grantees that choose to engage subrecipients in their program are responsible for providing a formal subrecipient agreement. This sample CDBG-DR subrecipient agreement template identifies the minimum amount of content for consistency with the Entitlement and State CDBG Program requirements. However, grantees should adjust the agreement to ensure it meets their CDBG-DR award requirements, in addition… Read more
grantees must ensure their financial management systems are in compliance with local, state and federal requirements. This involves updating existing financial policies, and oftentimes developing new policies. To prevent misspending or mishandling CDBG-DR funding, it’s important that grantees review their existing financial management policies or develop new policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) before spending any funds. For example, grantees must… Read more
Before grantees can receive funds, they must develop an Action Plan that details the unmet needs analysis, strategic priorities, and the plan for allocating funds to housing, economic development, infrastructure, and/or services programs. The State of Oklahoma developed this Action Plan for their $97.3 million CDBG-DR award in 2013. Although this Action Plan can’t be… Read more
This web page provides links to the various Public Laws authorizing appropriations and the associated notices. The rules and regulations, waivers and alternative requirements specific to CDBG-DR appropriation can be found in the Federal Register notice in which they were issued. Grantees and subgrantees should review the Federal Register notice in which their program was… Read more
This fact sheet provides an introduction to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) program including information on who is eligible to receive this funding, how it can be used, and a basic overview of the process for implementing a CDBG-DR program. CDBG-DR grantees and subrecipients can use this fact sheet as a… Read more
Each CDBG-DR appropriation is authorized through a Public Law (PL) and the associated Federal Register (FR) Notice. Together, these detail the rules and regulations that govern the use of funds as well as any waivers to the CDBG rules. The following tips provide guidance to help grantees ensure they have a thorough understanding of… Read more
As one of the most vulnerable populations in disaster response and recovery, a community’s homeless population cannot be overlooked in disaster planning. June Gin, Veterans Emergency Evaluation Center (VEMEC) Research Health Scientist, recommends that stakeholders involved in the disaster planning process coordinate and collaborate with homeless service organizations during planning. If your community doesn’t have… Read more
The International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA’s) Elizabeth Kellar provides insight into the challenges and the importance of thinking long-term in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. From updating building code to implementing home buyout programs, Kellar cites examples of measures that communities have taken after disasters to successfully build back stronger and more resilient to… Read more
Trained staff are essential to making it through the initial 72-hour push after a disaster, when localities often have to go it alone. They also help ensure that the proper resources are attained in the weeks and months after a disaster and that the community is fully reimbursed for disaster recovery expenses. “The best work… Read more
FEMA does not currently offer online independent study courses focused specifically on emergency shelters, but a number of offered courses help build knowledge and skill sets useful in managing them. IS-806 — Emergency Support Function (ESF) #6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services IS-403 — Introduction to Individual Assistance (IA) IS-802 — Emergency… Read more
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