Palatine Social Service Agencies Could Receive Federal Grant Money

Palatine is receiving a $368,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and 15-percent of it is expected to be given to social service programs operating in low and moderate income areas of the village.    

The grant is allocated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the amount received is based on the percentage of the village population that falls into low to moderate income guidelines.

“We are a direct entitlement community because our population is more than 50,000 and we are permitted to allocate 15-percent of the grant to social service providers in the community,” said Village Manager Reid Ottesen.

Ottesen said there is an application process and the plan commission takes input from potential recipients.

The Palatine Opportunity Center, which provides a variety of services for residents living in northeast Palatine, was recommended to receive $26,000 in funds, which is the largest award amongst the agencies receiving funds.

Bridge Youth and Family Services, which offers counseling and therapy to children and their families could receive $9,755, while Women In Need Growing Stronger (WINGS) which serves victims of domestic violence may get $6,000.

Recommended awards for Palatine Township senior and social service programs are $5,400 and $4,000 for the Children’s Advocacy Center.

The village council at its Monday meeting voted to begin the formal 30-day public review of the potential award amounts and agencies recommended to receive them.

The remainder of the grant money, which totals $316,845 will be put toward storm sewer improvements at Rand and Dundee Roads.

“All of the social services agencies are reviewed internally by the police department and other social service providers within the village to determine how they are benefitting the community, and how our residents are being served,” Ottesen said.

The total grant amount represents a 17-percent reduction compared to the amount received in fiscal year 2010 by Palatine. Ottesen said that is a trend that also has affected neighboring communities.

Within the month, the funding recommendations will be reviewed by village staff and ultimately by the village council for a final decision on the amounts to be
awarded to each organization.

“We want to make sure that our residents are getting the most they can from these social service organizations,” Ottesen said.