Technical Assistance for Community Planning and Development Programs Technical Assistance Faq

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Why does HUD have technical assistance for Community Development and Planning Programs?

HUD is determined to help communities create new growth and opportunity, rebuild and revitalize, and tackle touch problems as they see fit. At the Office of Community Planning and Development, that means more than just providing financial resources through our programs. It means equipping communities with the guidance and support they may desire to make the most of those resources.

What is technical assistance?

The Community Development Technical Assistance programs are designed to improve the effectiveness of HUD grants which support the goals of good homes and supportive living environments for people of all income groups in viable and sustainable American communities. These technical assistance programs help HUD program participants design and implement programs by providing specialized technical expertise and training.

Who provides technical assistance?

To help communities and program participants with ready access to the technical expertise they may want or need, HUD has created several technical assistance vehicles. Through a series of competitions for grants and contracts, HUD has gathered the resources of a number of firms so that they are on call to provide guidance or training for program participants.

Technical assistance providers are firms, for profit and nonprofit, and government agencies who have demonstrated their expertise and their capability to provide the guidance and training Community Development program participants can use. HUD has also assembled a College of Experts from across the country. These are highly skilled professionals who are available to provide one on one expertise to communities to help them craft creative ways to accomplish local community development goals.

What kind of knowledge and skills can be tapped through the technical assistance services?

Through technical assistance, HUD has gathered resources on a broad range of issues which can address the multifaceted and complex challenges of rebuilding a community. We have expertise on addressing homelessness, creating and maintaining affordable housing, and spurring community and economic development.

Here is a sampling of some topics which HUD technical assistance providers can assist communities:

Homelessness Issues
Families   Youth   Mental Illness   Health Care   Safe Havens   Outreach	Single Room Occupancy (SRO)   Veterans   HIV/AIDS   Substance Abuse   Job Training   Rural Homelessness
Affordable Housing Financing
Rehabilitation   New Construction   Tax Credits	Special Needs Housing   Management
Community/Economic Development Community Development
Micro-Enterprises   Small Business Development and Financing   Community Policing	Job Training   Infrastructure   Urban Planning   Brownfields Development

How is technical assistance accessed?

To find out more about technical assistance available in your area, contact the Community Planning and Development (CPD) Director in your local HUD field office or call the Community Connections Information Center at 1-800-998-9999 for further information. Technical assistance services primarily benefit communities and nonprofit organizations currently participating in and receiving funds through one of the Community Development programs.