Jill Schramm/MDN Elizabeth Mcnannay, with Resource Consultants, facilitates a public input meeting on Community Development Block Grant funding Wednesday in Minot City Hall.

The City of Minot has been awarded $331,500 in its first direct allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Chris Plank, disaster recovery grant administrator for the City of Minot, announced the award at a community meeting held to gather input on how the city should use the money and future allocations.

The city is in the process of developing a five-year consolidated plan that will help identify projects and activities that could benefit from the funds. HUD has rules for eligibility that target housing and services for low- to moderate-income households.

“There’s never enough affordable housing in the community, and multifamily, for rentals, usually tops that list,” said Elizabeth Mcnannay, owner of Resource Consultants, who facilitated the meeting.

Locally, housing for people with a history of substance abuse disorder, which typically comes with a criminal history, has been noted by local nonprofits as the biggest housing challenge, Mcnannay said.

Minot service providers also identified a year-round homeless facility as the highest priority, followed by mental health and addiction services, Mcnannay said. Affordable and accessible child care, sidewalks to promote safe passage and a resource center to serve as a one-stop shop for clients of nonprofits also were cited as needs, she said.

“There are resources, but they are all limited, too,” Mcnannay said. “These agencies have limited budgets. They are doing the best they can with what they have.”

Plank said city allocations potentially could aid domestic violence crisis programs or support services provided through Broadway Circle, where a family shelter and low-income housing are being built. He explained a local review committee would determine annual awards.

Mcnannay added CDBG money also can be used as local match for other federal grants, which has helped other communities with projects to expand affordable housing.