Two Community Development Block Grant programs now open for applications

Owner Occupied Rehabilitation program

The OOR program aims to help low-income homeowners to age in place, have greater mobility and make necessary repairs for their comfort and safety. Additionally, the OOR program supports communities in improving their existing housing stock and empowers them to establish local home repair programs.

Applicants are required to complete the program-specific points form and attach all necessary documentation. Submissions must be titled “OOR Program Specific Forms” and should be uploaded through the Grants Management System as a single file. Applicants should note that any document not attached to the form will not be considered in the evaluation process. Applicants are also required to use the Homeowner Application Packet provided by OCRA for the implementation of local home repair programs. Submissions using forms from any other agency will not be accepted. All updated forms are available on the CDBG Resources page .

Awarded communities will administer programs that directly fund repairs on owner-occupied residential properties, such as:

• Roof replacements or repairs
• Heating, cooling and water heater replacement
• Select lighting and electrical upgrades
• ADA accessibility modifications up to the threshold of the home

Planning Grants

The following plan types will be open as part of the third quarter round:

• Single Utility Study Plans
• Two Utility Study Plans
• Three Utility Study Plans
• Comprehensive Plan
• Broadband Readiness Plan
• Downtown Revitalization Plan
• Economic Development Plan
• COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan
• Environmental Assessment Plan
• Historic Preservation Plan
• Feasibility Study Plan

While a formal site visit is not required for the Planning Grant program, applicants must contact their OCRA Community Liaison to 1) notify the Office of their intention to submit an application and 2) to receive technical assistance on the planning process. A map of community liaison districts can be found here.

Important Notes:

• Applicants interested in submitting an application for the OOR Q3 round must notify OCRA of their intent to apply. This notification should be sent to the respective OCRA community liaison and cdbg@ocra.in.gov no later than Friday, Aug. 1.
   
• A new bonus points policy is in effect for OOR this quarter. Changes outlined in the approved U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Action Plan will be implemented. The bonus points policy is designed to enhance the resilience of rural communities. To assist applicants, resources have been made available on the CDBG Resources page. Materials outline the minimum requirements necessary for bonus points request.
   
• All completed income survey documentation for this round of the Planning Grant should be submitted for final approval in eGMS by Aug. 1 to ensure OCRA has 10 days to complete it’s review. Final income survey results must be approved by OCRA in eGMS ahead of the application due date on Aug. 15.
   
• As a reminder, the Qualifications Based Selection Planning Grant Procurement Policy went into effect Aug. 15, 2022. In accordance with the policy, procurement of professional services for the planning study must be completed prior to submitting the planning grant application in eGMS for Q3 of 2025.

The next round of planning grants is expected to continue quarterly until funds have been exhausted. 

Funding for all CDBG programs, such as OOR and Planning Grants, comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is administered by OCRA. For further information on these programs, contact the assigned regional OCRA community liaison.