COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Department of Economic and Community Development is tasked with two distinct missions.
Through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program the Department administers Economic Development programs designed to provide loans and grants to businesses to create jobs for low-to-moderate income individuals. The Department also works to acquire new business and to expand and improve existing Bessemer businesses through a variety of City-sponsored programs.
The Department’s Community Development activities are funded through the CDBG program and include an extensive Housing program, Public Facilities improvement, Parks and numerous Public Service Facilities. The Department also works with other agencies not directly affiliated with the city to address the needs of residents of the city of Bessemer.
Office Hours: 8 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. (Mondays thru Fridays, except City Holidays)
Community Development Programs.
Assistance is determined by applicant and property eligibility as well as the availability of funds. Must meet HUD income requirements. In order to expedite the process of your application for assistance, please be able to provide the following documents with your application:
- Verification of household income (benefit letter from Social Security, Bank Statement, or W-2 for current year);
- Proof of Age;
- Warranty or Deed showing ownership of property;
- Homeowner’s Insurance;
- Letter from a Physician if disabled.
If you need additional information on filling out applications, you may contact us at tel: 205-424-4060 and follow the prompts.
Emergency Housing Grants: Provides emergency home repair and improvement assistance to elderly, low-to-moderate income, homeowners or disabled low-to-moderate income homeowners, regardless of age, and dependent resident family members who are disabled. The program may also be used for assistance to Veterans with qualified for the Veteran’s Foundation Grant. Participants must be 62 years of age or older or permanently disabled except for the aforementioned Veterans, who must be low-to mod. Priority is given to repairs directly related to a certified disability or to direct threats to safety.
Typical repairs and improvements include construction of wheel chair ramps, and ADA related improvements and repairs. Other repairs may be made to address health and safety. House painting within lead based paint guidelines may be undertaken as may roofing and other structural issues. Lead paint may be addressed, up to the program limit, for dependent children 12 years of age and younger. The program does not address storm damage or other repairs typically addressed by homeowner’s insurance. Provides for up to $5000.00 in the form of a grant. All projects will be completed by independent licensed contractors through a bid process or through Habitat for Humanity as designated by the Director. Structures in a flood plain are not eligible.
To Fill Out an application Online Click Below.
Housing Rehabilitation Loan: Provides long term financing for rehabilitation of owner-occupied, single-family structures and re-construction of housing. Storm Shelter component available. Maximum $40,000.00 loan must bring structure into CODE compliance. Lead paint and Asbestos may be addressed. (Program limit may be exceeded at discretion of the Director to address health, safety and asbestos and lead based paint removal).
Interest rates from 1% to 6%. Terms to 30 years. 100% Low-to-Moderate Income benefit. Requires Consistent Income, Home Ownership, Homeowners Insurance, Flood Insurance equal to all outstanding mortgages (In Flood Plain), and adequate credit rating. Available loan limit must bring house into CODE compliance. Loans may held as be 1st or 2nd mortgages. LTV ratios set at 97.75% for houses appraising for less than $50,000.00 and 98.75% for houses appraising for more than $50,000.00, before closing costs. 100% low mod benefit. All projects will be completed by independent licensed contractors through a bid process or through Habitat for Humanity as designated by the Director.
To Fill Out an application Online Click Below.
Community Development Reports and Action Plans