Santa Clarita asks community to share needs, help direct grant spending

The city of Santa Clarita is inviting locals to express their needs in order to decide how to spend federal grant money.

Whatever responders say they’re most in need of will guide city staff on where to direct the funds, whether it’s toward homes, professional development or recreation.

Community members can weigh in on four categories, including housing, supportive services, community facilities and infrastructure and economic opportunities.

“This is an opportunity for our residents to share their input on how these grants can best be utilized to help those less fortunate in our community,” City Communications Manager Carrie Lujan said.

“Community Development Block Grants have been a tremendous asset to the City of Santa Clarita,” she said, “providing extra assistance in keeping our community safe and providing services to those who need it the most.”

The top-three needs identified in each category will become the city’s focus for the grants next year.

Last year, the funds went to youth activities, anticrime programs, mental health services, the homeless shelter, youth centers, parks and recreation facilities, affordable rental housing, senior rental housing, energy-efficiency improvements, job creation and retention, employment training and start-up business assistance.

Residents have from Nov. 10 to Dec. 22 to complete the Community Needs Assessment survey.

The funds are given through a Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development each year.

To complete the assessment, visit santa-clarita.com/ housing.

For more information, contact City Project Technician Terasa Sullivan at 661-255-4368.