Which federal department administers the program commonly used for long-term recovery and community development block grants?

• A. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• B. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• C. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• D. Department of Interior

Answer: (C)

The main concept here is identifying which federal department handles programs that provide long-term recovery funding through community development block grants. The Department of Housing and Urban Development administers the Community Development Block Grant program, a flexible, annual funding stream to states and localities for a wide range of activities that improve housing, infrastructure, public facilities, and economic opportunities in low- and moderate-income communities. After disasters, this program is used in disaster recovery as CDBG-DR to support long-term rebuilding and revitalization, aligning with HUD’s mission to support safe, affordable housing and community development. The authority behind this program comes from the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, emphasizing durable improvements in communities. Other departments don’t focus on this type of block grant: Health and Human Services oversees health and welfare programs, Homeland Security handles national emergency management and security, and Interior manages natural resources and lands.