A contract, approved by the Reno City Council on Wednesday, will enable low income residents with disabilities to continue to live independently.

The $26,000 contract with Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living (NNCIL) will provide for accessibility improvements to homes of Reno residents. The funding is through Community Block Grants (CDBG).

NNCIL provides comprehensive services to the area’s disabled population. Each year since 1985 the City has provided CDBG funds to NNCIL for accessibility modifications. Under last fiscal year’s contract, NNCIL installed improvements such as ramps, grab bars, threshold ramps, porch lifts, handheld showers, ADA toilets, and widened doors. Additionally, they provided 272 individuals and businesses with technical assistance with ADA compliance.

The CDBG Program provides annual direct grants to communities that can be used to expand affordable housing and economic opportunities, to revitalize neighborhoods, and/or to improve community facilities and services, principally for the benefit of low to moderate income individuals.

The City of Reno receives annual CDBG allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Sidewalk improvements in the Linden-Grove area, the Oliver-Montello Neighborhood Revitalization, numerous pedestrian ramps within our community, and the West Street Market are just some examples of beneficial projects that were funded with the assistance of the CDBG Program.

For more information about Reno’s CDBG Program visit www.reno.gov, select “Government”, then “City Manager’s Office”, and “Community Resources.”

Here’s an interesting fact. April 2010 marks the 42nd anniversary of the Federal Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. As amended (1988) the Federal Housing Act provides equal opportunity for all Americans in the sale, rental, and financing of housing, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and handicap.

To honor this anniversay and to urge all citizens to join the City of Reno in recognizing Silver State Fair Housing Council and its importance in our community, Mayor Cashell proclaimed April 2010 as Fair Housing Month.

Silver State Fair Housing Council is a non-profit agency working since 1989 to ensure equal housing opportunity for all people in Nevada. For more information about the Silver State Fair Housing Council visit www.silverstatefairhousing.org.

The City of Reno supports the efforts of the Silver State Fair Housing Council and all other agencies pursuing fair housing.

To learn more about how the City of Reno is working to provide decent affordable housing, developing suitable living environments, and creating expanded economic opportunities for the community visit www.reno.gov, click “I Want to Learn About” then “Housing” or www.reno.gov/Index.aspx?page=696.

Residents wanting to discuss options with their lender to avoid foreclosure, find out about opportunities to modify or refinance home mortgages, and learn if they are eligible for the Making Home Affordable Program will have the chance for free on April 6.

MakingHomeAffordable.gov is hosting the event on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Reno Sparks Convention Center, 4590 S. Virginia Street.

Mortgage lenders and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved housing counselors will be available to meet one-on-one with residents.

The event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, NeighborWorks America, and Hope Now. For more information visit www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov or call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673).

Here is the event flyer for more information too.