The City of Fort Wayne receives Community Development Block Grant 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 federal cuts to CDBG allocations over the years, many cities have stopped funding non-profit services. Mayor Tom Henry, however, continues his commitment to these non-profit services through the Public Services program
Approximately every 12 months, the City of Fort Wayne’s Office of Housing & Neighborhood Services invites non-profits to apply for grants to support programming that serves low- and moderate-income residents. A committee of area social service professionals helps score the applications and makes recommendations to Mayor Henry and the HANDS Board regarding funding. Criteria are based on goals for the use of federal funds that are developed in part with input from local residents.