JFS receives largest grant of the year

JFS Orlando received a grant for over $150,000, the largest grant this year, through the Orange County Community Development Block (CDBG) grant programs. The funds will be used to assist with much needed agency renovations including replacing air conditioning units, installing new sewer lines, creating a new lobby space and upgrading the building entry to be ADA accessible. 

The increased safety and accessibility improvements to the facility will enable JFS Orlando to create a healthier, more suitable environment for clients, staff, tenants and other agency visitors. In addition, the building renovations are expected to help increase energy efficiency and mitigate potential health and environment risks. These physical renovations have already begun and the project is scheduled to be completed by end of summer.

"Our agency has been in need of building renovations for quite some time," said JFS Orlando Executive Director Eric Geboff. "With this grant we are able to make the necessary upgrades to help us better serve our clients in need and provide them with necessary tools to improve their lives."

The CDBG program is an entitlement grant provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The primary purpose of the CDBG program is to develop urban communities and provide services to principally low-income citizens and their neighborhoods.

Orange County's CDBG program accomplishes these goals by conducting eligible activities, such as capital improvements, affordable housing development and public services.

See photo on page 10A.