Economic Prosperity and Housing Program – CDBG, HOME and HOME-ARP

The City of Vancouver, Washington, through its Economic Prosperity and Housing Department, is inviting applications for the 2026 Economic Prosperity and Housing Program, which combines federal funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and the HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP). Approximately $1.9 million in total funding is anticipated to be available for projects that address housing, community development, homelessness prevention, and economic opportunity. The funds originate from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are allocated locally to support Vancouver’s Consolidated Plan goals for 2024–2028, emphasizing affordable housing, economic stability, and neighborhood revitalization. The purpose of this funding cycle is to increase affordable housing opportunities, strengthen the local economy, and assist vulnerable populations through a variety of project types. Eligible activities include the acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of affordable housing; tenant-based rental assistance; homeless supportive services; public services aimed at poverty reduction and stability; and microenterprise business assistance. Each funding stream carries specific eligibility rules based on income thresholds and program objectives. HOME and HOME-ARP projects must directly serve households earning at or below 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) for rentals or 80 percent AMI for ownership, while CDBG-funded programs primarily benefit low- to moderate-income households up to 80 percent AMI. Applications are submitted online through the Neighborly Software portal beginning October 1, 2025. A mandatory pre-application process is required, due October 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Full applications are due December 5, 2025, also by 11:59 p.m. PST. Applicants must attend at least one mandatory information session corresponding to their funding category: Housing Information Session (October 6, 2025, 2 p.m. via Teams) or Microenterprise Information Session (October 7, 2025, 11 a.m. via Teams). Optional technical assistance sessions will be available October 24 and November 17, 2025. Following submission, City staff review applications and may request technical corrections before committee scoring in February 2026. Funding recommendations will go to City Council in March and April 2026, with awards finalized in July 2026 pending HUD approval. CDBG-funded activities include Public Services and Microenterprise Business Assistance. Public Services grants (up to $75,000 per award, $180,000 total) support programs that prevent homelessness, increase stability, and reduce poverty, serving residents at or below 50 percent AMI. Microenterprise grants (up to $150,000 per award, $300,000 total) assist small businesses with five or fewer employees through training, technical assistance, and targeted support for childcare and construction/trade enterprises. HOME funds ($550,000 for housing acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation and $250,000 for homebuyer assistance) help develop and preserve affordable housing units through grants and low-interest loans secured by a Deed of Trust. Tenant-Based Rental Assistance provides up to $300,000 in HOME funds for rental subsidies and an additional $105,000 in CDBG funds for related housing services. HOME-ARP allocates approximately $500,000 for homeless supportive services prioritizing Safe Stay and Safe Park sites, focusing on stability, education, and employment support for homeless households. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and in the case of Microenterprise funds, for-profit entities. Private individuals are not eligible. All projects must occur within Vancouver city limits. Applicants must maintain active SAM.gov registration with a Unique Entity ID and provide required insurance coverage. Projects must comply with all applicable federal requirements including Davis–Bacon wage rules, Buy America provisions, NEPA environmental review, and Fair Housing laws. Projects may not begin physical work until environmental clearance is issued. The City will review organizational capacity, financial soundness, and project readiness through its underwriting and risk assessment process. Evaluation is based on alignment with the Consolidated Plan goals, demonstrated need, applicant capacity, financial feasibility, readiness to proceed, and collaboration. Projects are scored on measurable community impact and their benefit to low- and moderate-income residents. Final approval rests with the City Council after public review and hearing. Applicants with grievances may contact the Housing Programs Manager or the Economic Prosperity and Housing Director for resolution. All questions regarding this funding opportunity may be directed to housing@cityofvancouver.us. Specific staff contacts include Tasha Slater (tasha.slater@cityofvancouver.us), Ian Alger (ian.alger@cityofvancouver.us), and Victor Saldanha (victor.saldanha@cityofvancouver.us). Additional information, including income limits and application materials, is available at www.cityofvancouver.us/cdbg. Funds will become available in July 2026 and may be used through December 2027, depending on the specific funding track.

Attend mandatory info sessions; ensure SAM.gov and financials are current.