Frequently Asked Questions
Community Development Block Grant Program Activity Funding
The Department of Housing and Community Development receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. CDBG funds can be used for housing development, residential rehabilitation, economic development, and public services that directly relate to housing or physical community revitalization.
Difference Between DHCD and HUD
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is a local government agency; and US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is a federal agency. However, both agencies are committed to increasing housing and community development opportunities. DHCD receives 95 percent of its funding from HUD, and the funds are primarily used to benefit low and moderate-income residents. For more information about HUD, visit the agency’s Website at www.hud.gov.
Enterprise Community Program
The Enterprise Community Program (ECP) provides residents in enterprise communities with the resources and training needed to achieve upward mobility (i.e.; community and human development, public safety, education, childcare, job training, and business expansion). The program’s goals are strategic visions of change, community-based partnerships, and sustainable community development. ECP administers 39 grants to nonprofit organizations, which are located in three distinct areas comprised of geographically identified Target Area Groups (TAGs). The nonprofit organizations help the Department of Housing and Community Development achieve its ECP goals.
First-time Homebuyer Financial Assistance
First-time homebuyers can receive financial assistance from the Home Purchase Assistance Program, the DC Employer Assisted Housing Program, and the DC Metropolitan Police Housing Assistance Program. The programs provide interest-free and low-interest loans to qualified residents, which enable them to purchase houses, condominiums, or cooperative apartments.
Home Repair Programs
Through the Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program, the Senior Citizen Home Repair and Improvement Program, and the Handicapped Access Improvements Program, the Department of Housing and Community Development offers grants and low-cost financing to residents who wish to repair their homes.
Housing Preservation Program
The Homestead Housing Preservation Program resells tax delinquent real properties and foreclosures with a wide range of rehabilitation needs, from minor repairs to substantial structural, heating, electrical, or plumbing systems. The houses are sold to first-time homebuyers for as little as $250 per unit. In exchange, the homebuyer must complete a homeownership training course, rehabilitate the property, reside in the property for a minimum of five years, and return it to the real property tax rolls. Low and moderate-income participants receive a $10,000 deferred mortgage to assist them with gap financing.
Low-cost Financing Programs To Construct or Rehabilitate Affordable Housing Units
For affordable multi-family rental developments, the Department of Housing and Community Development established the Construction Assistance Program, the Community Land Acquisition Program, the Housing Production Trust Fund Program, and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program.
Obtain A Grant
DHCD considers grant applications once a year, generally at the beginning or ending of the calendar year. To prepare a grant request, individuals should develop a clearly defined, well thought-out, business plan. In the case of real estate development, the applicant should work towards obtaining site control of the development site.
Obtain Subsidized Housing
The DC Housing Authority is responsible for offering subsidized housing to DC residents. Contact the agency at (202) 535-1500.
Programs That Support The Homeless
DHCD's Emergency Shelter Grant Program:
- Improves the quality of existing emergency shelters for the homeless
- Makes additional shelters available to the homeless
- Helps meet the costs of operating emergency shelters
- Provides essential social services to homeless individuals
Receive A Copy of DHCD Reports
To receive a copy of a DHCD report, contact the Department of Housing and Community Development at (202) 442-7200 or Ask the Director.
Redevelopment Land Agency
The Redevelopment Land Agency (RLA) is an agency with corporate powers, which is governed by a five-member board of directors. The objective of the RLA, which is outlined in the District of Columbia Redevelopment Act of 1945, is to eliminate the dilapidated and blighted areas of the city through rehabilitation, clearance, and redevelopment. With the approval of the Home Rule Act of 1974, the RLA activities merged with those of the newly created Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). While the operational aspects of the RLA were transferred to the Director of DHCD, the RLA board of directors remained responsible for selecting developers and authorizing public offerings for properties within its inventory.
Contact DHCD
You can contact us by email, phone, or write to DHCD at:
Department of Housing and Community Development
Attn: Public Information Officer
8th Floor
801 North Capitol Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Fax: (202) 442-8391
| 
