Description:  The term “Colonia” has been borrowed from the Spanish term for a residential neighborhood. In the United States, a “colonia” has a specific meaning, referring to a community within the mainly rural US-Mexico border region with marginal conditions related to housing and infrastructure. In many cases, these scattered and sparsely populated rural communities were formed when unscrupulous land owners inappropriately subdivided rural lands, offered plots via contract for deed, and made empty promises that utilities would soon be installed. Unfortunately, many people invested their limited resources and never saw those promises fulfilled. Follow this link for more information about colonias history and other non-governmental organizations working in colonias.

In order to better serve the colonia residents, the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 (as amended) included Section 916 which called for the border states of Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas to set aside a percentage of their annual State CDBG allocations for use in the colonias. The use of these set aside funds is to help meet the needs of the colonias residents in relationship to the need for potable water, adequate sewer systems, or decent, safe and sanitary housing.

Funding Title: Community Development Block Grant Colonias Set-Aside Program

Agency Name: Department of Housing and Urban Development

Funding Instrument Type:  Grant

Express Language for Legal Aid: No

Target Population:   The colonias residents

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No

How to Apply: For more information about obtaining funding for specific colonias projects please contact the agency in your state that administers the CDBG colonias set-aside funds: https://www.onecpd.info/cdbg-colonias/

Eligible Applicants: For more information about obtaining funding for specific colonias projects please contact the agency in your state that administers the CDBG colonias set-aside funds: https://www.onecpd.info/cdbg-colonias/

Contact Information:   https://www.onecpd.info/cdbg-colonias/

Categories: Government Organizations, Housing, Housing and Urban Development, Pass-Through Funds/ Block Grants, Rural, Subgrant Possibilities