It is a well known fact that the city of Lawrence is very supportive of people with developmental disabilities. Our community is compassionate, inclusive and tolerant and that's what makes Lawrence such a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. The city's support for it's developmentally disabled citizens was confirmed once again last year when the Neighborhood Resources Department approved CLO's application for the so-called Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The funds were needed to repair the roof of one of our older homes - Elmwood. By replacing the old asphalt shingles, we were able to avoid the formation of dangerous mold and save the roof from rotting and irreparable structural damage. Recently, the funds from the grant became available and the roof was replaced. The Community Development Block Grant is an extremely important program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique development needs. Beginning in 1974, the CDBG program is one of the longest continuously run programs at US Department of Housing and Urban Development - HUD. The CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to 1180 general units of local government and States. Without this program many critical needs of low-income citizens would remain unmet. The CLO application was reviewed by the Neighborhood Resources Advisory Committee and the Community Development Block Grant Review Board. It was decided that the repair is needed urgently and that our project fits perfectly within the "Step Up to Better Housing" strategy developed by the City in 1996.
Thank you City of Lawrence and Neighborhood Resources Department! Because of your support, the developmentally disabled people living in Elmwood House enjoy a safe, clean and aesthetically pleasing environment!