The Carlsbad City Council on Tuesday awarded $518,215 in federal grants to local organizations with programs that prevent and reduce homelessness, preserve affordable housing and provide fair housing services in Carlsbad.

Leveraging federal funding allows the city to help meet its goal of supporting affordable housing while reducing the cost of those programs on the city’s budget. Since 2022, the City of Carlsbad has secured about $11.5 million in state and federal grant funding to support our affordable housing and homelessness programs.

To determine how to allocate the grant funding, the city prioritized services that are identified in the city’s Homelessness Action Plan and provide support for low- and moderate income residents in Carlsbad.

Grants for the 2024-25 fiscal year were awarded to four organizations with strong track records:

• Casa de Amparo: $100,000 for improvements to their facility, which provides shelter and services for youth and adolescents ages 12-24
• Community Resource Center: $21,765 to prevent and reduce homelessness by providing rental and utility assistance
• Interfaith Community Services: $55,967 to prevent and reduce homelessness by providing rental and utility assistance
• Legal Aid Society: $25,000 to support its fair housing program, which provides legal services, education, counseling and other services related to the federal Fair Housing Act and related state laws

In addition, the City Council awarded $236,840 to the Carlsbad Affordable Housing Fund, which was established by the city to develop affordable housing for lower income households and/or purchase affordable housing units for lower income families.

About the federal grants
The federal block grant program, called Community Development Block Grants, is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program distributes money to eligible cities and counties so they can improve life for lower income families. HUD regulates how funds are awarded and grant amounts are determined by a formula. 

The City of Carlsbad allocates the grant funds to projects and services that directly benefit lower income residents. Nonprofit service organizations apply for the grants, and staff prepare recommendations for Housing Commission consideration before a public review and comment period. Then, the City Council makes the final decision.

More information
May 7 City Council staff report
Community Development Block Grants
Homelessness Action Plan
Reducing homelessness in Carlsbad