The City, through its Department of Planning and Growth Management, has released the Certification Form and 2012 Funding Request for CHDO funds.

A CHDO is a private, nonprofit, community-based service organization that has paid staff and the capacity to develop affordable housing for the Peoria community. A CHDO must meet certain requirements pertaining to its 1) legal status, 2) organizational structure and 3) capacity and experience.

The City must use 15 percent of its total HOME Investment Partnership Grant allocation for CHDO activities. Based on the City's HUD 2012 budget (approved by Council on March 27, 2012), $230,000 will be set aside for CHDO activities in 2012. However, funding availability is dependent upon the City's receipt of its HUD allocation.

The City has released the Certification Forms for those interested in becoming a CHDO. Further, Recertification Forms are available for existing CHDOs who would like to recertify its organization. Finally, the 2012 Funding Requests are available for those organizations that complete the certification process and would like to request funding for 2012.

Forms and Funding Requests are available until Monday, May 21, 2012. Copies can be obtained from the Department of Planning and Growth Management (PGM) or by contacting Nicole Frederick, Grants Coordinator at 494-8606 or nfrederick@ci.peoria.il.us.