Transforming Lives and Lots
Councilmember Announces Grant
Program to Promote Workforce Development and Combat Vacant Housing
Building
on its strong history of collaboration and partnerships, the City of Columbus
is creating the Learning Skills to Lift Neighborhoods (LSLN) grant
program to promote workforce development in the construction trades for youth
or restored citizens. The program also focuses on transforming vacant and
blighted structures or lots into productive parcels.
On
Friday, October 21, 2016 at 11:30am, Councilmember Jaiza Page, chair of the Housing Committee,
will be joined by Council President Zach Klein, President Pro Tem Priscilla Tyson
and Councilmember Shannon Hardin at a City Land Bank property, 2228 Gerbert
Rd., to announce the program.
“This
is a great partnership between the City and non-profit organizations,” said
Page. “The program not only provides job and skill building opportunities but
also gives our community partners another tool in the toolbox to fight against
the issue of vacant housing.”
Grantees
can be awarded up to $20,000 per worksite, with a maximum of two sites per
applicant.
Any
award granted must solely be used for implementation of the proposed project.
Priority will be given to those utilizing parcels from the Land Bank.
“As
we continue to look for new ways to revitalize our neighborhoods, I am excited
about this new program that will not only utilize Land Bank properties, but
will also create job training opportunities,” said Development Director Steve
Schoeny.
Applicants
must be a not-for-profit organization, be able to sign a contract and
lease/purchase agreement if utilizing a Land Bank lot and obtain insurance and
partner with a legally incorporated 501c(3) with the capacity to act as a
fiscal agent if necessary.
Previous
experience and capacity in the area of workforce development training for youth
or restored citizens is required. Applicants must demonstrate site
control for each parcel included in the application.
Applications
are due November 28, 2016 at noon. Questions about the program or application
can be sent to Hannah Jones, Deputy Director of Community Development, at (614)
645-7125 or [email protected].
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