CDBG-DR Grants Arkansas Notes and Tips

State of Arkansas

City of Little Rock Residents 2023 Disaster Recovery Unmet Needs Survey

Let's be clear, this $20 million in grant funding is being shared across a wide pool of interests. Everyone has a hand in the bowl: commercial contractors, federal agencies, and individual homeowners alike.

Now imagine dividing those stakeholders into two categories: public (government entities) and private (homeowners, renters, small businesses). The balance of funding matters.

If we don't advocate for the private sector, you'll see how quickly the scales tip. When more than 25% of HUD disaster funding goes to the public sector, the result is clear: homeowners get left behind. The sense of disenfranchisement grows when you watch infrastructure projects move forward new sidewalks, decorative lighting, or repairs to a favored government street while you're still waiting to fix your roof or rebuild your home.

We need at least 75% of these funds directed to the private sector, to people like you, so that families, not just city departments, can recover. That remaining 25% is more than enough to cover the city's FEMA cost share and maintain essential public functions, but not to fund pet projects at the expense of disaster victims.

Why Your Survey Response Matters.

This survey collects information only from those who are aware of the program, making your response especially valuable. It's particularly important for private property owners, renters, and homeowners.

Your answers will directly influence how funding is allocated.

If more private residents in Little Rock, such as homeowners and renters, complete this survey than public or government entities, more resources may be directed to individual households and neighborhoods like yours.

This step is critical. Even if you believe you may not qualify, your participation still counts. The data gathered, especially showing unmet needs will be reviewed by HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development). The more clearly we can show the needs of Little Rock residents, the greater the potential for increased grant funding to support your community.

If you are a homeowner with unmet needs due to the 2023 disaster, the best answer is:

✔ Significant Property Damage

If applicable, and especially if you had to leave your home and haven't returned or still need repairs, you might also check:

✔ Permanently displaced from home (if you're still unable to live there)

✔ Lost Property (if you lost belongings, structures, or vehicles)

If you're a homeowner with unmet needs due to a disaster, here's how you might rank the priorities to reflect the greatest potential benefit to you and your community—while also strengthening the case for homeowner-focused recovery funding:

🏠 High Priority:

Housing Recovery Assistance – Direct help for homeowners with unmet needs. This should be your top priority.

Housing Rehabilitation – Essential if your home is damaged but repairable.

New Construction of Housing – Useful if many homes were destroyed or if rebuilding is needed long-term.

Housing Buyouts – Only a priority if your home is in a flood-prone or unsafe area where rebuilding isn't an option.

Debris Removal – Critical for safety and access to your home and neighborhood.

🏠 Somewhat of a Priority:

Small Business Assistance – Important for local economic recovery, especially if small businesses are major local employers.

Multi-Family Housing Rehabilitation – Useful for renters and housing stability in the community overall.

Infrastructure Investments – Helps restore roads, drainage, power, and water—vital to rebuilding and preventing future damage.

🏠 Low Priority (from a homeowner's unmet needs perspective):

Park Revitalization – Beneficial to community well-being, but lower priority in immediate recovery for homeowners with damage.

The remaining questions are relatively straightforward. If you have questions about how to answer as a homeowner and have damage estimates or receipts ask in the comments below.