Biggest block grant from city of T.O. goes to Area Housing Authority

Area Housing Authority got the biggest portion of federal Community Development Block Grant funds spent by the city last year, according to a city report.

AHA received about $337,000 for affordable housing improvements.

Old Town West Master Plan developments received about $108,000. The Old Town residents participated in three community forums to prepare the master plan.

That's $20,000 less than the $128,000 spent for program administration that includes public meetings, advertising and staff costs.

Social service providers were awarded about $104,000 in public service grants. Included was $9,000 for Assistance League, $4,000 for Catholic Charities, $3,350 for Conejo Free Clinic, $13,000 for Lutheran Social Services, $10,000 for Many Mansions and $20,000 for Senior Concerns meals.

About $40,000 went for day laborer site coordination.

Commercial revitalization received $14,000 and a fair housing counseling program $12,500.

Women's Economic Ventures in Oxnard received a grant for $10,000 to help with selfemployment training.

The city received an annual entitlement of $707,499 in Community Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds are used primarily to benefit low- and moderateincome people. National objectives include housing, expanded economic opportunities, ending homelessness and increasing minority homeownership, a city report said.

- Nancy Needham