Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are answers to the most commonly asked questions relating to CDBG and HOME funds, the Department, and other related issues.
Who can apply to receive CDBG or HOME funds?
When are applications for funding accepted?
How are CDBG & HOME funds being used in Spokane County?
What assistance do you provide for City of Spokane residents?
Do you offer assistance to homeowners for sewer connections?
Who administers "Section 8" subsidized housing in Spokane?
Who do I contact with housing discrimination complaints?
A: Eligible applicants include Spokane County's eleven participating cities and towns, special purpose districts, County Departments, local units of government, non-profit organizations and for-profit businesses. Eligible individuals do not receive funds directly from the Department, but can get assistance from many of the organizations we fund. The one exception is the sewering assistance program.
A: Generally, CDBG applications are made available in early November each year and are due in mid-December. Applications for HOME funds are generally accepted in April , but may be available at other times during the year depending on the availability of additional funds. Notices of funding availability are published in the Spokesman-Review prior to each funding round, or email us to request that you name be added to our mailing list to receive notification by mail.
A: CDBG funds are used to fund public service projects, economic development activities, public facilities improvements, and infrastructure improvements. HOME funds are used to fund new multi-family construction, downpayment assistance for new homeowners, and for preservation of existing low-income housing.
A: The County Housing and Community Development Department does not provide assistance to City of Spokane residents. The City has its own entitlement from HUD and distributes those funds through the City of Spokane Community Development Department.
A: Yes, the Department operates the Community Aquifer Protection Assistance (CAPA) program, which provides assistance to eligible low and very-low income County homeowners to aid in paying the costs associated with connecting to the centralized sewer system. Click here for more information on the CAPA program.
A: The Spokane Housing Authority dba Northeast Washington Housing Solutions administers all Section 8 housing for both the city of Spokane and Spokane County. additional affordable housing and/or homeless shelter units are administered in Spokane County through Spokane Housing Ventures, Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs, Clare House, and Inland Empire Residential Resources.
A: The Northwest Fair Housing Alliance (NWFHA) provides education, outreach and enforcement assistance to combat housing discrimination. NWFHA also offers a landlord/tenant hotline.
Contact Information
Northwest Fair Housing Alliance
35 W Main Ave. Ste. 250
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 325-2665
Toll free: (800) 200-3247
Fax: (509) 325-2716