Foster announces $9 million in area HUD grants

Local government officials say they will use $9 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to work quickly with local communities to stem the rising tide of foreclosures, evictions and unemployment.

"We'll be working across party lines to make sure this money helps the people who are struggling," said U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, a Democrat representing the 14th district. He made the announcement at his Batavia office with Republicans Karen McConnaughay, chair of the Kane County Board, and DuPage County Board member Dirk Enger at his side.

The grants were made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the stimulus bill, that was recently passed and signed into law.

Foster said he voted for the stimulus because it was "necessary to get our economy back on track after almost a decade of economic mismanagement."

All three officials said the funds would go to existing programs with the goal of saving families from foreclosure, as well as creating jobs through construction projects, and expanding affordable housing. They added, however, that details of how the funds will be spent have not been ironed out.

"The money came quicker than we expected," McConnaughay said. "But it's coming through a formula and we'll be utilizing the best of the good programs that we already have. The key is to act quickly and reinvest the money into the communities to make an impact."

Kane County will receive more than $500,000 for homeless prevention and more than $330,000 in community development block grants. DuPage County will receive $1.4 million in homeless prevention and nearly $1 million in block grants. Funds will also go to the cities of Aurora, DeKalb, Elgin and Wheaton which have their own community development programs.

Mary Keating, who administers community development for DuPage County, said the county will work with a network of providers to determine and prioritize economic needs.

She said that the funds could start flowing through social service agencies within 60 to 90 days.

"As an example, the money could be used as a security deposit or first month's rent," Keating said. "We'll be working closely with (agency staff) who work on the front lines. It's important to move quickly. We're not reinventing the wheel."