​The Community Development Group of the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department is responsible for administering several grant programs including those related to capital improvements, new home construction, homebuyer assistance and housing rehabilitation.

Community Development Group Programs and Services:

Public Facilities (Infrastructure) Improvements

This program provides funding for public facility-type projects such as water and sewer facilities, and street, sidewalk or storm drainage improvements. In addition, the program offers funding for community centers and waste treatment facilities to communities in St. Clair County. For more information contact 825-3211. The application process is for local governmental entities only.

Homebuyer Assistance Program

This program provides funds for a down payment and closing costs to eligible clients to purchase homes in eligible areas of St. Clair County. Homebuyer counseling is required. The Homebuyer Assistance Program is now accepting applications. For more information on the homebuyer program and required housing counseling contact 618-825-3226.

Housing Rehabilitation Forgivable Loan Program

This program makes forgivable loans available to eligible low-income persons to rehabilitate single-family owner-occupied properties in participating St. Clair County communities. Funds must be used for corrections or repairs to interior/exterior systems that threaten the health or safety of the occupants. This includes electrical, plumbing, and heating systems, roofing, painting, windows, and doors. Residents should call 825-3215. The Housing Rehabilitation Forgivable Loan Program is not accepting applications at this time.

Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program

This program makes loans available to eligible low to moderate income persons to rehabilitate single-family owner occupied homes in participating St. Clair County communities. Up to $7,000 at 2.5 percent interest is available. Residents should call 825-3215. The application Process is open.

Emergency Repairs

Provides funds up to $5,000 per household to eligible low income persons for the purpose of addressing any items that threaten the health or safety of the resident (i.e. roof, electric, plumbing, heating). Homes must be single family owner occupied properties in participating St. Clair County Communities. Total Gross Household Incomes cannot exceed 50% of area median. Proof of gross household income; ownership/residence; paid real estate taxes; insurance required to qualify. The application process is open.

Accessibility Repairs

Provides funds up to $5,000 per household to eligible low income persons for the purpose of addressing any items that will allow the resident with a physical impairment accessibility to remain in their home (i.e. ramps, grab bars, walk in showers). Homes must be single family owner occupied properties in participating St. Clair County Communities. Total Gross Household Incomes cannot exceed 50% of area median. Proof of gross household income; ownership/residence; paid real estate taxes; insurance required to qualify. The application process is open.

Public Service Program

This program provides funding for non-profit agencies, public agencies and Community-Based Development organizations that are eligible to apply for the grant funds. Eligible projects include Employment Training, Handicapped Services/Senior Services, Screening for Lead Poisoning, Housing Counseling, Education Programs, Homeless Services, Food Banks, Child Care Services, Substance Abuse Services, Services for Abused and Neglected Children, and Services for battered and Abused Spouses. For more information please contact 825-3226.

The Housing Resource Center (HRC)

located at 19 Public Square, Suite 200 in Belleville. The center provides a centralized point of contact for all homeless persons in St. Clair County.

The center provides comprehensive services to the homeless through partnerships with St. Clair County public and non profit agencies. It serves as the first point of entry for the homeless to enter the Continuum of Care system. The Continuum of Care system is designed to provide all services that homeless persons may need including job training, job placement, shelter and support services.

Some of the programs offered are:

Eviction counseling

Housing Assistance

Housing Vouchers

Legal Aid Attorney

Emergency Shelter Referrals

Medical vouchers

Rental/Shelter Counseling