Community Programs
Jim Simon, AICP, Director
Pat Abbruzzi, Administrative Specialist III
Shelly Kopacz, Housing Client Coordinator
Matt Matthews, Substance Abuse Prevention Manager
Jo Munday, Administrative Specialist II
Guy Priest, Housing Rehabilitation Specialist
George Roberts, Project Coordinator
Phone(s): (352) 629-8231
Fax: (352) 867-1781
E-Mail Address: commprog@ocalafl.org
The Community Programs Department focuses on providing quality of life services through the administration of federal, state and local funding programs. Staff works closely with various community organizations and citizen groups to direct resources and coordinate projects.
Current efforts include downtown redevelopment, home ownership and home rehabilitation assistance, substance abuse prevention, neighborhood revitalization, crime reduction, homeless prevention and youth programs.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program repairs houses for low-income owners to bring the houses back to standard condition. Includes roof repairs, heating, plumbing and electrical work, floors and structural repairs, and handicapped accessibility.
HOME Investment Partnership Program is a joint effort with Marion County through a Marion County Consortium to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing.
State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) promotes strategies to increase home ownership opportunities and affordable housing units in the city. In partnership with local mortgage lenders, builders, non-profit developers, and real estate agents, the program provides Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance for low-income, first-time home buyers building a new or buying an existing house.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is received by the City from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide decent housing, create suitable living environments and expand economic opportunities for low and moderate income persons. City CDBG projects include housing rehabilitation, clearance and demolition, recreation upgrades, economic development and qualified public service.
Renew Ocala is a city project designed to resolve questions concerning environmental contamination of properties in the city's "Brownfields area."
Weed and Seed Program, funded through an anti-crime grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, is administered through Ocala/Marion County Community Council Against Substance Abuse (CCASA). The goal of this program is to "weed" out crime and then "seed" the targeted neighborhood with a wide range of human service programs. These programs are aimed at revitalizing the neighborhood and preventing crime. It also deals with community enhancement. Map of Weed & Seed Area
The West Ocala Neighborhood Revitalization Council is a grass roots community organization designed to work with all governmental agencies and community organizations in revitalizing West Ocala neighborhoods. This is accomplished through enhancement of the environment, economics and social amenities.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
Ocala/Marion County Community Council Against Substance Abuse (CCASA) was created to facilitate community efforts in combating drug abuse by utilizing all available resources and services. CCASA finds solutions and endeavors to foster community awareness in drug prevention, education, intervention and law enforcement. Countywide creation and implementation of programs that reduce alcohol and other drug abuse is the goal of the hundreds of CCASA volunteers.
Local Law Enforcement Block Grants are administered through Ocala/Marion County Community Council Against Substance Abuse (CCASA), for the reduction of crime and the improvement of public safety. The participating agencies are allowed increased special units and operations funding. Law Enforcement organizations can enhance their Aviation and K-9 Units and perform numerous public programs at schools and community events. The Marion County Drug Court offers offenders supervision, rehabilitation and an alternative to prosecution and sentencing. The MAD DADS Alternative Sentencing project is aimed at individuals charged with offenses and probation violations.
More information about CCASA is available by calling 629-8231.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Grants administered through CCASA, are for anti-drug programs. These grants fund several grass-roots organizations and programs. The goals of funded programs are drug prevention, intervention, education and support for at-risk children.
Community Programs is in City Hall on the first floor.
Click here for a map to City Hall.
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