Community Development

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORY

THIS DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC, HOWEVER ACCEPTING PHONE CALLS

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Community Development

The City of Cranston has been awarded a Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the amount of $1,098,683.00 for the fiscal year 2020-2021.  These funds will be used to support a wide range of activities specifically targeted to benefit persons of very low and low income.  HUD income limits according to household size and can be found by clicking the link below.  Program examples supported by these CDBG funds include housing rehabilitation, emergency fuel assistance, minority outreach health programs, Adult Day Care and a Mayor’s Scholarship Program.  

CDBG Covid Relief 
City Of Cranston
Department of Community Development and Economic Development Small Business PPE Grant Program

In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), President Trump authorized the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136 on March 27, 2020. HUD has provided funding to the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.  This small business PPE grant program is exclusively for Cranston Small Businesses.  Please complete the application, duplication of benefits affidavit, along with the appropriate number of self-certification of income forms for all employees and or business owner(s) whom are low to moderate income households and detailed paid invoices for PPE purchased (invoices must be in the name of applicant business name or owner only, taxes and shipping fees do not qualify for reimbursement) for reimbursement by the Department of Community Development.  

If you have any questions or need help completing this process please call Franklin Paulino, Director of Economic Development at 401-780-3166 or Marcia LoPresti at 401-780-3168.  

**Funds are limited and are provided on a first come first serve basis. **

Applications can be dropped off to Cranston City Hall, 869 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910 or mailed to the Economic Development Department.

Applications can also be sent by email to:
mlopresti@cranstonri.org or fpaulino@cranstonri.org

Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program

This program provides low-interest loans to income eligible Cranston homeowners to assist them in making needed repairs and improvements to their homes and to correct code violations. Program is available for single family to three family buildings and property must be owner occupied. Typical improvements include roofs, vinyl siding, replacement windows, doors, and gutters. Depending on an applicant's household income, this loan program includes a 0% deferred or a 2% interest loan with a 15 year amortization. Funds cannot be used for new construction.

First Time Home Buyers Programs

The Department of Community Development offers two programs for first time income eligible home buyers purchasing a home in the City of Cranston. The assistance given at time of closing becomes a grant after homeowner has resided in the property for five years.
• Closing Cost Assistance Program 
This program is available to first time income eligible home buyers to help defray some of the fees incurred at closing. This five year grant will provide up to $3,000 toward closing costs.
• Down Payment Assistance Program
The Down payment assistance program provides 50% of the required down payment, not to exceed $5,000. This matching fund program is available to first time income eligible homeowners but cannot be combined with the Closing Cost Assistance Program.

Closing Cost Assistance Program

This program is available to first time income eligible home buyers to help defray some of the fees incurred at closing. This five year grant will provide up to $3,000 toward closing costs.

Down Payment Assistance Program

The Down payment assistance program provides 50% of the required down payment, not to exceed $5,000. This matching fund program is available to first time income eligible homeowners but can not be combined with the Closing Cost Assistance Program.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO APPLY FOR THESE PROGRAMS,

PLEASE CALL Laura-Jean Ferranti AT 401-780-6240 or E-Mail at lferranti@cranstonri.org



Income Eligibility According to Household Size (Effective April 1, 2020)