Action Plans
- American Recovery Act of 2009
- Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
- Annual Action Plan
- Consolidated Annual Performance & Evaluation Report
- Homeless Emergency Assistance
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Stimulus Programs
Homelessness Prevention/Rapid Re-Housing Program
The City of Lowell was allocated $979,048 in Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP) funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
These funds are directed toward programs that provide financial assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless and to help those experiencing homelessness to be rapidly re-housed and stabilized. Programs supported with HPRP funds will also address goals of the City's 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness (PDF). As part of the application process to HUD, the City of Lowell is required to complete a Substantial Amendment to its 2008-2009 Annual Action Plan (PDF).
Community Development Block Grant - Recovery
The City of Lowell was allocated $639,803 in Community Development Block Grant - Recovery (CDBG-R) Program funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These funds are directed toward programs that support job creation and other economic stimulus activities. As part of the application process to HUD, the City of Lowell is required to complete a Substantial Amendment to its 2008-2009 Annual Action Plan (PDF).
About the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) (PDF) is an assessment of how laws, government policies, real estate practices and local conditions affect the location, availability and accessibility of housing.
The AI also identifies areas where corrective action might broaden housing options of persons protected by fair housing laws. The document is prepared by the City of Lowell in conjunction with the Consolidated Plan process every five years.
About the Annual Action Plan
The Annual Action Plan (PDF) is the City of Lowell's grant application for Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) which outlines the planned activities that will be supported via the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), and the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funding during each program year.
The Annual Action Plan is submitted to HUD on May 15th of each year, and describes Lowell's needs, priorities, strategies, and objectives for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1st and ends on June 30th. Once approved by HUD, the Annual Action Plan becomes the spending plan for the City of Lowell's CDBG, HOME, and ESG entitlement funds. The primary objective of these programs is to provide decent housing and a suitable living environment with expanding economic opportunities predominantly for persons of low and moderate incomes.
About the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is an annual report that provides a financial summary and documents the accomplishments and expenditures of projects or activities selected to receive Federal funds for the previous program year.
The report is submitted to HUD each year on October 1st. The 2014-2015 CAPER (PDF) covers Consolidated Plan activities beginning July 1, 2014 and ending June 30, 2015.
Homeless Emergency Assistance & Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH)
The HEARTH Act provided for significant revisions to the Emergency Solutions Grant (formerly Emergency Shelter Grant) program including a stronger emphasis on homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing assistance.
During the 2011-12 program year the City of Lowell received a supplemental allocation of Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 - 2012 Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds to assist households at imminent risk of losing their home or to support homeless individuals and families move into permanent affordable housing. ESG funds will be directed toward activities that provide direct financial assistance as well as supportive services. As part of the application process to HUD, the City is required to complete a Substantial Amendment to its 2011-2012 Annual Action Plan (PDF).
About the Five-Year Consolidated Plan
The Five-Year Consolidated Plan (PDF) summarizes the community's priority needs for Community Development, Economic Development, Affordable Housing, Homeless Programs, and Public Services, and establishes a strategy to address those needs.This strategy will guide the annual activities and use of funds under the Community Block Grant (CDBG), Home Rehabilitation Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs for the period beginning July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2015. This plan was approved by the Lowell City Council on in May 2010.