Township stays with CDBG program 2024-2026

By Dana Casadei

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Monday, May 22, to continue participating in Oakland County’s urban county Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for program years 2024-2026.

Over the last three years, through this program, approximately $155,337 has funded programs to address the needs of low-income residents through programs like the township’s minor home repairs program and Meals on Wheels, the latter of which receives 30 percent of the township's annual allocation.

According to Christine Tvaroha, Bloomfield Township Director of Senior Services, last year alone the Meals on Wheels program delivered nearly 5,000 meals to residents, with selections such as hot meals, liquid nutrition, frozen bundles of three of five meals, and pick-up at the center for those on the go.

“This was a big year for us,” Tvaroha said. 

Tvaroha noted that this was the first year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that Meals on Wheels was once again able to bring hot meals directly to residents' doors. 

Since joining the CDBG program in 2009, the township has completed 139 projects through its minor repair program, with five projects currently in the works. All of these projects represent the investment of $685,000 in federal grant money to improve the homes of low income seniors who live in Bloomfield Township.

Bloomfield Township Treasurer Brian Kepes commented on what a great program this is for the township.

While the township has participated in the CDBG program since 2009, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires each county to review their cooperation agreement with participating communities every three years. Participation in this allows for access to the highest level of federal funding for those who participate.