The Federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 created the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development known by most simply as "HUD." Terrebonne Parish receives CDBG funding as an "Entitlement Community." The CDBG Entitlement Program allocates annual grants to larger cities and urban counties to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and opportunities to expand economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. Activities funded by CDBG may include the rehabilitation of existing housing, construction or renovation of community facilities, public improvements and public services.

HOME is authorized under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, as amended and is administered by HUD. Like CDBG, Terrebonne Parish receives HOME funding as an “Entitlement Community.” HOME provides formula grants to States and localities that communities often use in partnership with local nonprofit groups to fund a wide range of activities that build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable housing or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people.

Below are examples of past Terrebonne Parish CDBG and HOME funded activities:

Each year Terrebonne Parish receives an annual award of CDBG and HOME funds. The use of these funds is guided by the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Plan. This plan is updated every five years. The Plan includes a description of the Parish, assesses the Parish’s community development and housing needs, and has a strategy to meet those needs with programs, services and other initiatives.

Each year the Parish must develop an Annual Action Plan. This Plan includes a description of how the Parish will allocate its annual award. The Action Plan’s programs and services correlate with the strategy described in Five Year Consolidated Plan.

The Housing & Human Services Department held seven public hearings throughout the Parish from August 18-21, 2009 to solicit public input on the preparation of its 2010-2014 Five Year Consolidated Plan. The Department would like to further solicit input from the residents of Terrebonne Parish by making a community development survey available. To participate, please complete the Terrebonne Parish Community Needs Survey by November 30, 2009.