Community Development Block Grant Program
The primary purpose of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities, principally for persons of very low- and low-income. “Persons of low and moderate income” are defined as families, households, and individuals whose incomes do not exceed 80 percent of the county median income, adjusted for family or household size.
Slater Fire Home Replacement Program
The California Department of Housing and Community Development has approved our application to use Community Development Block Grant Program Income for the Slater Fire Home Replacement Program. We are authorized to use up to $555,834 for the purchase of materials necessary to rebuild approximately 5 homes. Great Northern Services will administer the program in partnership with Hope Crisis Response Network who will provide volunteer labor to build the homes, and with the Long-Term Recovery Group to identify potentially eligible homeowner participants. Eligibility is restricted to homeowners with household income at or below 80% of the area median income with a property that meets CDBG program guidelines, including environmental review. These funds will be in the form of a grant with the requirement that the home remain owner-occupied for at least 5 years after completion. Applications were accepted and are being processed. We are looking forward to helping Happy Camp families move back home!
Woodsmoke Reduction and Heating Replacement Program
As of January 10, 2024, we are not taking new applications.
The County is using Community Development Block Grant Program Income to fund the Woodsmoke Reduction and Heating Replacement Program to improve the health, safety, and efficiency of residential heating for low- to moderate-income households in the unincorporated area of Siskiyou County. The program offers up to an $8,000 grant in the form of a voucher to qualified homeowners living in the unincorporated areas of Siskiyou County to replace old, inefficient, and highly polluting wood stoves, wood inserts of fireplaces with cleaner burning and more efficient home heating devices. The voucher is valid for base model EPA-certified equipment and the cost of installation by Holy Smoke, Incorporated.
Voucher Application Process:
1. Review the qualifications for the program. To participate in the program, you need to:
- Own and occupy your home;
- The home must be located in the unincorporated area of Siskiyou County;
- Your household income is at or below the area median income for Siskiyou County based on the number of persons living in your home (see table below);
- You are using a wood-burning device to heat your home that is not certified to the current U.S. EPA Step 2 standards (see Voucher Application Form for more information); and
- You must be current on your property taxes.
| Household Size | Maximum Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $43,650 |
| 2 | $49,850 |
| 3 | $56,100 |
| 4 | $62,300 |
| 5 | $67,300 |
| 6 | $72,300 |
2. Apply for a voucher. To apply, fill out and sign the Application below (under “Supporting Documents”) and take a photo of the back and front of your old device. Send the Application and photos to the Community Development Department by mail or hand delivery at: Siskiyou County Community Development, 806 South Main Street, Yreka, CA 96097, or by email to klackey@co.siskiyou.ca.us.
Vouchers will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis and will be issued until the program funds have been depleted. Vouchers can only be used with the County’s licensed program contractor, Holey Smoke, Incorporated. Do-it-yourself installations and decorative devices are not allowed under this program.
If you have questions, contact Kristen Lackey at 530-841-2160 or by email at klackey@co.siskiyou.ca.us.
