Little Compton Service Providers Seek CDBG Funds

As the annual application process for the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program starts up, Little Compton agencies that provide services to citizens of low-to-moderate income are asking the town to help them secure funding.

During Thursday night's Town Council meeting, representatives from Church Housing Corp, St. Elizabeth's Community and East Bay Community Action Program asked Little Compton to appeal for the federal grants on their organization's behalf.

Geri Manning, spokeswoman for St. Elizabeth Community, which offers an array of geriatric services, operates the Nancy Brayton Osborn Cornerstone Adult Day Health Center

"We are asking for $5,000 from the Community Development Block Grant to help those individuals who are attending and can't quite afford what it costs," said Manning. "Right now we have 18 people from Little Compton who are considered low income and benefit from medicaid. These funds would help bridge the gap so we could continue providing services."

East Bay Community Action Program is seeking funds to help cover the costs of its medical services. The program provides care to all East Bay residents on a sliding scale based on income and whether or not the patient has health insurance.

Christian Belden of Church Community Housing Corp. is helping the town prepare its federal grant application and said his organization was considering applying for funding to purchase land in Little Compton for development as an affordable housing residence.

Last year Little Compton received $18,900 in CDBG funds to benefit affordable housing and social service initiatives.

"These funds are specifically to benefit low and moderate income people and there is definitely also a social service provision," said Belden.

Thursday's public hearing was the first on two to be help for public agencies interested in the CDBG program. The next will be held at the March meeting.