Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry today announced that 10 local non-profits will receive funding from the City’s federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars.

Approximately $360,000 will be available to help low- and moderate-income residents with shelter, basic needs, employment skills and youth development.

The Mayor made the announcement at Wellspring Interfaith Social Service’s Clothing Shoppe, which, along with the Wellspring Food Bank, will be supported by CDBG dollars.

This year, the following non-profits will receive grants:

• Boys and Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne (Passport to Manhood, mentoring program for at-risk boys and young men),
• BrightPoint (Language Services Network, a program providing translation services for immigrants and refugees),
• Catholic Charities (Your Journey Together, a program to mentor families living in shelters),
• Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network (Resource Coordinator for families in need of shelter),
• Literacy Alliance (Pre-GED and HSE, a program providing instruction for adults whose reading level measures below fifth grade),
• Lutheran Social Services (Lasting Stability and Success for Individuals, a program providing comprehensive training and coaching for those who are unemployed or underemployed),
• Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana (Wellness Recovery Action Plan, a program helping individuals living in permanent supportive and transitional housing manage mental illness and/or addiction),
• SCAN (Courtyard Services for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care, a program supporting an overnight case manager to provide Courtyard residents life skills training),
• Wellspring (Food Bank and Clothing Shoppe) and
• YWCA (Employment Services to Empower the Homeless living in transitional or crisis shelters).

The City receives CDBG dollars annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund activities that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Because of recent federal cuts to CDBG allocations, many cities have stopped funding non-profit services. Mayor Henry, however, continues his commitment to these services.

“It’s important for our community to work together to make a meaningful difference for individuals and families in need of opportunities for a better future,” said Mayor Henry. “Fort Wayne is fortunate to have so many deserving organizations committed to enhancing services and possibilities moving forward.”

The City uses a competitive application process to award the grants. A committee of area social service professionals helps score the applications and makes recommendations on funding. Criteria are based on goals for the use of federal funds that are developed in part with input from local residents.