The City of Memphis Housing and Community Development (HCD) Division is taking applications for its neighborhood and community projects for fiscal year (FY) 2024.
The deadline is 4 p.m. Jan 31.
The Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) provides opportunities for local nonprofit organizations to receive funding for various projects related to homelessness, community, and neighborhood development.
“We are seeking projects focused on homelessness, beautification and neighborhoods,” Ashley Cash, director of the division for Housing and Community Development said.
“It is a competitive process and limited to 501 c3 nonprofit organizations,” said Cash.
HCD’s Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF) has been in place yearly since 2008. The program was dormant until former HCD director, Paul Young, reactivated it in 2017, Cash said.
“Applications are reviewed and evaluated by a community selective committee,” she said. “The committee consists of bankers, grant administrators and faith-based organizations.”
There is a category of homelessness and special needs programs. Some of the grantees are Agape Family and Children’s Services, Alliance Healthcare Services, Catholic Charities of West Tennessee and Hospitality Hub.
“Catholic Charities is the largest provider of permanent housing for our neighbors experiencing homelessness in the Memphis area, ending homelessness for over 600 people annually.”
Kelley Henderson, executive director of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee, said, “Funding from the City of Memphis, through the SCIF, is critical for our efforts to end homelessness in the community. We are honored to steward these important tax dollars as an investment back into a community where neighbors can find help and hope when in need.”
Jarad Bingham, strategic development lead with Hospitality Hub, added, “The Strategic Community Investment Fund allows Hospitality Hub’s Street Outreach to respond directly to the needs and experiences of Shelby County’s most vulnerable population.
“Street Outreach meets people where they are — under literal bridges, behind buildings, in tree belts or creek bottoms in order to connect them with other SCIF agencies and programs. It helps bring people in every day.”
The RISE Foundation, Junior League of Memphis, Service Over Self SOS)., World Relief Memphis, Alcy Ball, YMCA, NAACP Memphis ,Klondike Smokey City are recipients of the Neighborhood Partnership Grants.
Each received $15,000 in grant funding.
HCD’s Cash said the grantees will submit annual reports for an evaluation at the end of July 31, 2024.
(To learn more about City of Memphis Housing and Community Development, visit https://www.memphistn.gov/government/housing-and-community-development.)
