Office of Housing and Community Development Honored by HUD for Commitment to Serving the Community

The Prince William County Office of Housing and Community Development, or OHCD, has been recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. This recognition comes as HUD celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant, or CDBG, program. 

The CDBG program provides crucial financial assistance to low-moderate-income owner-occupied homes providing rehabilitation. The rehabilitation addresses health and safety concerns, improve energy efficiency, and allow for accessibility modifications, helping residents age in place. Additionally, CDBG funds support public services such as transportation and case management for the homeless, transitional housing for homeless families, and competitive grants to local nonprofits to acquire and rehabilitate affordable rental units, specifically serving individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs.  

The OHCD was recognized for its exceptional use of the CDBG program to enhance urban communities within Prince William County. HUD Reginal Senior Community Planning and Development Representative Vanessa Barnard highlighted the value of this partnership.  

"It's been a long-lasting and fruitful working relationship, filled with hard work and dedication," Barnard remarked during the award presentation. 

Through its involvement with the CDBG program, the OHCD can provide housing rehabilitation, acquire affordable rental properties, participate in public service initiatives, and undertake ADA-compliant renovations to public facilities throughout Prince William County. 

The county's director of Housing and Community Development, Joan Duckett, thanked the HUD team for their ongoing collaboration.  

"We are truly honored to be recognized by HUD, especially as they celebrate such a significant milestone for the CDBG program," Duckett stated. "This acknowledgment highlights the positive outcomes we are achieving for our community through partnerships like this one."  

"This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring that every resident of Prince William County has access to safe, affordable housing and essential services," said County Executive Chris Shorter. "By leveraging CDBG funds in innovative ways, our team has provided critical support to those in need. This honor is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our Office of Housing and Community Development team and their continued focus on improving the quality of life across our community." 

To learn more about the Office of Housing and Community Development, visit pwcva.gov/housing.