The deadline for applications for both grant programs is Aug. 31 by 4 p.m.

Community Development Block Grants are made to projects and programs that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons, aid in the elimination of slums and blight, or meet other urgent community needs.

Past recipients of CDBG grants have included Easter Seals, Goodwill Industries, Catholic Charities, Helping Hands Hawaii, Hina Mauka Alcoholic Rehabilitation Services of Hawaii, Institute for Human Services, Lanakila Rehabilitation Center, Mutual Housing Association of Hawaii, Pacific Gateway Center, Parents and Children Together (PACT), Volunteer Legal Services of Hawaii, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and the YMCA.

HOME money, meanwhile, is available to community housing development organizations and other qualified private nonprofit organizations to develop and support affordable rental housing and homeownership affordability. Community housing development organizations seeking to develop multifamily rental housing are given top priority. Recipients have included Saint Francis Healthcare Systems, Hawaii Housing Development Corporation, Housing Solutions, and Pacific Housing Assistance Corporation.

The request for proposals is available at the Division of Purchasing, Department of Budget and Fiscal Services, Honolulu Hale, 530 South King Street, Room 115, or online at www.honolulu.gov/pur.

The City will hold an information and orientation meeting for prospective applicants on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., at Mission Memorial Auditorium on the Fasi Civic Center grounds. City officials will describe the CDBG and HOME programs and explain the request for proposals, including qualification materials and application forms.

Consultations will be offered immediately following the meeting, to give interested parties the opportunity to submit statements and supporting testimony on the community development and housing needs to be considered in the development of the City's Action Plan.