State DED awards grants for community development groups

The Missouri Department of Economic Development awarded $677,721 in grants Dec. 31 to assist both urban and rural communities in housing, community and economic development activities.

The Community Development Corporation Grant Program is designed to fund projects that encourage community organizations to work together to strategically redevelop economically depressed areas. A CDC is a community-based organization governed by a local board that uses its resources to attract capital, develop or rehabilitate low-income housing and increase business development and job opportunities for its residents.

"We know that strong and vibrant communities are essential to attracting jobs and businesses to our state," said Joseph L. Driskill, on his final day as DED director. "One of the most important things that the state can do is to partner with our communities and help them become self-sufficient and improve the quality of life for their residents."

The CDCs receiving state grants for fiscal year 2004 include programs for job mentoring, affordable housing, job training and placement, transitional services, small-business counseling and incubation services for businesses.

The following community-based organizations received 2004 CDC grants:

Blue Hills Community Services Corporation, Kansas City, $75,000;

Hispanic Economic Development Corporation, Kansas City, $75,000;

Butler County Community Resource Council, Poplar Bluff, $37,907;

EOC Community Action Agency, St. Joseph, $75,000;

Beyond Housing Inc./Neighborhood Housing Services, St. Louis, $64,000;

CIBC Westend Academy, St. Louis, $68,800;

Center for Women in Transition, St. Louis, $70,274;

Grace Hill Neighborhood Housing Services, St. Louis, $70,500;

Hi-Tech Charities, St. Louis, $75,000; and

Human Development Corporation, St. Louis, $66,240.