To facilitate citizen participation, PRDOH has worked towards providing equal access to information. The outreach efforts have been focused on low- and moderate-income citizens, the ones who lived in marginalized barrios, deteriorated areas, and areas that have been identified to receive CDBG-DR assistance, among other unfavored populations. Aside from citizen participation, PRDOH encourages the participation of regional institutions throughout the Island, such as nonprofit organizations, civic groups, the academic community, and professional associations.

PRDOH took the comments submitted in writing, via email, or in public hearings, into account. In addition, to allow oversight and public responsibility, PRDOH has focused on making the information available to citizens, public agencies, and other stakeholders.

The Citizen Advisory Committee is a space of participation that the Department of Housing has made feasible for all those stakeholders, community leaders, community organizations, academic institutions, c and others, so that they can contribute to the development of programs under CDBG-MIT.

The Puerto Rico Department of Housing (PRDOH) integrates citizens’ complaints on any issue related to the overall administration of CDBG-DR/MIT funds, in efforts to meet Puerto Rico’s long-term recovery needs for the duration of the grant. PRDOH is committed to providing an opportunity to address all complaints received and maintaining open communication regarding citizens’ concerns is a priority.

Puerto Rico Department of Housing, as a CDBG-DR/MIT Program grantee, is committed to ensuring that its programs affirmatively further access to fair housing and that its policies and procedures do not discriminate against individuals based on any protected class which would deny the opportunity to participate in, access, or benefit from the programs and activities carried out as part of the CDBG-DR/MIT Program.