, we’re encouraging members to use the hashtags #CDWeek2025, #CDBGworks, and #HOMEworks on all related posts. These labels will increase the likelihood of others seeing your post when searching for similar posts. X/Twitter allowsfor shortand immediate updatesand is perfect for sharinga single project highlight or event reminder. Tweeting regularly will help you build validity as you become a reliable CDBG and HOME program news source for your followers. Instagram is formatted well for sharing success stories, event posters, statistics, and short testimonials. Be sure to usehigh quality photographs, and generally avoid text-heavy posts. Facebook is useful for sharingexisting content aswell asoriginal posts. Articles regarding projects and funding, announcements, and event registrations should all be shared here. LinkedIn allows organizations and professionals to connectwith others, share their latest projects and successes, and spread the word about innovative program practices. Consider promoting CD Week activities on your department’s LinkedIn page. TikTok is a powerful tool for quickly distributing digestible information to mass audiences. Some members have used popular social media trends to becomemore relatable with the general public while simultaneously sharing relevant information for program beneficiaries. SECTION 5: SOCIAL MEDIA 28 SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE Importance of the # (Hashtag) - #CDWeek2025, #CDBGworks, #HOMEworks Hashtags (#) label posts for ease of searching for social media content by topic. This increases the chances of engagement with others who are postingabout the same topic. Engagement drivesreach. The more reach the posts have, the more “return on investment” of the time staff is putting into social media posting. PracticalApplications Use social media to “call to action” such as asking followers to call legislators about CDBG funding in the Federal budget. Share exciting stories in more than one format. Give readers more than a headline by writing a blog article. Share more than one photo per post to give viewers a broader perspective of the story behind the post. Cross-reference and utilize multiple media channels. Post links or photos of newspaper articles. Include event registration links in press release or in posts if applicable. Be aware of formatting content appropriate to each platform. Make yourself familiar with each platform and how they are different. Post familiar faces. Includephotos of Mayor, other dignitaries, and participants. Usephoto release for children under 18. Engage with individuals and organizations both in person and online. Engage with other pages to drive engagementon your page. Make the request for individuals and organizations to participate in the social media campaign and provide guidance. Consider enhanced content options such as podcasts, recorded videos, live streaming, infographics, and blogs. Keep in mind when using social media: o Make postsclear andconcise. Details and full articles can be linked. o Share and retweetposts from other members and similar communities to increase o collaboration. o Interact with other users. Use commentsto ask and answerquestions that others have aboutCDBG. The more you interact, the more the public will see what you have tosay. 2025 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK IS PRESENTED BY: Inspiring program administrators to build inclusive, sustainable, and affordable communities. #CDWeek2025 April21-25,2025 91i a 411� 016iol 1k I Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) & HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grants L34 .Tr7! n Strengthening Fort Worth: Celebrating the Im � pact of the D �.. Community Development Block Grant & HOME Grants in Our Neighborhoods U 100 Fort Worth Trail Fort Worth, Texas 76102 FortWorthTexas.gov/neighborhoods wm=w J As the Director of the Neighborhood Services Department for the City of Fort Worth, I am proud to celebrate and highlight the significant impact of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) grants. Reflecting on the past several years of service to our community, it's clear that the progress we've made in strengthening Fort Worth's neighborhoods wouldn't have been possible without the support of these vital grants. We remain dedicated to empowering residents by enhancing housing, community development, and social services through the strategic use of federal grants provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As you explore this impact book, we hope you gain a deeper understanding of the positive changes we've been able to achieve together. In the past year alone, we've allocated over $10,000,000 in CDBG funding and more than $4,000,000 in HOME funding to improve the Fort Worth community. Letter from our Director These investments have directly impacted the lives of over 3,500 residents, addressing needs such as children and youth services, affordable housing, accessibility improvements, economic empowerment, financial resilience, aging -in -place services, housing preservation and rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, and healthy living and wellness programs. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication of our staff, public service agencies, and developers who have collaborated with us to bring these efforts to fruition. We are deeply grateful for their support and thankful for their help in making Fort Worth one of the best places to live, work, and play. Together, we are building stronger neighborhoods by empowering residents with housing, community development, and essential social services, while delivering the nation's best services to those who need them most. ❖ �Co � ■ FORT WORTH., ° vo,, lttr elel�me�t� y The City of Fort Worth's Consolidated Plan, 2023-2027 submitted to HUD every five years, is shaped through collaboration with residents, community organizations, local businesses, and nonprofits. Consolidated Plan It serves as a roadmap for addressing housing and community development needs, based on current GoaIs conditions, available resources, and public input. The 2023-2027 Consolidated Plan, adopted in 2023 and effective through September 2027, focuses on improving the quality of life for low to moderate -income residents and neighborhoods. It outlines the city's goals and priorities related to affordable housing and community development. Developed through public meetings, research, and feedback from stakeholders, the plan identifies nine key goals. These priorities guide how Fort Worth uses federal funding from programs like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and other HUD grants. Housing Preservation and Rehabilitation Preserve and expand the supply of quality affordable housing throughout the City. Accessibility improvements Improve accessibility in public facilities and housing, including architectural barrier removal. Economic Empowerment and Financial Resilience Support programs and services providing employment training and career readiness programs that promote self-sufficiency and household stability. Neighborhood Improvement and Revitalization Enhance neighborhood development and revitalization throughout the City. Healthy Living and Wellness Support programs and services to improve the mental and physical health of low -to moderate income Fort Worth families. Affordable Housing (Renter and Owner ) Increase neighborhood stability through homeownership assistance, creation of new affordable units, rehabilitation of substandard affordable units, Fair Housing efforts, and supportive services for renters and owners. Children/Youth Services Support programs and services to prepare children and youth for success through educational, mentoring, training, and related programs. Aging In Place Support programs and services for older adults to access resources needed to age in their homes, while maintaining both their independence and quality of life. Homelessness Prevention and Special Needs Support Provide housing and support services for persons experiencing and at risk of experiencing homelessness; support efforts to achieve permanent housing. HISTORY The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) are two of the most prominent federal grant programs COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) administered by the U.S. Department of HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME) Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Both are designed to support local governments in improving housing, living conditions, and economic opportunities, especially for low- and moderate -income populations. While they share a common goal of strengthening communities, each program has a distinct focus and origin. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program The CDBG program was established in 1974 through Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act. It was created to consolidate several categorical grant programs into a single flexible funding source, giving local governments greater discretion in addressing community needs. Since its inception, CDBG has served as a vital resource for promoting decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities, primarily for low- and moderate -income (LMI) individuals. CDBG funds are distributed annually to entitlement communities —generally cities with populations over 50,000 and urban counties with populations over 200,000as well as to states for allocation to smaller communities. At least 70% of CDBG funds must benefit LMI populations, ensuring that the resources are directed where they are needed most. The strength of the CDBG program lies in its flexibility. Eligible uses include public infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitation, economic development projects, and public services. Local jurisdictions are empowered to prioritize their spending based on unique local challenges and goals. HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) The HOME program was established later, in 1990, under Title II of the Cranston -Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. Unlike the broader focus of CDBG, HOME is the largest federal block grant dedicated exclusively to affordable housing. It provides funding to states and local governments to create and preserve affordable housing for low-income households, defined as families earning 80% or less of the area median income (AMI). New construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing Tenant -based rental assistance (TBRA ) Direct financial assistance to homebuyers Site acquisition and improvement One unique aspect of the HOME program is its emphasis on leveraging non-federal resources. Grantees are required to provide a 25% match for the federal funds they receive, which promotes partnerships between public, private, and nonprofit sectors. In addition, HOME mandates long-term affordability requirements to ensure that housing assisted with federal funds remains accessible to low-income families for a specified period. Fort Worth has received over $332 million from the CDBG program since 1975, supporting community development projects and activities, and $95 million from the HOME program since 1992, supporting the development of sustainable and affordable housing benefiting low -to -moderate -income individuals and households, including older adults, children, people with disabilities, and those experiencing chronic or frequent homelessness. Through the effective use of CDBG and HOME funding, Fort Worth has made significant strides in enhancing the quality of life for its residents. These federal programs have enabled the city to address critical housing needs, revitalize neighborhoods, and support community development initiatives that benefit low- and moderate -income individuals and families. AB Christian Learning Center's (ABCLC) mission is to improve the academic performance of at -risk youth by taking a holistic approach to addressing their needs. Our goals are; improve the academic skills of children in a safe out of school time environment; and increase parental involvement in their children's education. ABCLC is a community faith -based organization, which primarily serve economically disadvantaged families in Stop Six, Como, Morningside, Poly and Handley communities. ABCLC provides after school tutoring and mentoring and summer reading program to children at risk of academic failure at no cost to families. ABCLC has been an active partner with the City of Fort Worth since 2008, operating programs in community centers for 16 years. ABCLC AB Christian operates after school, summer reading programs, and college career readiness programs at Martin Luther King Community Center 2008. As sponsoring organization of Learning AmeriCorps' Foster Grandparent Program, ABCLC partners with the City of Fort Worth Community Centers to place active senior citizens as volunteers within their community to tutor and mentor students in afterschool programs and summer camps. These senior volunteer help children learn to read, provide one-on-one tutoring; mentor trouble teenagers; help children with disabilities; and/or help children who have been abused or neglected. During the past two years. ABCLC programs are intergenerational utilizing college students from within the community served to teach students in after - school and summer programs. The program also uses senior citizen volunteers from within the communities served to tutor and mentor students. This intergenerational approach allows community members to connect with and give back to their communities in a meaningful way. The programs have also allowed children to have additional one-on- one academic assistance by caring adults from their community. In the past two (2) years, ABCLC has been the proud recipient of $153,218 Community Development Block Grant funds to support operations of its Out of School Time Programs for low income families. For almost 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tarrant County (BGCGTC) has been a beacon of hope for kids who need us most. As the City of Fort Worth embarks on an exciting revitalization plan for the historic Stop Six neighborhood, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County was honored to receive a 2023-24 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in support of our Youth Development programs at our Eastside branch. Recognizing the need for a safe place for children in the expanding community, BGCGTC's Eastside branch was Boys& Girls founded in 1926 in an old converted gas station. Since then, the branch has evolved to include a large outdoor Clubs of Greater Tarrant County area with baseball fields and a playground and dedicated spaces for education, social recreation, art, teen activities, dining, a kitchen, a gym, and a Music & Youth Clubhouse. Stop Six currently has the highest crime rate in the city, with law enforcement reporting after -school hours are when youth are most likely to engage in risky behavior. Eastside branch minimizes the risk by providing a safe, positive environment and programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, character and leadership development, and workforce readiness. Members are exposed to the arts, music, sports, creative STEM -based activities, and more. Every child also receives a nutritious snack and a hot, made -from -scratch meal daily. One of the most notable achievements of BGCGTC Eastside branch is its high academic success rate among its members. Partnering with the local ISD, the Eastside Academic Success programs are designed to combat dropout rates and provide the support, encouragement, and mentorship needed to finish school. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County serves more than 76,000 youth annually across Denton and Tarrant counties, and our Eastside branch hosts 120 kids daily. Morel families will be attracted to the area as the City invests in new affordable housing. Eastside branch will meet the need for life -changing youth development programs to provide the same opportunities for success as their peers and help them grow into caring, productive, and responsible citizens. P FIRE Through our free Teens in Action program, Camp Fire First Texas aims to make a difference in the lives of the young people in Fort Worth. The support our program receives from CDBG is instrumental in allowing us to provide life -changing opportunities and experiences to teens who may otherwise not have them. It's mentors who listen, who guide, who show up. It's real -world experiences: college visits, career exploration, and community service. It's about giving young people the tools and confidence to shape their own futures. Through Teens in Action, we provide a place to belong, to be seen, and to grow. Because every teen deserves the chance to dream big and to step into adulthood knowing they have a future worth fighting for. And together —we can make sure no teen feels alone in thatjourney. Success for Fort Worth Middle & High School Students College & Scholarship Readiness • Volunteer Opportunities Build Self -Esteem In the 2023-2024 school year: Healthy Relationships Career Guidance & Exploration #W`4 Teens Night Out All Teens in Action students advanced to the next grade �j 18 high school graduates received $597,496 in scholarships FREE SCHOOLYEAR WEEKLY PROGRAM 6SUMMER DAY CAMP �1. Camp Fire First Texas Child Care Associates (CCA), in collaboration with the City of Fort Worth, PNC Foundation and the Happy Baggett Fund, proudly completed the renovation and opening of its new Child Care Studio at Riverside. This innovative facility, located in the heart of the Riverside neighborhood, marks the first of several Child Care Studios to open across Fort Worth, designed to provide children with nature -inspired classrooms and outdoor learning environments. Fort Worth's $500,000 in CDBG funding allowed this project to get off the ground, providing a gift to Child Care Associates,This Child Care Studio is a great example of how collaboration across our community can make a difference in the lives of our youngest residents," said Kara Waddell, president and CEO of Child Care Associates. "Our community's investment in early learning infrastructure, like Riverside, reflects our shared commitment to enriching young children's experiences and fostering a lifelong love of learning." CCA spearheaded the renovation project with the support of the City of Fort Worth, utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to expand classrooms for infants and toddlers in high -need areas across Tarrant County. The former Gwendolyn C. Gragg Child Development Center has been rebranded under CCA's Child Care Studios sub -brand and is now officially named the Child Care Studio at Riverside. The center offers affordable tuition, tuition assistance, and comprehensive Head Start and Early Head Start services. As one of the largest child development programs in North Texas, Child Care Associates (CCA) is recognized as an early education leader both regionally and nationally. Established in 1968, CCA annually serves more than 15,000 children and their families and more than 790 educators who benefit from coaching, mentoring and training each year. CCA's mission to build family success through quality early education and development services emphasizes the long-term, broad impact of :;' positive early childhood experiences for entire communities. When a child benefits from quality child care and early learning, one is more likely to be ready for kindergarten, read on grade level in elementary school and then, be better prepared for a 40 lifetime of learning, employment and productive adulthood. CCA is working to deliver on our promise it Care to lead quality early education for every child, with a s s o c i a t e s every family, in every neighborhood and we are a proud partner of Fort Worth. - M , . . Cowtown Brush Up I 1� . Before Fall 2024 Elois R. Fort Worth, Texas 76106 Elois is an 80-year-old homeowner who is wheelchair -bound, living in her home for over 50 years. Due to her limited mobility, she struggled to maintain the exterior of her home and subsequently developed very extensive damage on all sides of her home. Through her participation in the program, we were able to replace the damaged, rotten siding and trim, and with the help of dedicated volunteers, we gave her home a fresh coat of paint, restoring its beauty and breathing new life into the space she cherishes. After Page 10 Cowtown Brush Up Spring 2024 Joe H. Fort Worth, Texas 76119 Another example of an amazing transformation is of Mr. Joe H's property. He has been in his home for over 30 years and the paint on his home was chipped very extensively in various areas of his home. Once he became accepted in the program, he jumped into action and during the Cowtown Brush -up event date he stood side by side with the volunteers in painting his home and transforming the exterior. With this refresh to the home's exterior, we were able to assist in restoring the home's beauty and protecting it from further damage. Before After V ► Delara Chase is a 9% Competitive LIHTC rehab of the existing Candle Chase Apartments located at 4805 Altamesa Blvd that will provide mixed -income family housing. The existing apartments were originally developed as affordable housing in 1969 but the Land Use Restriction continued to provide affordable rents expired in December 2023. The rehab of this community will allow this property to continue to be affordable to families in Wedgwood for 45 more years. This ±4.31 acre multifamily development consists of 116 units including a mix of one-, two-, and three -bedroom units. In July 2024 Delara Chase was awarded Low Income Housing Tax Credits by TDHCA. In recent years, there has not been a family tax credit housing developed in this area. Due to its location in proximity to job opportunities, transportation, and city amenities, Delara Chase was Delara Chase the 4th highest scoring application in the entire region out of seventeen full applications submitted. Delara Chase will be a rehab of the existing Candle Chase Apartments that will continue serving families in Fort Worth's Wedgwood neighborhood and include the following: - New ADA Accessible Clubhouse Building with on -site management office, gathering spaces, fitness and computer rooms, and two after school tutoring spaces - Each unit will have new vinyl flooring, granite countertops, new appliances, tile tub surrounds, and all drywall will be replaced. - Installing fire suppression systems in the units including sprinklers and fire alarms - Updating the onsite water heaters to current electric technology, both to improve service to the units and lower the environmental impact of the development by going all -electric - Replacing and upgrading all community laundry machines 95% of the rehabbed units will be available to LMI populations, between 30 and 60% AMI. The project has been awarded a Community Development Block Grant award of $3,377,708 from the City of Fort Worth to help cover the acquisition cost of the existing apartment community. DELARA -CHASE- ::•0easterseals • Lonestar North Texas Easterseals Lonestar Employment Services assists job seekers with disabilities and other barriers find and retain meaningful employment, through person -centered services offering Job Clubs and a Resource Center. ACTIVITIES Community Resources and Referrals Job readiness and advancement trainings Connecting with local business; securing meaningful employment Our mission: To create opportunities that empower people of all abilities to live their best lives. DETAILS Connects clients to resources to address social needs and barriers to employment Employment readiness (resume instruction, interview preparation, job search training) Connect with businesses to determine current openings and train clients to fill the needs Referrals to MHMR, TWC, apprentice and training programs, legal aid, rental/ utility assistance, clothing closets, and more Supported employment, job development and placement, job coaching, retention and advancement services Person -centered services to assist un- and under -employed individuals with meaningful employment Acknowledgements Thank you to the City of Fort Worth for awarding Easterseals Lonestar with $60,000 to serve individuals with disabilities, who are justice -involved, living at or below the poverty level, experiencing homelessness or are home insecure, and our veterans. Girls Inc. of Tarrant County is honored to be a recipient of a $100,000.00 Community Development Block Grant for the 2024-2025 grant cycle. Through this generous opportunity, we have expanded program access to the community we serve by increasing the locations where we provide programs and services. As a result, CDBG has consistently helped us achieve and maximize our impact of program participants' skills that will help them excel academically, professionally, and socially. At Northside High School, participants learned about the importance of setting goals, the difference between short-term vs. long-term goals, and created vision boards with inspiring words and images of things they want to accomplish. A Career Expo at William Monnig Middle School, community volunteers visited the campus and shared GirlsInc. insights into their professions, leaving students inspired by their stories and motivated to pursue their of Tarrant Count own aspirations. At Diamond Hill Community Center, y an anti -bullying lesson helped girls understand the different types of bullying -physical, verbal, and cyberbullying- how to recognize the signs and how they can support themselves and others. The girls also created anti -bullying flyers to spread the message of kindness. Additionally, we have added Second Saturday workshops, which take place in our facility, to our program schedule outside of those at our partner schools and community centers. These workshops have featured career panels and hands-on activities from Oncor, National Association of Women in Construction -Fort Worth, as well as financial literacy coaching, CPR training, and other valuable skills that benefit participants and their families. Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold! We are also proud to share the lasting impact we've made with the Ruvalcaba family whose daughters first started attending GITC programs at the Diamond Hill/ Jarvis Library. Ximena (left) shared that her involvement in a service activity where girls assembled care kits for the homeless taught her the value of community work. Gema (right) is a graduate of Northside HS and is currently a freshman at TCC where she is majoring in forensic science. Julieta (center) is now a senior at UNT and will be the first in her family to graduate college. She credits GITC for her smooth transition from high school to college, noting that she received help filling out admission applications, financial aid forms, and that her mentors always made her believe she could succeed. of Tarrant County The impact • Free Money Smart+ workshops help prevent crime and protect limited incomes • Hundreds of alumni amplify knowledge through their social networks • Program services also help seniors access Medicare Savings Programs and other important benefits h., Money Smart workshops are offered through the Financial Exploitation Prevention Center at GSI and have been made possible by a total of $451,075 in CDBG funding received since the program began in FY 2019. Page15 Achievement of the Chisholm Trail received $50,000 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the 2024-2025 program year to support the delivery of JA Inspire Jr and JA Our Series. These programs provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences that bring real -world concepts to life for K-5 students in Fort Worth ISD, fostering financial literacy, career exploration, and workforce readiness. The CDBG grant has allowed Junior Achievement to expand its reach and enhance program delivery, ensuring that young students gain early exposure to financial literacy and career pathways. By integrating real -world applications into classroom instruction, these programs create meaningful connections between students' education and future opportunities. Ju n ior Ach ievement JA Inspire Jr: Blended Learning with Real - World Exploration This program blends of the Chisholm Trail classroom instruction with interactive career exploration, helping students connect their interests and studies to real -world career paths. In -Class Activities: Educators guide students through engaging lessons on jobs, teamwork, problem -solving, and financial literacy using storytelling, games, and roleplaying. Hands -On Simulations: During Career Day, community volunteers from industries such as healthcare, technology, education, construction, and public service share their career journeys and expertise, providing students with firsthand industry exposure. At Versia Williams Elementary, students created floral bouquets with Claudia Garcia, owner of Special Occasions by C, and explored museum careers with Adam Werner from the Amon Carter Museum. At Springdale Elementary, Dr. Payal Patel from Lone Star Dental and Braces provided hands-on dental hygiene lessons, while Israel Lopez from Round 1 Boxing taught self-defense techniques and self- discipline. A A Junior AAA Achievement of the Chisholm Trail i V JA Our Series: Grade -Specific, Volunteer -Led Experiences This volunteer -driven program offers structured, standards -aligned lessons tailored to each grade level (K-5), focusing on financial literacy, community roles, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. •Interactive Learning: Through stories, games, discussions, and role-playing, students actively engage in their education. -Progressive Curriculum: Each year builds on the previous content, increasing complexity as students advance. • *Real -World Relevance: Volunteers bring professional experiences into the classroom, making learning engaging and applicable. The CDBG funding has played a crucial role in empowering students with essential skills for their future. By fostering financial literacy, career readiness, and hands-on learning, Junior Achievement continues to equip young learners with the tools they need to succeed in the evolving workforce. A A Junior AAA Achievement of the Chisholm Trail As a recipient of $192,501.64 of Community Development Block Grants in 2024, Presbyterian Night Shelter leveraged these funds to help change the lives of men and women staying in the Karl Travis Men's Center and the Loudon-Schutts Women's Center who have been experiencing homelessness. By covering the salaries and benefits for 5 Journey Home Guides in our Moving Home program, the grant helped us to move 320 individuals out of the Shelter and into permanent housing in 2024. Our Journey Home Guides provide vital case management to our guests, working with them to assess their best path out of homelessness and creating a plan to achieve that goal. Providing individualized case management, Journey Home Guides connect our guests with important resources, like mental health services, housing services, and employment opportunities. They help guests obtain critical documents that may have been lost or stolen, such as Social Security cards or birth certificates. They also serve as a grounding touchstone that lets our guests know they matter — that Presbyteriansomebody cares about them and their progress. Our Journey Home Guides know how to provide encouragement and support Night SheItor while allowing the guest to participate fully in the process. In 2024-2025, Presbyterian Night Shelter was also allocated $4,878,000 HOME -ARP funds. These funds underwrote the construction of 40 units of housing out of a 96-unit permanent supportive housing project called Journey Home Housing Apartments. Located at 7550 Crowley Road in Fort Worth, these newly constructed units will provide permanent affordable housing to individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness, who have a disability, and who are at or below 30% of the Annual Median Income (AMI) as set by HUD. Each unit is a single studio -style apartment that comes furnished. Free onsite laundry facilities are available. Additionally, case management is also provided for residents to help them maintain stability in their housing. "Those who opt to use our supportive services, like case management, are able to steady themselves more quickly," says Krystal Lotspeich, Vice President of Housing Services for Presbyterian Night Shelter. "[those] in case management tend to be better equipped with coping skills and are ultimately more successful at staying in their home." An additional $50,000 HOME -ARP funds will be allocated when one of the 40 HOME -ARP units is leased. Presbyterian Night Shelter The Women's Center of Tarrant County: Employment Solutions For over 40 years, The Women's Center of Tarrant County has supported vulnerable people experiencing poverty create pathways.to_prosperity and self re(fance through the THE Employment Solutions program. Investments from the City of Fort Worth through the WOMEN .,S Community Development Block Grant program support the Jobs Now Rapid Employment CENTER track and are essential to maintaining the reach of services in the face of wide -scale funding reductions. The Jobs Now Process Delivered using the evidence -based Working Families Success model, Employment Solutions provides bundled Workforce Development, Financial Coaching and Resource Connection to help individuals find the best job at the highest wage as quickly as possible. Identifies Weekly, Workshops residents Info, in need to buildjob Planning& search of services Resources skills CDBG Impact Folio Sea r\ Focuse7on Living wage individ opportunities goal setting with benefits ✓ CDBG Dollars Invested In Employment Solutions: More than $60,000 annually ✓ People Reached: Over 150 Fort Worth Residents reached annually ✓ Coaching Hours Delivered: 2,100+ hours of Coaching Hours are delivered to CDBG clients (including Financial Coaching) ✓ Employment Rate/Wage: 80%+ of clients employed at wages over $17 per hour ✓ Job Retention: Over 90% of clients retained employment for at least 1 year ✓ Financial Stability Outcomes: Nearly 90% of clients feel better able to manage their finances and over 80% reach one or more personal defined financial goal. The Voices of Clients Served "I absolutely love my job, I love being there, and most of all, I love my customers! I love to make the store look nice and make my customers feel valued:" "The Employment Solutions program helped renew my confidence in seeking and "My experience at the Women's Center was exceptional. The information provided by the Career and Financial Coaches helped to boost my eagerness �11' i Since 1909, United Community Centers has been dedicated to empowering those in need, nurturing learners, and strengthening families at its centers in the Polytechnic Heights, Diamond Hill - Jarvis, and Historic Southside neighborhoods of Fort Worth. Thanks to CDBG's generous $100,000 grant, we are able to ensure that children and families receive the resources they need to thrive. Education Literacy Program Our innovative, licensed childcare program supports students from Pre-K to 7th grade by fostering academic growth for long-term success while providing a nurturing and supportive environment for children and their families. UCC's classroom UnitedCommunity teachers lead interactive learning centers, provide targeted small -group instruction, and offer Centers personalized enrichment activities. Each center is staffed with an Early Childhood Literacy Specialist and a Literacy Specialist, who guide our teachers and are dedicated to assessment and intervention, ensuring every child receives the attention they need to succeed. To further fuel learning, UCC provides freshly prepared meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, ensuring students have the energy they need to succeed. Our staff provides regular updates and one-on-one conferences to keep parents informed about their child's progress and help facilitate communication with schools when needed. Academic Outcomes 83% of students in our Education Literacy Program advanced one or more reading levels in just four months (August to December 2024). Today, over half (54%) of our students are at or above grade reading level. Of those who started below, 74% have already climbed at least one level! A Story of Success A bilingual student's journey began the school year as a 2nd-grader at a pre-K reading level, grew six reading levels in half a year, and is now entering a 1 st-grade reading level —proof of her incredible dedication and the power of personalized learning. Today, she proudly helps classmates struggling with sight words, transforming from a learner into a leader. Her mother calls UCC a blessing, seeing her daughter not just succeed academically but also uplift her peers. This journey isn't just about improving skills —it's about building confidence, igniting potential, and proving that with the right support, every child can succeed. Page19 Bethlehem Poly Below Level Above Level 50% c 39% On Level 11% IV Below Level Above Level 44% 43% On Level 13% Students Below Reading Level Who Gained 1+ Levels 74% 74/ 63/ 0 84'% MEN UCC Bethlehem Poly Wesley Wesley Below Level Above Level 45% 0 40% On Level 15% Overall Gained Reading Levels 83% 84% 78% 88% MMMpp UCC Bethlehem Poly Wesley *20 UCC students gained four or more reading levels • Page 20 Your Harvest House was awarded $25,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, a vital resource that directly supports Fort Worth residents through our longstanding Financial Aid Program. These funds are used to provide emergency assistance with rent, mortgage, and utility payments, offering a lifeline to families in crisis. In 2024 we were able to assist 115 Tarrant County households —part of a total of 296 families served through $123,568 in aid. With 94% of those being clients who had not requested assistance in the previous twelve months, this program proves to be both impactful and empowering. Each financial aid case involves a thorough intake process —including income verification and crisis consultation —with payments made directly to landlords or service providers. This ensures accountability while restoring stability and dignity to our clients. Since our founding in 1984, Harvest House has been a pillar of HarvestHouse hope for low -to -moderate -income individuals and families across North Texas. Our mission —"Feed — Clothe — Restore" —drives everything we do, from addressing food insecurity to offering pathways to long-term stability. In 2024, we served over 9,000 residents, with 44% living in Tarrant County. Our Food Pantry remains our top priority, Strengthened by CDBG Funding to Serve providing groceries without income restrictions and partnering with eight local CDBG Funding to Serve Tarrant County Families food ministries to reach even more neighbors in need. Through our Clothing Voucher Program, families can shop for clothing and household items at our Resale Store at no cost. Beyond meeting immediate needs, our Financial Aid Program, supported in part by CDBG funds, helps families avoid eviction or utility shutoff and take their first steps toward independence. In 2025, we are expanding our impact through Bridges Out of Poverty — Getting Ahead, a 16- week initiative equipping participants with tools to escape generational poverty. With over ten partner agencies, we also connect clients to financial counseling, employment resources, and ESL classes. As Mayor Chris Fletcher of Burleson and a former board member says, "Harvest House is a trusted organization that consistently delivers on its promises." With the support of CDBG 0^0 funding and our community partners, we remain HARVEST HOUSE dedicated to helping families not just survive — FEED CLOTHE RESTORE but thrive. City of Fort Worth, Texas Mayor and Council Communication DATE: 06/10/25 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 25-0513 LOG NAME: 19NATIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WEEK DONATIONS SUBJECT (ALL) Ratify Acceptance of Various Private Donations to Support National Community Development Week in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,000.00 in Monetary Donations and $2,800.00 Worth of In -Kind Donations, Find that Such Use of Donations Serves a Public Purpose, and Adopt Appropriation Ordinance RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Ratify the acceptance of various private donations in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 in monetary donations and $2,800.00 worth of in - kind donations to support National Community Development Week; 2. Find that the use of the donations to support National Community Development Week initiatives serves a public purpose and that adequate controls are in place to carry out such public purpose; and 3. Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Special Donations LTD Fund, in the amount of $1,000.00, from various private donations, for the purpose of funding National Community Development Week activities (City Project No. S00150). F7 F-101tJ641 Eel TF The purpose of this Mayor & Council Communication (M&C) is to request ratification to accept private donations from businesses, organizations, individuals, and community partners in an amount not to exceed $1,000.00 in monetary donations and $2,800.00 worth of in -kind donations in support of National Community Development Week 2025, celebrated April 21-25, 2025. This week is a national celebration to acknowledge the investments and benefits derived from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). The City of Fort Worth has been a recipient of CDBG grant funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) since 1975, supporting community development projects and activities, and HOME program grant funds since 1992, supporting the development of sustainable and affordable housing benefiting low -to -moderate income individuals and households, including older adults, children, people with disabilities, and those experiencing chronic or frequent homelessness. In support of these efforts, Neighborhood Services Department identified community partners that wanted to provide donations, both monetary and in -kind, to be used and/or presented during National Community Development Week. All donations received were used solely for the purpose of supporting National Community Development Week activities and initiatives. The City ensured adequate controls were in place to carry out such public purpose throughout the donation process. A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity. FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION: The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations and adoption of the attached appropriation ordinance, funds will be deposited and available in the Neighborhood Services Donation project within the Special Donations LTD Fund. The Neighborhood Services Department (and Financial Management Services) is responsible for the collection and deposit of funds due to the City. Prior to any expenditure being incurred, the Neighborhood Services Department also has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds. Submitted for City Manaaer's Office bv: Dana Burghdoff 8018 Oriainatina Business Unit Head: Kacey Bess 8187 Additional Information Contact: Sharon Burkley 5785 Juliet Moses 6203