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Various Program Funding Agreements for Public Services Under Community Development Block Grant Program for FY 2026
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
As a recipient of Community Development Block Grant funding from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Hernando County is allowed to provide federal funds to local non-profit agencies and municipalities to support social and community services. Activities must serve residents of unincorporated Hernando County where at least 51 percent of the residents are Low to Moderate Income (LMI) or groups presumed to be LMI residents.
Hernando County’s estimated allocation is $1,154,823 for PY 2026. Allowed funding for public services is capped at $173,223.45. Public notice was advertised for applications, and the following applications and amounts were received totaling $280,205 for eligibility scoring.
Little Wings of Prayer Early Learning Center, Inc $35,000
Salvare, Inc. d/b/a Dawn Center of Hernando County, $30,000
The Enrichment Centers, Inc of Hernando County, $55,000
People Helping People in Hernando County, Inc, $60,000
Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Inc, $25,205
YMCA of the Suncoast - Hernando Beach, $25,000
United Way of Hernando County, $50,000
All other applications were scored by a team consisting of five (5) individuals from Housing and Supportive Services, Procurement, and Hernando County Housing Authority. The scoring team unanimously recommended funding of the following applications and information and scores were presented to the Community Development Block Grant Task Force, on July 30, 2026, for input who also unanimously recommended funding the applications below for a total of $135,205.
Salvare, Inc d/b/a Dawn Center of Hernando County, $30,000
The Enrichment Centers Inc of Hernando County, $55,000
Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind, Inc, $25,205
YMCA of the Suncoast - Hernando Beach, $25,000
The project titled Little Wings of Prayer Early Learning Center was not scored because the applicant failed to comply with advertised submission requirements and will not be funded. Other applicants not chosen for funding are United Way of Hernando who failed to demonstrate a quantifiable increase in service and People Helping People for missing required documents, unallowable budgeted expenses, and unclear reporting and performance measures.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Community Development Block Grant Funds will be available from the following after the budget resolution is approved on 10/13/26:
Expense:
Fund: BCC General Fund - B001, Department: Health & Human Services - 150, Group: HHS-CDBG Entitlement 26/27 - 30221; AoO: Housing and Supportive Services - 20, Function: Housing & Urban Development - 55400 Account: Grants & Aid-Private ORG - 588200
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida statute.
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached agreements.