CDBG CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is celebrating its 30th year of serving Redford Township. The Housing and Community Development Department continues to build on the successes of past. While we continue to offer our long-standing programs, several new initiatives have been introduced. Together, the Housing & Community Development Department is working towards making Redford the jewel of Michigan, by building tomorrow's community today.

Did you know?

• Did you know that the Housing Rehabilitation Department has targeted approximately $1,200,000 in the past five years to fund 290 rehabilitation projects for single family, income eligible homeowners with housing rehab loans &/or grants during the last year. These funds have made a dramatic improvement to neighborhoods within our Township spurring neighbors to make millions of dollars of improvements to the surrounding homes.
  
  
• Did you know that Operation Clean-Up Redford (OCR) assisted homeowners, parks/community center and alleys the help they desperately needed thanks to hundreds of volunteers. Get swept up in the action! The next OCR is September 11, 2004, call 387-2771 for details.
  
  
• Did you know that the Redford Community Center - Youth Department is open after school from 3:00 P.M. to 7:30 P. M. Come and join the club? The parents must complete membership applications. Kids aged 7 - 15 are welcome. There are lots of fun activities, parties, games, a computer lab and more. Check it out for yourself. If you want to volunteer or need help with your child call 387-2787.
  
  
• Did you know that there is a food pantry in Redford, the Redford Interfaith Relief? If you would like to make donations or volunteer to help, please contact the office at (313) 387-9802. Or visit www.redfordinterfaithrelief.org
  
  
• Did you know that we had a meals-on-wheels program? Homebound seniors can have meals deliver directly to their home. They need volunteer drivers. Call 387-2788 for more information.
  
  
• Did you know that you could take the bus? Why drive? Just call the office at (313) 387-2770 to schedule your ride. Curb to curb bus service is available throughout the community and selected locations outside of Redford. You must call at least one day in advance.
  
  
• Did you know that the Township supports the following non-profit organizations: (see information about them below)
  
  
• ARC of Northwest
  
  
• Redford Interfaith Relief
  
  
• Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Service

The Housing & Community Development Department is always looking for new programs to better serve the community. If you have any ideas or comments please call 387-2771 or write to 12121 Hemingway, Redford 48239.

THE ARC OF NORTHWEST
The Community Development Department is pleased to work with the ARC of Northwest to offer a summer program for young adults with developmental disabilities. 16 to 26 years olds are able to take part in a recreational program, which includes field trips and learning experiences.

"We started this program because we believe in inclusion," said Sylvia Kloc, Executive Director of ARC.
"This gives them (the day campers) an opportunity to be with their peers and to participate in community recreational activities."

The day campers use the Redford Community Center as their home base, but on most days they do not stay long. The summer program takes the participants swimming & bowling, to visit museums & parks and other similar places. The Redford Police and Fire Department also stop by for a visit. A couple of times a week the day campers will shop and prepare lunch for the group.

The program runs weekdays from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. during the months of June through August. For more information or to register call 532-7915.

REDFORD INTERFAITH RELIEF
The Redford Interfaith Relief program is new to the Redford area, yet their mission is an old one, giving to the needy. The agency is a food pantry that is located 15100 Aubrey, Redford MI 48239. www.redfordinterfaithrelief.org

Sue Pherson, Director of Redford Interfaith Relief, stated that the food pantry distributes food packages each Tuesday and Friday between 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. A family may only receive one package of food each month.

The food package contains the basic staples from the four food groups, i.e. canned meats, vegetables and fruit, soups and cereals. Martin says items may be adjusted, if there are dietary needs.

Redford Interfaith Relief also took over the government's Commodity Food Program that was housed at the Redford Community Center. The Food Program is now held on the SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, families must reside in Redford and meet the federal income guidelines.

The food distributed at this program includes canned fruits & meats, peanut butter, beans & cereals. Last month 86 families picked up food packages.

The agency is supported by private donations, the Ministerial Alliance and the Charter Township of Redford. If you would like to make donations or volunteer to help, please contact the office at (313) 387-9802. If you are in need of food please call the Redford Interfaith Relief at (313) 387-9802 for more information.

WAYNE COUNTY NEIGHBORHOOD LEGAL SERVICES
Do you need legal assistance? Well if you are a low income Redford senior citizen you may call the Redford Suburban Law Center. The Center is a division of Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services that specializes in elder law. This agency will handle any civil law matter for a qualifying Redford resident.
"The Center makes a lot of referrals and provides a wide variety of information," says Kathleen Graham, Acting Managing Attorney. Redford Suburban Law Center offers seniors assistance in receiving public benefits like Social Security, Medicaid, food stamps and veteran's benefits.

As well, the Law Center concentrates on non-parents, grandparents or relatives that are faced with raising minors. Sorting out the legal complicity of caring for a child can be enormous; the Law Center will help with the probate court process and other confusing issues.

The Redford Suburban Law Center provides speakers and workshops to educate the public about elder abuse. The Center is located at the Redford Community Center, 12121 Hemingway, Redford MI 48239. For more information call (313) 937-8291.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) DEPARTMENT
The Redford Township CDBG Advisory Commission works for several months to determine the best use of these funds. During this time frame, the Advisory Commission seeks input from the residents, non-profit organizations and various Township departments.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ACTIVITIES FISCAL YEAR 2004/5

FAIR HOUING CONTACT SHEET