City of Mobile celebrating National Community Development Week April 1-5
Apr 1st, 2024
Posted in: Public NoticeNeighborhood DevelopmentPress ReleaseCity CouncilCommunications
Mobile, Ala. — The City of Mobile will celebrate National Community Development Week from April 1 to 5, with several events highlighting local resources offered through our Neighborhood Development Department.
Mobile will join communities nationwide to recognize and highlight critical programs and services supported with federal funding. Community-focused federal allocations have allowed the City of Mobile to establish and grow programs related to affordable housing, public services and expanding economic opportunities. These dollars also support crucial work our non-profit partners do in the community in the areas of homelessness, legal assistance, health care, senior care and more.
Below are the events the city will host for Community Development Week 2024:
Monday, April 1: 2024 Critical Repair Applications kickoff
The City of Mobile Neighborhood Development Department's Critical Repair Program is currently accepting applications from qualifying Mobilians who need assistance with exterior roofing replacements and plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work on their homes. This federally funded program allows homeowners who meet specific income requirements to apply for grants through the City of Mobile to pay for these critical repairs. Addressing these critical issues helps prevent blight and keep residents in their homes and historic neighborhoods intact.
To qualify, applicants must own and occupy a home in need of repairs within the City Limits of Mobile. Owners must also have a "Will" or agree to work with Alabama Legal Services to secure one. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sets additional income requirements. Only a limited number of applications will be accepted using a needs-based system that prioritizes homes with the greatest need for repairs as well as homeowners who are extremely low-income, elderly or disabled.
Applications must be returned IN PERSON at one of the two locations below:
Levon C. Manzie Neighborhood Resource Center: 110 N. Lafayette St., Mobile, AL 36604
Mobile Government Plaza: 5th Floor South Tower: 205 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602
Tuesday, April 2: Resources and Non-Profit Day at Government Plaza
As part of National Community Development Week 2024, we invite Mobilians to learn more about some of the services provided through our Neighborhood Development Department and the non-profits they work with in the community every day. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, representatives from the City of Mobile and several non-profits will be stationed in the Atrium of Government Plaza to speak with citizens directly about their services and programs. Participating non-profits include Dumas Wesley Community Center, McKemie Place, Legal Services of Alabama, Penelope House, Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy, Via Health, Fitness & Enrichment Center, Mobile Area Interfaith Conference and United Methodist Inner City Mission.
Wednesday, April 3: Bringing Healthcare Resources to citizens
On Wednesday, April 3, the fantastic Franklin Primary Health Center team will bring their mobile medical unit to the Ben May Public Library, located at 701 Government Street. At 11:30 a.m., staff from Franklin Primary Health will be there, offering free health screenings and other services to Mobilians. You can find more information about their services at https://franklinprimary.org/.
Thursday, April 4: Down Payment Assistance workshop for lenders and realtors
Our Neighborhood Development Department will be hosting a workshop for local lenders and realtors about the City of Mobile's Down Payment Assistance program. Using federal funds, the City of Mobile can provide qualifying first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance of up to $15,000 in some cases. Thursday's workshop will help us get more lenders and realtors involved with the program so they can connect their clients to these available community resources.
More information about the Down Payment Assistance Program is available here.
Friday, April 5: Commonwealth National Bank's Building a Business Legacy Program
On Friday, April 5, representatives from our Office of Supplier Diversity and Commonwealth National Bank will be at the Manzie Resource Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to discuss the "Building a Business Legacy" program. This new partnership leverages funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to expand Commonwealth National Bank's ability to provide small business loans to local entrepreneurs.
This revolving fund will make millions of dollars available to small businesses that might not otherwise qualify for a small business loan. During the free public workshop on Friday, Commonwealth will be sharing more information about this program and how it can impact local business owners, with an emphasis on those in historically underserved communities. You can learn more about the Building a Business Legacy program at https://www.ecommonwealthbank.com/.