- Home
- Departments
- A to C
- Community Development
- CDBG/Housing Services
CDBG/Housing Services
The HOME program is the largest Federal block grant to states and local governments, designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. HOME is an annual formula grant that can be used - often in partnership with local nonprofit groups and Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) - to fund a wide range of activities that build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rental or homeownership opportunities to low-income citizens.
The Community Development/Housing Department is responsible for the City of Beaumont's revitalization efforts within our city and jurisdiction. Our objective is to develop viable urban communities by proving assistance (grants) to persons, primarily those who are elderly and/or disabled, that are qualified as low to moderate income. The home has to be their principal place of residence, not a rental property, (unoccupied, condemned, and or tagged homes are ineligible to apply for this program) they must be current on their property taxes and have proof of insurance coverage on the home (fire insurance is the minimum). The goal of the Housing Rehabilitation/Minor Repair Program is to provide a safe home for economically disadvantaged residents.
The amount of assistance that can be provided for each home is up to $24,999. A lien will be placed on the property for a period of 5 years in an effort to ensure that the property owner will continue to live in the home and not sell the home once it has been repaired. If the homeowner decides to sell the home within the five periods, they are obligated to repay the grant funds they were awarded to the City. Once the five years have expired, a release of the lien will be prepared and filed at the Jefferson County courthouse, releasing the homeowner from any further obligation to the City.
CAPER 2022
There will be a public hearing for CAPER 2022 on September 26, 2023 in Council Chambers at 801 Main Street in Council Chambers at 1:30PM during the City Council meeting. You can view the draft here. The comment period will run from August 24, 2023 until the public hearing on September 26, 2023. Comments or questions can be emailed to [email protected] or you can call 409-980-7270.
Housing Tax Credit Application Deadline
Any group requesting a Resolution from the City of Beaumont related to Housing Tax Credit applications must provide a request in writing no later than December 1st to be considered. The request should include the location of the proposed project as well as the number of units proposed. Please send notifications to the following:
Jes Prince, CDBG / Housing Manager
City of Beaumont
Planning and Community Development Department
801 Main, Suite 201
Beaumont, TX 77701
If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 409-980-7270.
Available Programs for Residents
Please note: All programs are funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and are subject to federal program compliance requirements and the actual availability of federal funding. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or assistance. The Weatherization Assistance Program is funded by the Department of Energy.
History
The City of Beaumont has received Community Development Block Grant (CDBG ) funds for over 35 years. The said grant funds, approximately $120,000,000 have been allocated to eligible projects, which include Housing Rehabilitation, Demolition, Historic Preservation, Public Services, Public Facilities and Improvements, and the Small Business program. Since Congress passed the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the Community Development Program has made significant improvements in the Beaumont Community, particularly in areas occupied by activities beneficial to low to moderate-income citizens.
Although it is designed to benefit low to moderate-income citizens, CDBG funds have also had a positive impact on local agencies, businesses, industries, and professional service agencies. For example, before and after houses are constructed or existing structures are purchased, many activities such as land acquisition, surveys, inspections, and appraisals occur. In addition, contractors are hired, laborers are employed, engineers are consulted, materials are purchased, mortgages are created, taxes are paid, title insurance and homeowner's insurance are paid and lawyers are retained. Through all these activities and more, many entities throughout the community benefit from the use of CDBG monies.
In accordance with the Community Development Act of 1974, eligible CDBG Projects must meet at least one National Objective:
- Benefit low to moderate-income persons.
- Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight.
- Meet urgent needs, because existing problems pose a serious threat to the health or welfare of the Community and the Financial resources are not available to meet such needs.
Pursuant to the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, the Eligible Activity Categories include:
- Acquisition
- Disposition
- Public Facilities and Improvements
- Privately-Owned Utilities
- Clearance
- Public Services
- Interim Assistance
- Relocation
- Loss of Rental Income
- Removal of Architectural Barriers
- Housing Rehabilitation
- New Housing Construction
- Code Enforcement
- Historic Preservation
- Commercial or Industrial Rehabilitation
- Special Economic Development
- Special Activities by Subrecipients
- Planning and Capacity Building
- Program Administration Costs
- Other Activities
Down Payment Assistance is available for first-time homebuyers who purchase an existing or newly constructed home inside the Beaumont city limits.
Owner Occupied Minor Rehabilitation Assistance is available to homeowners who need assistance with repairs to their principal place of residence.
Download the Owner Occupied Minor Rehab Application (DOC) to get started.
What is Housing Discrimination?
Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, you have the right to rent, purchase, or finance housing without discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (families with children under 18), or disability, Additionally, under the Fair Housing Act, you also have the right to select housing regardless of your source of income (for example, if you receive state, local, or federal government assistance, including housing vouchers).
The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In some circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family homes sold or rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
- How to Recognize Housing Discrimination?
Most Housing discrimination doesn't always mean having a door slammed in your face or a bigoted remark directed your way. Unsuspecting renters or home buyers may be politely turned away from housing of their choice, even though they are qualified. - How to File a Complaint?
Anyone who believes that he/she is a victim of Housing discrimination or harassment may file a complaint with:
Fair Housing Officer
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
801 Cherry, 27th Floor
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
Phone: 817-978-5900 | 888-560-8913
To file electronically visit Hud.gov.
-
Community Development Block Grants
Physical Address
801 Main Street
Beaumont, TX 77701
Phone: 409-980-7270
-
Jes Prince
CDBG/Housing ManagerPhone: 409-980-7270
-
Demetria Lavergne
Housing Programs SpecialistPhone: 409-880-3711
- Does the city offer new construction loans?
-
No. The city has a Down Payment Assistance program for first-time, qualified home buyers.
- Does the city offer rental assistance or utility assistance?
-
Not at this time. The city did receive funding during Covid-19 to assist our residents with rent payments and that fund has been exhausted.
- I need help with housing. Are you the housing authority?
-
We are a separate entity. You can learn more about Beaumont Housing Authority on BMTHA.org.
- How often is the Community Development Block Grant application open?
-
The CDBG application is open once annually on our website.
- How are the community development advisory council members chosen?
-
These members are appointed by Council to serve a two-year term.
Notice of Non-discrimination Advertisement
If you feel you have been denied access to adequate housing due to race, color, religion, national origin, handicap or familial status, this may be a violation of City ordinance. As such, please contact Ms. Demetria Lavergne at 409-880-3763 to discuss further. A link to the City’s Fair Housing ordinance can be found here. In addition if you need to request special accommodation from any policy or regulation of the City, as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Kaltrina Minick in the City’s Personnel Department at 409-880-3777.