Community Development Block Grants: Making a Difference in Boston for over 50 Years
In 2024, the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) joined 1200 communities across the country to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated 3.3 billion dollars to the CDBG program, including $17,196,200 to Boston.
The Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, as it is familiarly known, originated in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. This federal law, among other provisions, amended the Housing Act of 1937 (created during the Great Depression during the administration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt to improve housing conditions for low-income families). Its implementation provided local governments with additional funding to support community development projects that benefited low to moderate-income individuals, including anti-poverty programs, infrastructure improvements, and affordable and subsidized housing. CDBG funding allowed states and localities to develop programs that supported their specific needs. Today, the CDBG program remains one of HUD's most established initiatives, widely recognized for its adaptability and significant role in bolstering community resilience and driving economic revitalization across diverse regions.
In Boston, the funds received by the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) are used primarily for affordable housing and economic development. HUD allows cities to use up to 15% of the funding received for human services programming. Each year, MOH partners with OWD to manage this portion of CDBG funding.
CDBG funding has a crucial impact on empowering Boston communities, enabling them to address community needs, foster economic growth, and improve quality of life through essential services. In FY25, OWD awarded $2.2 million to more than 40 community-centric organizations whose funding provided programming focused on adult literacy, youth advancement, job training, career readiness, economic stability, education advancement, and support services. Of the 40 awardees, 10 were youth programs, 10 were job training programs, 8 were economic stability programs, and 12 provided support services. In total, they served 3,437 low to moderate-income residents, majority of whom were BIPOC.
The organizations in successfully helped 1,840 participants with completing their programs and 1,124 Boston residents were assisted in finding employment. Securing employment allowed many beneficiaries to increase their incomes which in turn gives them more spending power, providing economic growth in our community. The programs assisted 707 beneficiaries with obtaining public benefits, helping many participants gain access to health care, food, cash benefits, housing vouchers, and more.
See the full list of FY25 awardees here.
- Last updated:
-
Success Stories
Artists For Humanity
Artists For Humanity (AFH) provides paid employment opportunities for Boston teens aged 14-18 in a variety of creative studios, including 3D Design, Animation, Creative Technology, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, and Video. Participants work alongside professional artists and designers, developing valuable skills while delivering creative services to AFH clients. Last summer, teen artist Elysse was able to combine her interests in art and science to further explore her interest in the future of prosthetics. Her long-term dream is to design and decorate prosthetics--combining function and beauty in ways that transform how we see both art and medical innovation. Drawing from her cultural roots in Bani in the Dominican Republic, Elysse captured the vivid memories of festivals, with their vibrant folklore, costumes, and intricate patterns. She envisions paintings that don't just exist on a flat surface, but instead jump out at the viewer incorporating 3D elements to create immersive art that reflects her heritage. Elysse's story demonstrates AFH's impact: nurturing young, multi-talented minds to explore the intersections of art, technology, and culture.
Boston Higher Education Resource Center
The Boston Higher Education Resource Center (HERC) Passport to College program works with first generation students to help them successfully move on to post secondary education that sets them up for successful careers. During FY25 the support and guidance that HERC provided to a participant helped them to be awarded a last-dollar scholarship that covers the entire gap in the student’s schools cost after financial aid. The participant is currently a student at Suffolk University where he is working on achieving their goal of becoming a financial advisor. His experience with the Passport to College program motivates him to help students and families like his reach their financial goals. If the student did not have the guidance of the program he would not have been able to attend Suffolk University.
Madison Park Development Corporation
Last summer, three graduates of the Madison Park Development Corporation’s Opportunity Employment Program (OEP) Makeup Artistry Course came together to create KSD (Kissed) Artistry, an 8-week immersive makeup training program. Drawing from their OEP experience, these young entrepreneurs offered a hands-on curriculum covering everything from sanitation fundamentals to advanced techniques for mature skin and more. The program is designed to empower aspiring makeup artists with both essential skills and confidence, offering personalized guidance to each participant. KSD Artistry stands as a testament to the success and potential of young people when provided with the right opportunities and support.
- Last updated:
-
