State of Georgia FFY 2012/SFY 2013 annual action plan for the consolidated plan July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Executive Summary

4

II. Citizen Participation

10

III. Sources of Funds

12

IV. Annual Objectives HUD TABLE 3A

14

V. Outcome Measures HUD TABLE 3C

20

VI. Geographic Distribution/Allocation Priorities

23

VII. Annual Housing Goals HUD TABLE 3B

24

Programs

VIII. HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)

25

Method of Distribution

Total HOME Allocation by Activity

Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs)

Compliance Criteria

Activities Descriptions

Match Requirement

Home Buyer Recapture Requirement

Other Forms of Investment

Affirmative Marketing Program and Minority/

Women's Business Outreach

Refinancing

Monitoring

IX. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

41

Method of Distribution

Proposed Programs

Compliance Criteria

Annual Competition

Employment Incentive Program

Redevelopment Fund

Immediate Threat and Danger Program

Program Income Policy

Reallocated and Recaptured Funds

Loan Guarantee Program (Section 108)

Monitoring

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

X. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

70

Purpose

Eligible Service Area

Eligible Components and Activities Definitions (Homeless, At Risk, Chronically Homeless, Homeless Individual with a Disability, Emergency Shelter) Rating and Selection Local Approval Collaboration Minimum Compliance Criteria Funding Monitoring

XI. Housing Opportunities for People With Aids (HOPWA)

87

Method of Distribution

Project Sponsors and Area of Coverage Compliance Criteria Grant Award Limits HOPWA Housing Goals Monitoring

XII. Homeless and Special Needs Activities

93

DCA Objectives and Action Steps

Continuum of Care Charts

DCA Programs and Services

Housing and Supportive Service Needs for Non-Homeless Households

Ending Chronic Homelessness Action Steps

Institutional Discharge Coordination

XIII. Other Actions

Obstacles to Meet Underserved Needs

103

Maintain Affordable Housing

Impediments to Fair Housing Choice

XIV. Appendices

Appendix I: General Certifications

I

Appendix II: Forms 424

II

Appendix III: Summary of Public Comments

III

Appendix IV: Community Survey Results

IV

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is the lead agency overseeing the implementation of the Consolidated Plan and is responsible for the administrative oversight of the State's federally funded programs. This Action Plan is for the receipt of Federal Fiscal Year 2012 funds during the State Fiscal Year 2013 beginning July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2013.
The plan focuses on the use of funds from HUD's four consolidated formula programs Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA). It includes information about the overall goals and objectives for the coming year with a description of available resources and proposed actions to address the identified needs. In addition, the Plan includes information about the specific activities and allocation of available resources for the federal funded programs covered in the Action Plan.
The data collected from the Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS) on each performance measure is reported annually in the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) and submitted to HUD by September 30. The CAPER is available on DCA's web page at:
http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CommunityInitiatives/programs/ConsolidatedPlan.asp

Annual Objectives
The State's priorities are divided into two categories based on function: (1) to directly benefit low- and moderate-income households and (2) to improve the production capacity of affordable housing providers. A summary of the objectives for the program year is located in the HUD TABLE 3A STATEMENT OF SPECIFIC ANNUAL OBJECTIVES.

Direct Benefit Priorities

To increase the number of Georgia's low- and moderate-income households who have obtained affordable rental housing which is free of overcrowded and structurally substandard conditions.
To increase the number of Georgia's low- and moderate-income households who have achieved and are maintaining homeownership in housing free of overcrowded and structurally substandard conditions.
To increase the access of Georgia's homeless to a continuum of housing and supportive services which address their housing, economic, health, and social needs.
To increase the access of Georgia's special need populations to a continuum of housing and supportive services which address their housing, economic, health, and social needs.
To increase the access of Georgia's Hispanic population to a continuum of housing and supportive services that address their housing, economic, and social needs.
To increase the access of Georgia's elderly population to a continuum of housing and supportive services that address their housing, economic, and social needs.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

4

To provide assistance to local governments to meet their community and economic development needs.
Production Improvement Priorities
To increase coordination, strengthen linkages and encourage the formation of partnerships between Georgia's private sector housing developers, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, public sector agencies, foundations, and other providers.
To increase the capacity and skills of local nonprofit organizations and other providers to offer housing assistance.
To improve the responsiveness of state and local policies to affordable housing issues.
The State recognizes that its efforts to improve the production of housing and supportive service providers will be reflected in the number of households that directly benefit from their assistance. Therefore, the State has not established separate, quantifiable objectives for its production improvement goals within its Strategic and Action Plans.
Performance Outcome Measurement
The State's program goals and objectives for the upcoming program year are consistent with and support these HUD goals identified in Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (as amended). The three basic objectives of these formula programs will include the provision of (1) providing decent housing, (2) providing a suitable living environment and (3) proving an economic opportunity.
The outcome categories include: (1) availability/accessibility, (2) affordability, and (3) sustainability; promoting livable or viable communities. The combination of objectives and outcome categories results in a matrix of nine possible outcome statements that encompass the various possible program activities.
Accessibility for the Accessibility for the Accessibility for the purpose purpose of creating suitable purpose of providing decent of creating economic living environments (1,1) affordable housing (1,2) opportunities (1,3)

Affordability for the Affordability for the Affordability for the purpose

purpose of creating suitable purpose of providing decent of creating economic

living environments (2,1) affordable housing (2,2)

opportunities (2,3)

Sustainability for the Sustainability for the Sustainability for the purpose

purpose of creating suitable purpose of providing decent of creating economic

living environments (3,1) affordable housing (3,2)

opportunities (3,3)

Decent housing: The provision of decent housing assists both the homeless and persons at risk of becoming homeless in obtaining housing; retains the existing units in the housing stock; increases the availability of permanent housing in standard condition and at affordable cost to low- and moderate-income families. Decent housing also increases the supply of supportive housing with services needed to enable persons with special

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

5

needs to live independently, and provides housing affordable to low to moderate-income persons that are accessible to job opportunities.
Suitable living environment: The provision of a suitable living environment improves the safety and livability of neighborhoods; increases access to quality public and private facilities and services; reduces the isolation of income groups within a community or geographical area by offering housing opportunities for persons of lower-income and revitalizes deteriorating or deteriorated neighborhoods; restores, enhances, and preserves natural and physical features of special value for historic, architectural or aesthetic reasons; and conserves energy resources.
Provide economic opportunity: The provision of expanded economic opportunities creates and retains jobs; establishes, stabilizes, and expands small businesses (including micro-businesses); provides public services concerned with employment; provides jobs to low income persons living in areas affected by those programs and activities; makes available mortgage financing for low-income persons at reasonable rates using nondiscriminatory lending practices; provides access to capital and credit for development activities that promote the long-term economic and social viability of the community; and provides empowerment and self-sufficiency opportunities for lowincome persons to reduce generational poverty in federally-assisted and public housing.
The State's annual outcome measures for the upcoming program year are described in the HUD TABLE 3C OUTCOME MEASURES.
Past Performance
The State continues to address its priorities and objectives related to affordable housing and community development issues and the administration of related HUD-funded programs. While production results have sometimes exceeded or fallen short of stated goals within the Consolidated Plan, the State concludes that significant progress has been made to address the priorities and objectives outlined in its Consolidated Plan document. Overall, and in spite of fluctuations in federal program funding, changes in program features, and the generally challenging economic climate, production was consistent.
DCA continues to evaluate and refine its efforts in respect to program implementation. Internally, work groups have been established within DCA to address issues that may influence capacity and service delivery. DCA also regularly receives feedback from our external partners to improve the delivery of our housing and community development programs. These partnerships may include other state agencies, advocacy groups, governmental and quasi-governmental organizations, nonprofits, housing authorities, individuals and from the private sector such as banks, mortgage companies, credit unions, real estate professionals, and attorneys.
Below is a summary of the State's past performance to meet the objectives identified in the adopted Consolidated Plan.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

6

Exhibit A: FFY2010/SFY2011 Achievements

OBJECTIVES

GOALS

ACTUAL

Rehabilitate or construct affordable rental housing units for low and moderate-income households

543 units

456 units

Provide rental assistance to low or moderate-income

16,776

households

households

17,706 households

Assist low or moderate-income households with rehabilitation or construction of housing so that they may achieve and maintain homeownership in housing free of overcrowded and structurally substandard conditions.

169 households
and/or individuals

135 households
and/or individuals

Assist low or moderate-income households with down payment assistance so that they may achieve and maintain homeownership in housing free of overcrowded and structurally substandard

925 households
and/or individuals

742 households
and/or individuals

Provide housing necessary for Georgia's homeless to break the cycle of homelessness to provide housing to homeless individuals (transitional and emergency shelter)

35,000 homeless individuals to be given overnight
shelter

33,766 homeless individuals received overnight
shelter

Make funding awards to organizations that provide housing and supportive services necessary for Special Need households to achieve decent, safe and sanitary living conditions.

5,585 households

7,898 households

During SFY2011, the State reported that 35,468 low- and moderate-income households were assisted through the HOME, CDBG, ESG, or HOPWA programs. Housing Choice Voucher Programs beneficiaries are not included in the above total; therefore, the total number assisted will not equal the total beneficiaries.
Approximately 17% of the renters and homeowners assisted were extremely low income (0 - 30% MFI), 48% were low income (31% - 50% MFI), and 35% were moderateincome (51 - 80% MFI). Seventy-seven (77) percent of the recipients of housing and related services were of a minority racial or ethnic group. Non-Hispanic households comprised 97% of all the households assisted with the federal funds.
During SFY2011, the State administered several program to benefit the homeless, including the Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), and the Shelter Plus Care (S+C) Program. The State collected the data from IDIS and documented that 28,467 clients received emergency shelter, 5,299 clients received transitional housing assistance and 47,963 clients received supportive services.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

7

The Balance of State Continuum application resulted in the renewal of 60 projects and the funding of nine new projects. The total amount awarded was just over $13 million dollars.
The State administered $1,723,140 in HOPWA funds and assisted six (6) project sponsors specializing in working with persons affected by HIV/AIDS. During SFY2011, the project sponsors awarded the funds housed 675 people (416 persons with HIV/AIDS and 259 other family members).
The State is working hard to further the primary national CDBG objective of developing viable urban and rural communities by providing decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low-and moderateincome persons. In general, the State is making significant progress in meeting this objective. The State achieved this goal by awarding 76 CDBG grants for all categories totaling $34,814,364. This included carryover and reallocated funds from prior years. Twenty (20) percent of the awards were allocated to urban communities and the remaining awards designated to rural areas.
The following tables describe the type of projects awarded for CDBG, HOME CHIP, and ESG in SFY2012 through the annual competitive application processes.

Analysis of CDBG Annual Competition FFY2011/SFY2012

Type of Projects
Multi Activity Programs
Housing
Boys and Girls Club Head Start Facility Drainage/Street Improvements Health Center Mental Health Center Multi Infrastructure Improvements Senior Center Sewer Improvements Water Improvements Water/Sewer Improvements

Projects

Award

Multi Activity

2

$1,600,000

Housing

4

$1,578,188

Public Facilities:

1

$ 500,000

1

$ 500,000

17

$ 7,332,372

1

$ 498,646

1

$ 467,179

People
228
108
151 71
1,806 2,217
697

3

$ 1,475,902

411

2

$ 800,000 4,642

22

$10,337,249 8,504

14

$ 5,885,304 3,688

8

$ 3,839,524 1,407

LM People
209
108
151 71
1,646 2,217
697
368 4,010 7,836 3,005 1,352

LM %
92%
100%
100% 100% 91% 100% 100%
90% 86% 92% 81% 96%

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

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Analysis of ESG Annual Competition FFY2011/SFY2012 (includes federal ESG funds as well as State Housing Trust Fund)

PROGRAM

# OF GRANTS REQUESTED

# OF GRANTS AWARDED

AMOUNT REQUESTED BY PROGRAM

AMOUNTS AWARDED

Emergency

87

Shelter

82

$2,095,719

$1.,321,400

Transitional

72

Housing

58

$1,416,859

$861,100

Supportive

82

Services

45

$1,592,800

$854,500

Homelessness 26
Prevention

9

$736,581

$366,500

Rapid Re-

14

Housing

8

$1,562,253

$1,389,800

Project

Homeless

13

Connect

11

$29,000

$22,000

TOTALS

294

213

$7,433,212

$4,815,300

Analysis of HOME CHIP Annual Competition FFY2011/SFY2012

PROGRAM

# OF GRANTS REQUESTED

# OF GRANTS AWARDED

AMOUNT REQUESTED BY
PROGRAM

AMOUNTS AWARDED

Down Payment

3

Assistance

0

$912,000

$0

Homeowner

25

Rehabilitation

11

$1,705,466

$3,125,557

Homeowner

Rehabilitation

& Down

6

Payment

Assistance

1

$7,361,279

$306,000

Habitat

2

0

$380,000

0

Development

TOTALS

36

12

$10,358,745

$3,431,557

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

9

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
In 1996, the State adopted a citizen's participation plan to establish the policies and procedures used to solicit citizen's input for the Consolidated Plan process. The objective is to encourage participation in the planning process from low- and moderateincome persons, particularly those living in underserved areas that are affected by the proposed community and housing developments.
Public Hearings
Citizen participation and public input played an important role in establishing the content of the FFY2012 Annual Action Plan. A comprehensive effort was undertaken to solicit public input before developing the Action Plan. The meeting notices were distributed to various major newspapers throughout Georgia to alert the citizens that the State requested their participation in structuring the Plan and identifying need priorities. The major newspapers that published the notices included Albany Herald, Athens Banner-Herald, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Augusta Chronicle, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Dalton Citizen, Gainesville Times, Macon Telegraph, Rome News-Tribune, Savannah Morning News,, Statesboro Herald, and Valdosta Daily Times. In addition, the public notice was posted on DCA's web page and a programmatic email was distributed to the division's members list. Public hearings were held in Fitzgerald on October 25, Wadley on October 26, and Atlanta on October 31. A summary of each of the public hearings is included in Appendix III.
During the input public meetings, DCA's staff provided the citizens with an overview of the FFY2010-2012 Consolidated Plan, Strategic Plan, and the Annual Action Plan. The amount of federal assistance that the State expects through the CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA programs was discussed as well as recent CAPER accomplishments.
Community Development Needs Survey
In addition to the public hearings noted above, the State posted a survey on the internet that asked various stakeholders to identify what they believed to be the biggest needs in their communities with the opportunity to list them by priority. Notice about this survey was also sent out to persons on a number of list serves maintained by the department. Among the areas respondents addressed were needs for various types of community facilities, special needs populations facilities, infrastructure, community services, housing activities, and housing for special needs populations.
Regarding community development needs, respondents rated the need for community centers as the highest priority followed by child care centers, health care facilities, parks and recreation facilities, and emergency services facilities. For facilities serving special needs populations, homeless shelters were deemed the greatest need followed by centers for individuals with disabilities, youth centers, and facilities for abused or neglected children. The top infrastructure need was identified as sidewalks followed closely by water and sewer improvements, street improvements, and ADA and accessibility improvements. The top community service need was related to assistance for the homeless followed by family self-sufficiency, transportation, and mental health. Among the economic development needs noted by respondents were job creation, job training, the need for more jobs that pay a living wage, public transportation, and affordable child care.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

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The top housing priority was identified as the need for more affordable rental housing. Affordable homeownership was next followed by rental housing subsidies, owneroccupied rehabilitation, and energy efficiency improvements. The priorities for the types of housing needed in the respondents' communities were again affordable rental housing then permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and senior housing. The top priorities for special needs housing were for victims of domestic violence, individuals with severe mental illness, developmental disabilities, and veterans.
Appendix IV includes information on the survey questions, the stakeholders who responded, and their responses.
Citizen Comments
The State followed the same procedure described above to release the draft document for the public to review and comment for thirty-days. All public comments received during the public hearing cycle are included in Appendix III. The final version of this Plan will include those as well as any additional comments received during the 30-day comment periods.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

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SOURCES OF FUNDS

The State expects to utilize a variety of federal and non-federal resources to address its housing and community development needs during the planning year. These resources are allocated to carry out the activities performed by the state and local governments. Local government and other agencies awarded funds are encouraged to use match funding to make a greater impact in the community. CDBG, HOME, and ESG require a match contribution to generate additional investment in planned activities.

Local government applicants for the CDBG Program can receive additional points for providing evidences of other resources (i.e. local general revenue, other federal and state loans or grant funds, and private commitments) for the proposed project. Those other resources are used to reach our matching requirements.

ESG recipients are required to match the HUD funds with an equal amount from another resource. However, HOPWA recipients are not required to match federal funding but leveraging other funds is encouraged to ensure sustainability of supportive services.

Federal Resources

The State receives an annual allocation from HUD's federal housing resources. The FFY2012 funding allocations for all programs were released in early 2012. Funding levels for each of the four programs are as follows for the period covered by this plan:

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA)

$34,533,844 $14,766,869 $ 4,082,742 $ 2,038,769

Non-Federal Resources

Mortgage Revenue Bond Proceeds - provide loans from the bond proceeds at low interest rates for qualified home buyers. First mortgage loans are available statewide through a participating lender. The program offers five rate categories based on the loan type and/or credit score along with the loan-to-value ratio.

State of Georgia Housing Tax Credit provides a state housing tax credit as an incentive for the development of affordable housing projects. The purpose of this credit is to encourage the investment in affordable rental housing projects, which will in turn increase the availability of rental housing units for Georgians.

Georgia Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless provides funding assistance for emergency shelter, essential services, rental assistance, and stabilization services. The program is the first step in a continuum of assistance to enable homeless individuals and families to move toward independent living as well as to prevent homelessness.

Re-Entry Partnership Housing Program (RPH) provides housing to convicted felons who remain in prison after the parole board has authorized their release due solely to having no residential options. The RPH providers offer the parolee a stable housing environment and the essential supportive services to help stabilize their lives to remain crime free using resources made available by the Department of Corrections.

OneGeorgia Authority provides grants and loans to local government primarily in rural areas for economic development with 1/3 of the state's tobacco settlement of $1.6 billion to assist the state's most economically challenged areas. Financial assistances include financial equity, emergency telephone services, internet high-speed services,

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

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infrastructure improvements, business development, airport improvements, and venture capital financing.
Georgia Home Access Program provides accessibility and home modifications for individuals or families with a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. The State formed a collaborative agreement with the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission (BSITFC) to provide the service through the approved network of contract administrators using the resources of the BSITFC.
Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities Community Services Program provides new services to individuals by 2015 with serious and persistent mental illness that are transitioning from state hospitals, jails, prisons, and homelessness who have no other funding source to attain housing and for whom other housing benefits are not available.
Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities Rental Assistance and Bridge Subsidy Programs - The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities has used state funding to offer the Georgia Housing Voucher Program and Bridge Funding Program. Supported Housing and Bridge funding is being provided to persons with serious and persistent mental illness as identified in the U.S. Department of Justice Settlement Agreement with the State of Georgia. The supportive housing will assist such individuals in attaining and maintaining safe and affordable housing and support their integration into the community. The State-operated program is designed to provide housing supports for approximately 2,000 individuals that are deemed ineligible for any other benefits. Supportive housing includes integrated permanent housing with tenancy rights and is linked with community-based services that are available to individuals that need these services. Services are not mandated as a condition of tenancy. Bridge funding is the provision of security and utility deposits and may take other forms such as household necessities, living expenses and other supports that may be necessary during the time needed for an individual to become eligible for federal disability income or acquire income through employment or other means. This State- funded program runs through 2015 under the conditions of the Settlement Agreement.
State of Georgia Job Tax Credit - The State of Georgia provides a statewide job tax credit against Georgia income taxes for any business engaged in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, processing, telecommunications, broadcasting, tourism, or research and development industries that create and maintain sufficient numbers of new full-time jobs. All counties are evaluated on certain economic factors and then divided into tiers based upon the level of economic distress they are experiencing. The tier ranking of a county determines the amount of Job Tax Credit which businesses located in that county will be entitled to receive, the minimum number of jobs they must create in order to be eligible for the credit, as well as the other program requirements and benefits.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

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STATEMENT OF SPECIFIC ANNUAL OBJECTIVES
The State plans to accomplish the following production summarized in Table 3A during SFY2013 (FFY2012) using its allocation of federal HOME, CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA monies ("Consolidated Funds").

HUD TABLE 3A - SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC ANNUAL OBJECTIVES FFY2012/SFY2013 Year 3

Specific Obj. #

Outcome/Objective

Specific Annual Objectives

Sources of Funds

Performance Indicators

Program Expected Actual Percent Year Number Number Completed

DH-1.2

Accessibility for the purpose of providing decent affordable housing

DH-1.2.1.1 Construct affordable rental

Number of

2010

77

77

100%

housing units for extremely low- HOME

affordable rental 2011

60

income households.

housing units

Program

2012

252

Income

GOAL

389

DH-1.2.1.2 Construct affordable rental

Number of

2010

131

131

100%

housing units for low-income

HOME

affordable rental 2011

90

households.

housing units

Program

2012

320

Income

DH-1.2.1.3

Construct affordable rental housing units for moderateincome households.

GOAL

541

Number of

2010

37

37

100%

HOME

affordable rental 2011

40

housing units

Program

2012

162

Income

GOAL

239

DH-1.2.2.1 Assist extremely low-income

HOME Number of

2010

0

households with the construction

affordable

2011

1

of housing so that they may achieve homeownership.

Program

housing units for 2012

3

Income

0

N/A

GOAL

4

DH-1.2.2.2 Assist low-income households

HOME Number of

2010

0

with the construction of housing

affordable

2011

1

so that they may achieve

housing units

homeownership.

Program

2012

5

Income

0

N/A

GOAL

6

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

14

HUD TABLE 3A - SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC ANNUAL OBJECTIVES
FFY2012/SFY2013 Year 3

DH-1.2

Accessibility for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing

DH-1.2.2.3 Assist moderate-income

Number of

2010

2

2

households with the construction HOME

affordable

2011

of housing so that they may

housing units

0

achieve homeownership.

Program

2012

0

Income

100%

DH-1.2.3.0
DH-2.2 DH-2.2.1.1
DH-2.2.1.2 DH-2.2.1.3

Assist Hispanic households to access the continuum of housing and/or supportive housing.

HOME
CDBG HOPWA

GOAL
Number of Hispanic households assisted

2010 2011 2012

2 2,427 2,000 2,000

ESG HCV

GOAL

6,427

Affordability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing

Provide extremely low-income households with rental assistance.

HOPWA
HCV

Number of households assisted

2010 2011 2012

14,060 13,954 14,031

Provide low-income households with rental assistance.

S+C HOME
HOPWA
HCV

GOAL
Number of households assisted

2010 2011 2012

42,045
3,232 3,046 3,049

Provide moderate-income households with rental assistance.

S+C
HOME
HOPWA
HCV

GOAL
Number of households assisted

2010 2011 2012

9,329 414 388 388

2,427 14,060 3,232
414

100% 100% 100%
100%

S+C

GOAL

1,190

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

15

HUD TABLE 3A - SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC ANNUAL OBJECTIVES
FFY2012/SFY2013 Year 3

DH-2.2

Affordability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing

DH-2.2.2.1 Assist extremely low-income

Number

2010

32

32

households with down payment HOME

receiving down

2011

18

assistance so that they may

payment

achieve homeownership.

Program

assistance

2012

21

Income

100%

GOAL

71

DH-2.2.2.2 Assist low-income households

Number

2010

236

236

100%

with down payment assistance HOME

receiving down

2011

134

so that they may achieve

payment

homeownership.

Program

assistance

2012

150

Income

GOAL

520

DH-2.2.2.3 Assist moderate-income

Number

2010

474

474

100%

households with down payment HOME

receiving down

2011

263

assistance so that they may

payment

achieve homeownership.

Program

assistance

2012

287

Income

DH-2.2.3

Assist households with home buyers' education so that they may achieve homeownership.

HUD Housing Counseling
HOME

GOAL
Number of households receiving home buyers education.

2010 2011 2012

1,024 6,563 5,250
4,200

6,563

100%

DH-2.2.4

Make funding awards to organizations or households that assist Special Needs households with housing and supportive services.

HOME HOPWA
HCV S + C

GOAL
Number of Special Needs households assisted

2010 2011 2012

16,013 7,898 7,500 7,550

7,898

100%

GOAL

22,948

DH-2.2.5

Provide housing assistance and information to Special Needs households in order to enable them to transfer from institutional to community living situations.

HCV

Number households assisted

HOME

2010

12

12

2011

0

2012

25

GOAL

37

DH-2.2.6 Provide housing assistance and

Number

2010

0

0

services to break the cycle of

ESG

households that

2011 1,100

homelessness

received

emergency

2012 1,100

financial

assistance

GOAL

2,200

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

16

100% N/A

HUD TABLE 3A - SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC ANNUAL OBJECTIVES
FFY2012/SFY2013 Year 3

DH-3.2

Sustainability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing

DH-3.2.1.1 Rehabilitate affordable, rental

Number of units 2010

40

40

housing units for extremely

HOME

rehabilitated

2011

0

low-income households.

Program

2012

76

Income

GOAL

116

DH-3.2.1.2 Rehabilitate affordable, rental

Number of units 2010 166

166

housing units for low-income HOME

rehabilitated

2011

0

households.

Program

2012

0

Income

GOAL

166

DH-3.2.1.3 Rehabilitate affordable, rental

Number of units 2010

5

5

housing units for moderate-

HOME

rehabilitated

2011

0

income households.

Program

2012

0

Income

GOAL

5

DH-3.2

Sustainability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing

DH-3.2.2.1 Assist extremely low-income

Number of

2010

45

45

households with rehabilitation HOME

affordable units 2011

27

so that they may achieve

sustainable and affordable homeownership.

CDBG

2012

36

GOAL

108

DH-3.2.2.2 Assist low-income households

Number of

2010

51

51

with rehabilitation so that they HOME

affordable units 2011

41

may achieve sustainable and

affordable homeownership.

CDBG

2012

56

100% N/A N/A N/A N/A

GOAL

148

DH-3.2.2.3 Assist moderate-income

Number of

2010

37

37

N/A

households with rehabilitation HOME

affordable units 2011

37

so that they may achieve

sustainable and affordable homeownership.

CDBG

2012

51

SL-1.1 SL-1.1.1.0

GOAL

125

Accessibility for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments

Provide housing necessary for



Georgia's homeless to break the ESG

cycle of homelessness to

provide housing to homeless CDBG

individuals (transitional and

shelter)

Number of homeless given overnight shelter

2010 2011 2012

33,766 33,000 29,700

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

GOAL

96,466 17

HUD TABLE 3A - SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC ANNUAL OBJECTIVES
FFY2012/SFY2013 Year 3

SL-1.1 Accessibility for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments

SL-1.1.2 Enhance the availability and accessibility of suitable living

CDBG

environments through the

construction of public facilities to

Number of people assisted

2010 2011 2012

benefit residential areas with a

LMI percentage of 51 or greater.

SL-1.1.3 Enhance the availability and accessibility of suitable living

CDBG

environments through the

construction of buildings to

benefit LMI people at a rate of 51

or greater. For CDBG, this will

primarily involve projects that

offer limited clientele services

through construction of new

facilities.

SL-1.1.4 Provide supportive services

ESG

necessary for Georgia's homeless

to break the cycle of homelessness

to individuals.

GOAL Number of people assisted
GOAL Number of homeless individuals assisted

2010 2011 2012
2010 2011 2012

16,588 3,000 3,000

16,588

22,588 1,468 3,000 3,000

1,468

7,468

47,963 46,000 44,000

47,963

100% 100% 100%

SL-1.1.5 Provide emergency housing for Georgia's homeless seeking overnight accommodations in shelters and transitional to break the cycle of homelessness

ESG

GOAL
Number of beds created in overnight shelter or emergency housing

2010 2011 2012

137,963 4,505 4,500 4,500

4,505

SL-3.1 SL3.1.1.0
SL3.1.2.0

GOAL

13,505

Sustainability for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments

Make funding awards to local



governments, or organizations that HOME

assist elderly persons with housing

and/or supportive services.

NOTE: For CDBG, these numbers generally represent services

CDBG

through senior centers.

HCV

Number of elderly persons assisted
GOAL

2010
2011 2012

3,081 3,994 4,110
11,185

Enhance the sustainability of



suitable living environments through the construction,

CDBG

reconstruction or rehabilitation of

public facilities to benefit

residential areas with a 51% or

greater LMI percentage.

NOTE: For CDBG, these numbers

represent upgrades to existing

services such as replacing 2" lines

Number of people assisted

2010
2011 2012

4,255
9,000 9,000

3,081 4,255

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

18

100% 100% 100%

HUD TABLE 3A - SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC ANNUAL OBJECTIVES
FFY2012/SFY2013 Year 3

with 6" lines.

GOAL

22,255

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

19

HUD TABLE 3C-OUTCOME MEASURES

SL-3.1 SL-3.1.3.0
EO-1.3 EO-1.3.1.0

Sustainability for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments

Enhance the sustainability of suitable living environments through the reconstruction or rehabilitation of buildings to benefit LMC at a percentage of 51 or greater. For CDBG, this will primarily involve projects that offer limited clientele services through renovations and expansions of existing facilities.

CDBG

Number of people assisted
GOAL

2010 2011 2012

1,468 2,000 2,000
5,468

Accessibility for the purpose of creating Economic Opportunities

Provide economic opportunity by providing new job opportunities via loans to businesses, grants for public infrastructure and funds for training centers.

Number of new

CDBG

jobs created

2010 2011 2012

648 1,200 1,200

EO-3.3 EO-3.3.1.0

GOAL

3,048

Sustainability for the purpose of creating Economic Opportunities

Provide economic opportunity

Number of jobs

2010

782

by retaining jobs via loans to businesses, grants for public infrastructure and funds for

CDBG

retained

2011

400

2012

400

training centers.

1,468 648 782

100% 100% 100%

GOAL

1,582

EO-3.3.1.1 Provide economic opportunity

Number of

2010

16

16

by assisting businesses grants to CDBG create or retain jobs

businesses assisted 2011

16

2012

16

100%

GOAL

48

Water and sewer projects and drainage/street improvements

Health, learning, neighborhood facilities, and multi-purpose centers, (i.e. services to limited clientele LMI people .

Note: For the State CDBG Program, funds are distributed based on applications from local governments. The state does not require under its Method of Distribution that local governments apply for particular types of grants based on specific outcome performance measures, rather a range of eligible activities and eligible outcome measures is allowed. Local governments therefore determine the expected number of beneficiaries and the applicable outcome measures.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

20

HUD TABLE 3C-OUTCOME MEASURES

Program Area
CDBG

Objective and Outcome

Performance Indicators

Funding Source

Annual Competition: Public Facility Grants

Objective: Creating/Enhancing Suitable Environment Outcome: Availability/Accessibility (1,1)

Living

Number of people served Grants made to units of local government for locally identified new or improved public facilities, such as water and sewer facilities, street and drainage facilities or other needed facilities.

CDBG

Annual Competition: Housing Grants for Rehabilitation and Down Payment Assistance
Redevelopment Fund

Objective: Creating Decent Affordable Housing Outcome: Sustainability (3,2) Affordability (2,2)
Objective: Creating/Enhancing Suitable Living Environment (Slum and Blight Removal) and Creating Economic Opportunities Outcome: Sustainability (3,3) Availability/Accessibility(1,3) Affordability(2,3)

Number of households and people served
Grants made to units of local government for locally identified new or improved housing.
Number of businesses assisted and funds leveraged
Grants will be made to units of local government for projects which eliminate slums or blight (on a spot basis)

CDBG CDBG

Employment Incentive (EIP)
Immediate Threat and Danger

Objective: Creating or sustaining opportunities. Outcome: Availability/ Accessibility (1,3) Affordability

economic

Objective: Creating/Enhancing Suitable Environment Outcome: Availability/Accessibility (1,1)

Living

Number of businesses assisted Number of funds leveraged Number of jobs created or retained Grants made to units of local government for projects which create or retain employment
Number of people served Grants made to units of local government to respond to threats to health or safety including new or repairs to public facilities, such as water and sewer facilities, or other needed facilities

CDBG CDBG

Allocation Amount
Minimum of $23,397,688
Up to $ 1,500,000
Up to $ 8,000,000 Up to $500,000

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

21

HUD TABLE 3C-OUTCOME MEASURES

Program Area Objective and Outcome

HOPWA

Housing Assistance Supportive Services
ESG

Objective: Providing Decent Affordable Housing Outcome: Affordability (2,2)

Homeless and Special Needs Housing Assistance

Objective: Creating suitable living environments Providing Decent Affordable Housing Outcome: Accessibility/Availability (1,1) Affordability (2,2)

Performance Indicators

Funding Allocation Sources Amount

Number of households served

HOPWA

Provide decent and affordable housing for persons

with HIV/AIDS and their families.

$ 2,038,769

Number of homeless persons assisted with housing
Number of homeless person assisted with supportive services
Provide a suitable living environment and supportive service assistance for persons who would otherwise be living in unstable environments or living on the street.

ESG/ State Housing Trust Fund

Approximately $5.2 million

HOME
Tenant-based Rental Assistance

Objective: Providing Decent Affordable Housing Outcome: Affordability (2.2)

Rental Housing Loan

Objective: Providing Decent Affordable Housing Outcome: Affordability (2,2)

Number of households receiving assistance
Provide rent subsidies to persons in identified special needs populations for a maximum 2 year period leading to self-sufficiency or long-term rental assistance.
Number of rental units constructed or rehabilitated
Provide affordable rental housing for low to moderate households

HOME/ Program Income
HOME/ Program Income

$1,000,000 $9,290,182

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

22

Program Area
Community HOME Investment Program
(CHIP)

HUD TABLE 3C-OUTCOME MEASURES

Objective and Outcome

Performance Indicators

Objective: Providing Decent Outcome: Affordability (2,2)

Affordable

Housing

Number of home buyers assisted Provide first mortgage loans for Habitat affiliates and down payment assistance to home buyers

Objective: Providing Decent Affordable Housing Outcome: Sustainability (3,2)

Number of units rehabilitated Provide homeowner rehabilitation assistance

Funding Sources
HOME/ Program Income

Allocation Amount
$ 3,000,000

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

23

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION & ALLOCATION PRIORITIES
The geographic area for allocating investments goes to the entire State of Georgia. Because Georgia's priority needs are broadly distributed throughout the state, the allocating of funds is not generally based on geography alone. Each program has a unique method of geographic distribution. The State's CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA programs are often competitive and all are demand-driven. The ultimate geographic distribution of assistance cannot be predicted.
The competitive allocation or "first-come, first-served" nature of the State's HOME-funded programs prohibits any geographic predetermination for the use of HOME funds. As reported in the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report for SFY2011 (July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011), sixty-seven (67) percent of HOME funds were used for completed projects in the state's urban areas. This value includes 20% of all HOME-funded projects in the state that are located in a local participating jurisdiction and 47% that are in urban areas outside of a local participating jurisdiction. The remaining 33% of HOME funds were utilized in rural areas of the state.
The State will continue to take additional steps to reduce its concentration of HOME resources in urban areas and increase the expenditure of HOME funds in the State's rural counties. Those steps include:
Expand homeownership-marketing efforts in rural areas utilizing full-time staff working with lenders, local officials, and other community leaders to increase the rate of homeownership in their area. The majority of the staff time is concentrated outside the Atlanta Metro area.
Seek input from residents of rural areas as to the types of housing assistance they need in their communities and develop programs to meet those needs. Comments received at the two public hearings held in rural areas in October 2011 indicated a need for more suitable affordable rental housing, homeownership opportunities, and housing rehabilitation for homeowners, especially the elderly.
Utilize the HUD-funded housing counseling program to educate potential home buyers on the home buying process through a network of nonprofit providers.
Partner with the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing - a joint program of DCA, the Georgia Municipal Association, and the University of Georgia's Housing and Demographics Research Center - provides a series of facilitated retreats and direct technical assistance to selected communities over a three-year period as the communities develops and implements affordable housing strategies.
Collaborate with the Southwest Georgia Housing Task Force to provide assistance to regional areas to develop housing strategies and implementation tactics.
The State does not anticipate any funding set-asides for specific geographic areas of Georgia for CDBG, ESG or HOPWA programs. These programs are unavailable to the HUD entitlement areas. The CDBG Annual Competition does give bonus points to applicants proposing activities in an approved Revitalization Strategy Area. Depending on the competition, funding may not be allocated to these applicants but only to the extent the bonus points affect the CDBG geographic distribution. HOPWA does have some geographic limitations; therefore, the State does not use allocation priorities on a geographic system, nor does the state dedicate specific percentages or amounts of funding to particular targeted areas.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

24

For HOPWA, absent extremely unusual circumstances, as determined by DCA, funding will be limited to programs located within the State's 127-county HUD-defined entitled area. This area excludes counties within the 28-county Atlanta (Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Haralson, Heard, Henry, Jasper, Lamar, Meriwether, Newton, Paulding, Pike, Rockdale, Spalding, Troup, and Walton) and the 4-county Augusta (Burke, Columbia, McDuffie, Richmond) non-entitlement areas.

HUD TABLE 3B ANNUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING GOALS FFY2012 (SFY2013) Year 3

Expected Annual Number of Units To Be Completed

Resources used during the period CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA

ANNUAL AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING GOALS (SEC. 215 )

Acquisition of existing units

0







Production of new units

734







Rehabilitation of existing units

76









Rental Assistance

148







Total Sec. 215 Affordable Rental

958









ANNUAL AFFORDABLE OWNER HOUSING GOALS (SEC. 215)

Acquisition of existing units

0





Production of new units Rehabilitation of existing units Homebuyer Assistance Total Sec. 215 Affordable Owner

8





143





458







609









ANNUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING GOALS (SEC. 215)

Acquisition of existing units

0







Production of new units Rehabilitation of existing units Homebuyer Assistance Rental Assistance Total Sec. 215 Affordable Housing

742 219 458 148 1,567



































ANNUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING GOALS (SEC. 215)

Homeless households

4,300









Non-homeless households

527









Special needs households

450









ANNUAL HOUSING GOALS Annual Rental Housing Goal Annual Owner Housing Goal
Total Annual Housing Goal

958 609 1,567

























The State's Three Year Consolidated Plan outlines specific Priorities and Objectives for the State in the Strategic Plan. Under each priority and objective, specific activities are identified that are expected to be completed using funds made available to the State, including: Consolidated Funds, other HUD assistance, State monies, federal and state Tax Credits, and bond revenue. However, the production figures proposed to quantify the State's objectives are based on the use of HUD-related funds, including federal formula funds, HOME program income, Housing Counseling Funds, and Housing Choice Vouchers. These resources represent all of the resources made available to the State as a result of HUD funding.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

25

HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (HOME)

The Georgia Housing and Finance Authority (GHFA) is the Participating Jurisdiction (PJ) and recipient of the State of Georgia's allocation of HOME funds. GHFA contracts with DCA to administer the programs funded by this HOME allocation.
Method of Distribution
The goal of the HOME Program, administrated and implemented through DCA, is to expand the supply of decent, safe, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. The State's HOME Program activities are directed in the areas of rehabilitation and new construction of rental and homeownership housing, homeowner rehabilitation, and down payment assistance. Entities eligible to apply for the State's HOME Program include local government, community housing development organizations (CHDOs) certified by DCA, public housing authorities (PHAs), nonprofit agencies, and for-profit developers.
The State anticipates receiving $14,766,869 in FFY2012 for the HOME program. The funds are distributed through competitive and non-competitive process.
Exhibit C: Anticipated Distribution Method of HOME Funding

Proposed Distribution Method Available Competitively Available First-Come, First-Served Program Administration
SOURCE: DCA

Percentage Available 83% 7% 10%

As shown in the exhibit below, the State will utilize program income, reprogrammed administrative funds and carryover funds from prior years recaptured funds, and matching funds as necessary to meet objectives. These amounts will be added to the federal allocations to derive the amount allocated to each activity. DCA reserves the right to amend its Action Plan in accordance with the Consolidated Plan rule, as production demand warrants or to facilitate the use of program income during the course of the program year. Any reallocations will be done in accordance with DCA policy, including the State's Citizen Participation Plan. DCA will give reasonable notice of and an opportunity to comment on substantial amendments.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

26

1Exhibit D: Total HOME Allocation by Activity

Program

Projected Remaining
funds 06/30/12

FFY2012
Federal Funds

SFY2013 State Funds

Georgia Dream Second Mortgage

$3,000,000

$0

$0

CHIP

$0 $3,000,000

$0

CHDO

Predevelopment

$ 120,795

$0

$0

Loan

CHDO Operating Assistance

$ 110,250

$0

$0

Program Income
$0 $0 $0
$0

Total Funds Available
$3,000,000 $3,000,000
$120,795
$110,250

HOME Rental Housing Loan

$4,696,620 $9,290,182

$0 $4,500,000 $ 18,486,802

Permanent Supportive Housing

$383,455

$0

$0

$0

$383,455

Tenant-based Rental Assistance (TBRA)

$0 $1,000,000

$ 0

$0 $1,000,000

Rental Housing Preservation Loan
Administration DCA Administration CHIP Recipients
Total

$3,539,000

$0

$0 $1,416,687 $0 $ 60,000 $8,371,120 $14,766,869

$0

$0 $3,539,000

$0 $500,000 $1,916,687

$0

$0

$60,000

$0 $5,000,000 $ 31,616,989

Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs)
A minimum of 15% of the State's HOME funds are reserved to fund housing projects proposed by organizations that meet the CHDO definition. CHDO are certified as nonprofit housing organizations that meet or demonstrate the following minimum requirements:
Federal Requirements Organized under state/local law Certify that the organizational structure of the board meets the requirements of 24
CFR Part 92

1 The State will make commitments to CHDOs in the amount of at least $2,215,031 through the HOME Rental Housing Program.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

27

IRS nonprofit status- tax-exempt ruling under Section 501(c) Provide a formal process for low income program beneficiaries to advise on the
design, location of sites, development and management of affordable housing Staff development capacity and financial accountability One year experience serving the community Proposed project underway
State Requirements:
In-State Nonprofits: 1) Financial viability of the nonprofit based on a review of audited financial
statements to ensure viability and capability of performing housing development functions. 2) CHDOs are allowed to have as their service area up to 1/3 of the State's counties.
Out-of-State Nonprofits: In addition to the requirements for in-state nonprofits, an out-of-state nonprofit must also have: 1) All In-State Requirements plus; 2) An office in Georgia 3) Paid staff located in Georgia; and 4) A board comprised of no less than 51% Georgia residents.
Compliance Criteria
Application Processes
DCA will directly administer the Georgia Dream Second Mortgage Program through a statewide network of participating lenders. Applications will be reviewed following standard underwriting criteria using DCA's applicable compliance guidelines. Requests are funded on a first-come, first-served basis according to the eligibility criteria established for each set-aside.
DCA will also directly administer its HOME Rental Housing Loan Program. All complete applications will be evaluated and competitively ranked according to criteria outlined in the State's Qualified Allocation Plan.
DCA will request applications for the CHDO Operating Assistance and CHDO Predevelopment Loan Programs through a Notice of Funding Availability. DCA will evaluate applications to these programs using criteria established in the applicable program description.
DCA will select participants for the TBRA Program based upon referrals from the Department of Human Services for Money Follows the Person Initiative participants and from existing providers of housing funded through the Permanent Supportive Housing Program for persons who are relocating from these properties.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

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General Application Guidelines
Every application must meet certain minimum program requirements as outlined below to be considered for funding:

All applications must be eligible entities All activities undertaken with HOME funds must be eligible The minimum amount of HOME funds that can be invested in a project involving
rental housing or homeownership is $1,000 per unit The minimum amount of HOME funds that can be invested in a project involving
tenant assistance is an average of $1,000 per household per funding year The proposed project must be economically feasible The maximum award per project varies by program, ranging between $1,000 and
$3.5 million All proposals must meet all HUD regulations for the HOME Program as
published in the Federal Register under 24 CFR Part 92 as amended New construction must meet all applicable HUD standards
Within each of the State's HOME-funded programs, all requests must follow established program-specific application guidelines to be considered for funding.
Activities Descriptions
HOME Rental Housing Loan Program
The State distributes and evaluates the project financing resources through a competitive selection process and established by the State's approved Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP).
DCA will make the QAP, the associated application manual, and the electronic application available on its web site and all the contacts receives an email with the deadline dates. The copy of the QAP is on the State's website at:
http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/HousingDevelopment/programs/housingTaxCredit.asp
CHDO Predevelopment Loan Program
Eligible CHDOs can receive interest-free loans for the preparation of complete and comprehensive applications for financing low- to moderate-income housing developments using DCA's HOME Rental Housing Loan Program. Eligible activities may include the financing of predevelopment costs associated with the eligible project incurred up to the closing of the HOME Rental Housing Program -funded construction loan. These costs include, but are not limited to, an initial feasibility study, market study, consulting fees, associated expenditures with the preparation of preliminary financial applications to non-DCA funding sources, site control, title clearance fees and expenses associated with architectural, legal engineering and development services. The maximum loan amount is $30,000.
CHDO Operating Assistance Program
Eligible CHDOs can receive funding to maintain their operations and to develop their capacity to implement future HOME-funded CHDO activities. The maximum grant amount is $35,000.

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

29

Georgia Dream Second Mortgage Program
A home buyer must apply for any of these deferred payment options through one of DCA's participating lenders located across Georgia. A borrower must have a sales contract to purchase a home before the application is accepted; however, a borrower is encouraged to contact a participating lender prior to signing a sales contract to review the borrower's credit history and to determine an affordable home price range. Once received, the participating lender and DCA will review the application according to lending industry standards and DCA guidelines established for each funding type. All borrowers are required to receive home buyer education prior to loan closing from one of the nonprofit housing counseling agencies to which DCA provides financial support or from another nonprofit or for-profit source meeting DCA's home buyer education requirements.
The State offers a deferred payment second mortgage for down payment, closing costs, prepaid expenses and principal reduction for low to moderate-income home buyers. The amount of assistance to be provided will be tied to DCA's underwriting standards that take into account the borrower's housing debt, overall household debt, the appropriateness of the amount of assistance, the assets available to acquire the housing, and their financial resources to sustain homeownership. The maximum loan amount under this program may not exceed $14,999. If underwriting indicates that the borrower needs funding in excess of that amount to comply with DCA's standards, they must either show how they can meet the shortfall from other resources or the second mortgage will be denied. Borrowers will be expected to contribute a minimum of $1,000 to the purchase transaction and must complete Home Buyer Education provided by a DCA or HUD-approved education counselor prior to closing.
Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP)
CHIP provides funding to local governments and nonprofits to implement homeowner rehabilitation and down payment assistance activities in their respective communities and service areas. Local governments/nonprofits seeking HOME funding must apply directly to DCA in conjunction with the annual application process. Applicants are evaluated based on the rating and ranking criteria outlined in the CHIP Program Description. Funds awarded to local governments/nonprofits cannot exceed $300,000. In addition, Habitat for Humanity Affiliates may apply for funding to provide first mortgage assistance to eligible home buyers with a credit score as low as 580 and provide $20,000 in second mortgage assistance to all eligible home buyers.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
DCA is implementing a TBRA Program during FFY2012/SFY2013. The program will be made available to a targeted group of single individuals with disabilities and families with at least one family member with a disability that have been determined to have unmet housing needs. This assistance is being provided to narrow the gap in benefits and services available to these population groups. The primary objective of the TBRA program is to assist the participants to secure non-luxury, decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private rental market in targeted cities and counties in Georgia. This program allows individuals/families to choose a neighborhood in which they prefer to live and helps to upgrade and maintain the quality of neighborhoods, as subsidized units must meet minimal program requirements. The secondary objective of the TBRA

Annual Action Plan FFY2012/SFY2013

30

program is to empower individuals with disabilities and families that include an adult family member with a disability to achieve the goal of self-sufficiency and to break the cycle of homelessness and domestic violence. Self-sufficiency is defined as the ability of an individual or family to be self-supporting through income derived from employment, benefits such as SSI and SSDI, or a combination of income and benefits while maintaining safe and decent housing.

All tenants participating in the program will be at or below 60% of the area median income at the time they are selected. They will be required to live either in jurisdictions that are located within DCA's Housing Choice Voucher service area or in areas where they are able to get on a waiting list for permanent rental assistance from another funding source after the DCA HOME TBRA assistance is exhausted. These other funding sources could include locally administered Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, or any other publicly funded rental assistance program. The participating household may only receive HOME-funded assistance for a maximum of 24 months. In addition to rental assistance, tenants in the program may receive grants for security and utility deposits if required. Utility deposits will be limited to electric, gas, water, and trash service. The rent standard to be used for the program will be the Section 8 Fair Market Rents as published by HUD for the locality in which the project is located. Tenants will pay 30% of their monthly adjusted income in rent and TBRA will make up the difference. The minimum tenant contribution will be determined prior to the program implementation.
There are two targeted populations that will receive assistance under this program. The first will be those individuals who are being de-institutionalized, are capable of independent living, and are participating in Georgia's Money Follows the Person Initiative administered through the Department of Human Services. These households will receive assistance through the program until they are able to receive a voucher through DCA's Housing Choice Voucher program or through another long-term rental assistance program. The second group will be drawn from households relocating from supportive housing development funded through DCA's Permanent Supportive Housing Program and who can demonstrate that they are on a waiting list for permanent housing through any other public or privately-funded rental subsidy program. Case management and related assistance will be provided to all tenants participating in the program to assist them in becoming self-sufficient by the end of their terms.
Match Requirement
The HOME Program requires that the State contribute at least 25% of non-federal resources be allocated to affordable housing within a federal fiscal year. The State achieves this goal by the multiple public-private partnerships tailored to meet Georgia's housing needs while complying with applicable federal guidelines.
The State General Assembly dedicates proceeds of mortgage revenue bonds issued by GHFA and the Georgia Housing Tax Credit for affordable housing. Other non-federal resources are identified after the competitive application process is completed.
Home Buyer Recapture Requirement
Any funds loaned to eligible borrowers in conjunction to any of the State's homeownership programs are subject to recapture requirement. The homeownership

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31

programs include Georgia Dream Second Mortgage Program, Georgia Dream Habitat 580 First Mortgage Loan Program, and the CHIP Down Payment Assistance Program.
In the event the borrower sells the property at fair market value either outright or through a pre-foreclosure sale, transfers the mortgaged property, or if the mortgaged property is foreclosed upon, and after the first lien holder (and any other higher priority liens) is satisfied, DCA will employ the shared net proceeds option. The remaining funds will be accepted based on the Settlement Statement as the net proceeds of the sale and as the amount of HOME funds subject to recapture. DCA will write-off the remaining balance. DCA will satisfy the security deed and will not pursue any further collection efforts.
Period of Affordability
Georgia Dream Second Mortgage Program
The Period of Affordability for all HOME Loans is six years as the maximum Second Mortgage loan amount under this program may not exceed $14,999. If the home is sold before the ninth year of the loan closing, the borrower is subject to possible recapture tax and must report it on their annual tax return using IRS Form 8828, "Recapture of Federal Mortgage Subsidy." The HOME investment that is subject to recapture is based on the amount of HOME assistance that enables the home buyer to buy the dwelling unit.
CHIP
To ensure that CHIP investments yield affordable housing over the long term, DCA imposes occupancy requirements over the length of the Period of Affordability. Based on HUD requirements, the affordability period begins on the date that the project is marked as completed in IDIS. The length of the affordability period depends on the amount of the CHIP investment in the property and the nature of the activity, including project delivery fees.
The State has adopted slightly longer affordability period in order to allow for sufficient administrative processing time following the closure of the loan and the completion of the activity in IDIS. CHIP funds that are invested in projects that do not meet the established period of affordability requirements will be subject to recapture based on policies outlined in the CHIP Administrative Manual.
For down payment assistance projects, the period of affordability will be six years based upon a maximum assistance level of $14,999 for the program in FFY 2012. For homeowner rehabilitation assistance projects, the maximum period of affordability will not exceed 5 years in the event that DCA decides to impose a period of affordability for this activity.
For the Georgia Dream Habitat 580 First Mortgage Loan Program, all participants will receive minimum down payment assistance in the amount of $20,000 which will have a period of affordability of 11 years. In the event they also receive first mortgages through this program and the total HOME assistance provided exceeds $40,000, their period of affordability will be 16 years.

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Recapture Provision Requirements

CHIP and Georgia Dream

The recapture policy for HOME Program investments in cases where the borrower does not occupy the house for the full term of the affordability period is derived from the HOME Program regulations at 92.254(a)(5)(ii)(A) and section 215(b)(3)(B) of the National Affordable Housing Act. DCA follows the Shared Net Proceeds options. If the net proceeds are not sufficient to recapture the full amount of the CHIP or Georgia Dream direct subsidy investment plus enable the homeowner to recover the amount of the homeowner's down payment and any capital improvement investment made by the homeowner since purchase, the State must share the net proceeds with the homeowner.

In this case, the net proceeds will be divided proportionally as set forth herein by mathematical formula. If there are no net proceeds, there is no repayment requirement.

HOME investment HOME investment + homeowner investment

x Net Proceeds

= HOME amount subject to recapture

HOME investment HOME investment + homeowner investment

x Net Proceeds = Amount to homeowner

In the event the net proceeds exceed the amount necessary to repay both the homeowner's investment and the HOME subsidy, the excess proceeds will be paid to the homeowner. The DCA recapture policy for these programs is the same for voluntary and involuntary sales.
A percentage of the loan amount is forgiven annually in equal installments over the affordability period for homeowner rehabilitation activities. Recaptured funds are repaid to the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority unless approved by DCA.
Georgia Dream Habitat 580 First Mortgage Loan recapture provisions require that the homeowner return the HOME direct subsidy investment back to the State unless there is a sale deficiency. The State is subject to the limitation that when the recapture requirement is triggered by a sale (voluntary or involuntary) of the housing unit, and there are no net proceeds or the net proceeds are insufficient to repay the HOME investment; the State will recapture only the net proceeds, if any. If the homeowner sells the property during the affordability period, the State will recapture all or some of the HOME investment out of the net proceeds from the sale and reuse the funds for another eligible HOME activity. In the event of a foreclosure, Habitat for Humanity is permitted to identify an eligible low-income substitute mortgagor with a new affordability period.
Other Forms of Investment
DCA will invest HOME funds as interest-bearing loans or advances, non-interest bearing loans or advances, interest subsidies, deferred payment loans and forgivable loans and grants. In addition, DCA will provide financial investment using HOME funds to private developers, nonprofit organizations, CHDOs and government agencies.
DCA does not intend to use any other form of investment. An applicant that proposes to use any other form of investment not described in 24 CFR 92.205(b) of the HOME Investment Partnership Final Rule regulations, must provide a description of the form of investment, a description of the proposed means of securing the investment, and a

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justification for the need for the investment when submitting an application. DCA will not permit other forms of investment without prior HUD approval.

Affirmative Marketing Program and Minority/Women's Business Outreach

DCA follows the process to develop the affirmative action marketing plan for the State of Georgia, in accordance with Section 281 of the National Affordable Housing Act and 24 CFR Part 92.352, HUD rules. The regulations specifies the steps that recipients of federal funds must take to ensure information and outreach to eligible person in the housing market area to accessibility to housing without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, or disability. DCA carries out the activities and procedures for the Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (MBE/WBE) Outreach Program to further the objectives of the Executive Orders 11625, 1232, and 12138.

Every program administered by DCA requires each grantee and owner with five or more units (rental or homeowner) to develop and implement an affirmative fair housing marketing plan minority business enterprise/women business enterprise outreach plan. DCA reviews and approves all marketing and outreach plans before any written agreements are executed or funds are disbursed. The affirmative marketing policy shall consist of the following elements:

Method for informing the public, owners, and potential tenants about federal fair housing laws and the participating jurisdiction's affirmative marketing policy requirements which may include, but are not limited to, providing a copy of this policy to be used in all media releases, using the Equal Housing Opportunity logo and slogan in all media releases, and explaining the general policy to the media, property owners, and tenants involved with the HOME program
Requirements and practices each owner must adhere to in order to carry out the affirmative marketing procedures and requirements. When advertising for a HOME property, recipients may use commercial media (newspaper or television) or local community contacts, but should utilize the Equal Housing Opportunity logo or slogan and always use caution when documenting affordable housing (income and rent restrictions).
Procedures used by owners to inform and solicit applications from persons in the housing market areas that are not likely to apply for the housing without special outreach. These persons most likely include those who are not the race/ethnicity of the residents of the neighborhood in which the unit is located.
Records that will be kept describing actions taken by HOME grantees and by owners to affirmatively market units and records to assess the results of these actions.

Steps taken to address the corrective actions to improve the affirmative marketing actions are unacceptable. DCA will review the records annually to ensure the grantee or owners are making the appropriate efforts pursuant to the regulations. An agreement must be binding for a period (during the affordability period of the units).

DCA has established goals to remove homeownership barriers and foster opportunities for housing accessibility for every Georgia resident. DCA accomplishes this by

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providing educational & training to educate home buyers on the federal and state fair housing law and enforcements, workshops on down payment assistance and other financial resources to purchase homes, housing training for housing professionals and developers, and publication of fair housing equal opportunity marketing materials.
Minority and Women Business Outreach
DCA makes every effort to encourage recipients to solicit the participation of minorityand women owned businesses (MBE/WBEs) in contracting under the HOME program. Recipients should include qualified MBE/WBEs on solicitation lists and solicit their participation whenever they are potential sources.
Through project monitoring and reporting, DCA staff review each recipient's documentation of efforts and results in securing contracts with MBE/WBEs. DCA staff also provides recipients with information during the various state sponsored workshops.
Section 3
DCA will carry out activities and procedures in accordance with 24 CFR Part 135 to ensure that employment and other economic opportunities generated by certain HUD financial assistance shall, to the greatest extent feasible, and consistent with existing federal, state, and local laws and regulations, be directed to low- and very-low income persons who are recipient of government housing and to businesses.
Fair Housing Activities
DCA coordinates the affirmative marketing efforts with the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity. The GCEO conducts fair housing outreach, testing, education, and training to landlords, tenants, and developers.
DCA will continually seeking new ways to increase statewide participation in its programs. Additionally, through its compliance and monitoring activities, DCA ensures that all housing and community development projects are being implemented in a manner that provide benefits and opportunities to residents regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. DCA continues to implement policies and procedures in order to mitigate and eliminate the identified impediments to fair housing choice. DCA, in conjunction with other agencies, addresses these impediments in several innovative ways, including:
Continue to make available the Landlord Tenant Handbook to property owners and tenants about their rights and responsibilities.
Support the outreach and education activities of the HUD sponsored fair housing and lending financial literacy classes provided by Money Smart Financial and the state's housing counseling agencies in English and Spanish.
Disseminate the Fair Housing brochures and informational packets to the area housing counseling agencies supplies in collaboration by HUD, DCA and Metro Fair Housing Service, Inc.
Provide training to property owners on the IRC Section 42 regulations to increase understanding of key requirements of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the use of Housing Choice Voucher or certificate.
Provide fair housing certification training for the DCA Office of Affordable Housing staff.

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Collaborate with Regional Commissions to develop fair housing marketing communication and materials to distribute to government entities on the available comprehensive planning workshops.
Participate in roundtable discussions with community leaders and affordable housing advocates to discuss topics surrounding fair lending practices.
Attend the Atlanta Regional Housing Forums to discuss regional housing issues.
The State does not allocate funding or have the available resources to meet the needs of all Georgians in need but provides direction for fair housing choice for continued fair housing activity. However, DCA is dedicated to the objective of promoting fair housing choice in an affirmative manner.
In 2008, DCA identified three impediments to fair housing choice that we plan to continue to address in the FFY2012 planning year:

1. Lack of knowledge about fair housing. 2. People with disabilities have difficulty finding suitable and accessible housing 3. In the Hispanic communities of Georgia, language barriers and unfamiliarity with
the home buying process are catalysts for discrimination.

DCA has established goals to remove homeownership barriers and foster opportunities for housing accessibility for every Georgia resident. DCA accomplishes this by providing educational & training to educate home buyers on the federal and state fair housing law and enforcements, workshops on down payment assistance and other financial resources to purchase homes, housing training for housing professionals and developers, and publication of fair housing equal opportunity marketing materials.

Based on the AI, DCA has designed a plan of action in order to eliminate and mitigate the identified impediments to fair housing choice in conjunction with other agencies in several innovative ways.

i. Office of Homeownership (OHO) a. Disseminating the fair housing brochures or other promotional material in home buyer classes and in other housing workshops and conferences that DCA sponsors and increase the number of certified housing counselors in areas that are lacking capacity.
ii. Office of Special Housing Initiatives (OSHI) a. Ensuring that providers of services and shelter to homeless people have access to fair housing information and the programs of Georgia Legal Services; distributing fair housing information at Shelter Plus Care workshops; and provide the most recent requirements under the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. b. Providing an on-line resource, GeorgiaHousingSearch.org website, which provides property managers with a tool to market affordable rental units and offers a convenient resource to prospective renters to locate affordable and accessible housing and obtain additional community resource information. This website is free, searches are conducted in both English and Spanish, and the site is updated by owners/property managers at least bi-weekly with vacancy information

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iii. Office of Affordable Housing (OAH) a. Training property owners regarding IRS Code 26 U.S.C.A. 42(h)(6)(B)(iv) and 26 C.F.R. 1.42-5(c)(1)(xi), which prohibit property owners of low-income tax credit properties from refusing to lease to a holder of a Section 8 voucher or certificate.
iv. Office of Community Development
a. Distributing fair housing brochures, posters or other printed material to CDBG grant recipients with the request to display them in a prominent location for public access. All local government CDBG applicants are trained on the full range of eligible activities possible to affirmatively further fair housing and all CDBG recipients are reviewed to ensure that they comply with fair housing requirements
Refinancing
Currently, DCA does not intend to use its HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing rehabilitated with HOME funds.
Monitoring
DCA has established standards and procedures for monitoring the federal funded housing and community development activities. These standards and procedures ensure longterm compliance with the applicable regulations and statutes. These include compliance reviews of applications, monitoring during project implementation and formal procedures for closing projects. DCA reserves the right to conduct a compliance review at any time during the term of the grant.
DCA conducts homeownership and home buyer monitoring prior to the loan closing, during construction/rehabilitation, and throughout the period of affordability for all the State programs. During the planning stage and construction phase, DCA reviews the projects to ensure the applicant meets all the applicable accessibility requirements. During the pre-construction conference, the owner will receive a complete package of HOME compliance materials and information on training opportunities.
All HOME rental developments receive on-site management review and physical inspection on an ongoing basis. Written reports are complied and distributed that summarized the four major areas of the monitoring visit: quality of housing and service, financial statements, recordkeeping and files, adherence to program policies and procedures as detailed in 24 CFR Part 92.
Rental Housing Monitoring
To facilitate this monitoring process for the state's HOME-financed rental housing programs, the State sponsors a compliance training seminar for HOME program participants, including such topics as: tenant applications, income limits, rent limits/utility allowance, income verifications, annual income and assets, income certifications/re-certifications, leases, occupancy status reports, annual reports, and the responsibilities of property owners.
The property owners are required to complete the Georgia HOME Annual Owner Certification each year validating the subject property meets compliance with all appropriate federal and state regulations. The owner submits a copy of the certificate to

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DCA prior to the beginning of lease-up or placing the first building in service. This certification process continues throughout the life of the period of affordability, compliance period or the term of the loan, whichever is longest.
In the past, DCA has conducted site visits annually for multifamily properties with 26 or more units and biannually for multifamily properties with 25 or fewer units. Under HUD's proposed HOME rule, the required standard is going to change. On-site inspections must be carried out within 12 months after completion and at least once every three years thereafter. In addition, the proposed HOME rule would require DCA to review the financial condition of each HOME rental project at least annually to determine the continued financial viability of the project and take corrective actions if needed. DCA will evaluate each property and determine based upon their past performance and current financial reviews the appropriate schedule for on-site visits. HUD's minimum requirements under the proposed rule will be met for all properties but, for those determined to be higher risks, more frequent on-site reviews will take place. For conformance, the State will begin inspecting the properties using HUD's minimum Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) as required in the proposed rule instead of the Housing Quality Standards that were used previously. DCA will continue to monitor each property for compliance with its executed land use restriction agreement. For all projects where funds are committed after the effective date of the final HOME rule, which is expected to be in the fall of 2012, DCA will begin charging a reasonable monitoring fee to the owners of those projects during the period of affordability.
a) Subsidy Layering DCA conducts a subsidy layering review prior to the time of commitment for projects receiving tax credits from the state's low-income housing tax credit allocation to determine the amount of assistance needed for the project. This review will include an examination of the proposed sources and uses for each project to determine whether the costs appear to be reasonable, an assessment of the market conditions in the community, the housing development experience and financial capacity of the applicant, and all firm financial commitments for the project. This review will also determine if the project is in accordance with DCA's guidelines for a reasonable level of profit or return based upon the owner's investment in the project.
b) Environmental Review DCA requires site-specific Phase I environmental assessment for all development proposals being considered for funding with HOME funds to address, asbestos, mold, lead-based paint, lead in drinking water, radon, PCBs, floodplains and wetlands. The Applicant, as outlined in the HOME/HUD Environmental Questionnaire, must complete additional requirements for HOME/HUD funded projects at the time of Application Submission, including, but not limited to, the Eight-Step process and HUD publication procedures.
c) Site and Neighborhood Standards Each property must meet the requirements of site and neighborhood standards during the threshold review of information submitted (project location, racial composition of project area, visual review of area surrounding the site) and a physical site visit to determine any conditions present, which may be seriously detrimental to family life.

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d) Labor Standards - projects involving the construction of affordable housing consisting of 12 or more HOME units requires that the labor standards regulations be followed: Davis-Bacon, Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards, Copeland Anti Kickback, and all other applicable regulations identified in the HUD Handbook #1344.1. This information is discussed during the pre-construction conference.

e) Affirmative Marketing For developments with 5 or more units, the owners must adopt and conduct affirmative marketing procedures and requirements, provide information and otherwise attract eligible persons.

f) Uniform Relocation Act Relocation requirements compliance is monitored during the construction and lease up phase of the project. Relocation plans and budgets are reviewed during the site visits. Voluntary acquisitions are also subject to the requirements outlined at 49 CFR 24.101, as outlined in HUD's implementing instructions found in Chapter 5 of Handbook 1378.

g) Fair Housing, Equal Opportunity and Accessibility Laws All federal, state and local laws relating to fair housing and equal opportunity, including but not limited to those listed below must be followed Minority Business Enterprise Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Americans with Disabilities

h) Rent and Income DCA assists owners/property staff with understanding the federal requirements and the correct procedures to handle essential requirements: rent restrictions, income limits, and physical requirements. Onsite visits are conducted during the leasing phase and tenant files are review during the visit. HOME properties are visited annually during the period of affordability.

Georgia Dream Homeownership Program Monitoring

DCA's compliance underwriting decision is based on, but is not limited to, a review of the documentation in the underwriting package that documents satisfactory compliance for the homeownership programs. DCA reviews the lender's credit underwriting process before issuing an approval and commitment to purchase the loans. Packages will be reviewed to determine that the lender has properly applied DCA's underwriting standards to determine the proposed amount of the down payment assistance to be provided to the borrower.

The lender's underwriting package must include ownership interest documentation, household annual income source documentation and acquisition cost certification, recapture disclosure and acknowledgement provisions, appraisal, lead based paint and environmental checklist, and lead, subsidy layering documents, and home buyer counseling certification.

CHIP

State Recipients and Sub-recipients must constantly monitor their own performance to insure timeframes are being met and to control the quality of the product being delivered. Any problems, delays, or adverse conditions that will affect the state recipient's ability to meet its stated goals should be reported to DCA immediately.

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The majority of information required by DCA for its annual reporting requirements to HUD will be submitted at the activity level as projects are completed. However, the state recipient or sub-recipient must provide additional program reports or information to DCA on an "as needed basis."
Because of its program set up and draw requirements, DCA will continually monitor each State Recipient and Sub-recipient's progress in carrying out their program activities. DCA will issue a notice to any State Recipient or Sub-recipient that is significantly behind on the program's implementation schedule described in the program description. Further, DCA maintains a dial scoreboard on its web site that tracks each State Recipient and Sub-recipients performance to expend funds in accordance with established deadlines in each grant agreement.
As a part of DCA's pre-set up process, recipients must submit verification of income, property ownership, owner occupancy, property type and value, property standards, loan and grant documentation, construction documentation, environmental screening, reconciliation of CHIP checking account, source documentation for all invoices and other financial management review. In addition, DCA monitors the following federal requirements:
a) Subsidy Layering DCA conducts a subsidy layering review at the time of project set-up. Prior to approving the set up of a project, proposed source of funding is examined and cost reasonableness is determined.
b) Environmental Review DCA requires each State Recipient and Sub-recipient to submit a site specific environmental assessment for all proposed project sites prior to approving a set up. The level of review required is predicated upon the type of activity proposed, but at a minimum will include historic preservation, lead-based paint, wetlands, floodplains, site and neighborhood, uniform relocation, and toxic sites. The pre-set up process allows DCA to monitor the clearance of environmental concerns prior to the commitment of HOME funds for that activity.
c) Uniform Relocation Act Compliance with acquisition and relocation requirements is monitored during the pre-set up phase of the project. State Recipients and Sub-recipients, when proposing down payment assistance activities, are monitored to ensure the property is acquired properly and does not trigger relocation requirements. Owner occupied rehabilitation is not eligible for relocation assistance under CHIP; however, if the level of work requires the family to temporarily vacate their residence, the state recipient or sub-recipient is responsible to cover relocation expenses. DCA monitors the recipient's process for relocating the affected families.
d) Other Federal Requirements DCA requires State Recipients and Sub-recipients to submit policies and procedures that document the recipient's process for compliance. Recipients are required to provide complete details of their contracting requirements, rehabilitation standards, Minority Business Enterprise and Women Business Enterprise Outreach Plan, Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan, and Section 3 Plan. These requirements must be cleared prior to DCA entering into an agreement to commit funds to the recipient.
After all project funds have been drawn, DCA may conduct an on-site Close-Out Review to monitor program and project records for compliance with HOME regulations including

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reconciliation of draw down records, outstanding monitoring issues, unused funds return, administrative draws, case file reviews, and record retention.
DCA staff will provide technical assistance during the program year at the request of State Recipients and Sub-recipients and/or their contracted administrators.
Periodically, DCA issues CHIP policy memoranda to all active State Recipients and Subrecipients and administrators providing clarification of CHIP programmatic issues and/or to provide updates.
TBRA
All units proposed for lease by participants in the TBRA Program will be inspected prior to occupancy to ensure compliance with all Section 8 Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and a determination will be made to ensure compliance with Environmental Review requirements. Following the completion of the tenant's first twelve months in the program, re-inspections will be conducted to ensure continued compliance with HQS requirements. Re-inspections will be conducted at the same time that the household income recertification is carried out.

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
Method of Distribution
As outlined in Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act, the primary goal of the CDBG Program is the development of viable communities, by providing decent housing and suitable living environments and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low- and moderate-incomes. In addition to the national program goals and objectives outlined by this Act, the State has designed its CDBG program to do the following:
Address community priorities; Ensure fairness in the treatment of all applications; Promote the development of affordable housing; Assist communities in preserving and developing basic infrastructure and
public facilities; and Support economic development activities that principally benefit low- and
moderate-income persons through job training and job creation.
The State does not intend to impose any geographic restrictions in the method of distribution. State CDBG funds serve communities throughout the state, excluding Georgia's entitlement communities that receive funds directly from HUD. Eligible applicants are units of general-purpose local government, excluding those cities and counties eligible to participate in the urban counties or metropolitan cities "CDBG Entitlement Program" of HUD.
Eligible activities must meet the national objectives for the program: benefit low- and moderate-income persons, prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or address community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community for which other funding is not available. Activities include public facilities (such as streets, water and sewer facilities, parks and community buildings), public services, housing rehabilitation, economic development and job training, and other activities eligible under the Housing and Community Development Act.
At least 70 percent of CDBG funds allocated to local governments will be used for activities that primarily benefit low- and moderate--income persons. The Georgia's CDBG program is comprised of the following:
(a) The Regular Annual Competition (b) The Immediate Threat and Danger Grant Program (c) The Employment Incentive Program (EIP) (d) The Redevelopment Fund

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National Objectives Requirements
Each activity funded under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program must meet at least one of the three National Objectives and the applicant is responsible for selecting and documenting how each activity addresses a National Objective. The three objectives are:
1. Benefit to low and moderate income persons; 2. Prevention or elimination of slum or blight; and 3. Meeting community development needs having a particular urgency.
Proposed Programs
A) Annual Competition
In the Annual Competition eligible local governments may apply for either a SingleActivity or Multi-Activity Program. A Single-Activity Application must be structured to address problems within one of the following three areas: (a) housing, (b) public facilities, or (c) economic development. A Multi-Activity Application must involve two or more activities that address community development needs in a comprehensive manner within more than one of the areas listed above. Both the Single Activity and Multi-activity grant applications may qualify for Revitalization Area bonus points.
Revitalization Area Incentives
The State will continue the Revitalization Area Incentive for the development of comprehensive community revitalization strategies. The incentive rewards innovative local strategies and recognizes that no one strategy or design will work for Georgia's diverse communities. Applicants must show their commitment to targeted areas by developing a local investment program geographically aimed at census block groups of 20 percent or greater poverty and by incorporating a locally driven collaborative approach to community and economic development.
Communities opting to develop and implement these strategies will be given the opportunity to apply every year and receive bonus points for the Annual Competition. This incentive entitles the communities to obtain approval of budget line items for limited planning monies that will be used towards the assessment and remediation of blighted sites or brownfields. Revitalization strategies developed by applicants must demonstrate sustainable coordination with key stakeholders, businesses and community residents in the targeted areas.
B) Immediate Threat and Danger (ITAD)
The Immediate Threat and Danger Program must address an event or situation that has a particular urgency and uniqueness that adversely affects or affects a community and its citizens and where other financial resources are not available to meet such needs. The State certifies that the activity meets the immediate needs of the community because the existing condition pose a threat to the health or welfare of the community and other financial resources are unavailable. More information is available at this website: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/cdbg/programs/threatdanger.asp

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C) Employment Incentive Program (EIP)

The Employment Incentive Program (EIP) must provide for the creation and/or retention of jobs, or job training, principally for persons who are low- and moderate-income. Typically, this includes loans to private for-profit entities or the provision of infrastructure improvements. More information is available at this DCA website: http://www.dca.ga.gov/economic/Financing/index.asp

D) The Redevelopment Fund

The Redevelopment Fund is targeted to projects that will leverage private sector investments in blighted downtown commercial and industrial areas. Projects that the slum and blight national objective, either a spot or area basis, are investment opportunities the State will take into consideration for funding. More information is available at this DCA website: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/downtowndevelopment/programs/redevfund.asp

Grant Award Amounts

Maximum Grant Amounts

Annual Competition: Single Activity Annual Competition: Multi Activity Immediate Threat and Danger Program Employment Incentive Program The Redevelopment Fund

$500,000 $800,000 $ 50,000 $500,000 $500,000

Note that the maximum grant amount for the EIP or the ITAD Program may be increased. See specific program descriptions for details.

Compliance Criteria

Eligible Activities

The eligible activities under Georgia's CDBG program are those activities identified in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. However, to be eligible for competition and/or award under the regular round CDBG competition, the State has determined that each activity must be eligible under the Act and not less than 70% of its CDBG cost must benefit low- and moderate-income persons. (This provision does not apply to the Immediate Threat and Danger Grant Program, the CDBG Loan Guarantee Program, the Employment Incentive Program, or the Redevelopment Fund).

Restrictions on Eligibility for Competition and Award

Regular Annual Competition Restrictions

A) Only one single- or multi-activity application per general purpose local government, whether individually or jointly submitted, shall be eligible for competition.

B) Only one single- or multi-activity award may be received by any general purpose local government.

C) No recipient of a single- or multi-activity award shall be eligible to apply for or receive another single- or multi-activity award from the next fiscal year's except for recipients applying for activities within a DCA-approved Revitalization Area who may apply annually.

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Local governments that receive designations for annual eligibility under item C above must show substantial progress in implementing and spending prior grants in order to receive subsequent awards. Criteria to be considered in measuring "substantial progress" include, but shall not be limited to, percentage of funds obligated and/or expended from prior grants.
D) This restriction under item C above does not apply to the Immediate Threat and Danger Program, the Employment Incentive Program, the CDBG Loan Guarantee Program, or the Redevelopment Fund. In addition, communities designated by DCA as a "Water First Community," or participating in the Communities of Opportunity program may apply annually as described in the Application Manual. Water First communities must propose water improvements as the primary purpose of the grant in order to apply annually.
E) Recipients of prior CDBG funding must resolve all outstanding audits, monitoring findings and/or other program exceptions that involve a violation of federal, state or local law or regulation prior to award of or submission of any application to the State. In addition, recipients who fail to substantially meet their proposed accomplishments in their current CDBG project or have missed significant deadlines imposed by the State or other applicable agencies may be penalized in the subsequent year's Annual Competition.
F) Paragraph C above shall not apply in the case of two or more counties applying together to carry out a project of regional impact. Such applications, however, which are not actually regional in nature (which could have been submitted by only one county), will be rejected.
G) All CDBG recipients are expected to expend one hundred percent (100%) of all funds within twenty-four (24) months from the date of the grant award. The State reserves the right to recapture all unobligated funds after the expired period and impose restriction on future applications to the State for funding.
I. Annual Competition
Rating and Ranking System for the Regular Annual Competition
Single- or Multi-Activity applications will be rated separately to assign points for feasibility, impact and strategy. Demographic scores will be calculated separately for cities and counties. For purposes of calculating the demographic score, joint or regional applications that include a county will be included in the county group and those including only cities will be included in the city group.
Applications will be rated and scored against each of the following factors, using any additional and/or supplemental information, data, analyses, documentation, commitments, assurances, etc. as may be required or requested by DCA for purposes of evaluating, rating, and selecting applicants under this program. The maximum score is 500 points.

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Categories
Demographic Need - absolute number in poverty Demographic Need - percent of poverty persons Demographic Need - per capita income Program Feasibility Program Strategy Project Impact Leverage of Additional Resources Bonus points for Revitalization Area Activities Bonus points for Readiness to Proceed Maximum Total Points

Maximum Points
40 40 40 110 110 110 25 20 5 500

A) Demographic Need - absolute number of people in poverty:

Applicants will be compared in terms of the number of persons whose incomes are below the poverty level. Scores will be obtained by dividing each applicant's number of persons in poverty by the greatest number of persons in poverty of any applicant in the group and multiplying by 40.

B) Demographic Need - percent of people in poverty:

Applicants will be compared in terms of the percentage of population below the poverty level. Scores will be obtained by dividing each applicant's percentage of persons in poverty by the highest percentage of persons in poverty of any applicant in the group and multiplying by 40.

C) Demographic Need - per capita income:

Applicants will be compared in terms of their per capita income. Scores will be obtained by dividing each applicant's per capita income into the lowest per capita income of any applicant in the group and multiplying by 40.

D) Program Feasibility:

Applicants will be compared in terms of project feasibility. The following factors are considered: an analysis of such items as 1) verification and reasonableness of cost; 2) documentation that all project financing sources needed for the project will be available; 3) where applicable, documentation that preliminary engineering, architectural and or site plans have been prepared and support the proposed project; 4) verification that any required property is available for the project; 5) where applicable, review of any proposed subrecipient's credentials to provide evidence of administrative capacity to undertake an approved activity; and 6) compliance with applicable state and federal laws, and 7) reasonable project timetables.

Points for feasibility will be awarded by a review panel, in accordance with the levels below, based on how well each applicant, compared to others, addresses the feasibility factors.

Level One (Unacceptable) Level Two (Poor) Level Three (Average) Level Four (Good) Level Five (Excellent)

0 27.5 55.0 82.5 110.0

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E) Program Impact:

Applicants will be compared in terms of program impact. The following factors will be considered: 1) the number of persons benefiting; 2) the cost per person benefiting; 3) the project's impact on the benefiting population's quality of life, living environment or opportunities for economic advancement; and 4) an analysis of the documented severity of need and the impact of the project on the identified need or problem.

Points for impact will be awarded by a review panel, in accordance with the levels below, based on how well each applicant, compared to others, addresses the impact factors.

Level One (No Impact) Level Two (Poor) Level Three (Average) Level Four (Good) Level Five (Excellent)

0 27.5 55.0 82.5 110.0

F) Program Strategy:

Applicants will be compared in terms of program strategy. The following factors are considered: 1) an analysis of alternative solutions to address the identified problems, 2) as appropriate, an analysis of the steps taken by the applicant to adopt policies or ordinances to prevent the reoccurrence of the identified problem within their jurisdiction; 3) an analysis of the ongoing financial effort that the applicant has made or will make to address the identified problem and to maintain and operate the proposed project, facility or system; 4) the extent of benefit to persons of low- and moderate income; and 5) multi-activity applications will also be compared in terms of the projects' support of comprehensive community or neighborhood conservation, stabilization, revitalization and the degree of resident's support and involvement.

Points will be awarded, in accordance with the levels below, by a review panel based on how well the applicant, compared to others, addresses the strategy factors.

Level One (Unacceptable) Level Two (Poor) Level Three (Average) Level Four (Good) Level Five (Excellent)

0 27.5 55.0 82.5 110.0

G) Leverage of Additional Resources:

Leverage includes additional resources committed to and directly related to the project, including cash above the required minimum cash match amount, the purchase of equipment and furnishings with non-CDBG funds, and additional grants and loans from other sources. Only items that would not otherwise have been provided will be counted. A "reasonable" value must be assigned to donated and "in-kind" items. Up to 25 points can be assigned for leverage of additional resources.

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The leverage score will be calculated as follows:
1) Total dollar value of leverage for each applicant will be calculated and then divided by the total population of the applicant in order to obtain a per capita leverage figure reflective of each applicant's relative effort.
2) Applications will be assigned to one of five groups: Multi-activity Housing Economic Development Water and/or Sewer Other Public Facilities
3) The applications will then be ranked within these groups, based on per capita leverage amounts, from no leverage (no points) to highest per capita leverage and points assigned based on the percentile ranking. If no applicant within any of the groups listed above has $0 leverage, a proxy score of $0 will be inserted to insure that if leverage is provided by the applicant a score greater than $0 will result.
4) Up to 25 points can be assigned for leverage of additional resources. The ranking will be established using the range of applicants' per capita leverage amounts (from 0 to the highest per capita leverage) and calculating a percentile score for each applicant's per capita leverage amount within the range. This percentile score will be multiplied times 25 to establish the points for per capita leverage. For example, if an applicant's per capita leverage amount is $300 and if $300 represents a percentile score of 50 percent, the leverage points will be 15 (.50 x 25= 12.5).
H) Bonus points for Revitalization Area Activities:
Points will be awarded for the utilization of existing state redevelopment programs, initiatives and incentives in eligible areas. Following receipt of a designation, a CDBG applicant may be awarded up to 20 points for activities occurring within a DCA-approved Area as follows:
Revitalization Area Threshold Requirement (5 Bonus Points): In order to be eligible for Revitalization Area designation and bonus points, a local government must establish a local redevelopment area and plan pursuant to O.C.G.A. 36-61-1 et seq. within a Census Block area with a poverty rate of 20% or greater. Additionally, the local government must describe the activities it will undertake to promote economic empowerment through meaningful job creation for the unemployed and low- and moderate-income residents as well as activities to promote the substantial revitalization of the area.
Local Redevelopment Tools: (5 Bonus Points) Points may be earned through the use of such tools as State Enterprise Zones, Tax Allocation Districts, Community or Business Improvement Districts, or other geographically targeted tax or investment programs within the eligible area. In order to receive these points, the applicant must provide as proof the resolution or ordinance creating the redevelopment tools for which bonus points are sought.
Investment Partnerships: (maximum of Five Bonus Points): Points may be earned through the incorporation into the local program of certain job

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creation/retention, revitalization, residential improvement or social service funding programs geographically targeted to the areas of eligibility. Various programs including public programs chartered by the State of Georgia, GHFA, the U.S. Department of Treasury, the SBA, the USDA, the Federal Home Loan Bank, the TVA, HUD, and DOL. The leveraging of private funds from various philanthropic, non-profit and/or faith-based organizations will also be rewarded. In order to receive these points, the applicant must provide documentation showing a firm, long-term commitment by investment partners or a long-term commitment by the applicant to use investment partners as part of their Revitalization Area strategy. A long-term commitment by the applicant may be demonstrated by past use of investment partners, plans to incorporate investment partners in its current CDBG project, and the necessary local capacity to use investment partners on an ongoing basis.
Collaboration: (maximum of Five Bonus Points): Points may be earned through the demonstration that initiatives will be created and/or undertaken within the eligible area by private for-profit and not-for-profit community stakeholders. Such stakeholders may include local lending institutions, community or neighborhood-housing organizations, community-based development organizations, community development corporations, community development entities, and other similar organizations. In order to receive these points, the applicant must show that the collaborative stakeholder organizations have a firm commitment to the community, have taken responsibility for carrying out one or more aspects of a Revitalization Area strategy, have sound financial and administrative practices, and the ability to carry out the functions for which they are taking responsibility. Such evidence will include letters of commitment, agreements, programmatic material, articles of incorporation and registration from the Secretary of State, audited financial statements or financial reviews, budgets, IRS determination letter for 501(c) 3 statuses, or other evidence of capacity and commitment. Nonprofits that receive $25,000 or more in direct or pass-through federal funding during a single fiscal year are usually required to have an audit.
Note: If approved by HUD and the State, applicants may pursue benefits under HUD's comprehensive revitalization approach [24 CFR Part 570.483(e) (5)] that confers certain benefits including the possibility that some additional activities will carry the presumption of low- and moderate-income benefit.
Revitalization Area Designation: Revitalization Areas will generally be designated or reauthorized prior to the regular-round application deadline through a separate designation process as outlined in the Revitalization Area Strategy Manual, on RAS Forms 1 and 2, and at www.dca.ga.gov. Communities may also request designation within an annual round application. However, communities seeking designation are strongly encouraged to meet with DCA as soon as possible to discuss their request for designation. Applicants who fail to obtain designation (and bonus points) will have their applications ranked and rated as either a regular single- activity or multi-activity competition as appropriate.

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1) Area Strategy Plan and Map A community that wishes to take advantage of the Revitalization incentives of the CDBG program must first submit a properly adopted Redevelopment Plan for the proposed area that meets the requirements of the Georgia Urban Redevelopment Act pursuant to O.C.G.A. 36-61-1 et seq. Such plan should include a map of the proposed revitalization area indicating that the area is composed of one of more census block groups with a 20 percent or greater poverty rate.
2) Map Requirements: Applications shall contain three copies of a map of the revitalization area. Such map shall be prepared in accordance with the minimum map standards and specifications as outlined in the CDBG Application Manual.
Strategy Plan Requirements:
1) Citizen Participation Along with the area map and description submitted, the locality must provide evidence that a local citizens' participation process was used that not only meets the requirements of 24 CFR 91.115 and 24 CFR 570.486(a), but also demonstrates that local residents fully support the proposed strategy. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, minutes and advertisements of public meetings, advisory committee lists and minutes, letters of support from participating organizations and signed petitions from area residents.
2) An Opportunity Zone designated pursuant to O.C.G.A. 48-7-40.1 (c.) (4) will generally be assumed to meet the Local Redevelopment Tools Criterion at Section H (2).
3) Local Revitalization Area designation is valid for three years at which time the sponsoring entity must reapply for designation with DCA. If the community desires to alter the boundaries of an approved Revitalization Area in the interim, an amended map and any additional pertinent information must be submitted to DCA for approval.
4) Applications for designation must include an assessment of the economic conditions of the proposed area to include:
Taxable value of property for the most recent tax year available Unemployment rate Percentage of low- to moderate-income residents Number of business/occupational licenses issued Number and value of building permits issued Any other information deemed important to document economic
conditions
5) Each year, designated Revitalization Area managers must submit a performance report to DCA that includes the activities and projects undertaken in the area and information on the economic conditions of the revitalization strategy area that includes:
Taxable value of property for the most recent tax year available Unemployment rate Percentage of low- to moderate-income residents Number of business/occupational licenses issued

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Number and value of building permits issued Total number of jobs created Number of low- to moderate-income jobs created
6) There is no limit to the number of revitalization areas a community may designate, although parcels within a single designated area must be contiguous.
G. Bonus Points for Readiness to Proceed
A maximum of five bonus points may be earned through the demonstration of a project's readiness to proceed. Points may be earned through the documentation in the application that: 1) all engineering and architectural plans are finalized and have been approved by appropriate local, state or federal authorities; 2) plans and specifications are finalized and have been approved by appropriate local, state or federal authorities; 3) all environmental reviews (including the CDBG NEPA review) and environmental permitting have been completed; 4) procurement documents/processes are ready to proceed; and 5) all real-estate (including easements and right of ways) needed for the project has been acquired in accordance with applicable requirements and is available for the project. Other equivalent documentation may be provided for housing applications that demonstrate readiness to proceed upon project award.
Final Ranking and Grant Selection
The points received by each applicant on the rating factors will be totaled and the total scores ranked accordingly. Grant awards will be based on this final ranking to the extent funds are available. In case of ties, the applicant with the highest percentage of funds benefiting low- and moderate-income persons will be given priority.
Matching Requirements for the Regular Annual Competition
All awards under the regular annual competition (except for single-activity housing grants) have the following minimum match requirements.
0% for amounts up to $300,000 in CDBG funds 5% of amounts from $300,001 to $500,000, and 10% of amounts over $500,000.
The match amount must be cash (not "in-kind") and can be from any public or non-public source. Within certain limitations, applicants may count the costs of preparing their CDBG Annual Competition application towards their required cash match.
II. Employment Incentive Program
The Employment Incentive Program (EIP) is intended to facilitate and enhance job creation and/or retention, principally for low and moderate income persons, by providing a flexible and expedient funding cycle that is responsive to expanding economic opportunities at the local level.
Any activities identified in Section 105 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, are eligible. For purposes of the Employment Incentive Program, activities are eligible only to the extent that the funded activity creates tangible employment principally for low- and moderate-income persons. In addition, proposed activities must be based on firm written commitments from eligible subrecipients. The proposed activity may not be speculative in nature. NOTE: For purposes of the EIP program, the term "subrecipient" should generally be interpreted as "business." However,

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in some cases where EIP funds are to be passed through a local development authority, the development authority itself would also be a "sub-recipient" subject to the same rules and regulations as the benefiting business.
Examples of eligible activities, which may be funded, include, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Activities carried out by units of general local government or public or private nonprofit subrecipients including: a.) acquisition of real property; b) acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or installation of (except for buildings for the general conduct of government) public facilities, site improvements, and utilities, and c) commercial or industrial buildings, structures and other real property improvements.
2) Provision of direct assistance to private for-profit entities, when the assistance is appropriate to carry out an economic development project. However, unless such assistance has been approved by DCA for use in or in conjunction with a DCAapproved "secondary market" program that would fund CDBG-eligible activities with private rather than public funds, such assistance may not be in the form of outright grants, guarantees, or technical assistance. In addition, financial assistance to private for-profit entities must be made contingent upon firm commitments of financial participation from other private sources such as banks or the private for-profit entities themselves. Such assistance must also create or retain permanent jobs principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
3) Provision of assistance to local development entities and other local nonprofit corporations to fund facilities that assist low- and moderate-income persons to acquire employment, the employment skills, and/or basic educational training to become more effective participants in the local economy. Eligibility for such activities will be limited to "new" activities that have not previously been undertaken by the unit of general local government or local development entity.
For each activity funded under the Employment Incentive Program, at least 51% of all jobs to be created or retained because of the EIP project must be documented to be either "available to" or "taken by" or retained by persons defined as low- and moderate-income by DCA. Prior to project close-out, at least 51% of all jobs created must be documented to have been "taken by" persons defined as low and moderate income.
For an activity or project that retains jobs, the unit of local government and proposed subrecipient must document that jobs would actually be lost without the EIP assistance and that at least 51% of the total existing jobs are currently held by low- and moderateincome persons.
For employment skill enhancement and/or basic educational training activities/ services, at least 51% of the recipients of such services must be documented to have been low- and moderate-income persons at the time such services were provided. Grant amounts under this program will generally not exceed $500,000 per award. The maximum grant amount may be increased if warranted by extraordinary public benefit to be achieved by a particular project.
Administrative and closing costs paid with EIP funds shall be limited to 6% of the grant award amount. The administrative cost limitation is applicable whether costs are paid directly to the recipient or financed as a portion of an EIP subrecipient loan. In cases of loan foreclosure, DCA may, on a case by case basis, allow additional administrative and legal expenses to be paid out of loan and/ or foreclosure proceeds.

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Funds Set-aside for the EIP Program
Up to eight million ($8,000,000) dollars from the FFY2012 allocation to the State for the CDBG Program will be set-aside for this program.
Funds remaining in the set-aside at the end of the fiscal year may be returned to an "active status" and may be used to fund EIP applications under a subsequent fiscal year or transferred to any of the other funding categories or for State Administration, subject to the limitations of the Housing and Community Development Act. In addition, the Commissioner of DCA may adjust the EIP program set-aside periodically during the 2012 Program Year based on demand for the set-aside.
EIP Application Procedures
The application procedure for the Employment Incentive Program includes an initial project assessment and application phase. Local governments may submit applications for consideration at any time regardless of whether an initial project assessment has been approved. The purpose of the initial project assessment is to determine eligibility of a proposed project and the possible competitiveness under the funding criteria outlined below. While an initial assessment is not required, DCA strongly encourages potential applicants to contact DCA to arrange an initial project assessment meeting prior to submitting an application.
Applications may be submitted individually by one unit of general purpose local government, or jointly, by two (2) or more units of general purpose local government. Joint submissions must contain a copy of the Cooperating Agreement entered into by the cooperating units of government. The Agreement should designate the unit of local government that will serve as lead applicant. Applications for the EIP program must be submitted in conformance with the format and applicable instructions specified by DCA.
The locality submitting the EIP application must hold a public hearing in accordance with the requirements of Georgia's CDBG Program Regulations.
Rating and Review Procedures for the EIP Program
Upon its receipt, an application shall be rated against the rating and selection factors specified below, using any additional and/or supplemental information, data, analyses, documentation, commitments, assurances, etc. as might be required or requested by DCA for purposes of evaluating, rating, and selecting applicants under this program. Applications that contain insufficient information or documentation to be evaluated and rated may be returned to the locality for further information.
The staff may conduct site visits and hold discussions with applicants and proposed subrecipients for the purposes of confirming and evaluating information contained in the preapplication or application. Staff may also consult with other appropriate government and private entities in the course of reviewing and evaluating information contained in preapplications and applications.
The scores obtained for the various selection factors will be totaled and applicants with scores of at least 300 points that meet all appropriate funding criteria, that conform to the objectives of Title I of the Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, and that can be carried out in compliance with all applicable federal, state or local law, regulations or requirements will be funded until funds are exhausted. In cases where fundable applications exceed available funds, the applicant with the highest number of jobs benefiting low and moderate-income persons will be given priority.EIP applications will be rated and scored against each of the following factors:

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Review Factor Maximum Points Available
Demographic Need Program Feasibility Program Impact Program Strategy Bonus (for Return of RLF Assets) Total Available Points

120 points 110 points 110 points 110 points 25 points 475 points

A. Demographic Need (120 points)
Absolute Number of People in Poverty (40 points)
All eligible local governments will be compared in terms of the absolute number of people whose incomes are below the poverty level. Individual scores will be obtained by dividing each government's absolute number of persons in poverty by the greatest number of persons in poverty of any eligible local government and multiplying by 40.
Percent of People in Poverty (40 points)
All eligible local governments will be compared in terms of the percentage of people whose incomes are below the poverty level. Individual scores will be obtained by dividing each government's percentage of persons in poverty by the highest percentage of persons in poverty of any eligible local government and multiplying by 40.
Per Capita Income (40 points)
All eligible local governments will be compared in terms of their per capita income. Individual scores will be obtained by dividing each government's per capita income into the lowest per capita income of any eligible local government and multiplying by 40. Demographic scores will be based on the latest available data, consistent as of the same point in time for each factor. Scores will be based on county data.
B. Program Feasibility (110 points)
The following factors will be considered:
Organizational status of the business The past credit history of the business The business' historical sales and financial performance Viability of the business model Management capacity The reasonableness of the business' financial and market projections and
assumptions An assessment of the business management and development team's ability to
carry out the project as proposed The proposed project's compliance with the federal appropriateness
requirements including underwriting and public benefit (For direct loans this requires the complete disclosure of sub-recipients' financial situation) Verification of project costs Verification of project financing sources Adequacy and reasonableness of the job commitment

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Completeness of any needed engineering plans and specifications Documentation that the project can be carried out in accordance with federal,
state, and local laws, regulations, and permitting requirements Verification of control of any required property

Points for feasibility will be awarded by a staff review panel, in accordance with the levels below, based on how well the applicant addresses the feasibility factors.

Level One: Poor

0

Level Two: Below Average

27.5

Level Three: Average

55

Level Four: Good

82.5

Level Five: Excellent

110

C. Program Impact (110 points)

The following factors will be considered:

Number of jobs created and/or retained EIP cost per job Availability of jobs to low- and moderate-income persons Quality of jobs and employee benefits Project's impact on local unemployment rates

A staff review panel will award points for impact, in accordance with the levels below, based on how well the applicant addresses the impact factors.

Level One: Poor

0

Level Two: Below Average

27.5

Level Three: Average

55

Level Four: Good

82.5

Level Five: Excellent

110

D. Program Strategy (110 points)

The following factors will be considered:

The ratio of private funds to EIP funds (To receive maximum points, a minimum ratio of at least 1 to 1 is generally required)
Documentation that the public benefits to be achieved are reasonable and, to the extent practicable, EIP funds will not substitute for other available funds;
Adequacy of financing strategy (adequacy of equity injection, collateral, and loan terms)
Relationship between the subrecipient's infrastructure needs and the size and capacity of any infrastructure to be provided
Validity of subrecipient's commitment to fulfill hiring and investment commitments (including whether the subrecipient has agreed to provide a letter of credit or other surety to "bond" its performance)
Local government's financial condition, as applicable Project's conformance to local planning and development strategy and
compliance with the Georgia Planning Act Project's conformance to federal, state, and local laws and regulations Relationship to overall objectives of the EIP and CDBG Program, including
the extent of benefit to persons of low- and moderate-income

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A staff review panel will award points, in accordance with the levels below, based on how well the applicant addresses the strategy factors.

Level One: Poor

0

Level Two: Below Average

27.5

Level Three: Average

55

Level Four: Good

82.5

Level Five: Excellent

110

E. Bonus for Return of RLF Assets (25 points)

Localities which have a local Revolving Loan fund (RLF) or loan receivable capitalized with EIP or CDBG proceeds may, at their discretion, return the RLF assets to the State in exchange for greater consideration and access to future EIP financing for eligible projects. The consideration will consist of an extra 25 points for use in any one EIP funding decision. In order to receive the points, a locality must return all RLF assets to the state to remove itself from the administrative requirements of the RLF program. This will generally require that a locality "sell" its loan receivables and return all cash on hand to DCA. For projects that would otherwise not score sufficient points to be funded, bonus points may be awarded at the discretion of the EIP application review panel.

Any assets returned to the state will be added to the state's existing CDBG allocation or used to capitalize a statewide revolving loan fund and used to fund additional economic development projects.

Special Provisions for EIP Capitalized Local Revolving Loan Funds

DCA may permit localities which have or will receive revenue (principal, interest or other payments) from EIP or other CDBG loans or leases to retain that revenue. This can be approved so long as it is used for the same activity that generated the revenue and also used in accordance with the requirements of this regulation and any other applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, contract, guidance manual or memoranda.

For localities that will retain program revenue, DCA will require that such revenue be deposited into a separate revolving loan fund (RLF) account that bears the local government's name and used only to carry out specific Title I eligible activities. The RLF must be created by a local resolution and implemented by local policies and procedures approved by DCA.

Localities allowed to retain program revenue must ensure that the RLF is adequately managed. DCA will categorize the RLF as being adequately managed so long as the following responsibilities are being met:

a) Maintenance of an accounting and financial management system that complies with generally accepted accounting principles and DCA's guidelines for RLF financial management systems
b) Compliance with DCA's reporting requirements for local RLFs
c) Operation of the local RLF in accordance with DCA approved policies, procedures, and federal, state, and local law, regulation, contracts, guidance manuals and memoranda
d) Maintenance of a loan review and selection committee with the capacity to review and analyze loan requests and determine whether such requests represent prudent investments as defined by generally accepted underwriting criteria

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e) Maintenance of a loan packaging and structuring capacity that meets appropriate underwriting standards for security and documentation
f) Maintenance of a loan servicing and monitoring capacity which ensures that loan payments are collected, that loan covenants are enforced, and that loan security is maintained
g) Maintenance of a loan portfolio which represents investments in businesses engaged in sound business purposes that have demonstrated tangible employment of low and moderate income persons as defined by DCA
h) Attendance at DCA-sponsored training workshops that will be held periodically for purposes of training local RLF administrators
To assist with the financing of a local RLF program's administrative cost, DCA will allow (on an annual basis) the greater of 6% or $2,500 of interest earned by the RLF to be used for administration and audit costs. In certain foreclosure and/or hardship situations, DCA may allow additional amounts to be expended for administrative, audit, or legal costs.
Localities allowed to retain program revenue must also ensure that the RLF is utilized in a timely and efficient manner. DCA will categorize a RLF as being adequately utilized so long as the following criteria are met:
A) The RLF is used to continue the same activity which generated the program revenue; and
B) The RLF's cash balance shall not exceed $125,000 or 30% of total RLF assets, whichever is greater.
Should a locality be unable to utilize the RLF in accordance with items a) and b) above, the locality may request DCA to waive the provisions. DCA may grant waivers when it is determined that sufficient future activity is probable or the locality is taking steps to ensure future activity.
C) The Redevelopment Fund
The Redevelopment Fund provides flexible financial assistance to local governments to assist them in implementing challenging economic and community development projects that cannot be undertaken with existing public sector grant and loan programs. The Redevelopment Fund will reward locally initiated public/private partnerships by providing financing to leverage private sector investments in commercial, downtown and industrial redevelopment and revitalization projects that need Redevelopment Fund investment to proceed.
While all projects funded under the Redevelopment Fund that create or retain jobs must make 51% of the jobs available to low- and moderate-income persons, the Redevelopment Fund will allow projects to be approved using an "eliminating slums or blight" national objective. The "slum or blight" emphasis will allow smaller scale projects (in downtowns, blighted industrial areas, etc.) to be competitive for Redevelopment Fund financing.
The Redevelopment Fund may support and extend DCA's existing CDBG programs in order to allow redevelopment projects with "challenging economics" to be made competitive for DCA, private and other public funding investments.

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Applicable Law and Regulation
Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; the federal implementing regulations applicable to the State Community Development Block Grant Program (24 CFR Part 570); and DCA's Program Regulations and guidelines for the Georgia State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the Redevelopment Fund, as amended.
Eligible Activities
Eligible activities under the Redevelopment Fund are those identified in Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; and all eligible activities under DCA's EIP, CDBG, and CDBG Loan Guarantee (Section 108) program. Activities are eligible to the extent that the funded activity meets the slum or blight national objective. When justified by benefits or need, the Commissioner of DCA may approve projects on a case by case basis based on any CDBG program national objective. Proposed activities must be based on firm written commitments from local governments and eligible subrecipients. NOTE: For the Redevelopment Fund, the term "subrecipient" may generally be interpreted as a business or corporation. However, in cases where Redevelopment Funds are to be loaned to or passed through a local development authority, the development authority itself would also be a "sub-recipient" subject to the same rules and regulations as a benefiting business or corporation.
Funding
Up to $1,500,000 or three percent (3%) (whichever is greater) from each federal fiscal year's allocation to DCA for the CDBG Program will be set-aside for this program.
Funds remaining in the set-aside at the end of the fiscal year may be returned to an "active status" and may be used to fund Redevelopment Fund applications under a subsequent fiscal year or transferred to any of the other funding categories or for state administration, subject to the limitations of the Housing and Community Development Act. In addition, the Commissioner of DCA may adjust the EIP program set-aside periodically during the 2011 Program Year based on demand for the set-aside.
Certain Redevelopment Fund activities may generate program income that may be returned to the Department in accordance with the provisions contained in 24 CFR Part 570.489(e) and (f). Any Redevelopment Fund program income returned to the Department will be held in a separate state revolving loan fund account that will be established to support Redevelopment Fund activities. The state revolving loan fund's administrative and eligibility requirements are identical in all respects to those for the Redevelopment Fund set-aside; however, any program income in the revolving fund will be disbursed before and prior to any funds from the Redevelopment set-aside.
Grant Amount
The grant amount is up to $500,000. In cases of projects with exceptional public benefits or need, the Commissioner of DCA may raise the allowable grant amount.
Application Procedures
The application procedure for the Redevelopment Fund Program includes an initial project assessment and application phase. Local governments may submit applications for consideration at any time regardless of whether an initial project assessment has been approved. The purpose of the initial project assessment is to determine eligibility of a proposed project and the possible competitiveness under the funding criteria outlined below. While an initial assessment is not required, DCA strongly encourages potential

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applicants to contact DCA to arrange an initial project assessment meeting prior to submitting an application.

Applications may be submitted individually by one unit of general purpose local government, or jointly, by two (2) or more units of general purpose local government. Joint applications must contain a copy of the Cooperating Agreement entered into by the cooperating units of government. The Agreement should designate the unit of local government that will serve as lead applicant. DCA strongly encourages potential applicants to contact DCA to arrange an initial project assessment meeting prior to submitting an application.

The purpose of the initial project assessment process is to evaluate a proposed project to determine if the proposal meets the funding threshold outlined below.

Applications for the Redevelopment Fund must be submitted in conformance with the format and applicable instructions specified by DCA.

Rating and Review Procedure

Applications will be rated and points awarded based on the following point system. In order to be funded, an application must achieve a minimum score of 425:

Factor

Maximum Points

1. Demographic Need

120

2. Project Feasibility

210

3. Project Strategy and Innovation

240

4. Leverage of Additional Resources

30

Total Maximum Points

600

A) Factor 1: Demographic Need
Demographic Need points will be calculated by DCA based on three factors. Submission of data with respect to "Demographic Need" is not required. The number and percentage of persons in poverty will be based on the most recent Census data that is consistent as of the same point of time for all applicants. Per capita income will be based on the most recent available data that is consistent as of the same point of time for all applicants.
For purposes of comparing data, applicants shall be divided into two groups: Cities and Counties. Joint applicants comprised of all cities shall be assigned to the city group and joint applicants including one or more counties shall be assigned to the county group.
Absolute number of people in poverty: Applicants will be compared in terms of the number of persons whose incomes are below the poverty level. Scores will be obtained by dividing each applicant's number of persons in poverty by the greatest number of persons in poverty of any applicant and multiplying by 40.
Percent of people in poverty: Applicants will be compared in terms of the percentage of population below the poverty level. Scores will be obtained by dividing each applicant's percentage of persons in poverty by the highest percentage of persons in poverty of any applicant and multiplying by 40.

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Per capita income: Applicants will be compared in terms of their per capita income. Scores will be obtained by dividing each applicant's per capita income into the lowest per capita income of any applicant and multiplying by 40.

B) Factor 2: Feasibility

Feasibility points will be based on an analysis of how each application addresses the following factors: eligibility of proposed activity; reasonableness of cost; compliance with applicable state and federal laws; project timetables; confirmation of all required resources; completeness of proposed plans and specifications; reasonableness of any sub-recipient's proposed business plan(s) and financial projections; reasonableness of any site clean-up proposal and plan; and conformance with applicable underwriting and review requirements contained in 24 CFR Part 570.

Points for feasibility will be awarded by a DCA staff review panel as follows:

Level One (Poor) Level Two (Fair) Level Three (Good) Level Four (Very Good) Level Five (Excellent)

-052.5 105.0 157.5 210.0

C) Factor 3: Strategy

Strategy points will be based on the following factors: an analysis of the severity of need; documentation that a project's public benefits will exceed project costs; documentation that the proposed strategy meets the eligibility criteria and a national objective of the CDBG Program; documentation that the project complies with all local ordinances, state law and state regulations. Points will be awarded by a DCA staff review panel as follows:

Level One (Poor) Level Two (Fair) Level Three (Good) Level Four (Very Good) Level Five (Excellent)

-060.0 120.0 180.0 240.0

D) Factor 4: Leverage

Leverage points will be awarded based on a firm commitment of additional resources directly related to the project, including capital costs and new funds for operation of any proposed program(s). The "leverage ratio" of other private or public funds will be the criterion considered. A minimum leverage ratio of 1 to 1 must be documented in order to receive points under this criterion. A "reasonable" value must be assigned to donated and "in-kind" items. The leverage score will be calculated based on the total value of leverage for each applicant. Applications with no leverage will receive no points. Points will be awarded by a DCA staff review panel as follows:

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Level One (Poor)

-0-

Level Two (Fair)

7.5

Level Three (Good)

15.0

Level Four (Very Good)

22.5

Level Five (Excellent)

30.0

C) The Immediate Threat and Danger Program
Up to $500,000 from each federal fiscal year's allocation to DCA for CDBG will be setaside for this program. The Immediate Threat and Danger Program is intended to respond to events or situations which have a particular urgency and uniqueness which adversely affect or impact the health or welfare of the community and its citizens and where other financial resources are not available to meet such need. To be considered, the event or situation must have a sense of urgency and be of recent origin or have recently become urgent. Recent origin is defined as a condition that has developed or become critical generally within 18 months of application. Ample description of the cause of the threat and probable ramifications must be provided. Grant amounts under this program generally cannot exceed $50,000.
Generally, a grant awarded under this program cannot be more than 50% of the project cost. The applicant (local government) must provide at least 10% of the project cost. These requirements may be waived in extraordinary circumstances. In case of a "major disaster," the Commissioner will determine the extent of DCA involvement. The Commissioner may waive the maximum grant amount and other requirements in case of a "major disaster."
Application and Review Procedures
Applications can be submitted at any time and funds will be awarded to eligible applicants who meet the threshold described above, as long as funds remain in the setaside amount. Applications must include a certification that other financial resources are not available to meet the identified needs; the situation poses a serious and immediate threat, and identifies the other sources of project funding.
Upon receipt of a request for assistance, DCA staff will review the application for completeness and degree of urgency. Staff may visit the locality to inspect the problem cited by the applicant and may consult with other appropriate state, federal or local agencies to determine the extent of the threat prior to funding decisions. After staff recommendations, the Commissioner, using the same criteria and based on staff recommendations, will approve or deny the request and transmit the decision to the local government.
Program Income Policy
Locally generated program income is generally retained at the local level and must be utilized to continue the same activity from which they were derived, in accordance with the Housing and Community Development Act, as amended and HUD regulations.
The section above describing the Special Provisions for the Employment Incentive Program discusses situations in which local RLF assets created by the EIP Program may be returned to the state. Any assets so returned will be added to the state's existing CDBG allocation for the regular competition, used for CDBG Loan Guarantee Program, used for the Redevelopment Fund, or used to capitalize a statewide RLF used to fund additional economic and community development projects.

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Reallocated & Recapture Funds
HUD reallocated funds are those funds that HUD has recaptured from direct HUDfunded grantees and reallocated to the State. State recaptured funds are funds the State receives back from a State CDBG Recipient because of a CDBG deobligation or termination.
Any such funds received by the State will be distributed by the State in the same manner as regular CDBG funds. At the discretion of the Commissioner, they may be used to fund additional regular competition projects, for any of the set-aside programs, for the CDBG Loan Guarantee Program, or for State Administration, subject to the limitations set of the Housing and Community Development Act, as amended and this Plan.
Reallocation of Remaining Funds
In the event 2012 Program Year Funds set-aside for the Annual Competition, the Redevelopment Fund, the Employment Incentive Program (EIP), or the Immediate Threat and Danger Program are not awarded by the end of the fiscal year, they may be utilized for funding additional regular competition grants, Redevelopment Fund, EIP grants, the Immediate Threat and Danger grants, or for State Administration, subject to the limitations of the Housing and Community Development Act, as amended.

CDBG PROPOSED FUNDING ALLOCATION FFY2012/SFY2013

HUD Allocation

$34,533,844

State Administration

$790,771

Immediate Threat & Danger Program

Up to $500,000

PROGRAMS

The Redevelopment Fund Employment Incentive Program

Up to $1,500,000 Up to $8,000,000

Technical Assistance

$345,385

Annual Competition

Minimum of

$23,397,688

The amounts in the above Table are based on HUD estimates of funds available for

Program Year 2012 found at the following web link:

http://hud.gov/offices/cpd/about/budget/CDBGHOMEFormula/Estimated_Allocations_for_CDBG_and_HOME_FY2012.pdf
If the actual funded amount is different, adjustments will be made to the amounts set-aside for administration, technical assistance and the Annual Competition.

Loan Guarantee Program (Section 108)

The CDBG Loan Guarantee Program (Section 108 Program) is an economic and community development financing tool authorized under Section 108 of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. The program provides a method of assisting non-entitlement local governments with certain unique and largescale economic development projects that cannot proceed without the loan guarantee. In order to be eligible a project must meet all applicable CDBG requirements and result in significant employment opportunities and/or benefits for low- and moderate-income persons. Projects that are eligible for financing under existing federal, state, regional or local programs will generally not be considered for guarantee assistance unless the programs would fail to fully meet a project's need.

Unlike the traditional CDBG or EIP Program, the Section 108 Program does not operate through assistance from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Rather, funds are raised through DCA's "Pledge of Grants" to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

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Development (HUD) in order to obtain a federal guarantee of notes issued by the local government. The federally guaranteed notes are sold into private markets through public offerings conducted by HUD. By approving the project, a State pledges its future CDBG funds as the ultimate repayment source should a Section 108 loan default. The State's participation in the Section 108 program does not involve a pledge of Georgia's full faith and credit nor does it commit any funding to the local government. HUD makes the ultimate approval or denial of the federal guarantee.
Since CDBG funds are an essential and critical resource for Georgia's non-entitlement local governments, DCA will use conservative rating, selection and underwriting criteria in evaluating requests for the State's concurrence and Pledge of Grants. Only those projects that DCA determines can generate sufficient revenue from project resources to debt service all obligations will be competitive under the State's Section 108 rating and selection system.
Maximum Loan Guarantee Amount for Specific Projects:
The maximum Loan Guarantee amount is $5,000,000. In the interest of limiting exposure and promoting a diversified portfolio, DCA reserves the right to limit the amounts "pledged" to any one unit of local government or business interest.
Total Allocation Available to DCA:
DCA may set-aside a multi-year, cumulative total of up to twenty percent (20%) of its most recent CDBG allocations plus any CDBG program income for Pledge of Grants that will be used as security for notes and other obligations issued by units of non-entitlement local government pursuant to Section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.
For projects that would provide extraordinary public benefit, job creation, and private investment, the DCA Board of Directors may approve allocation and loan amounts that exceed the twenty percent (20%) set-aside and/or maximum loan guarantee amounts. However, in no event may the amounts pledged exceed the limits contained in CFR Part 570.705(a) or up to five (5) times the amount of its last CDBG grant less the amounts of any unpaid balances previously guaranteed.
These Pledge of Grants do not immediately reduce the State's non-entitlement CDBG allocations, but rather create an obligation on the part of the State to use its CDBG funds to make payments on behalf of local governments that default on their loan payments to note holders. For any notes backed by the State's Pledges, DCA will require appropriate covenants that transfer an appropriate share of the risk to the local government and subrecipient business.
Soft Costs and Fees
Local governments interested in obtaining Section 108 financing must cover their own application preparation and administration costs in order to be competitive. Certain underwriting and issuance costs required by HUD in order to participate in the program are allowable and will not affect an application's competitiveness; however, all "soft costs" not necessary to cover HUD-required underwriting and issuance costs are not eligible for inclusion under Section 108 financing and must be paid from non-Section 108 sources. Limited technical assistance will be available from DCA on the preparation of a pre-application and application.

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Eligible Activities
Eligible activities under the Section 108 program are those identified in 24 CFR Part 570.703 which include (but are not limited to):
Acquisition of improved or unimproved real property in fee or by long-term lease, including acquisition for economic development purposes
Rehabilitation of real property owned or acquired by the public entity or its designated public agency
Payment of interest on obligations guaranteed under the 108 Program Clearance, demolition and removal, including movement of structures to other
sites, of buildings and improvements on real property acquired or rehabilitated pursuant to program rules Site preparation, including construction, reconstruction, or installation of public and other site improvements, utilities, or facilities (other than buildings), which is related to the redevelopment or use of the real property acquired or rehabilitated pursuant to activities a and b of this section, or for an economic development purpose Payment of issuance, underwriting, servicing, trust administration and other costs associated with private sector financing of debt obligations under the 108 program The acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or installation of commercial or industrial buildings, structures, and other real property equipment and improvements, including railroad spurs or similar extensions. Such activities may be carried out by the recipient or public or private nonprofit sub-recipients The provision of assistance to a private for-profit business, including, but not limited to, grants, loans, loan guarantees, interest supplements, technical assistance, and other forms of support, for any activity where the assistance is appropriate to carry out an economic development project, excluding those described as ineligible in CFR Part 570.207(a). In selecting businesses to assist under this authority, the recipient shall minimize, to the extent practicable, displacement of existing businesses and jobs in neighborhoods A debt service reserve to be used in accordance with requirements specified in the contract entered into pursuant to CFR Part 570.705(b)(1) Acquisition, construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or installation of public facilities (except for buildings for the general conduct of government), public streets, sidewalks, and other site improvements and public utilities
For each activity funded under the 108 Program, at least seventy percent (70%) of all proposed beneficiaries and/or jobs to be created or retained as a result of the 108 project must be documented to be created for and able to be "taken by" or retained by persons defined as low- and moderate-income by DCA. Before project closeout, at least 70% of all jobs created must be documented to have been "taken by" persons defined as low- and moderate-income.
For projects that would provide extraordinary public benefit, job creation, and private investment, the Department may approve a slightly reduced low- and moderate-income benefit threshold. However, in no event may a specific project's low- and moderateincome benefit level fall below fifty-one (51%) or a level that the Department determines could cause the State to fall below the mandated program-wide low- and moderateincome benefit levels contained at CFR Part 570.484.

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Application Procedures

Local governments interested in applying to HUD for a loan guarantee must first apply to DCA in order to obtain the State's concurrence and Pledge of Grants.

The application procedure for the Section 108 Program includes a pre-application and final application phase. Final applications may only be submitted following a written invitation from DCA. The purpose of the pre-application will be to underwrite, evaluate and score a proposed project to determine if the proposed project meets the requirements for the State's concurrence and Pledge of Grants. The purpose of the final application will be for DCA to approve the final form of the local government's application to HUD and negotiate any local certifications, credit enhancements and other understandings required as a condition of the State's Pledge of Grants approval. The final application shall be submitted to DCA for review, approval and transmission to HUD for their review.

Local governments may submit pre-applications for consideration at any time. Preapplications and Applications may be submitted individually by one unit of general purpose local government, or jointly, by two (2) or more units of general purpose local government. Joint submissions must contain a copy of the Cooperating Agreement entered into by the cooperating units of government. The Agreement should designate the unit of local government that will serve as lead applicant. Pre-applications and applications for the 108 Program must be submitted in conformance with the format and applicable instructions specified by DCA Section 108 pre-application and application manuals.

Rating and Selection Process

Upon receipt of a pre-application under this program, staff will review the pre-application for completeness and for evaluation against the various rating and selection factors. For purposes of this program, the rating and selection factors shall be those specified in this section and any additional and/or supplemental information, data, analyses, documentation, commitments, assurances, etc. as may be required or requested by DCA for purposes of evaluating, rating, and selecting applicants under this program. Applications that contain insufficient information or documentation to be evaluated may be returned to the locality without further review.

The staff may conduct site visits and hold discussions with applicants and proposed subrecipients for the purposes of confirming and evaluating information contained in the preapplication or application. The staff may consult with other appropriate government and private entities in the course of reviewing and evaluating information contained in preapplications and applications. The scores obtained for the various selection factors will be totaled and only those applicants with scores of at least 325 points will be considered for a Pledge of Grants.

Selection System for Section 108 Applications

Section 108 Applications will be rated and scored against each of the following factors:

Review Factors Demographic Need Program Feasibility Program Impact Program Strategy Bonus (for Credit Enhancement) Total Available Points

Maximum Points Available 90 points 120 points 120 points 120 points 25 points 475 points

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A) Demographic Need (90 points)
Absolute Number of People in Poverty (30 points)
All eligible local governments will be compared in terms of the absolute number of people whose incomes are below the poverty level. Individual scores will be obtained by dividing each government's absolute number of persons in poverty by the greatest number of persons in poverty of any eligible local government and multiplying by 30.
Percent of People in Poverty (30 points)
All eligible local governments will be compared in terms of the percentage of people whose incomes are below the poverty level. Individual scores will be obtained by dividing each government's percentage of persons in poverty by the highest percentage of persons in poverty of any eligible local government and multiplying by 30.
Per Capita Income (30 points)
All eligible local governments will be compared in terms of their per capita income. Individual scores will be obtained by dividing each government's per capita income into the lowest per capita income of any eligible local government and multiplying by 30.
Demographic scores will be based on the latest available data, consistent as of the same point in time for each factor. Scores will be based on county data.
B) Program Feasibility (120 points)
The following factors will be considered:
Local government's financial condition Local social-economic conditions and need Organizational status of development agency or sub-recipient business
1) Reputable history for business and all related entities 2) Credit History 3) Litigation 4) Government Findings/Sanctions Is the proposed business or development concept/product/service proven or does the proposal represent an untried business model Does the proposed Section 108 investment/purpose contain the basis for its repayment Is the development agency's or sub-recipient business' historical performance and standing secure in the following areas: capital management, debt capacity, management character & experience, collateral value, economic and market conditions Is the development agency's or sub-recipient business' proposed development or business plan reasonable and does it use reasonable assumptions in the following areas: capital investment; debt service capacity, management ability, collateral value, industry analysis, response to future economic and market conditions

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For realestate projects, does the proposed development team have a successful record of accomplishment, Developer / Contractor / Architect / Leasing Agent / Property Manager / Syndicator / Construction Manager / Interim and Permanent Lenders
Does the proposed project comply with the CDBG regulations and guidelines for "appropriateness", underwriting, and public benefit
Are all project costs verified through either original source documents, architectural and engineering reports, or an MAI or other certified appraisal acceptable to DCA
Is the balance of all financing sources verified and committed Is all required real-estate available, have clear title, and under proper
option Is the development agency's or sub-recipient's investment and job
commitment letter in the proper format Are all needed architectural plans, engineering reports, plans, and
specifications completed and approved by appropriate authorities Can the project be carried out in accordance with all applicable
federal, state, and local law, regulation and permitting requirements

Feasibility points will be awarded by a DCA staff review panel, in accordance with the levels below, based on how well the applicant addresses the impact factors:

Level One Level Two Level Three Level Four Level Five

(poor) (below average) (average) (good) (excellent)

00.0 30.0 60.0 90.0 120.0

C) Program Impact (120 points)

The following factors will be considered:

Number of jobs created and/or retained Section 108 cost per job Availability of jobs to low/mod income persons Quality of jobs and employee benefits (health, retirement, leave, etc.) Project's impact on local unemployment rates What is the project's impact on blighting conditions that threaten public
health and safety or impede economic development

Points for impact will be awarded by a staff review panel, in accordance with the levels below, based on how well the applicant addresses the impact factors:

Level One Level Two Level Three Level Four Level Five

(poor) (below average) (average) (good) (excellent)

00.0 30.0 60.0 90.0 120.0

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D) Program Strategy (120 points)

The following factors will be considered:

Documentation that the proposed project is not eligible under existing federal, state, regional or local economic development financing programs or else the programs would fail to fully meet the project's need.
Documentation that the proposed project represents a unique, large-scale project that will further the objectives of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act.
Documentation that the local government will assign certain responsibilities under 108 to the State to insure efficient credit monitoring, sub-recipient loan servicing and 108 loan payments.
The ratio of private equity and investment to Section 108 funds.
Documentation that the sub-recipient business or development agency will generate sufficient revenue and that sufficient credit enhancements are in place to reasonably insure that the Section 108 loan can be amortized without any risk to future CDBG allocations
Documentation that the public benefits to be achieved is reasonable and to the extent, practicable Section 108 funds will not substitute for other available funds
Adequacy of financing strategy repayment ability, rate, term (maximum consideration for terms less than 10 years), type (maximum consideration for permanent financing the applicants can provide will be most competitive), and collateral and security
Validity of sub-recipient's commitment to fulfill hiring and investment commitments
Project's conformance to: i) local and regional plans; ii) service delivery strategy and iii) the Georgia Planning Act
Project's conformance to federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Relationship to overall objectives of the Section 108 and CDBG Program, including the extent of benefit to persons of low and moderate income

Strategy points will be awarded by a staff review panel, in accordance with the levels below, based on how well the applicant addresses the strategy factors:

Level One Level Two Level Three Level Four Level Five

(poor) (below average) (average) (good) (excellent)

00.0 30.0 60.0 90.0 120.0

D) Bonus for Pledge of Assets and/or Credit Enhancement (25 points)

Localities, which have a local Revolving Loan fund (RLF) capitalized with EIP or CDBG proceeds, federal Economic Development Initiative (EDI) or Brownfield (BEDI) grants or other assets, may, at their discretion, pledge those assets as a "loan loss reserve" or other security or credit enhancement in order to boost the competitiveness of their 108 application. Likewise, borrowers may also receive bonus points for agreeing to provide other credit enhancements such as stand-by letters of credit, guarantees or other recourse instruments. The consideration will

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consist of a maximum of an extra 25 points for use in the State's Section 108 "Pledge of Grants" decision.
Invitation to Submit a Final Application
The points received by a pre-applicant on the rating factors will be totaled. In order to receive an invitation to submit a final application, a pre-application must receive at least 325 points. In cases where fundable pre-applications exceed available funds, the preapplicant with the highest number of jobs benefiting low- and moderate-income persons will be given priority.
Final Application Funding Determination
Final applications are invited only for those projects that meet the pre-application threshold requirements. The locality submitting the Section 108 final application must hold public hearing(s) in accordance with the requirements of HUD and Georgia's CDBG program.
Final applications for the Section 108 Program must be submitted to DCA in conformance with CFR Part 570.704 and the format and applicable instructions specified by DCA and HUD. The final application review will ensure that all appropriate funding criteria have been considered, and the overall benefits to be achieved warrant the State's concurrence, acceptance of the responsibilities outlined in CFR Part 570.710 and "Pledge of Grants."
Upon approval by DCA, the Final Application will be placed in its final form by the applicant local government and submitted to DCA for transmission to HUD for their review with assistance from DCA. It should be noted that DCA reserves the right to ask local governments to submit their applications without the State's Pledge of Grants in cases where the final security requirements or other issues are unknown. In such cases, the State's Pledge of Grants would be forthcoming to HUD upon the successful negotiation of a security arrangement and repayment schedule acceptable to the State.
CDBG Loan Guarantee Performance Thresholds
Recipients of prior CDBG funding with outstanding audit, monitoring findings and/or other program exceptions, which involve a violation of federal, state or local law or regulation and/or have failed to substantially meet their proposed accomplishments in their current CDBG or EIP projects are ineligible for 108 consideration. Local governments and businesses that default on a loan payment under the 108 program shall be sanctioned and immediately become ineligible to compete for or receive any DCA grant or loan until the State is "made whole" in regards to its CDBG loss. In addition, applicants must comply with their reporting under the Georgia Planning Act, the Service Delivery Strategy Law (H.B. 489), the Georgia Solid Waste Management Act, the Local Governments Audit Act and the DCA Local Government Finance Report requirements.
Float-Funded Activities
The State does not propose to provide CDBG Float-funded activities during SFY2013 using an allocation of FFY2012 funds. However, if the State proposes such an activity, the appropriate program will be implemented in accordance with applicable HUD regulations found at 24 CFR 92.209-92.211.

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Monitoring
To insure that each recipient of CDBG funds operates in compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations, DCA conducts frequent on-site monitoring of every grant award. DCA follows a monitoring strategy that closely reviews government activities and provides extensive technical assistance to prevent compliance problems. All required compliance requirements are described in the CDBG Recipient's Manual.
Pre-funding site visits are made to each potential grant recipient. Once grants are awarded, DCA conducted an initial "start-up" visit to assess the capacity and needs of each recipient. In addition, all recipients are required to attend a workshop for extensive training and provided a program manual to utilize for implementing their projects. Recipients must constantly monitor performance to ensure that time schedules are being met, projected milestones are being accomplished, and other performance goals are being achieved in accordance with the approved application.
Each grant recipient is monitored several times each year by trained DCA staff. A monitoring report is completed for the following compliance areas:
Environmental Eligibility Fair Housing Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Financial and Audit Federal Labor Standards Acquisition and Relocation, Section 104(d) Interim and Final Audit Final Benefit Count Housing Rehabilitation Standards and Policies Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Regulations Citizen Participation
In the event that DCA staff identifies compliance problems, the Chief Elected Official is notified and a deadline is set for a response and possible corrective actions. DCA maintains a monitoring status system to insure timely resolution of findings. Prior to formal close-out of each grant, a final check is made to be sure all monitoring has been completed and any finding is resolved satisfactorily.

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EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANTS (ESG)

Purpose
Formerly the Emergency Shelter Grants Program, the HEARTH Act modified this program and renamed it the Emergency Solutions Grants (HUD ESG) Program. This change in the name represents the change in the program's focus from addressing the needs of homeless people in emergency or transitional shelters to assisting people to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness.
Federal ESG Regulations
This program design is based upon an analysis of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by S. 896 the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009. Interim regulations have been issued and are in effect as of January 2012. As a result, actual implementation of this program may further be defined by these regulations, HUD's interpretations of these regulations, and any other directives or guidance issued by HUD at a later date.
Eligible Service Area
Congress has authorized the State of Georgia, through the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority (GHFA) and as administered on behalf of GHFA by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), to use HUD McKinney Act (modified through the HEARTH Act) ESG funds to primarily serve 153 of Georgia's 159 counties. The six (6) excluded counties are Augusta-Richmond, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett. In addition to these counties, the City of Savannah is also excluded although the remainder of Chatham County is an eligible service area. These excluded jurisdictions receive ESG funds directly from HUD. To the maximum extent practicable, as determined by DCA, HUD ESG funds will be expended for programs to serve the State of Georgia's ESG entitlement.
It should be noted that, in addition to the HUD ESG program, DCA will develop and implement an expanded ESG program utilizing funds made available through Georgia's State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless (HTF). This HTF ESG program will substantially mirror the HUD ESG program, except that eligible activities will be expanded to include Project Homeless Connect, transitional housing and others defined herein.
HUD ESG Eligible Components and Activities
This section is based on the HEARTH Act and is subject to change based upon further refinement of regulations or other rules issued by HUD.
1. Street Outreach ESG funds may be used for costs of providing essential services necessary to reach out to unsheltered homeless people; connect them with emergency shelter, housing, or critical services; and provide urgent, nonfacility-based care to unsheltered homeless people who are unwilling or unable to access emergency shelter, housing, or an appropriate health facility. For the

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purposes of this section, the term ``unsheltered homeless people'' means individuals and families who qualify as homeless under paragraph (1)(i) of the ``homeless'' definition under 576.2. The eligible costs and requirements for essential services consist of:
a. Engagement. The costs of activities to locate, identify, and build relationships with unsheltered homeless people and engage them for the purpose of providing immediate support, intervention, and connections with homeless assistance programs and/or mainstream social services and housing programs. These activities consist of making an initial assessment of needs and eligibility; providing crisis counseling; addressing urgent physical needs, such as providing meals, blankets, clothes, or toiletries; and actively connecting and providing information and referrals to programs targeted to homeless people and mainstream social services and housing programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, community-based services, permanent supportive housing, and rapid re-housing programs. Eligible costs include the cell phone costs of outreach workers during the performance of these activities.
b. Case management. The cost of assessing housing and service needs, arranging, coordinating, and monitoring the delivery of individualized services to meet the needs of the program participant. Eligible services and activities are as follows: using the centralized or coordinated assessment system as required under 576.400(d); conducting the initial evaluation required under 576.401(a), including verifying and documenting eligibility; counseling; developing, securing and coordinating services; obtaining Federal, State, and local benefits; monitoring and evaluating program participant progress; providing information and referrals to other providers; and developing an individualized housing and service plan, including planning a path to permanent housing stability.
c. Emergency health services. (i) Eligible costs are for the direct outpatient treatment of medical conditions and are provided by licensed medical professionals operating in community-based settings, including streets, parks, and other places where unsheltered homeless people are living. (ii) ESG funds may be used only for these services to the extent that other appropriate health services are inaccessible or unavailable within the area. (iii) Eligible treatment consists of assessing a program participant's health problems and developing a treatment plan; assisting program participants to understand their health needs; providing directly or assisting program participants to obtain appropriate emergency medical treatment; and providing medication and follow-up services.
d. Emergency mental health services: (i) Eligible costs are the direct outpatient treatment by licensed professionals of mental health conditions operating in community-based settings, including streets,

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parks, and other places where unsheltered people are living. (ii) ESG funds may be used only for these services to the extent that other appropriate mental health services are inaccessible or unavailable within the community. (iii) Mental health services are the application of therapeutic processes to personal, family, situational, or occupational problems in order to bring about positive resolution of the problem or improved individual or family functioning or circumstances. (iv) Eligible treatment consists of crisis interventions, the prescription of psychotropic medications, explanation about the use and management of medications, and combinations of therapeutic approaches to address multiple problems.
e. Transportation. The transportation costs of travel by outreach workers, social workers, medical professionals, or other service providers are eligible, provided that this travel takes place during the provision of services eligible under this section. The costs of transporting unsheltered people to emergency shelters or other service facilities are also eligible. These costs include the following: (i) The cost of a program participant's travel on public transportation; (ii) If service workers use their own vehicles, mileage allowance for service workers to visit program participants; (iii) The cost of purchasing or leasing a vehicle for the recipient or subrecipient in which staff transports program participants and/or staff serving program participants, and the cost of gas, insurance, taxes and maintenance for the vehicle; and (iv) The travel costs of recipient or subrecipient staff to accompany or assist program participants to use public transportation.
2. Emergency Shelter - ESG funds may be used for costs of providing essential services to homeless families and individuals in emergency shelters and operating emergency shelters.
a. Case management. The cost of assessing, arranging, coordinating, and monitoring the delivery of individualized services to meet the needs of the program participant is eligible. Component services and activities consist of: (A) Using the centralized or coordinated assessment system as required under 576.400(d); (B) Conducting the initial evaluation required under 576.401(a), including verifying and documenting eligibility; (C) Counseling; (D) Developing, securing, and coordinating services and obtaining Federal, State, and local benefits; (E) Monitoring and evaluating program participant progress; (F) Providing information and referrals to other providers; (G) Providing ongoing risk assessment and safety planning with victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and (H) Developing an individualized housing and service plan, including planning a path to permanent housing stability.
b. Child care. The costs of child care for program participants, including providing meals and snacks, and comprehensive and coordinated sets of appropriate developmental activities, are eligible.

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The children must be under the age of 13, unless they are disabled. Disabled children must be under the age of 18. The child-care center must be licensed by the jurisdiction in which it operates in order for its costs to be eligible.
c. Education services. When necessary for the program participant to obtain and maintain housing, the costs of improving knowledge and basic educational skills are eligible. Services include instruction or training in consumer education, health education, substance abuse prevention, literacy, English as a Second Language, and General Educational Development (GED). Component services or activities are screening, assessment and testing; individual or group instruction; tutoring; provision of books, supplies and instructional material; counseling; and referral to community resources.
d. Employment assistance and job training. The costs of employment assistance and job training programs are eligible, including classroom, online, and/or computer instruction; on-the-job instruction; and services that assist individuals in securing employment, acquiring learning skills, and/or increasing earning potential. Learning skills include those skills that can be used to secure and retain a job. Services that assist individuals in securing employment consist of employment screening, assessment, or testing; structured job skills and job-seeking skills; special training and tutoring, including literacy training and prevocational training; books and instructional material; counseling or job coaching; and referral to community resources.
e. Outpatient health services. Eligible costs are for the direct outpatient treatment of medical conditions and are provided by licensed medical professionals. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds may be used only for these services to the extent that other appropriate health services are unavailable within the community. Eligible treatment consists of assessing a program participant's health problems and developing a treatment plan; assisting program participants to understand their health needs; providing directly or assisting program participants to obtain appropriate medical treatment, preventive medical care, and health maintenance services, including emergency medical services; providing medication and follow-up services; and providing preventive and non-cosmetic dental care.
f. Legal services. (A) Eligible costs are the hourly fees for legal advice and representation by attorneys licensed and in good standing with the bar association of the State in which the services are provided, and by person(s) under the supervision of the licensed attorney, regarding matters that interfere with the program participant's ability to obtain and retain housing. (B) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds may be used only for these services to the extent that other appropriate legal services are unavailable or inaccessible within the community. (C) Eligible subject matters are child support, guardianship, paternity,

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emancipation, and legal separation, orders of protection and other civil remedies for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and appeal of veterans and public benefit claim denials. (D) Component services or activities may include client intake, preparation of cases for trial, provision of legal advice, representation at hearings, and counseling. (E) Fees based on the actual service performed (i.e., fee for service) are also eligible, but only if the cost would be less than the cost of hourly fees. Filing fees and other necessary court costs are also eligible. If the subrecipient is a legal services provider and performs the services itself, the eligible costs are the subrecipient's employees' salaries and other costs necessary to perform the services. (F) Legal services for immigration and citizenship matters and issues relating to mortgages are ineligible costs. Retainer fee arrangements and contingency fee arrangements are ineligible costs.
g. Life skills training. The costs of teaching critical life management skills that may never have been learned or have been lost during the course of physical or mental illness, domestic violence, substance use, and homelessness are eligible costs. These services must be necessary to assist the program participant to function independently in the community. Component life skills training are budgeting resources, managing money, managing a household, resolving conflict, shopping for food and needed items, improving nutrition, using public transportation, and parenting.
h. Mental health services. (A) Eligible costs are the direct outpatient treatment by licensed professionals of mental health conditions. (B) ESG funds may only be used for these services to the extent that other appropriate mental health services are unavailable or inaccessible within the community. (C) Mental health services are the application of therapeutic processes to personal, family, situational, or occupational problems in order to bring about positive resolution of the problem or improved individual or family functioning or circumstances. Problem areas may include family and marital relationships, parent-child problems, or symptom management. (D) Eligible treatment consists of crisis interventions; individual, family, or group therapy sessions; the prescription of psychotropic medications or explanations about the use and management of medications; and combinations of therapeutic approaches to address multiple problems.
i. Substance abuse treatment services. (A) Eligible substance abuse treatment services are designed to prevent, reduce, eliminate, or deter relapse of substance abuse or addictive behaviors and are provided by licensed or certified professionals. (B) ESG funds may only be used for these services to the extent that other appropriate substance abuse treatment services are unavailable or inaccessible within the community. (C) Eligible treatment consists of client intake and assessment, and outpatient treatment for up to 30 days. Group and individual counseling and drug testing are eligible costs. Inpatient

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detoxification and other inpatient drug or alcohol treatment are not eligible costs.
j. Transportation. Eligible costs consist of the transportation costs of a program participant's travel to and from medical care, employment, child care, or other eligible essential services facilities. These costs include the following: (A) The cost of a program participant's travel on public transportation; (B) If service workers use their own vehicles, mileage allowance for service workers to visit program participants; (C) The cost of purchasing or leasing a vehicle for the recipient or subrecipient in which staff transports program participants and/or staff serving program participants, and the cost of gas, insurance, taxes, and maintenance for the vehicle; and (D) The travel costs of recipient or subrecipient staff to accompany or assist program participants to use public transportation.
k. Shelter operations. Eligible costs are the costs of maintenance (including minor or routine repairs), rent, security, fuel, equipment, insurance, utilities, food, furnishings, and supplies necessary for the operation of the emergency shelter. Where no appropriate emergency shelter is available for a homeless family or individual, eligible costs may also include a hotel or motel voucher for that family or individual.
The age, of a child under age 18 must not be used as a basis for denying any family's admission to an emergency shelter that uses Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding or services and provides shelter to families with children under age 18.
3. Rental Assistance See 24 CFR 576.104 106 for detailed and further guidance. Includes the provision of short-term or medium-term payments for rents or utilities. Assistance may be tenant or project-based. Beneficiaries may include homeless individuals or families (rapid re-housing), or individuals or families at risk of homelessness (homelessness prevention). Regional implementations are preferred for this activity.
4. Stabilization Services See 24 CFR 576.104 106 for detailed and further guidance. Includes services associated with rental assistance, to include housing search, mediation or outreach to landlords, legal services, credit repair, providing security or utility deposits, utility payments, rental assistance for a final month at a location, assistance with moving costs, or other activities (including hotel/motel vouchers) that are effective at: (a) stabilizing individuals and families in their current housing (homelessness prevention); or
(b) (quickly moving such individuals and families to other permanent housing (rapid re-housing).
HTF ESG Eligible Activities
In addition to the HUD ESG Eligible Activities named in the preceding section, HTF ESG Eligible Activities may also include:

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1. Transitional Housing - maintenance, operation, insurance, provision of utilities, and provision of furnishings related to Transitional Housing.
2. Essential Services not otherwise eligible using HUD funds.
3. Project Homeless Connect - funding to coordinate and sponsor a one-day, onestop Project Homeless Connect event to deliver services to people experiencing homelessness in the community. At a minimum, the event should provide an array of social services including healthcare, legal aid, housing assistance, job opportunities, benefits enrollment opportunities and quality of life resources with the underlying idea to get as many as possible on a track to self-sufficiency and, ultimately, into permanent housing.
Definition of "Homeless" Individual or Family
Category 1
1. A "homeless" individual or family is generally defined as follows:
a. an individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;
b. an individual or family with a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, airport, or camping ground;
c. a homeless, as defined above, individual or family immediately thereafter living in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living arrangements (including hotels and motels paid for by Federal, State, or local government programs for low-income individuals or by charitable organizations, congregate shelters, and transitional housing);
d. an individual who resided in a shelter or place not meant for human habitation [see a. and b. above] and who is exiting an institution where he or she ... resided less than 90-days;
Category 2
e. an individual or family who-- A. will imminently lose their housing, including housing they own, rent, or live in without paying rent, are sharing with others, and rooms in hotels or motels not paid for by Federal, State, or local government programs for low-income individuals or by charitable organizations, as evidenced by: a court order resulting from an eviction action that notifies the individual or family that they must leave within 14 days; the individual or family having a primary nighttime residence that is a room in a hotel or motel and where they lack the resources necessary to reside there for more than 14 days; or credible evidence indicating that the owner or renter of the housing will not allow the individual or family to stay for more than 14 days, and any oral statement from an individual or family

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B. C.
Category 3

seeking homeless assistance that is found to be credible shall be considered credible evidence for purposes of this clause; has no subsequent residence identified; and lacks the resources or support networks needed to obtain other permanent housing; and

f. unaccompanied youth and homeless families with children and youth defined as homeless under other Federal statutes who-A. have experienced a long term period without living independently in permanent housing, B. have experienced persistent instability as measured by frequent moves over such period, and C. can be expected to continue in such status for an extended period of time because of chronic disabilities, chronic physical health or mental health conditions, substance addiction, histories of domestic violence or childhood abuse, the presence of a child or youth with a disability, or multiple barriers to employment.

Category 4

2. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, any individual or family who is fleeing, or is attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions in the individual's or family's current housing situation, including where the health and safety of children are jeopardized, and who have no other residence and lack the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.

Exclusion

3. Exclusion Eligible persons do not include any individual imprisoned or otherwise detained pursuant to an Act of the Congress or a State law.

Definition of "At Risk" Individual or Family

An "at risk" individual or family is generally defined as follows:

Category 1

1. has family income below 30 percent of median income for the geographic area; 2. has insufficient resources immediately available to attain housing stability; and 3. meets one or more of the following criteria:
(i) has moved frequently because of economic reasons; (ii) is living in the home of another because of economic hardship; (iii) has been notified that their right to occupy their current housing or
living situation will be terminated; (iv) lives in a hotel or motel; (v) lives in severely overcrowded housing; (vi) is exiting an institution; or (vii) otherwise lives in housing that has characteristics associated with
instability and an increased risk of homelessness.

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Category 2
Such term includes all families with children and youth defined as homeless under other Federal statutes. Note that there are limits on expenses within this category in continuums where homelessness (sheltered and unsheltered) is 1/10 or more of 1% of the total population (reference CPD-12-001).
Category 3
This category includes children/youth who qualify as homeless under the Education for Children and Youth program (Section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Act) and the parents or guardians of that child/youth if living with him/her.
Definition of "Chronically Homeless" Individual or Family
The term `chronically homeless' means, with respect to an individual or family, that the individual or family:
1. is currently homeless and lives or resides in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or in an emergency shelter; and
2. has been homeless and living or residing in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or in an emergency shelter continuously for at least 1 year OR on at least 4 separate occasions in the last 3 years; and
3. has an adult head of household (or a minor head of household if no adult is present in the household) with a diagnosable substance use disorder, serious mental illness, developmental disability [as defined in section 102 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15002)], post traumatic stress disorder, cognitive impairments resulting from a brain injury, or chronic physical illness or disability, including the co-occurrence of 2 or more of those conditions
A person who currently lives or resides in an institutional care facility, including a jail, substance abuse or mental health treatment facility, hospital or other similar facility, and has resided there for fewer than 90 days shall be considered "chronically homeless" if such person met all of the requirements described above prior to entering that facility.
Definition of "Homeless Individual with a Disability"
The term `homeless individual with a disability' means an individual who is "homeless," as otherwise defined herein, and has a disability that -
1. meets all four of the following criteria:
a. is expected to be long-continuing or of indefinite duration; b. substantially impedes the individual's ability to live independently; c. could be improved by the provision of more suitable housing conditions; and d. is either
A. a physical, mental, or emotional impairment, including an impairment caused by alcohol or drug abuse, post traumatic stress disorder, or brain injury;
B. a developmental disability, as defined in section 102 of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15002); OR

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C. the disease of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any condition arising from the etiologic agency for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
For all ESG activities only "homeless persons" are eligible to receive benefits. Organizations receiving funds must maintain DCA-prescribed documentation to support benefit to homeless persons.
Method of Distribution
As a threshold consideration, all applicants must demonstrate how their housing or service programs directly serve persons who are "homeless," and demonstrate how the housing and services provided will improve housing stability for those persons. Applicants must describe homeless verification methods, and how the applicant will track outputs and outcomes (stable housing) for persons served.
Funds are available to nonprofit organizations (including community and faith-based organizations) and local government entities. Nonprofit organizations must demonstrate collaboration with local mainstream service providers and local homeless provider groups that are dedicated to housing and service interventions that serve persons experiencing homelessness. Applicants are expected to participate in continuum of care planning appropriate to the jurisdiction where their activities are located to the satisfaction of those jurisdiction(s).
According to Federal law and regulation, the term "private nonprofit organization" means a secular or religious organization described in section 501(c) of Title 26 that is exempt from taxation under Subtitle A, has an accounting system and a voluntary board, and practices nondiscrimination in the provision of assistance in a manner that is free from religious influences.
According to the State law, 'nonprofit organization' means any corporation, trust, association, cooperative, or other organization that is operated primarily for scientific, educational, service, charitable, or similar purposes in the public interest; is not organized primarily for profit; and uses its net proceeds to maintain, improve, or expand its operations. The term nonprofit organization includes nonprofit institutions of higher education and hospitals.
While all programs must be provided in a manner that is free from religious influences, it should be noted that the Georgia Constitution allows the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless to expend funds "... for programs of purely public charity for the homeless, including programs involving the participation of churches and religious institutions ...".
Under State law, DCA must collect and evaluate organizational and financial information from nonprofit organizations in order to establish the capacity of the nonprofit organization prior to making an award, and to report funding amounts to the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts.
Funding decisions will be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, those stated below in the "Rating and Selection" section. Thresholds for program consideration include, but are not limited to, meeting all three deadlines, the 501(c)(3) status for nonprofit agencies, the completeness of an application, the eligibility of the described population to be served, the "eligibility" of described activities, minimum

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criteria for organizational capacity, demonstrated need for the activities within the service area or continuum of care, HMIS participation and compliance with DCA's HMIS policy (excluding organizations that exclusively serve victims of domestic violence), response to any HMIS findings, past or projected performance, serious, recurrent, or outstanding compliance findings, application responsiveness to timeliness and information requested, as well as other relevant factors, as determined by DCA. Threshold considerations may also include any of the "Rating and Selection" criteria named in the section below. Programs that do not meet thresholds, as determined by DCA, will not be rated in accordance with the "Rating and Selection" criteria. Essential services funds may not be used to supplant existing services or to duplicate services currently available within the program service area, as determined by DCA.
DCA may conduct a site inspection during the review process for New Grantees. Limited ESG funds are not intended for start-up, and DCA wishes to avoid duplicative efforts. Generally, first time applicants are expected to have homeless programs established prior to participating in the application process.
Matching Requirements
All applicants must provide at least a 100% match consisting of documented nonMcKinney resources. In addition to cash, match may include the value of any lease on a building, the actual value of professional services, any salary paid to staff to carry out the program, and the value (use $5 per hour until further notice) of the time and services contributed by volunteers to carry out the program. DCA will update amount if new guidance is received from HUD.
Deadlines and Award Authority
Application guidelines were made available on February 20, 2012. Notices of Intent (NOI) were due to the State on March 2, 2012. Organizational Information was due on March 16, 2012 with applications due on April 16, 2012.
Applications submitted after any deadline established by DCA will not be considered for funding. The Commissioner of DCA or staff designated by the Commissioner shall have the authority to make awards from funds allocated by HUD for the ESG program.
Application Notice and Submission Requirements
DCA solicited information about application submission and application development workshops by e-mail from every person on its HTF "contacts" mailing list. Notices were also e-mailed to local government representatives, regional commissions, and other groups with local and regional interests. Notice was published on the DCA website, and all persons receiving notice were asked to share the notice with others within the state, their region or their community with an interest. Application development workshops were held in ten (10) locations around the state in February 2012.
Applications were submitted on online PDF formats provided by DCA. The applicants also provided required certifications and supporting documentation requested by DCA. Each applicant was required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of DCA that it is in compliance with Federal, State and local laws and regulations, and that it is capable of carrying out requested programs.

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Rating and Selection
The competition for funds included, but was not limited to, the threshold criteria named in the "Method of Distribution" section, as well as other considerations such as project location, participation in collaborative networks and planning processes, etc. Lower scoring applications may not be funded.
General funding decisions and funding amounts for Outreach, Shelter, Transitional Housing, Supportive Services, Homelessness Prevention, and/or Rapid Re-Housing proposal(s) will be based upon:
Past performance (outputs/outcomes); Past performance with DCA agreements, ESG law, ESG rules, Federal/state/local
laws, regulations, policies; Compliance and past performance with HMIS (excludes family violence
agencies); Need; Program strategy; The complexity or nature of the request; Organizational structure, operating processes, and capacity; The extent to which the organization operates under the authority of a diversified,
involved, volunteer, community-based board of directors; Professional management; The consistency of the organization's identity or its mission to the provision of
homeless services; The consistency to which the organization utilizes networks to avoid duplication
of housing and services; Participation in appropriate Continuums of Care; The presence and accuracy of financial management systems, accounts, funds,
reports, tax returns, etc.; Unrestricted financial resources available to the agency; Sound operating procedures, accounting policy and controls; and Organizational and financial policy, stability and capacity.
DCA staff will utilize a points system during application review to ensure that the limited pool of funding received is used in the most effective way possible. Individual scores by program may be assessed for:
Completeness of the grant application; Extent to which the applicant demonstrates an understanding of the new
HEARTH regulations and HUD priorities for the ESG program; Past performance including --
o monitoring compliance, o HMIS compliance, o bed utilization, and o the ability to meet reporting deadlines successfully; Strength of program design and implementation strategy. Applicants should use reputable data to describe need (homeless counts), clients served, local coordination, goals, outputs, outcomes, etc.); Procurement of outside resources;

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Extent to which programs result in increased housing stability / permanent housing outcomes for clients;
Organizational development and experience; Budgeting and financial reporting; Efficient and effective use of HMIS, adherence to HMIS policy and procedures,
and ability to deliver data of high quality; Adherence to DCA housing support standards; and Other relevant factors. Applicants requesting funds for multiple programs may receive funds for some,
but not all, programs. Extent to which program serves exclusively (100%) "homeless" persons; For services, the degree to which the application demonstrates that mainstream
services for transportation, childcare, mental health, addiction, etc. Are not available for the program; Consistency with local need, conformance to local plans, and service delivery strategy; Extent to which proposal meets priorities outlined in the Continuum of Care plan appropriate to the project (for Balance of State applicants, priorities may be set at the local or regional level); Other funding for programs available to the applicant from Federal, State and local government sources (SHP, CJCC, DHR, CDBG, etc.); Amount of funds requested, prior award amounts and prior utilization of funds; Degree of compliance demonstrated during DCA monitoring visits or in desk audits; Relative quality of housing or standards for services to be provided; Amount of funds requested; Level of service (numbers of persons, hours of service, etc.); Standard costs for housing and services; Value of applicant's contributions (cash and in-kind); Demonstrated ability of the agency to move homeless individuals into housing; or demonstrated ability of the organization to increase housing stability of homeless individuals; and Demonstrated ability of the agency to provide necessary services to homeless individuals or through documented MOU's or letters of agreement with other service providers.
In addition to all other federal, state and local laws and regulations, all activities must be implemented in full compliance with pertinent HUD ESG Program regulations published at 24 CFR 576, as amended.
Local Approval
Nonprofit organizations are eligible to receive funds only if such funding is approved by the local government jurisdiction where programs are based or where applicants control program sites (housing, service centers, etc.). Community-based state entities, local boards and authorities are not subject to the local approval requirement. Ultimate responsibility for local approval remains with the Applicant. This responsibility cannot be assigned by the Applicant.

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In issuing approval, the local government may use its discretion regarding the depth of each review. Factors that may be considered by local governments in granting approval might include participation in local provider networks, local Continuum of Care Planning, past performance, etc. Approval may also be subject to local codes and ordinances. Local approval subject to locally specified conditions is acceptable and welcomed by DCA, provided that the local government clearly authorizes DCA to proceed with funding. Applications that do not adequately address local approval may be denied or returned unprocessed.
Collaboration
Applicants are expected to participate in Continuums of Care (CoC) appropriate to their program(s). There are seven CoCs in Georgia. Applicants must also participate in coordinated outreach, intake, referral, and case management systems within their service area in order to provide, in conjunction with other providers, appropriate housing and supportive services to better enable homeless persons to achieve success and end their homelessness. The expectation is that each grantee or its community partner: a) assess consumer needs and barriers to housing; b) work to move homeless individuals into transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or other affordable housing appropriate to the needs of the consumer; c) document and track referrals to housing and service providers; and d) track participant progress and outcomes. Organizations will be required to document these efforts through DCA's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). This system is implemented by the Pathways Community Network. Family violence agencies may not participate in HMIS, but instead, should document these efforts through an alternative method. Grantees must also adhere to DCA's published Housing Support Standards (HSS). Information regarding these Standards and how to implement them can be found on the DCA website at the following link:
http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/HousingSupportStandards.asp
Minimum Compliance Criteria
Applications must be submitted on online PDF formats provided by DCA. The applicant must provide required certifications and provide all supporting documentation requested by DCA. Each applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of DCA that it complies with Federal, State and local laws and regulations, and that it is capable of carrying out applicable programs. All returning grantees must be in substantial compliance with existing DCA agreements. DCA reserves the right to sanction individuals and organizations with a history of non-compliance.
Funding
The State is expected to receive $4,082,742 for the FFY2012/SFY2013 HUD ESG program. With the addition of State funding, approximately $5.2 million dollars is expected to be available.
Of the $5.2 million dollars expected to be available for awards this year, DCA expects to make about $300,000 available for homelessness prevention and $2 million dollars available for rapid re-housing. DCA is expecting to make primary prevention and rehousing investments within its congressionally mandated 153-county balance of state ESG entitlement area. This area has been historically underserved. Based on the 2011 homeless census, approximately 8,000 persons were homeless within this 153 county

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area. Moreover, there is a congressional requirement to spend 40% of the total federal allotment of ESG on prevention and rapid re-housing activities.
General funding limits include:
Emergency Shelter, $50,000 per facility or $1,000/$500 per average family/person per night;
Transitional Housing, $20,000 per facility or $700/$300 per average family/person per night;
Essential Services, $75,000 per program (There are very limited funds available. Applicants are generally expected to request a much lower amount.);
Short- and Medium-Term Rental Assistance and Stabilization Services, guidance will be published with the application documents on or about March 7, 2012;
Project Homeless Connect, $ 2,000; and Street Outreach, $50,000 per program.
Monitoring
The State monitors participation to ensure compliance with the grant agreement, together with associated Federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances. The state, or its agent, reserves the right to monitor any grantee at any time. Monitoring concentration will include, but is not limited to, financial management, eligible beneficiaries, Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS), and the Housing Support Standards (HSS) implementation.
Current DCA policy, absent any other consideration, requires an initial on-site visit to each new grantee and at least one follow-up on-site visit every three years. Monitoring frequency will be determined by grant size, grant type, reporting issues, issues associated with reimbursement requests, and other factors deemed relevant by DCA. Grantees receiving an allocation for the first time must be monitored with an on-site visit before funds are drawn for the current contract year. Grantees are notified in advance of all onsite monitoring visits, but DCA personnel may not be `steered' by subgrantees in sampling of financial data, case files, etc. After each monitoring visit is complete, DCA sends each grantee correspondence documenting findings and/or concerns, project accomplishments, areas of deficiencies and technical assistance needs.
Performance Standards
DCA has established the primary goal of reducing the number of unsheltered homeless individuals and families in the Balance of State ESG entitlement. The information contained below outlines goals, strategies and performance measures to be utilized for all ESG sub-recipients.
Overall Goals
1. Reduce the number of unsheltered individuals and families, as established in the Homeless Point in Time Count, within the BoS ESG Entitlement by 1% each year. This goal will be achieved by placing emphasis on high utilization of emergency shelters and transitional housing beds. This will be measured in HMIS.

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a) Reduce length of stay for clients in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs in order to provide services to additional households. Length of stay should generally be no longer than 90 days for shelters and 1 year for Transitional Housing. This will be measured in HMIS.
b) Increase placements into permanent housing for homeless individuals and families from Emergency Shelter and Transitional housing by 5% each year. This will be measured in HMIS.
2. Prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless either unsheltered or sheltered, by 3% each year. Follow-up contacts will be made at 3 months and 6 months post discharge. This will be measured in HMIS.
3. Increase the percentage of individuals and families remaining in permanent housing for 3 months by 2% each year. This goal will be achieved by increasing income or access to mainstream benefits for program participants while in the ESG program. This will be measured in HMIS.
Performance Measurements
ESG programs with different eligible activities will require different assessment standards. A baseline for certain criteria, such as increase in cash and non- cash incomes over program enrollment, must first be established to measure performance. For categories with established baselines, standards are enumerated. DCA will review all available data annually to evaluate performance and adjust standards as appropriate.
*For each Emergency Shelter program, performance will be measured based on the following standards:
1. An overall bed utilization rate of 80%. 2. The average length of stay of the households served should be no longer than 60
days for those exiting to permanent destinations. 3. An increase in the percentage of discharged households that secure permanent
housing at exit by 5% each year. 4. An increase in the percentage of households that increase cash and non-cash
income during program enrollment.
For each Transitional Housing program, performance will be measured based on the following standards:
1. An overall bed utilization rate of 80%. 2. The average length of stay for households served should generally be no longer
than nine months for those exiting to permanent housing. 3. An increase in the percentage of discharged households that secured permanent
housing at exit by 5% each year. 4. An increase in the percentage of households that increase cash and non-cash
income during program enrollment.
For each Rapid Re-Housing program, performance will be measured based on the following standards:

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1. An increase in the percentage of discharged households that secured permanent housing at program exit by 2% each year.
2. An increase in the percentage of discharged households permanently housed three months after exit.
3. An increase in the percentage of households that increase cash and non-cash income during program enrollment.
For each Homeless Prevention program, performance will be measured based on the following standards:
1. An increase in the percentage of discharged households that maintained permanent housing at program exit by 3% each year.
2. An increase in the percentage of discharged households permanently housed three months after exit.
3. An increase in the percentage of households that increase cash and non-cash income during program enrollment.
For each Street Outreach program, performance will be measured based on the following standards:
1. An increase in the number of contacts with unduplicated individuals made during outreach.
2. An increase in the percentage of households that access emergency shelter or transitional housing.
3. An increase in the percentage of discharged households that access permanent housing.
4. An increase in the percentage of households that increase cash and non-cash income during program enrollment.
*Shelters serving the chronically homeless, or chemically dependent clients, or shelters with minimal barriers to entry may be held to different standards than other emergency shelters.

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HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS (HOPWA)

Method of Distribution

The Georgia Housing and Finance Authority (GHFA) is the recipient of the State's HOPWA allocation. GHFA contracts with DCA to administer the programs funded by the HOPWA allocation. The State anticipates receiving $2,019,428 from HUD to implement HOPWA activities. The HOPWA Program provides resources and incentives to devise long-term comprehensive strategies for meeting the housing needs of lowincome persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and persons in their family. HOPWA funding is provided as sub-granted to nonprofit agencies within the communities. These agencies make their own rules for programs, if such rules are within the scope of HOPWA regulations and guidance from HUD.

In Georgia, HUD provides HOPWA formula funds to two (2) other government entities in addition to DCA. The first and largest formula recipient in Georgia is the City of Atlanta. Atlanta receives a formula share for the Atlanta "Metropolitan Statistical Area" (MSA) and makes numerous sub-grants within twenty-eight (28) counties. Those counties include Barrow, Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Haralson, Heard, Henry, Jasper, Lamar, Meriwether, Newton, Paulding, Pickens, Pike, Rockdale, Spalding and Walton. In the Atlanta MSA, Living Room performs intake and assessment, and assists people living with HIV/AIDS and their families or partners to access housing and service programs. For more information, contact Living Room at (404) 616-6332 or Ms. Julie Canton at the City of Atlanta at (404) 330-6112 x 5062.

The smallest recipient is the Augusta-Richmond County government. Augusta-Richmond County receives a formula share for four (4) Augusta MSA counties, including Burke, Columbia, McDuffie and Richmond. For more information on Augusta's programs, contact Ms. Marie Young of Augusta-Richmond County at (706) 821-1797.

The State of Georgia currently funds seven (7) regional programs. Sponsors and areas covered are listed below.

Georgia HOPWA Project Sponsors and Area of Coverage

Sponsor Name AIDS Athens, Inc.

Regional Location
Athens

Contact Name Ms. Olivia Long olivia@AIDSathens.org

Phone (706) 542-2437

Central City AIDS Network, Inc. Comprehensive AIDS Resource Encounter, Inc. (CARE) Homeless Resource Network, Inc.
Living Room, Inc.

Macon

Mr. Michael Leon michael@rainbowcenter.us

(478) 750-8080

Jesup
Columbus Northeast Georgia

Ms. Arlene Mutchler arlene@jesupcare.com
Ms. Liz Dillard-Alcantara Liz@homelessresourcenetwork.org
Mr. Dolph Goldenburg dolph.goldenburg@livingroomatl.org

(912) 530-8078 (706) 571-3399 (404) 382-8982

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Lowndes Co. Board of Health (a/k/a South Health District 8-1) Union Mission, Inc. (Savannah)

Valdosta (South GA)
Savannah

Ms. Terri Ball teball@dhr.state.ga.us Ms. Letitia Robinson lrobinson@unionmission.org

(229) 245-8711 x207 (912) 544-1110

Compliance Criteria

Local government entities are eligible to apply for HOPWA funds. To the extent determined under State law by HTF and DCA, private, secular or faith-based nonprofit organizations are also eligible to apply for funds. Nonprofit organizations must demonstrate collaboration with local mainstream service providers and local homeless provider groups. Generally, it is the intent of the State to make all activities eligible under the HOPWA program, subject to the program purpose and eligible beneficiaries. Sponsor administrative costs are limited to 7% of the grant amount.

Grantees must comply with the HUD HOPWA Program Regulations at 24 CFR Part 574, as amended. Program requirements include, but are by no means limited to, the following:

1) Costs requested for reimbursement via automatic deposit by DCA must be "reasonable and justifiable," and are only eligible to the extent that they are consistent with the program approved by DCA.
2) All funds will be reimbursable to grantees based upon actual program expenses with supporting documentation (retained by grantee).
3) Expenses are only eligible to the extent that they benefit "eligible persons" under the HOPWA program, as defined herein.
4) Environmental - All grants are subject to environmental review in accordance with the federal regulations governing HOPWA programs.
5) All grants to non-profit organizations are subject to the administrative requirements and cost principals outlined in OMB Circulars A-110 and A-122. These requirements for local governments are outlined in 24 CFR, Part 85 and OMB Circular A-87.

Eligible Activities

Eligible activities are those named in current HUD regulations (24 CFR 574.300) for the HOPWA Program that include but are not limited to the following: housing, housing or fair housing information, acquisition, rehabilitation, limited new construction, rental assistance (including shared housing), homelessness prevention, supportive services (to include health, mental health, assessment, drug and alcohol, day care, personal assistance, nutritional services, etc.), general case management, housing operating subsidies, and technical assistance.

Selection Process

Applications will be solicited through a Notice of Funds Availability of State HOPWA Application Guidelines for the FFY2012/SFY2013 Program Year. This notice will be emailed to known HIV/AIDS service and housing providers, local governments, and other interested parties. Faith-based organizations have full access to the selection process. Applications must be submitted on forms provided by DCA. The applicant must also provide required certifications and provide all supporting documentation requested

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by DCA. Each applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of DCA that it is in compliance with Federal, State and local laws and regulations, and that it is capable of carrying out applicable programs. DCA may require additional information during the review process and applicants are expected to comply with these requests.
The application deadline is April 9, 2012. Funding announcements are expected by June 30, 2012 for applications that are complete when submitted on or before the April deadline.
Community Facilities, Off-site Housing Assistance, and Supportive Service funding decisions and funding amounts will be based upon the following factors: the availability of other HOPWA providers within the service area; the eligibility of described activities and populations to be served; meeting organizational capacity criteria; performance outcomes; consistency with local need, conformance to local plans, and service delivery strategy; extent to which the proposal meets priorities outlined in the Continuum of Care Plan appropriate to the project; other funding for programs available to the applicant from Federal, state and local government sources; amount of funds requested, prior award amounts and prior utilization of funds; degree of compliance demonstrated during DCA monitoring visits or in desk audits; relative quality of housing or standards for services to be provided; participation encouraged in the State's collaborative HMIS initiative (encouraged for HOPWA-only projects, but not "required"); level of service (numbers of persons, hours of service, etc.); applicant responsiveness to timeliness and information requests; standard costs for housing and services; and value of applicant's contributions (cash and in-kind).
Awards are made at the sole discretion of the DCA. Funding decisions are final and not subject to appeal. Applications must be approved by appropriate local government jurisdictions. Incomplete or ineligible applications, including applications that do not adequately address local approval(s) and consolidated plan certification(s), may be returned unprocessed.
Funding determinations under the HOPWA program are made using "threshold" method for selecting grantees. Applicants must meet a capacity test, and funding decisions for all nonprofit agencies shall also be based upon the following factors: the complexity or nature of the request; organizational development and capacity; the extent to which the organization operates under the authority of a diversified, involved, volunteer, community-based board of directors; professional management; the consistency of the organization's identity or its mission to the provision of HIV/AIDS (as applicable) services; the extent to which the organization utilizes networks to avoid duplication of housing and services; participation in appropriate Continuums of Care; sound operating procedures, accounting policy and controls; and organizational and financial policy, stability and capacity. An additional "threshold" measure applies under the HOPWA program. Under HOPWA, relative need is examined and new applicants are denied funding when they propose to duplicate services within a service area where HOPWA programs are already being carried out by eligible sponsors.
Funds will generally cover the period beginning on July 1, 2012 and ending on June 30, 2013. Agreements for development activities will require long-term commitments for continued service to HOPWA-eligible persons in accordance with HUD regulations. If

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all contract conditions are met, payments to recipient organizations will be made on a reimbursement basis. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis by DCA staff.
Each participant must report quarterly and annually on the actual units of service delivered, the number of persons served, and any other program performance data requested by DCA. Participants must also meet Federal, State financial, and other reporting requirements.
HOPWA grantees will be expected to provide performance information (goals and actual outputs) for all activities undertaken during the operating year supported with HOPWA funds. Performance is measured by the number of households and units of housing that were supported with HOPWA or other federal, state, local, or private funds for the purposes of providing housing assistance and support to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families. HOPWA grantees will also be expected to report the source(s) of cash or in-kind leveraged federal, state, local or private resources used in the delivery of the HOPWA program and the amount of leverage dollars.
All activities must be conducted in full compliance with program regulations published at 24 CFR 574, as well as all Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
In conjunction with entitlement communities, continuums of care, other partners throughout the State, and the Pathways Community Network, DCA will continue to support agency level implementation and use of HMIS via a HUD Supportive Housing Program grant for state-wide HMIS implementation. Grantees may only report in Pathways as that is the sole HMIS recognized by the State for its grantees.
All records created as a result of the submission of an Application to participate are subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act and the applicant expressly consents to such disclosure. The Applicant agrees to hold harmless the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless, the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs against all losses, costs, damages, expenses, and liability of any nature or kind (including but not limited to attorney's fees, litigation and court costs) directly or indirectly resulting from or arising out of the release of any information pertaining to the Applicant's submission of an Application and implementation of any activities as a result of funding under this program, pursuant to a request under the Georgia Open Records Act.
ESG and HOPWA grantees are strongly encouraged to document disability at first encounter as HUD places preference for persons with disabilities in its Continuum of Care programs. DCA's current disability verification format (required for DCA S+C programs) is on-line at the following link: http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/downloads/ShelterPlusCare/2_DC A_Disability_Verification_(REV09-06).doc.
In general, HUD defines a person with disabilities as a household composed of one or more persons at least one of whom is an adult who has a disability. (1) A person shall be considered to have a disability if he or she has a disability that: (i) Is expected to be longcontinuing or of indefinite duration; (ii) Substantially impedes the individual's ability to live independently; (iii) Could be improved by the provision of more suitable housing conditions; and (iv) Is a physical, mental, or emotional impairment, including an impairment caused by alcohol or drug abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, or brain

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injury. (2) A person will also be considered to have a disability if he or she has a developmental disability, as defined in this section. (3) A person will also be considered to have a disability if he or she has acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any conditions arising from the etiologic agent for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, including infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (4) Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this definition, the term person with disabilities includes two or more persons with disabilities living together, one or more such persons living with another person who is determined to be important to their care or well-being, and the surviving member or members of any household described in the first sentence of this definition who were living, in a unit assisted under this part, with the deceased member of the household at the time of his or her death. (In any event, with respect to the surviving member or members of a household, the right to rental assistance under this part will terminate at the end of the grant period under which the deceased member was a participant.)

Grant Award Limits
Operations, Housing Assistance, and Service Activities (other than development) - < $400,000 per year/organization *Funding is subject to need and availability of funds. The limits may be waived at the discretion of the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.
Administrative Overhead - Up to 3% of the federal allocation *Additional allocations may be made from funds recaptured from prior year obligations.

HOPWA Housing Goals

FFY2012 HOPWA HOUSING GOALS

Activities Short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance to prevent homelessness Tenant-based rental assistance

Households Assisted 224
93

Units provided in housing facilities that are

133

being developed, leased or operated with

HOPWA funds

Monitoring
DCA monitors the Grantee's participation in the Program to ensure compliance with program regulations promulgated by HUD at 24 CFR, Part 574 for HOPWA programs designed to benefit persons with HIV related needs. Effective oversight and monitoring recipients is an important function of DCA.

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Efforts connected with HOPWA continue to be strengthening existing programs through, in part, diversification of housing programs within sponsor agencies, and renewed and targeted monitoring efforts. Grantees receiving HOPWA funding, will receive an on-site monitoring visit each contract year. After each monitoring visit is complete, DCA will send each HOPWA Grantee correspondence documenting findings and/or concerns, project accomplishments, areas of deficiencies and technical assistance needs, which are highlighted in the report and serves to confirm issues discussed during the on-site monitoring review process and to give grantees notice of deficient areas requiring attention.
DCA relies upon thorough application review and reimbursement of funds expended in lieu of advancing funds. Desk audits are often performed at DCA to test compliance. Onsite monitoring, therefore, is largely limited to eligibility of beneficiaries and a comparison of program records with the programmatic claims of the applicant.

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HOMELESS & SPECIAL NEEDS ACTIVITIES
DCA is committed to serving individuals who are homeless and/or who have a mental, developmental or physical disability. The State will undertake programmatic activities to address the needs of the homeless and other special need groups. The State is committed to advancing the principles that people with disabilities and the aging population are served in the most appropriate integrated settings. Each program will accomplish one or more of the following actions:
Address the emergency, transitional housing, permanent housing, and supportive service needs of homeless individuals and families (including subpopulations);
Prevent low income individuals and families with children (especially those of extremely low income) from becoming homeless;
Help homeless persons make the transition to permanent affordable (independent living) or supportive housing;
Address the housing and supportive service needs of low income persons living with HIV/AIDS; or
Address the special needs of persons who are not homeless.
DCA Objectives and Action Steps
Through the preparation of the Balance of State (152 county) Continuum of Care plan, DCA enables local and state jurisdictions, housing authorities, and nonprofits (secular and faith-based) to apply for funding in support of transitional and permanent housing for 'homeless' persons as defined by HUD. DCA will continue to collaborate with local agencies in applying for federal funds to create programs that serve persons who are chronically homeless. Five objectives along with local action steps were identified as part of the 2011 Balance of State Continuum of Care plan:
1) As of January 2011, the Balance of State Continuum of Care had 275 beds in place that were reserved for individuals who are chronically homeless. An additional 87 beds reserved for the chronically homeless are under development and should be available by SFY 2012. New permanent housing beds for chronically homeless will be created through the following measures:
In the next 12 months, the CoC will set a target to ensure that 20 of the 49 chronic beds currently under development become available for occupancy. DCA has assigned a staff person who will be responsible for ensuring those projects with chronic beds that are currently in development will be become available for occupancy within the year. This staff person will also work with new projects to ensure they include the chronic population in their project planning.
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) has a Supportive Housing Director who is responsible for the sustainability of permanent supportive housing and ensuring appropriate services and training are available to projects to sustain and increase the beds for individuals and families who are chronically homeless. DBHDD has regional housing specialists and has increased the number of ACT teams in the State, and DBHDD has also been allocated funds that can be used for

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rental subsidy and bridge funding to allow for persons to find housing in the community as these individuals transition out of institutional placements and state psychiatric hospitals
DCA will work closely with the DBHDD to ensure appropriate services are available to permanent supportive housing developments to sustain and increase the beds for individuals and families who are chronically homeless.
2) Maintain or increase the percentage of homeless persons staying in permanent housing over 6 months to at least 72%. Based on an assessment of most recent APR data for CoC, 70% of residents in or leaving permanent housing in the past 12 months have been there or were there for over 6 months. The CoC will continue to monitor this statistic and will implement the following actions to assure continued success:
DCA monitors housing stability on a monthly basis and provides technical assistance to any agency with housing stability lower than 77%.
DCA will collaborate with DBHDD to ensure appropriate services are available.
DCA will continue to hold on-going technical assistance sessions and the biennial training conference for the Shelter Plus Care providers.
DCA will continue to spend time working with Shelter Plus Care providers on improving utilization and housing stability. DCA will also examine the systemic barriers to housing stability for this population and address through the Georgia State Interagency Homeless Coordination Council.
3) Ensure that the percentage of homeless persons moving from transitional housing to permanent housing is at least 75%. Based on CoC APR data, 79% of residents leaving transitional housing in the past 12 months moved to permanent housing. The CoC will continue to monitor this statistic and will implement the following actions to assure continued success:
DCA has implemented Housing Support Standards for all of its grantees, which focus on housing stability from the moment the family or individual enters the program and to set goals that move towards permanent housing as quickly as possible.
DCA will continue to monitor the housing stability of all HUD-funded transitional housing providers through the Continuum of Care projects and provide technical assistance to those agencies that fall below 65%.
DCA will hold several meetings with the Transitional Housing providers to discuss the challenges in meeting this goal and share best practices.
DCA will use the Barriers to Housing Stability Assessment data collected by all Transitional Providers and other HMIS data to identify any systemic barriers, which can be addressed through the Georgia Interagency Homeless Coordination Council.
4) Increase percentage of homeless persons employed at exit to at least 23%. Based on an assessment of ARP data, the CoC's service providers are successfully

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implementing this goal with 23% of homeless persons employed at exit. However, in order to maintain this success, DCA will implement the following actions:
DCA will continue to work closely with the Georgia Interagency Homeless Coordination Council and the Department of Labor to provide linkages between homeless service providers and career/workforce services.
DCA will provide technical assistance to agencies that have low rates of participants employed at program exit to create linkages to mainstream and specialized employment agencies.
DCA will work with the DBHDD to educate permanent supportive housing providers about the supported employment opportunities available for individuals with disabilities.
5) Decrease the number of homeless households with children. The recent statewide count estimated that within the Balance of State Continuum of Care counties alone, more than 1,145 households were homeless on any one night. In order to reduce this number, DCA will implement the following actions:
As the ARRA Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program is phased out, DCA will work to continue this accessibility with the transition to prevention and rapid re-housing under the Emergency Solutions Grant program.
DCA will continue to strengthen connections with regional providers, such as Community Action Agencies, to ensure that all counties within the Continuum have access to prevention and rapid re-housing resources. DCA will also provide training and technical assistance to shelter and housing providers on the rapid re-housing model.
DCA funded programs are required to follow Housing Support Standards which place an emphasis on setting goals targeted toward ending homelessness as quickly as possible and connecting families with mainstream services.
The Georgia Interagency Homeless Coordination Council has a Family and Child Homelessness subcommittee and goals to work on decreasing the number of homeless families statewide through state agency partnerships and policy change.
All DCA and HUD-funded agencies in the Continuum are required to complete the Barriers to Housing Stability at entry. This data will be used to identify systemic barriers that can be addressed through the Georgia Interagency Homeless Coordination Council.

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The numbers below represents the information submitted to HUD in the 2011 Continuum of Care (CoC) application. The numbers reflect data for the 152 counties covered in the Balance of State Continuum of Care and does not include data for the other seven Continua of Care as those numbers are submitted in the local consolidated planning documents of those communities.

Housing, Homeless and Special Needs Population Housing Needs

Household Type

Elderly Renter

Small Renter

Large Renter

Other Renter

Total Renter

Owner Total

0 30% of MFI % Any housing problem
% Cost burden > 30 % Cost Burden > 50 31 - 50% of MFI % Any housing problem

45,839 58%
19% 36% 25,198 50%

79,707 77%
13% 50% 65,594 68%

21,906 89%

71,560 70%

219,012 146,515 365,527

72%

69%

71%

8% 23% 19,663 79%

9% 57% 46,582 78%

13% 47% 157,037 70%

16% 47% 160,830 55%

14% 47% 317,867 62%

% Cost burden > 30 % Cost Burden > 50 51 - 80% of MFI % Any housing problem

29% 18% 17,022 36%

43% 14% 93,318 32%

20% 4% 26,906 59%

45% 30% 78,515 42%

38% 18% 215,761 40%

23% 27% 303,202 42%

30% 23% 518,963 41%

% Cost burden > 30

25%

22%

6%

36%

25%

27%

26%

% Cost Burden > 50

7%

1%

.4%

3%

2%

10%

6%

Special Notes: HUD's adjusted median family incomes (MFI) are estimated for a family of four. HUD defines "any housing problems" as cost burden greater than 30% of income and/or overcrowding and/or without complete kitchen or plumbing facilities.

Homeless Continuum of Care: Housing Gaps Analysis Chart

Individuals

Beds

Emergency Shelter Transitional Housing Permanent Supportive Housing Total

Persons in Families with Children

Beds

Emergency Shelter Transitional Housing Permanent Supportive Housing Total

Current Inventory
in 2011

Under Development in
2011

Unmet Need Gap

747

0

276

0

865

16

1888

16

1,688 964 1,861 4,513

784

0

469

1257

8

191

869

20

272

2910

28

932

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The State's CoC includes eleven (11) of Georgia's twenty-two (22) entitlement communities. For sheltered homeless, many of the shelters, transitional facilities and permanent supportive facilities in the Georgia Balance of State CoC inventory are funded directly by DCA, the applicable housing authority, or they receive funding through the CoC. DCA grantees are required to track the persons in their beds using the State's Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). In addition, DCA, in partnership with local communities and Kennesaw State University, conduct a service-based count every other year of individuals and families who are homeless which is used to create an estimate of the statewide prevalence of homelessness.
Continuum of Care: Homeless Population and Subpopulations Chart

Part 1: Homeless Population

Sheltered

Unsheltered

Emergency Transitional

Total

1. Homeless Individuals 2. Homeless Families with Children
2a. Persons in Homeless Families with Children
Total (lines 1 + 2a)
Part 2: Homeless Subpopulations

534

153

205

362

571

1,031

1,105

1,184

Sheltered

5,800 447 1,412
7,212 Unsheltered

6,487 1,014 3,014
9,501 Total

1. Chronically Homeless

145

2. Seriously Mentally Ill

100

3. Chronic Substance Abuse

171

4. Veterans

49

5. Persons with HIV/AIDS

49

6. Victims of Domestic Violence

882

7. Youth

0

1,447 941 2,612 635 153 1,047
82

1,592 1,041 2,783 684 202 1,929
82

DCA Programs and Services

DCA, through both federal and state resources, will implement the following programs during SFY2013 specifically targeted to benefit the homeless and other special need groups:

Implement Georgia's ESG program. Implement Georgia's HOPWA program. Partner with Shelter Plus Care sponsors in the Continuum of Care process to
provide resources for the State's homeless persons with disabilities who need permanent supportive housing; Provide technical assistance to the State's supportive housing providers through the provision of specific assistance targeted to the needs of each organization (technology, professional services, on-site visits by DCA staff, etc.) and through Project Homeless Connect events funded by DCA and by local agencies across the state. Continue implementation of the State's Continuum of Care Plan that outlines a delivery system to meet the affordable housing and service needs for the 152 county area covered by the Balance of State Continuum of Care. This plan also will enable providers from across Georgia to access funding through HUD's Homeless SuperNOFA process and will guide the state's future efforts to serve the needs of homeless Georgians. Participate in many mainstream homeless/special needs housing planning efforts throughout the state, as follows: Local and regional coalitions or workgroups, such as United Way of Metro Atlanta, Metro Atlanta Housing Forum, the

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Supportive Housing Committee of the Atlanta Regional Commission, the (Atlanta) Homeless Action Group, and local coalitions in Dalton, Athens, Macon, Savannah, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett and others; state organizations and workgroups; state agencies and workgroups such as the Georgia Interagency Homeless Coordination Council, Georgia Supported Housing Association, Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness, Georgia State Trade Association of Nonprofit Developers, Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, FEMA Emergency Food and Shelter Program distribution committee, local VA organizations sponsoring "stand downs," DBHDD and DHS workgroups (mental health, developmental disabilities, substance abuse, youth, etc.), and others; and in each of the state's local Continuums of Care. Continue to coordinate the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in partnership with local Continuums of Care and through a contract with Pathways Community Network to create a single tracking system of information on referrals and services provided to the homeless.
Housing and Supportive Service Needs for Non-Homeless Households
The State will continue to provide housing and supportive services to the special need population (elderly, frail elderly, persons with disabilities, person with HIV/AIDS, and persons with substance abuse problems) through the distribution methods described for the HOME, CDBG, ESG and HOPWA programs.
During SFY2012, DCA completed a Strategic Housing Plan that provides a list of specific strategies to be undertaken to assist in the transition of individuals with disabilities covered under the State's Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice or under the Money Follows the Person Initiative. These strategies for SFY2013 include:
Providing rental assistance through DCA's Housing Choice Voucher program to 500 individuals.
Providing rental assistance through the HOME Program to 25 individuals eligible under the Money Follows the Person Initiative.
Submitting an application for funding under HUD's Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Program.
Ending Chronic Homelessness Action Steps
The State has developed Housing Support Standards (HSS) to ensure that the services provided by all DCA grantees meet a basic standard of care. These standards are not comprehensive nor are they meant to replace standards and guidelines required by licensing agencies. However, the State's objective is to reduce across Georgia the amount of time participants experience homelessness and increase housing stability as individuals and households move through the continuum of care. DCA utilizes state funding to continue the implementation of its Continuum of Care Plan that includes the HUD Shelter Plus Care (S+C) program to implement a permanent supportive housing solution to prevent and eliminate homelessness.
In 2004, the Interagency Homeless Coordination Council was formed to coordinate the various initiatives provided by the agencies working together to end homelessness. Additionally, the Council is continuously working on solutions to eliminate discharged clients back into homeless situations and improve the coordination efforts between the State agencies to expedite the client's accessibility and eligibility to social security benefits.

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Institutional Discharge Coordination
DCA continues to evaluate discharge policies across the State to prevent inappropriate discharge to unstable places, and to prevent the recurrence of homelessness. Increased awareness of discharge policies throughout the state and gathered data regarding the discharged clients' destinations provided this insight toward preventive action needs. All grantees of ESG funds are required to follow the HUD eligibility guidelines regarding individuals and families being discharged from institutions to receive homeless services.
Through the work with the Georgia Interagency Homeless Coordination Council and collaboration with particular agencies, the Council has worked on several initiatives to minimize the discharge of individuals from institutions into homelessness. One of the goals of the State Plan to End Homelessness is to develop and adopt state policies to end the discharge of institutionalized individuals (to include discharge from correction facilities, public health or mental hospitals, treatment facilities, foster care, or juvenile justice programs) directly to homeless facilities which are unprepared and unable to meet the supportive service needs of the individual. The council includes representation from the Department of Corrections, State Board of Pardons and Parole, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, and the Department of Community Health. In addition, DCA collaborates with both the Department of Corrections and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities on two projects designed to transition individuals into the community from institutions. The discharge protocols for the state are as follows
Foster Care:
If a youth in care reaches 18 and is unable to transition to independent living or be reunited with their family, they have the option of signing a "Consent to Remain in Foster Care." This allows the youth to stay in the foster care system until such time that they are able to live independently or until the time that they are 24 years of age. In addition, youth in foster care are assigned an Independent Living Coordinator and work with staff to develop a Written Transitional Living Plan.
Health Care:
The Money Follows the Person Grant Initiative being implemented by the Department of Community Health (DCH) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to transition and discharge 1,312 individuals from institutions to the community. Populations include older adults, adults and children with physical disabilities and/or Traumatic Brain Injury, and adults or children with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities. The goal is to transition individuals from nursing facilities, hospitals and/or Intermediate Care Facilities for Mental Retardation (ICF-MR) to qualified community residences and rebalance the long-term care system by offering enhanced transition services for 12 months for qualified persons transitioning from a qualified institution to a qualified community-setting. MFP policy changes allow for the cost of home modifications to be made such that persons with accessibility issues can have the proper modification performed to reduce barriers to community-based and integrated placements. DCA assisted multiple housing authorities in 2010 to respond to the HUD NOFA for NonElderly Housing Choice Voucher for Persons with Disabilities with the Decatur Housing Authority being awarded 35 HCVs specifically for MFP participants. DCA continues to work with this housing authority and other state agencies to ensure effective implementation of this assistance.
Mental Health:

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Georgia signed an Agreement in October 2010 with the U.S. Department of Justice to provide for more community based housing and supported services to persons with mental illness and persons with developmental disabilities. As a result, DBHDD is working to expand collaborative relationships with other state agencies and service providers to develop appropriate services and housing options to meet the needs of these individuals. The Settlement Agreement highlights specific targeted outcome measures for compliance in each of the five years included in the agreement.
Currently, DBHDD operates six (6) regional state psychiatric hospitals. One of the State hospitals, Northwest Regional Hospital in Rome was closed with all of the individuals having been moved to other community-based settings that were appropriate based on their needs. DCA, in collaboration with the DBHDD and the Department of Community Health, the State Medicaid agency, are exploring protocols to promote surrounding best practices for utilizing Medicaid waivers in the most cost effective way to provide housing-based support services for individuals that need supportive housing in the community.
In lieu of federal resources to meet this housing need for persons with disabilities that fall under the Settlement Agreement, the State legislature allocated State funds that could be used for rental subsidy and bridge funding to allow for these individuals to find housing in the community. These funds were to be used as a last resource when federal funds were not available, but, due to limited capacity in DCA's housing choice voucher program, there has been an increasing need to use these state funds for person who are transitioning out of institutional placements and state psychiatric hospitals. The U.S. Department of Justice Settlement Agreement with Georgia dictated that 100 persons would be placed in community integrated housing by June 30, 2011, an additional 400 by June 30, 2012, and a total of 2,000 placed by 2015. State allocated funds have been appropriated by the legislature to provide supportive housing options for persons being discharged from institutional facilities and State-operated psychiatric hospitals. The allocation of State-funded resources is scheduled to continue through SFY2015.
DCA has been working with partners at other State agencies as well as the Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc. (TAC) to develop a strategy to meet the terms and conditions of the Settlement Agreement. Among the other State agencies involved are the Departments of Community Health and Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. A Steering Committee of those departments along with the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget will begin meeting quarterly in 2012 to work toward aligning policy objectives, establishing budget requests for joint initiatives, and addressing common agency issues. Several strategies have been developed to improve access to housing for the persons with disabilities covered under the Settlement Program. These strategies are listed below along with projected numbers to be served during State Fiscal Year 2013.
DCA Housing Choice Voucher Set-Aside-500 vouchers Shelter Plus Care Sponsor-based Expansion-To be determined Section 811 Project-based Rental Assistance Funding-150 units Marketing of Tax Credit Units to Populations with Disabilities-To be
determined HOME Tenant-based Rental Assistance-25 households Outreach to Other Public Housing Agencies-To be determined

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DCA offers a housing search web site, www.GeorgiaHousingSearch.org with the goal of improving efficiency and access to affordable housing across the state. Discharge planners for institutionalized persons, service providers for the homeless, as well as the public can use this service to find rental housing units based on price, numbers of bedrooms, available amenities, access to mass transportation, and accessibility features available. The housing search site also offers a Special Needs Housing Search feature, which has assisted Georgia caseworkers in locating housing for hundreds of traditionally hard-to-place clients. There will be additional emphasis on having provider agencies become registered users for this feature on the GHS. This feature has resulted in an incredible variety of scattered-site special-needs housing, giving tenants and property providers options that were just not available prior to the service being available to Georgia's non-profit community. The web site lists 150,000 units listed and averages over 7,500 searches a day.
DCA developed language for the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), which set forth the policies regarding the allocation of federal and state tax credits for the development of affordable rental housing that would give developers an incentive to develop rental units targeted to special needs tenants, including persons with mental disabilities.
DBHDD Continuity of Care Transition Planning Guidance is provided to all State mental health hospitals. The hospitals develop a Transition Plan for all individuals being discharged that addresses the needed services including housing and residential supports. Staff conducts assessments to identify those individuals that are at risk of readmission, including whether or not they have been or will be homeless. Staff and community providers identify services that will address these needs and determine how services will be made available. Transition planning begins at admission including linking individuals up with community-based service providers. Regional coordinators oversee the Continuity of Care planning and assure that collaboration is occurring between hospitals and community based providers. A Person Centered Transition Plan provides for receipt of appropriate community services at discharge.
Corrections:
DCA, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Department of Corrections have jointly implemented the "Re-Entry Housing Partnership" (RHP) program. DCA is the lead fiscal agent, and Pardons and Paroles have hired a full-time discharge planner dedicated to the program. The RHP program is designed to assist parolees with housing placement, meals and services in the absence of stable family, friends, or resources for housing at the time of parole. This program prevents the inappropriate discharge of parolees that often leads directly to homelessness. Currently, over 600 parolees have been placed and as the program continues to expand, it is believed that cost savings can be sustained by effective parole supervision and intervention. During the last fiscal year, 261 parolees were placed. If these offenders had not been released, it would have cost the State an additional $27 million to incarcerate them until they were discharged from prison. Even with the cost of parole supervision of $4.08 a day, the net savings to the State equals $21 million.
The DHS Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) is working to break the cycle of homelessness. A new initiative trains police officers to support pre-booking diversion of persons with severe mental illness into treatment. This way, persons retain their housing without cycling through jails/prisons and back onto the street. The National Alliance on Mental

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Illness (NAMI) is a primary partner. Over 1,500 law enforcement officers across Georgia have been trained.

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OTHER ACTIONS
Obstacles to Meet Underserved Needs
The State is committed to addressing the accessibility obstacles that prevent underserved persons from obtaining decent and affordable housing in their local communities. The special needs population must overcome additional obstacles to obtain and maintain affordable housing. The Housing Trust Fund and the HOPWA programs provide a variety of options for nonprofit and advocacy organizations to focus on the needs of persons with disabilities and opens the opportunity to work collaboratively with other agencies to meet the priorities. The State will respond to underserved needs as they are identified, either through self-evaluation or citizen participation.
The Re-Entry Partnership Housing Program (RPHP) is an excellent example of a program that addresses the need of released offenders who have no alternative residential options. The program provides short-term financial assistance to the individual to stabilize the reintegration process back into society by giving them food and shelter. The eligible activities under this program have now been incorporated into the Emergency Solutions Grant Program for future funding.
It is clear that there continues to be an insufficient supply of all types of affordable housing (targeted to working families to service-enriched housing for special needs populations likely to experience chronic homelessness). The State continues to pursue all available sources of funding for affordable housing activities to reduce the gaps and barriers to affordable housing such as the lack of fair housing policies and accessibility to transitional housing options. In addition, the State educates property owners, housing agencies, and citizens about fair housing laws.
Maintain Affordable Housing
The State continues to play an important part in helping communities address their housing needs. All of the programs administered by the State focus on fostering and maintaining affordable housing opportunities. The State continues to leverage all the available funding sources (mortgage revenue bonds, the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits and Georgia Housing Tax Credits, and other non-federal resources) to accomplish the affordable housing objectives. In addition, the Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless funding is aimed to continue the efforts of service providers to assist the homeless and individuals with disabilities.
The State's Rental Housing Loan program is a major activity offered to affordable housing that requires all units be listed on the GeorgiaHousingSearch.org website.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC)
The LIHTC program works well together with the HOME program to fund rental housing projects around the state. The State monitors the recipient's compliance with federal and state regulations and procedures. Each grantee of tax credits is obligated to adhere to the State's requirements: attend the compliance-training seminar, submit occupancy status reports, and maintain the property and prepare for the annual site visit.

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Barriers to Affordable Housing
Georgia has a strong commitment to making decent affordable housing available to all residents. There are many programs established to meet a significant portion of the housing needs throughout the state. The State is fortunate that growth has been consistent in the past year until most recently due to the financial crisis. Nevertheless, the State has been proactive with implementing housing programs to facilitate access to available resources.
The Georgia Planning Act requires jurisdictions to regularly examine housing related issues to make the necessary adjustments to address the barriers. Most of these actions are identified in the adopted Fair Housing Plan and implementation actions of the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.
To eliminate the affordable housing barriers, the State will continue to move in the directions to meet the needs of families in need for the federal programs offered to make their lives more enjoyable. Those steps include, but are not limited to the list below:
Collaborate with the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, an advocacy group for individuals with physical disabilities and other nonprofit organizations to eliminate the barriers to purchasing a home and to improve access to affordable rental housing across the State.
Promote homeownership awareness to Georgians interested in purchasing their homes and collaborate with a number of housing counseling agencies that work with specific non-English speaking populations to ensure their clients have access to this information as well.
Collaborate with nonprofit agencies, lenders, and mortgage insurance companies who offer borrowers an opportunity to reduce cost and become successful homeowners.
Implement the Continuum of Care Plan to provide a strong delivery system to meet the affordable housing and service needs of the state's homeless population.
Continue the collaboration with the 11 local public housing authorities (Americus, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Brunswick, Columbus, Decatur, DeKalb, Hinesville, Macon and Marietta) to improve the services administered by National Housing Compliance. f/k/a Georgia HAP Administrators (GHA), Inc., which performs contractual services to oversee the Housing Choice Voucher Program. This contract will be rebid in 2012 with applications due in June and a decision on future administration expected by the end of August.
Market to builders and developers DCA's initiative on creating aesthetically built homes and how to reduce cost to make it affordable to qualified home buyers.
Reduction of Lead-Based Paint Hazards
Any home built prior to 1978 is considered to be at risk of containing some amount of lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards. The State is committed to ensure that recipients of HOME, CDBG, and ESG funds administer programs that adequately limit the risks associated with lead-based paints. If funded, applicants receive additional information on dealing with lead based paint hazards and ongoing technical assistance throughout the project to reduce or eliminate the risk associated with lead-based paint hazards. Both the CDBG and HOME programs allow funds to be used to assist with the

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cost of lead-based paint removal activities, depending upon the type of activity being funded.
The State requires that contractors performing renovation, repairs painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in the home, child care facilities, and schools be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. The State provides to the owners and occupants a lead pamphlet, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home before starting renovation work. A signed confirmation of receipt of lead pamphlet from the owner and occupants or mail/deliver the pamphlet to owner seven (7) days before renovation begins and document with the certificate of mailing from the post office or a self-certification of delivery. For work in common areas of multi-family housing, the State distributes renovation notices to tenants. The State retains all the records for three years after renovation is completed.
The State is a member of the advisory committee for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) through the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (GCLPPP). The committee serves as a point of coordination for the integration of lead hazard reduction into housing policies and programs.
DCA has been instrumental in assisting to residents, developers, local governments, and service agencies to develop an effective elimination plan. The plan's objective is to establish partnerships with community development and housing agencies, to identify financial resources for controlling lead hazards, and to serve proactively in an advocacy role with local housing and community development agencies.
The Department of Human Services administers other lead poisoning prevention programs, including statewide lead poisoning surveillance system that incorporates electronic reporting of all blood lead levels, health education awareness programs, and implemented the revised Case Management and Follow up Guidelines treatment manual.
Additional information about lead-based abatement is available in through the federal Environmental Protection Agency, HUD, and the National Paint and Coating Association at www.leadsafetraining.org or the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at www.epa.gov/lead.
Anti-Poverty Level Family Strategy
In 2011, Georgia continued to experience an increase in the poverty rate of its citizens and this rate exceeded the national average according to U.S. Census figures. This trend has continued since the beginning of the recession in 2006. Between 2006-2007 and 2008-2009, Georgia's poverty rate went from 13.1% to 16.9%. By comparison, the national poverty rate in 2009 was 14.3% which was up from 13.2% in 2008. Between 2009 and 2011, Georgia's poverty rate increased by 1.8% bringing it to 18.7%. Georgia's rate in 2011 was the third highest of all states behind only Mississippi and Louisiana. The national rate in 2011 was 3.6% lower at 15.1%. The poverty rate in 2011 for a single individual is $11,139 and $22,314 for a family of four.
While some states and localities are beginning to see some signs of improvement, the rate of recovery has been slow in Georgia according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In October 2010, there were a total of 3,833,400 Georgians employed. In October 2011, this figure had dropped to 3,800,100, a decrease of 33,300 jobs over the 12-month period. Georgia was one of only five states that had a net increase in job losses and led the nation in the total number of jobs lost during this time period. As of October

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2011, the nation unemployment rate was 9.0% and Georgia's was 10.2%. Georgia's number translates into a total of 483,605 persons who are unemployed.
Many reasons and contributing factors affect Georgia's economic status but the impact on Georgia's families is undeniable. Home foreclosures continue to be a huge problem and many of Georgia's homeowners have mortgages higher than what their homes are worth. The number of Georgia's families drawing food stamps in 2011 is up 14% from 2010. A total of 19.4% of all Georgians have no health insurance, a figure that is 3 points higher than the percentage found for all U.S families. Many of those who are now poor or are living in poverty are not just those who are homeless but also included are those who were once middle class working individuals. It is the goal of the State to assist families facing the hardship of poverty by improving their standard of living resulting in substandard or overcrowded housing, lack of jobs and deteriorated neighborhoods. The State is committed to providing funding to enhance employment incentive programs to create or retain jobs for low-income persons through job training. The Technical College System of Georgia (formerly Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education DTAE) offers easy access to a number of programs including technical education, customized business and industry training, and adult education classes. DTAE works with local business and education partners to bring a unified system of educational programs that provide a broad range of career opportunities.
The University of Georgia's Fanning Institute and Georgia Municipal Association host the annual Professional Development Day program that gives certification-training credits for participating in career-related training after passing a written examination. The Georgia Appalachian Center for Higher Education (GACHE) Advisory Board awards competitive grants to high schools located in Georgia's Appalachian Regional Commission-designated counties. The grants will provide schools with resources to enable them to continue to increase their graduation and college-going rates.
The State coordinates the Housing Tax Credit Program with public housing authorities' HOPE VI projects to assist with empowering family self-sufficiency. In addition, the Housing Choice Voucher program provides local organizations to opportunity to offer job training, childcare, counseling, transportation and job placement decrease the growth rate of poverty in Georgia.
Develop the Institutional Structure
The State will undertake efforts to collaborate with a diverse number of entities from private industry, non-profit organizations and public institutions in carrying out the activities in the Action Plan. The State supports other agency's policies and programs that support decent affordable housing, services for the homeless, and other non-housing community development activities. The State's responsibility is to participate in various working groups, committees, and teams to promote developing and enhancing institutional structure.
The State's overall objective to provide incentive for institutional collaboration and sustainability include:
Work with the DBHDD, and the Department of Human Services to develop permanent supportive housing opportunities and the Georgia Interagency Homeless Coordination Council to promote the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) process to help persons with disabilities obtain social security disability financial assistance and benefits.

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Work with the DBHDD and other entities to implement programs and projects to provide community housing and supportive services to individuals coming out of institutions as part of the Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Participate in the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing series of retreat sessions to receive direct technical assistance to enable communities to address housing needs. These retreats provide the communities participating in the three-year program an opportunity to learn how to use code enforcement, the state's urban redevelopment law, land banks, and other techniques to further their housing goals.
Partner with Hands On Georgia to use volunteers to transform communities and engage citizens in service and help to build infrastructure for sustainable programming to recruit, train and manage volunteers in local communities.
Many private housing developers utilize the Housing Tax Credit Program as well as other federal and state housing programs for the development of affordable rental housing across the state. This program has played a major role with increasing the number of affordable rental housing units throughout the state for low-income families. In addition, developers have constructed and built several single-family homes for families interested in homeownership and have developed a working relationship with many preferred lending institutions.
Actions to Enhance Coordination
The State strongly favors the formation and maintenance of cooperative partnerships. The State's efforts to enhance coordination between these partners will include:
Public and Private Housing
Participate in various forums and networks from across the state addressing affordable housing, homelessness or special needs housing.
Support training sessions and workshops sponsored through the University of Georgia for local elected officials that are member of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) to ensure that counties have the essential leadership tools to meet the health, safety and welfare needs of their residents.
Join forces with the Georgia Municipal Association and the University of Georgia's Housing and Demographics Research Center to offer communities a three-year program of assistance to create a local housing strategy.
Social Service Agencies
Collaborate with the DBHDD through the Georgia Mental Health Planning Council to continue to provide resources and services to the chronically homelessness.
Serve as the lead agency of the Georgia Interagency Homeless Coordination Council, which works to eliminate discharging clients back into homeless situations and improve accessibility to resources and services to end homelessness.
Participate in local and regional housing forums facilitated by the Atlanta Regional Commission and participates in the meetings sponsored by the Georgia State Trade Association of Not-For-Profit Developers (GSTAND), Supportive Housing Subcommittee of the Atlanta Regional Commission on Homelessness, and the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities.

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Collaborate with the Regional Commission on Homelessness and the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta to plan opportunities to end chronic homelessness and to identify best practices to replicate on the local level.
Community & Economic Development

Attend the Office of Downtown Development three-day workshop offered to local communities to provide an overview of the program requirements for the Business Improvement Districts (BID), Community Improvement Districts (CIDs), and Tax Allocation Districts (TAD).
Collaborate with the Conserve Georgia, a statewide multi-agency, focusing on marketing and educating the public on the conservation efforts throughout the state to preserve natural resources: energy, land, and water.

Serve as a member on the OneGeorgia Authority to enhance regional competitiveness by offering grants and loans to create jobs and stimulate new private investment.

Public Housing Resident Initiatives

The State does not own, operate or manage public housing units and this is not likely to change. The State does coordinate efforts with public housing authorities to extend possible assistance and is interested in efforts to increase residents' involvement in public housing management and provide them with expanded homeownership opportunities.

Public housing authorities implement a large portion of Georgia's housing assistance effort. Local governments have created 202 PHAs, providing public housing. Seventeen PHAs offer Housing Choice Vouchers rental subsidies. PHAs utilize funds from public housing rent receipts, federal subsidies from HUD and proceeds from bond issues for some development costs. Georgia's housing authorities and agencies manage over 100,000 dwelling units, and serve over a quarter million of Georgia's low income citizens. Finally, the State reviews PHAs outside the metro entitlement jurisdictions and prepares the Certificate of Consistency documents.
Troubled Public Housing Authorities

Local public housing authorities (PHAs) are established through the auspices of local government, subject to state enabling legislation. The HUD Office of Public and Indian Housing (OPIH) uses a scoring system by which it can determine if a housing authority is "troubled". DCA periodically contacts the OPIH Field Office in Atlanta to obtain an updated list of troubled authorities in the state. OPIH can establish a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with each troubled PHA that establishes a program that will enable them to resolve their issues.

Upon consultation with the OPIH, a determination is made whether or not State assistance is necessary to assist a troubled PHA. In the event that an authority whose service area is not entirely contained within a locality that must prepare a consolidated plan is determined to be troubled, DCA would be prepared to offer technical assistance. This would be offered upon the request of the local public housing authority and would focus on those areas of deficiency contributing to the designation with the intention of assisting in removing the designation.

In late 2011, OPIH indicated that there were ten qualifying PHAs that met this criterion and had a "troubled" status. Three of these PHAs(Hawkinsville, Manchester, and Byron) are no longer considered "troubled" but are still completing their MOAs. Three more

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PHAs (Sparta, Mt. Vernon, and Gibson) are currently operating under their MOAs and being monitored by HUD. The Milledgeville PHA is currently developing its MOA and three others (McRae, Newnan, and Senoia) were just recently designated as "troubled."
Changes to the Plan
During SFY2011, HUD renamed the Emergency Shelter Grant Program to "Emergency Solutions Grant" Program (ESG). On November 15, 2011, HUD released the interim regulation for the new Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program and the corresponding amendments to the Consolidated Plan regulations. The interim regulations will be effective 30 days after they are published in the Federal Register. The State is in the process of reviewing all changes to the program outlined in the regulation and incorporating them into the ESG Program.
With the State's settlement of the Olmstead case with the U.S. Department of Justice, a strategic plan is being developed that will allow the State to meet the benchmarks for the total numbers to be served as outlined in the settlement. All HUD programs will be considered as potential funding sources to assist in meeting this benchmark. The State's strategic plan to meet these requirements should be ready in the first quarter of 2012.
IMPEDIMENTS TO FAIR HOUSING CHOICE
The State pro-actively assesses fair housing choice in its community and the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) builds on the analysis from regional research to ensure that all residents have equal access to housing choices. The Georgia General Assembly established a neutral administrative agency, the State of Georgia Civil Rights Department & Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity (GCRD-GCEO), in order to govern and enforce the administration of Georgia Fair Housing Law. GCRD-GCEO receives, investigates and enforces any unlawful discrimination occurring throughout the State of Georgia in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommodations.
According to HUD, impediments of fair housing choice include actions or omissions in the state that constitute violations of the Fair Housing Act. In addition, impediments mean actions or missions that are counter-productive to fair housing choice or that have the effect of restricting housing opportunities based on protected classes.
The State is required to certify that the fair housing equal opportunities are:
Complete the analysis of impediments; Take appropriate actions to address the impediments in the jurisdiction; and Maintain records and monitor the analysis and actions.
The State updated the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in 2008 and it is available on the web at:
http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CommunityInitiatives/programs/Impediments.asp
The State will be updating its Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in SFY2013 as part of the development of the FFY2013-FFY2017 Consolidated Plan.

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APPENDIX I General Certifications

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APPENDIX III
Comments from Public Hearings and from Availability of Draft Documents

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Summary of Comments Received at Public Hearings Held to Gain Input on the FFY2012 Annual Action Plan Housing and Community Development Needs
(October 25, 2011, October 26, 2011 and October 31, 2011)
Citizen participation is an integral part of the consolidated planning process. While preparing the State's FFY2012 Annual Action Plan update, input on Georgia's housing and community development needs was received at public hearings held in three locations: Fitzgerald, Wadley and Atlanta.
Wednesday, October 25, 2011
Fitzgerald, GA / The Grand Theatre

Attendees: 6
Commenter #1: What are the eligibility requirements to make application for CDBG funding?
(State's Response) Local governments that do not participate in HUD's CDBG Entitlement or Urban County Program are eligible to apply for funding. Applications may be submitted individually by one unit of general-purpose local government, or jointly or regionally by two (2) or more units of general-purpose local government. For more information on the eligibility requirements, visit the DCA website at http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/index.asp.
Commenter #2: Could you explain the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP)?
(State's Response) The purpose of HPRP is to provide homelessness prevention assistance to households who would otherwise become homeless and to provide assistance to rapidly re-house persons who are homeless. The program can provide rent and utility assistance as well as housing stabilization services such as case management.
Commenter #3: Is there funding available for outreach services for ministers that work with people at risk of being homeless?
(State's Response) Beginning July 1, 2012, DCA-funded Homelessness Prevention Programs serving "eligible" populations may provide services for housing search and placement, case management, mediation, legal services, and /or credit repair. Eligible populations consist of an individual or families at or below 30% of area median income who do not have sufficient resources (savings, family, income, etc.) for housing. These households must also meet at least one other test associated with frequent moves, economic hardship, pending eviction, living in a motel, overcrowding, or pending exit from an institution. Notwithstanding any other provision, eligible populations also include children and families classified as "homeless" by certain Federal programs, excluding programs operated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Commenter #4: Who is eligible to participate in housing programs?
(State's Response) The State of Georgia Department of Community Affairs helps put citizens in decent housing through a range of programs designed to foster new housing development,

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homeownership, and improving housing choices. For more information about our housing options, visit Promoting Housing Options on our website at http://www.dca.ga.gov/index.asp.
Commenter #5: When is the next CDBG Workshop?
(State's Response) The CDBG applicants' workshop is December 7-9, 2011, at the Marriott Macon City Center, 240 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia.
Commenter #6: In Augusta, there is a need for more senior programs to assist with medical bills.
(State's Response) The Georgia Medicaid program, administered by the Division of Medical Assistance at the Georgia Department of Community Health, provides health care coverage for seniors, persons with a disability that are in need of healthcare and insurance assistance who are low-income. For more information, visit http://dch.georgia.gov/00/channel_title/0,2094,31446711_31944826,00.html
There were no written comments received at the Fitzgerald public hearing.

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Thursday, October 27, 2011 Wadley, GA / Wadley City Hall

Attendees: 70
Commenter #1: The city of Wadley needs help with the rehabilitation of existing and old abandoned properties.
(State's Response) The Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) provides funds to assist local governments and nonprofit organizations with implementing affordable housing. Homeowner rehabilitation is an eligible activity under this program.
Commenter #2: Wadley needs new development for housing and decent rental housing. How can the city of Wadley apply for funding?
(State's Response) The Georgia Department of Community Affairs helps put citizens in decent housing through a range of programs designed to foster new housing development, homeownership, and improving housing choices. For more information about our housing options, visit Promoting Housing Options on our website at http://www.dca.ga.gov/index.asp . The Georgia Dream Program can provide qualified low- and moderate-income buyers with first mortgage financing as well as down payment assistance.
Commenter #3: The city of Wadley has acquired a subdivision. How can the home buyers apply for funding to assist with new homes in the subdivision?
(State's Response) The State of Georgia Department of Community Affairs helps put citizens in decent housing through a range of programs designed to foster new housing development, homeownership, and improving housing choices. For more information about our housing options, visit Promoting Housing Options on our website at http://www.dca.ga.gov/index.asp.
Commenter #4: How can we get assistance to improve the infrastructure?
(State's Response) The Community Development Block Grant program assists communities in preserving and developing basic infrastructure and public facilities. For more eligibility and application requirements, visit the Community Development webpage at http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/index.asp.

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Commenter #5: Is there a generic survey or questionnaire where communities can document their need?
(State's Response) DCA has Housing and Community Development Needs Survey available at the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YCNQZDT.
Written comments received at the Wadley public hearing included the following:
Wadley is in need of home construction, decent rental homes, rehab and home improvement assistance, home buyer education, and more Section 8.
There are many low-income families in Georgia in need of affordable, reliable homes.
Housing rehabilitation assistance is needed. More low-income housing is needed as most live in rental property that is
substandard and very dilapidated. Also, buildings downtown need re-facing and windows covered so people passing through do not think of Wadley as rundown or abandoned. More homeownership opportunities. Assistance for veterans with disabilities is needed. More housing development for mixed-income families and senior citizens. Renovate abandoned houses instead of demolishing them. Use vacant lots for infill development. Need for homeless shelters. More affordable housing is needed in Keysville. Homes available under lease-purchase arrangements are needed. Demolish abandoned houses that cannot be rehabilitated.

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Monday, October 31, 2011
Atlanta, GA /DCA Board Room
Attendees: 7
Commenter #1: The HomeSafe Program was not mentioned as part of this presentation. Could you provide me with some information regarding this program?
(State's Response) The Georgia Department of Community Affairs partnered with GHFA Affordable Housing, Inc. to deliver a statewide unemployment mortgage payment assistance program to prevent foreclosures, under the name of HomeSafe Georgia. This program provides "bridge" mortgage assistance to Georgians who are unemployed or have seen a dramatic decrease in their income due to national economic conditions. The HomeSafe Program was not included with the HUD federally- funded programs because its funding is provided by the U. S. Treasury Department. For additional information on the HomeSafe Program, visit the website at https://www.homesafegeorgia.com.
Commenter #2: How will the immigration law impact the State's current priority to increase the access of Georgia's Hispanic population to a continuum of housing and supportive services which address their housing, economic and social needs?
(State's Response) Priorities were established 3 years ago and will be incorporated into the State's 2010+2012 Consolidated Plan. At that time, a priority was established to increase the access of the State's Hispanic population to a continuum of housing and supportive services that would address their housing, economic, and social needs. The priority remains unchanged for the 2012 federal fiscal year governed by this Annual Action Plan and will be unaffected by the new immigration law. Later in 2012, the State will begin preparing a new Five-Year Consolidated Plan to cover the 2013-2017 period and all needs and priorities will be reviewed as a part of the development of that document based upon 2010 Census data and other available information.
Commenter #3: How does DCA keep people informed about the availability of homeless programs throughout the State of Georgia?

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(State's Response) Please refer to the DCA website under Homeless and Special Needs and use the homeless assistance directory. In addition to information posted on the website, DCA also includes information on homeless programs in its monthly newsletter, regularly holds application workshops, and meets with various Continuum of Care participants around the state regularly.
Commenter #4: Will there be any type of housing criteria for shelters? Many of them are not safe or clean.
(State's Response) Beginning July 1, 2012 DCA-funded shelters must meet minimum standards for structural integrity, access, sleeping space, security, air quality, water supply, sanitary facilities, heating and cooling, lighting, electrical safety, food preparation (if applicable), cleanliness and fire safety. Applicants for funds will certify to these standards and DCA staff will monitor for compliance.
Commenter #5: There is a growing homeless population of young people from the ages of 18-24. Are there any initiatives targeted towards homeless youth and especially those aging out of foster care?
(State's Response) DCA's current efforts to support youth and runaways include funding for programs that provide housing and/or services for individuals and families participating in the Shelter Plus Care, ESG and HOPWA programs. For example, Covenant House Georgia is a Shelter Plus Care sponsor with a program capacity of 18 units. They provide assistance with shelter, food, clothing, residential and non-residential services and counseling for youth within this age group from across the state. DCA also has a permanent housing initiative ongoing with Chris Kids of Atlanta. Beginning in July 2012, HUD rules will be revised to allow broader service to youth and their families through the ESG Homelessness Prevention program. At that time, youth and their families who qualify as `homeless' under almost any Federal homeless program may become eligible to receive short or medium term rental assistance and related services in order to stabilize their housing situation. This group includes youth within 21 days of aging out of foster care.

Written comments received at the Atlanta public hearing included the following:

Among the housing needs being seen by providers are for homelessness prevention, housing and utility assistance, more community involvement,

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transportation, more ADA housing, and housing for the mentally ill and for inmates being released from prison. Contractors would be interested in working on some of the housing projects being funded by DCA. Need more assistance for those with HIV/AIDS and those with substance abuse problems. Needs are increasing in these areas and funds and services are decreasing.
Other Written or Verbal Comments Received
There were no public comments received as a result of making the draft documents available during the public comment periods of January 16-February 15, 2012 for the CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA programs and April 6-May 7, 2012 for the HOME Program.

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APPENDIX IV Community Survey Results

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