A view inside Saginaw City Hall in June 2022.

SAGINAW, MI — Renovation costs for a structure known as The Juneteenth Building and funding for a youth boxing club were among the new programs that will receive part of $1.8 million in federal block grant money.

At a Monday, Sept. 12, meeting, the Saginaw City Council approved the latest round of programs supported by the city’s annual U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (often referenced in shorthand as “HUD” or “CDBG” program) money.

The largest chunk of the block grant money — $394,553 — will fund the rehabilitation of homes in low- to moderately-low income Saginaw neighborhoods.

All but four of the proposals — including the Juneteenth Building renovation and the youth boxing club funding — will benefit programs funded by last year’s round of block grants, which totaled $2.2 million.

Saginaw has benefited from the Community Development Block Grant initiative annually for 48 years.

The city’s funding from the program has fluctuated over time. For instance, block grants infused $3 million into Saginaw in 2011. The total dipped to $1.7 million three years ago before bouncing back above the $2 million threshold in 2020.

The council unanimously approved the latest block grant funds Monday. Mayor Pro Tem Michael Balls was absent from the meeting.

The following is a list of this year’s 24 block grant-funded programs, listed in order of initiatives that would receive the largest to the least amount of money, according to city records. Asterisks indicate programs not included in the 2021 block grant program.

The initiative will fund rehabilitation of homes for residents earning low-to-moderately low incomes.

The city will resurface streets, replace deteriorated pavement, adjust manhole structures and build sidewalk ramps within neighborhoods eligible for block grant funds.

3. Demolition of blighted homes: $283,260 ($501,721 in 2021)

The city will knock down an unspecified number of homes to reduce blight.

4. Saginaw Economic Development Corporation business loan initiative: $150,516 ($126,119 in 2021)

The funds will support the Saginaw agency in providing business loans to entrepreneurs hoping to start or expand businesses in neighborhoods eligible for block grants.

5. Saginaw specification writing program: $129,365 (same as 2021)

Saginaw code enforcement officers will write specifications and provide oversite of the construction projects engaged through the housing rehabilitation program.

The Saginaw Police Department will receive financial support to maintain three community police officers assigned to eligible neighborhoods.

7. American with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk ramps: $80,000 (same as 2021)

Saginaw will construct sidewalk ramps for residents with disabilities, all within block grant-eligible neighborhoods.

*8. Saginaw Housing Commission lighting project: $61,250

The funds will support updates to entry lighting at Town and Garden, 1803 Norman.

The funds will support renovations at 1315 N. 5th, also known as the Juneteenth Building.

10. Downtown Development Authority initiative: $38,000 (same as 2021)

The funds will support Saginaw’s Downtown Development Authority efforts to redevelop properties and recruit businesses to the city.

11. Houghton-Jones Neighborhood Task Force program: $28,841 ($15,000 in 2021)

The funds will support activities – including beautification and other volunteer work – aimed at improving the Houghton-Jones neighborhood as well as fund a staff member to handle day-to-day operations.

12. First Ward Community Services LACER program: $25,000 (same as 2021)

The funds will support the community organization’s Literacy Arts Cultural Enrichment and Recreation (LACER) program, which provides after-school and summer programs for K-12 students.

13. First Ward Community Services H.I.R.E. program: $18,000 (same as 2021)

The community agency’s Helping Individuals Retain Employment (H.I.R.E.) initiative focuses on providing youths with workplace-ready skills and abilities.

The program will provide funding for a youth boxing program operated by Gideon Corp. USA.

15. Saginaw County Youth Protection Council Innerlink initiative: $16,000 (same as 2021)

The program will provide social work support for 20 families earning low to moderate incomes.

16. Saginaw County Youth Protection Council teen parent support program: $16,000 (same as 2021)

The initiative will benefit 55 individuals in an effort to reduce infant mortality, prevent child abuse, and help young mothers support their families.

17. Saginaw Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity home maintenance program: $14,000 ($9,592 in 2021)

The initiative will provide home maintenance classes to residents in the areas of plumbing, electrical, as well as interior and exterior repairs.

18. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region program: $10,000 (same as 2021)

The $10,000 will fund 1-on-1 mentoring services and tutoring for at-risk youths.

19. First Ward Community Services senior citizens program: $10,000 (same as 2021)

The organization will provide a hub for senior citizens to socialize and eat meals.

The program will help fund the bi-monthly Y-Senior Connect Program for senior citizens.

21. Saginaw Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity housing counseling program: $9,445 (same as 2021)

The funds will support the nonprofit’s housing counseling program, provided to homeowners with incomes that fall between 30 to 60% of the area’s median income.

22. Legal Services of Eastern Michigan testing and education initiative: $9,318 (same as 2021)

The funds will support Fair Housing Education and Testing required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

23. Hearts for the Community summer youth program: $8,000 ($4,000 in 2021)

The $8,000 will fund activities and lunches for children participating in the nonprofit’s summertime initiatives.

24. Hearts for the Community after-school program: $8,000 ($4,000 in 2021)

The funds will support the nonprofit’s after-school initiatives for youths.

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