Geo-rsi.a.TM Department of COMMUNITY AFFAIRS THE STATE OF GEORGIA CONSOLIDATED PLAN Federal Fiscal Years 2013-2017 Including Federa I FY2013/State FY2014 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN JULY 1, 2013- JUNE 30, 2014 Nathan Deal, Governor Georgia Department of Community Affairs Gretchen Corbin, Commissioner TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 PR-10 Consultation 5 PR-15 Citizen Participation 15 NA-05 Needs Assessment 19 NA-15 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing 28 NA-20 Disproportionately Greater Need: Severe Housing Problems 32 NA-25 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens 36 NA-40 Homeless Needs Assessment 44 NA-45 Homeless Special Needs Assessment 47 NA-5- Housing Community Development Needs 50 Housing Market Analysis MA-20 Condition of Housing 58 MA-35 Special Needs Facilities & Services 65 MA-40 Barriers to Affordable Housing 68 Strategic Plan SP-10 Geographic Priorities 78 SP-35 Anticipated Resources 89 SP-45 Goals Summary 100 SP-55 Barriers to Affordable Housing 106 SP-65 Lead Based Paint Hazards 109 SP-70 Anti-Poverty Strategy 110 Annual Action Plan (Federal Fiscal Year 2013 State Fiscal Year 2014) AP-20 Annual Goals & Objectives 118 AP-25 Allocation Priorities 124 AP-30 Methods of Distribution 126 AP-40 Section 108 Loan Guarantee 132 AP-50 Geographic Distribution 135 AP-55 Affordable Housing 136 TABLE OF CONTENTS AP-65 Homeless & Other Special Needs Activities 138 AP-70 HOPWA Goals 142 AP-85 Other Actions 144 AP-90 Program Specific Requirements 148 Appendices 155 Prior Year Performance Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing SP- 80 Monitoring (County) Homeless Bed Count Consolidated Plan Needs & Priorities Survey Results Summary of Citizen Participation Comments SF424/State Grantee Certifications Executive Summary ES-05 Executive Summary - 91.300(c), 91.320(b) 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 Strategic Plan covers federal fiscal year (FFY) 2013 beginning July 1, 2013 through FFY2017 which ends June 30, 2018. The Action Plan is for the receipt of Federal Fiscal Year 2013 funds during the State Fiscal Year 2014 beginning July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2014. 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. Previous CAPERs are available on DCA's web page at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CommunityInitiatives/programs/ConsolidatedPlan.asp Evaluation of past performance The CAPER Performance Table in the Appendix shows performance statistics by objective for FY2010 and FY2011 as reported on the State's FY2011 CAPER. Summary of citizen participation process and consultation process Citizen Participation A key component of DCA's citizen participation strategy to solicit feedback for the development of the 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan was an online survey. The survey was available for completion for a 30 day period and its availability was widely disseminated through e-mails to DCA stakeholder lists as well as newspaper advertisements throughout the state. E-mail blasts were sent to developers, CHIP recipients, CDBG recipients including local governments and grant administrators, current and previously certified CHDOs, disability advocates and service providers, and providers of housing and services to the homeless. Included in these notices was information about three public hearings that were scheduled around the state as well as a webinar for persons who were unable to attend one of the hearings. The hearings were geared towards providing background information to attendees to let them know of the goals and objectives from the last Consolidated Plan, previous accomplishments, and the timetable for the development of the 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan. The survey results are included as an appendix to this Consolidated Plan. Public hearings were advertised in eleven newspapers throughout the state and also included the URL for the survey. The newspapers included the Albany Herald, Athens Banner-Herald, Atlanta JournalConstitution, Augusta Chronicle, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Dalton Citizen, Gainesville Times, Macon Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 1 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Telegraph, Rome News-Tribune, Savannah Morning News, and the Waycross Journal-Herald. The hearings themselves were held in Brunswick on October 16, Americus on October 29, and Gainesville on November 1. The webinar was held on November 8. The draft plan was made available for a 30-day period beginning April 10, 2013. Its availability was advertised in the same newspapers as noted above along with the Brunswick News. E-mails were also sent out to the same groups notifying them of its availability and the deadline for comments. Technical assistance to groups seeking funding assistance will be provided later in the program year as application workshops are held for the CDBG, CHIP, ESG, and HOPWA annual funding rounds as well as for applications to be submitted for funding covered by the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). Consultation As a result of collaborating with other state agencies under the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement, DCA initiated several efforts to promote the goal of community integration for persons with disabilities. DCA engaged the services of the Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc. during 2011 to assist DCA in formulating a Strategic Housing Plan for Individuals with Disabilities that focused solely on improving integrated housing options for persons with severe and persistent mental illness covered by the Settlement Agreement and persons that are covered under the Georgia Department of Community Health, Money Follows the Person Demonstration Grant. Through this strategic planning effort and working with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Community Health and the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services, it is anticipated that community integrated housing opportunities will be created for 3,199 households included in these targeted populations. This effort also established a regular Steering Committee for state agency leaders to collaborate on plan implementation, removing impediments and discussions regarding new partnerships to contribute to this initiative. In addition to these public agencies, DCA collaborates and consults with a number of private housing and service providers. Staff works closely with the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, a federally funded, independent state agency that serves as a catalyst for systems change for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities as well as other groups that advocate for fair housing and disability access including the SOPOS Coalition. Staff also participates in the activities of G-STAND, the Georgia State Trade Association of Nonprofit Developers, the Housing Assistance Council, and the Georgia Affordable Housing Coalition (GAHC). The first two groups advocate for more low-income housing assistance and for increased assistance to be made to CHDOs and other nonprofit developers. GAHC is a group of for-profit developers, funders, attorneys, engineers, architects, and others involved in affordable housing development. Other groups that DCA collaborates with include local governments, public housing authorities throughout the state, the Center for Financial Independence and Innovation, the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission, Concrete Change, disABILITY Link, the Disability Resource Center, the Georgia Department of Labor/Vocational Rehabilitation, the Georgia Advocacy Office, Atlanta Legal Aid, the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the state, the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, the Statewide Independent Living Council, the Mental Health Planning Advisory Council, Metro Fair Housing Services, the Georgia Supportive Housing Association, the Supportive Housing Committee of the Atlanta Regional Commission, as well as a number of other housing and community development nonprofit organizations. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 2 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Consultation Part II DCA staff also consults regularly with homeless housing and service providers as well as advocates throughout the year. The Georgia Balance of State Entitlement (BoS) staff hosts annual discussions with the Continuums of Care (CoCs) within the BoS ESG Entitlement concerning the needs of each Continuum. Stakeholders such as the CoC leads, local government officials and non-profit organizations serving the homeless give input into how the BoS Entitlement sets priorities for annual funding allocations. The BoS awards points for applications from within that Continuum according to whether the CoC regards the activity as a high, medium or low priority. In addition, the BoS Entitlement staff meet with CoC and Entitlement leads from across Georgia, to discuss ESG implementation and to review interventions that serve the homeless. Last year the Balance of State Entitlement staff coordinated a meeting specifically for the Continuum leads within the Balance of State to review performance measures that were being implemented, including a review of benchmarks to be established. Entitlement staff noted and reviewed all input received and revised the performance measurements accordingly. The BoS Entitlement continues its consultation with both CoC leads and stakeholders through a series of meetings, technical assistance and webinars to review Entitlement plans, particularly around the increased implementation of Rapid Re-Housing activities. The Georgia Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) Project is a statewide collaborative effort to implement HMIS across six of the seven Georgia Continuums of Care. DCA is the Lead Agency for the Georgia HMIS Project. The Steering Committee for this initiative is made up of representatives from each of the six Continuum of Care, the DCA HMIS Project Manager, and Pathways Community Network Institute (the State's HMIS vendor) staff. The role of the Steering Committee is to oversee HMIS implementation and prioritize enhancements for Georgia's HMIS. Summary of public comments All public comments received are included Citizen Participation comment's attachment. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them There were no public comments received that were not accepted. Summary The 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan covers the receipt of funds by the State of Georgia for four HUD programs. These include the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, Emergency Solutions, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS programs. The three objectives of the programs relate to the provision of decent, affordable housing, the provision of a suitable living environment, and the expansion of economic opportunities. The development of activities and programs outlined in the Plan are a result of the analysis of market conditions and an assessment of needs along with feedback received from the public and other stakeholders as to unmet needs in the state in these areas. An extensive effort was conducted to gather feedback from these individuals and groups along with reviewing past performance prior to determining the activities to be undertaken and the allocation of funding to these activities Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 3 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) The Process PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies 24 CFR 91.300(b) Describe agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source. Agency Role Name Department/Agency Lead Agency GEORGIA N/A Table 1 Responsible Agencies Narrative The administrators for CDBG are Joanie Perry, Community Finance Division Director and Steed Robinson, Community Development Office Director. For HOME, it is Cassandra Knight, Housing Policy and Administration Division Director and Don Watt, Program and Public Affairs Office Director. For ESG and HOPWA, it is Cassandra Knight and Don Watt as listed above along with John Bassett, Housing Trust Fund Office Director. Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information Rick Heermans, Planning and Policy Development Specialist (4040 679-5821 rick.heermans@dca.ga.gov Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 4 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) PR-10 Consultation - 91.110, 91.300(b); 91.315(l) DCA recognizes that it is just one resource among many that must work together to successfully address the housing and service needs of Georgia's citizens. As a result, staff works closely with a number of different organizations and advocacy groups throughout the state to identify gaps in services and solutions to fill those gaps. Ongoing communication and consultation with these groups is critical to improving service delivery to those populations in need. A key component of this consultation related to the development of this Consolidated Plan involved the creation of an on-line survey to allow all who were interested to provide input and feedback. Information about the survey was sent out via e-mail to developers, local governments, grant administrators, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and providers of housing and services to the homeless. Over 500 responses were received and reviewed as a part of the development of this plan. Summary of the states' activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(l)) Georgia has been working with two legal actions that have required major system changes to bring about solutions to address the housing and support service issues for some of the more vulnerable populations in the state, including individuals with physical disabilities, behavioral health and developmental disabilities. The first of these legal actions is the Olmstead Decision. Georgia is the home state of the landmark 1999 case, Olmstead v. L.C. This case, brought forward by Georgia Legal Aid Society, reached the US Supreme Court when the Georgia Department of Human Resources appealed a decision that it had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act integration mandate by segregating two individuals with developmental disabilities who were in residence at a state operated hospital long after their treatment professionals had recommended their transfer to community care. The second action is the U.S. Department of Justice suit against the State of Georgia in Civil Action NO. 1:10-CV-249-CAP, United States v. Georgia. The subsequent Settlement Agreement resolves the Civil Rights Division's complaint against the State of Georgia regarding its failure to serve individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness in the most integrated setting appropriate to meet the individual's needs. As a result of collaborating with other state agencies, DCA initiated several efforts to promote the goal of community integration for persons with disabilities. DCA engaged the services of the Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc. during 2011 to assist DCA in formulating a Strategic Housing Plan for Individuals with Disabilities that focused solely on improving integrated housing options for persons with severe and persistent mental illness covered by the Settlement Agreement and persons that are covered under the Georgia Department of Community Health, Money Follows the Person Demonstration Grant. Through this strategic planning effort and working with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Community Health and the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services, DCA anticipates the creation of community integrated housing opportunities for 3,199 households included in these targeted populations. This effort also established a regular Steering Committee for state agency leaders to collaborate on plan implementation, removing impediments and discussions regarding new partnerships to contribute to this initiative. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 5 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) DCA has established a Tenant Selection Preference with its Housing Choice Voucher Program that will help to provide a remedial measure to meet the requirements delineated in the Settlement Agreement. This preference will create immediate access to housing choice vouchers (HCVs) for persons with developmental disabilities and persons with severe and persistent mental illness who are currently institutionalized or may be at risk of institutionalization. This groundbreaking policy approved by HUD is the first of its kind in the nation and will allow DCA to provide integrated housing options for 2,200 individuals. Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness Overall, the Entitlement and Continuum of Care's primary intervention to end all forms of homelessness is to maximize the use of the Rapid Re-Housing intervention. DCA has increased the amount of funds available for Rapid Re-Housing to $1.5 million dollars each year across the State after consultation with the CoC. Sub grantees that apply for and awarded funds for this activity will be encouraged to address the needs of the vulnerable groups listed above as well as other homeless groups. The Entitlement and CoC will work together to complement this intervention with Rental Assistance Permanent Supportive Housing through the CoC. Georgia has 1636 units managed by DCA through the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority to assist the most vulnerable homeless, including chronically homeless individuals, families, and veterans. DCA will implement a harm reduction program to complement its PSH program to ensure those who have traditionally been unable to access housing are able to do so. This will be linked to the Rental Assistance PSH program, so that the most vulnerable homeless can access safe and secure housing. 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. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 6 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards and evaluate outcomes, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the administration of HMIS The Georgia Balance of State Entitlement (BoS) staff hosts annual discussions with the Continuums of Care (CoCs) within the BoS ESG Entitlement concerning the needs of each Continuum. Stakeholders such as the CoC leads, local government officials and non-profit organizations serving the homeless give input into how the BoS Entitlement sets priorities for annual funding allocations. The BoS awards points for applications from within that Continuum according to whether the CoC regards the activity as a high, medium or low priority. In addition, the BoS Entitlement staff meet with CoC and Entitlement leads from across Georgia, to discuss ESG implementation and to review interventions that serve the homeless. Last year the Balance of State Entitlement staff coordinated a meeting specifically for the Continuum leads within the Balance of State to review performance measures that were being implemented, including a review of benchmarks to be established. Entitlement staff noted and reviewed all input received and revised the performance measurements accordingly. The BoS Entitlement continues its consultation with both CoC leads and stakeholders through a series of meetings, technical assistance, and webinars to review Entitlement plans, particularly around the increased implementation of Rapid Re-Housing. The Georgia HMIS Project is a statewide collaborative effort to implement HMIS across six of the seven Georgia Continuums of Care. The Department of Community Affairs is the Lead Agency for the Georgia HMIS Project, the Balance of State Continuum of Care and the Balance of State ESG Entitlement. The Steering Committee is made up of representatives from each of the six participating Continuum of Care, the DCA HMIS Project Manager, and Pathways Community Network Institute (our HMIS vendor) staff. The role of the Steering Committee is to oversee HMIS implementation and prioritize enhancement requests for the Pathways HMIS. As lead agency, DCA is responsible for soliciting feedback from agencies and stakeholders and communicating that feedback to the Steering Committee. Within this, DCA also meets with Entitlement staff to review funding priorities, operating policies and procedures and operational issues. The CoC representative reports on this feedback to the Steering Committee. DCA, as the lead agency also runs quarterly conference calls for all CoC and Entitlement leads, as well as an HMIS annual conference in which both Entitlement and Continuum staff present and lead discussion. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 7 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and describe the jurisdictions consultations with housing, social service agencies and other entities 1 Agency/Group/Organization Tri-Jurisdictional Continuum of Care Agency/Group/Organization Type Continuum of Care What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homelessness Strategy Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth Non-Homeless Special Needs How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? All continuums in the state were consulted regarding DCA's homeless needs and priorities. 2 Agency/Group/Organization Athens-Clarke County Continuum of Care Agency/Group/Organization Type Continuum of Care What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homelessness Strategy Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? All continuums in the state were consulted on DCA's homeless needs and priorities. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 8 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 3 Agency/Group/Organization Augusta-Richmond Continuum of Care Agency/Group/Organization Type Continuum of Care What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homelessness Strategy Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? 4 Agency/Group/Organization Cobb County Continuium of Care Agency/Group/Organization Type Continuum of Care What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homelessness Strategy Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? All continuums in the state were consulted on DCA's homeless needs and priorities. 5 Agency/Group/Organization Columbus-Muscogee Continuum of Care Agency/Group/Organization Type Continuum of Care Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 9 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homelessness Strategy Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? All continuums in the state were consulted on DCA's homeless needs and priorities. 6 Agency/Group/Organization SAVANNAH-CHAHAM AUTHORITY FOR THE HOMELESS, INC. Agency/Group/Organization Type Continuum of Care What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homelessness Strategy Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? All continuums in the state were consulted on DCA's needs and priorities. 7 Agency/Group/Organization CHIP Grantees Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing Other government - County Other government - Local What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 10 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? They were asked to complete a survey on needs and priorities prior to the process starting and to comment on the draft plan before it was finalized. 8 Agency/Group/Organization Private Developers Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Market Analysis How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? They were asked to complete a survey on needs and priorities as the process started. They were also asked to comment on the draft plan prior to its completion. 9 Agency/Group/Organization Private Non-profit Organizations Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing Services-Children Services-Elderly Persons Services-Persons with Disabilities Services-Persons with HIV/AIDS Services-Victims of Domestic Violence Services-homeless Services-Health Services-Education Services-Employment Service-Fair Housing What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Homelessness Strategy Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth Non-Homeless Special Needs HOPWA Strategy Market Analysis Anti-poverty Strategy Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 11 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? They were asked to complete a survey on needs and priorities and to review and provide comments on the draft plan before its completion. 10 Agency/Group/Organization ESG Entitlement Jurisdictions Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government County Other government - Local What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homelessness Strategy Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth HOPWA Strategy How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? They were asked to complete a survey on needs and priorities once the plan development commenced and to review the draft plan prior to its completion. 11 Agency/Group/Organization CDBG Grantees Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government County Other government - Local What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Non-Homeless Special Needs Economic Development Market Analysis Anti-poverty Strategy How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Table 2 Agencies, groups, organizations who participated They were asked to complete a survey on needs and priorities and to review the draft of the plan prior to its completion. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 12 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting Whether through steering committees, focus groups, or regular meetings, the State openly seeks participation from all stakeholders. Through the restructuring of the State's Continuum of Care governance, however, DCA anticipates increased participation among all stakeholders, including business and civic leaders, in working towards reducing homelessness throughout Georgia. Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan? Continuum of Care Table 3 Other local / regional / federal planning efforts Describe cooperation and coordination among the State and any units of general local government, in the implementation of the Consolidated Plan (91.315(l)) Each year the State works to collaborate with ESG Entitlement jurisdictions and local CoCs in the setting of goals and priorities for programs in order to reduce the number of persons experiencing homelessness. The State anticipates increased collaboration with local consolidated planning jurisdictions in working towards reducing homelessness throughout Georgia. Beginning with the 2013 Homeless Count data, the Balance of State CoC will be able to further clarify populations of homelessness within and for each jurisdiction, which will hopefully assist in local homelessness strategies. The State works with local governments with the HOME and CDBG Programs through the implementation of the HOME CHIP Program and CDBG Annual Competition where local governments can be subrecipients of funds to carry out housing, public facilitiy, infrastructure, and economic development initiatives. Narrative (optional): In addition to public agencies, DCA collaborates and consults with a number of private housing and service providers. Staff works closely with the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, a federally funded, independent state agency that serves as a catalyst for systems change for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities as well as other groups that advocate for fair housing and disability access including the SOPOS Coalition. Staff also participates in the activities of G-STAND, the Georgia State Trade Association of Nonprofit Developers, the Housing Assistance Council, and the Georgia Affordable Housing Coalition (GAHC). The first two groups advocate for more low-income housing assistance and for increased assistance to be made to CHDOs and other nonprofit developers. GAHC is a group of for-profit developers, funders, attorneys, engineers, architects, and others involved in affordable housing development. Other groups that DCA collaborates with include local governments, public housing authorities throughout the state, the Center for Financial Independence and Innovation, the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission, Concrete Change, disABILITY Link, Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 13 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) the Disability Resource Center, the Georgia Department of Labor/Vocational Rehabilitation, the Georgia Advocacy Office, Atlanta Legal Aid, the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the state, the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, the Statewide Independent Living Council, the Mental Health Planning Advisory Council, Metro Fair Housing Services, the Georgia Supportive Housing Association, the Supportive Housing Committee of the Atlanta Regional Commission, as well as a number of other housing and community development nonprofit organizations. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 14 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) PR-15 Citizen Participation - 91.115, 91.300(c) Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting A key component of DCA's citizen participation strategy to solicit feedback for the development of the 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan was an online survey. The survey was available for completion for a 30day period and its availability was widely disseminated through e-mails to DCA stakeholder lists as well as newspaper advertisements throughout the state. E-mail blasts were sent to developers, CHIP recipients, CDBG recipients including local governments and grant administrators, current and previously certified CHDOs, disability advocates and service providers, and providers of housing and services to the homeless. Included in these notices was information about three public hearings that were scheduled around the state as well as a webinar for persons who were unable to attend one of the hearings. The hearings were geared towards providing background information to attendees to let them know of the goals and objectives from the last Consolidated Plan, previous accomplishments, and the timetable for the development of the 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan. Public hearings were advertised in eleven newspapers throughout the state and also included the URL for the survey. The newspapers included the Albany Herald, Athens Banner-Herald, Atlanta JournalConstitution, Augusta Chronicle, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Dalton Citizen, Gainesville Times, Macon Telegraph, Rome News-Tribune, Savannah Morning News, and the Waycross Journal-Herald. The hearings themselves were held in Brunswick on October 16, Americus on October 29, and Gainesville on November 1. The webinar was held on November 8. Feedback received at the public hearings as well as from survey responses was reviewed by staff as goals and objectives were identified for the Strategic Plan as well as the Annual Action Plan. Input was considered not only for funding allocations to specific activities but also for program policies and procedures to make the programs more efficient and less administratively burdensome for subrecipients and more responsive to the needs of the ultimate beneficiaries. The draft plan was made available for a 30-day period beginning April 10, 2013. Its availability was advertised in the same newspapers as noted above along with the Brunswick News. Technical assistance to groups seeking funding assistance will be provided later in the program year as application workshops are held for the CDBG, CHIP, and ESG annual funding rounds. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 15 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Citizen Participation Outreach Sort Order Mode of Outreach 1 Public Meeting Target of Outreach Non-targeted/broad community Summary of response/attendance Summary of comments received Summary of commen ts not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable) This hearing was held in Brunswick on October 16, 2012 and was attended by 3 persons. See the Citizen Comments section in the Attachments for a summary. Attendees were encouraged to complete the on-line survey to provide input on needs and priorities. None. 2 Public Meeting Non-targeted/broad This meeting was None N/A community scheduled for Americus on October 29, 2012. No one attended the meeting. 3 Public Meeting Non-targeted/broad community This meeting was held in Gainesville on November 1, 2012 and was attended by 3 individuals. A summary of the meeting is included in the Citizen Comments attachment. Attendees were encouraged to complete the on-line survey to provide input on needs and priorities. None Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 16 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Sort Order Mode of Outreach 4 Internet Outreach 6 Internet Outreach Target of Outreach Summary of response/attendance Summary of comments received Summary of commen ts not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable) Non-targeted/broad community A webinar was held on November 8, 2012. A total of 89 persons registered and 65 participated. A summary of the webinar is included in the Citizen Comments section. Participants were encouraged to complete the on-line survey to provide input on needs and priorities. None Non-targeted/broad community A survey was placed online to allow for the public and various stakeholders to provide input on the state's needs and priorities for housing, community development, homelessness, economic development, and other issues. A total of 526 persons responded to the survey. Details are included in the Survey attachment. None Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 17 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Sort Order Mode of Outreach 7 Newspaper Ad Target of Outreach Non-targeted/broad community Summary of response/attendance Summary of comments received Summary of commen ts not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable) A newspaper ad ran on April 10, 2013 providing the public and others the opportunity to review the draft Consolidated Plan and to provide comments and feedback. Over 2,000 e-mails were sent out to stakeholders. These included current and past CHDOs, the development community, current and past CHIP recipients, local governments, grant administrators, homeless providers and advocates, and the disability community. A total of five comments were received. They are summarized in the Citizen Participation Comments attachment to the Plan. None. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 18 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Needs Assessment NA-05 Overview Data from the 2005-2009 CHAS shown in Table 6 shows that there are a total of 688,603 Georgia households with total incomes not greater than 80% of the area median income for those communities. This represents 20% of all Georgia households. Of these households at this income level, 19.6% have at least one household member age 62 or older. Table 7 shows the housing problems experienced by these households for both homeowners as well as renters. While substandard housing is prevalent throughout the state for those at these income levels, most households have complete plumbing and kitchen facilities. Overcrowding is an issue for 18,619 renter and owner households below 80% of median but this affects only 2.7 % of all these households in the state. The overwhelming problem faced by low- and moderate-income households throughout Georgia is cost burden where they are paying more than 30% of their income toward housing costs. There are a total of 163,886 renter households that meet this criteria and 51.7% of them are actually paying in excess of 50% of their income for housing costs. The number of homeowners paying more than 30% of their income towards housing is 193,693. Of this total, 50.2 % are paying greater than 50% of their income for housing-related expenses. Tables 9 and 10 both indicate that many of the homeowners facing this problem are elderly which means that they are less likely to be able to have the funds needed to maintain their homes properly as most of their income is going towards their mortgages, property taxes, insurance, and utilities. The other tables in this section indicate as expected that the number of households experiencing one or more housing problems is far greater for those at the lowest income levels below 50% of area medians. For those experiencing moderate or severe housing problems related to overcrowding, cost burdens, or having complete facilities, it appears that this problem is more prevalent for Asian, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic households. In just considering the housing cost burden factor, Table 20 outlines the income factors and race and ethnicities predominately affected. Approximately 66.5% of the households in Georgia are not cost burdened at all. For those that are cost burdened or severely cost burdened, there is a disproportionately greater need for African-American and Hispanic households. This means that the percentage of those two groups that are experiencing those problems is more than 10% higher than the percentage of households in the jurisdiction as a whole that are experiencing them. No data is included in this section on public housing as the State of Georgia does not own or manage any public housing units. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 19 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) NA-10 Housing Needs Assessment - 24 CFR 91.305 (a,b,c) Summary of Housing Needs Demographics Population Base Year: 2000 4,012,254 Most Recent Year: 2009 9,497,667 Households 1,626,318 3,417,298 Median Income N/A Table 4 - Housing Needs Assessment Demographics Data Source: 2000 Census (Base Year), 2005-2009 ACS (Most Recent Year) Number of Households Table $49,466.00 Total Households * 0-30% HAMFI >30-50% HAMFI 435,245 396,020 >50-80% HAMFI 588,930 >80-100% HAMFI 357,000 Small Family Households * 152,775 147,490 249,630 1,116,920 Large Family Households * 31,720 36,485 57,530 170,570 Household contains at least one person 62-74 years of age 68,925 73,265 92,370 51,635 Household contains at least one person age 75 or older 57,970 61,615 64,055 28,845 Households with one or more children 6 years old or younger * 91,090 82,200 119,880 340,060 Table 5 - Total Households Table Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS * the highest income category for these family types is >80% HAMFI % Change 137% 110% >100% HAMFI 226,140 93,435 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 20 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Housing Needs Summary Tables Housing Problems (Households with one of the listed needs) Renter Owner 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI >80-100% Total AMI 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI >80-100% Total AMI NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Substandard Housing - Lacking complete plumbing or kitchen facilities 4,110 3,160 2,620 1,045 10,935 1,805 1,170 2,060 1,020 6,055 Severely Overcrowded - With >1.51 people per room (and complete kitchen and plumbing) 2,775 2,230 2,475 970 8,450 405 555 935 395 2,290 Overcrowded - With 1.01-1.5 people per room (and none of the above problems) 10,170 9,650 9,120 3,230 32,170 2,490 3,350 5,785 3,500 15,125 Housing cost burden greater than 50% of income (and none of the above problems) 163,965 58,035 9,985 730 232,715 90,930 64,665 49,180 13,235 218,010 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 21 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Renter Owner 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI >80-100% Total AMI 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI >80-100% Total AMI Housing cost burden greater than 30% of income (and none of the above problems) 28,375 87,910 89,140 13,270 218,695 25,375 46,525 112,585 63,870 248,355 Zero/negative Income (and none of the above problems) 26,680 0 0 0 26,680 16,195 0 0 0 16,195 Table 6 Housing Problems Table Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS Housing Problems 2 (Households with one or more Severe Housing Problems: Lacks kitchen or complete plumbing, severe overcrowding, severe cost burden) Renter Owner 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI >80100% AMI Total 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI >80100% AMI Total NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Having 1 or more of four housing problems 181,025 73,075 24,205 5,975 284,280 95,630 69,740 57,955 18,150 241,475 Having none of four housing problems 65,805 130,720 221,885 111,885 530,295 49,910 122,490 284,885 220,990 678,275 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 22 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Renter Owner 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI >80100% AMI Total 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI >80100% AMI Total Household has negative income, but none of the other housing problems 26,680 0 0 0 26,680 16,195 0 0 0 16,195 Table 7 Housing Problems 2 Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS 3. Cost Burden > 30% Renter Owner 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI Total 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI Total NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Small Related 87,935 68,970 43,115 200,020 34,475 43,785 79,470 157,730 Large Related 18,495 14,265 6,300 39,060 7,645 12,340 19,485 39,470 Elderly 29,050 19,335 9,020 57,405 50,725 39,040 30,720 120,485 Other 70,310 53,445 43,830 167,585 26,925 18,995 35,300 81,220 Total need by income Table 8 Cost Burden > 30% Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS 205,790 156,015 102,265 464,070 119,770 114,160 164,975 398,905 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 23 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 4. Cost Burden > 50% Renter Owner 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI Total 0-30% AMI >30-50% AMI >50-80% AMI Total NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Small Related 75,870 23,040 3,015 101,925 29,840 27,255 21,525 78,620 Large Related 15,515 4,170 340 20,025 6,560 6,430 4,440 17,430 Elderly 21,015 8,525 2,190 31,730 33,855 18,955 10,350 63,160 Other 62,260 24,500 4,790 91,550 23,495 13,350 13,495 50,340 Total need by income Table 9 Cost Burden > 50% Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS 174,660 60,235 10,335 245,230 93,750 65,990 49,810 209,550 5. Crowding (More than one person per room) NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Single family households Renter 0-30% AMI >30-50% >50-80% >80-100% Total AMI AMI AMI Owner 0-30% AMI >30-50% >50-80% >80-100% Total AMI AMI AMI 10,985 9,675 8,845 3,065 32,570 2,160 2,620 4,720 2,740 12,240 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 24 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Multiple, unrelated households Renter Owner 0-30% AMI >30-50% >50-80% >80-100% Total AMI AMI AMI 0-30% AMI >30-50% >50-80% >80-100% Total AMI AMI AMI family 1,815 2,040 2,215 970 7,040 735 1,285 2,005 1,120 5,145 Other, non-family households 330 430 870 225 1,855 0 24 35 50 109 Total need by income Table 10 Crowding Information 1/2 Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS 13,130 12,145 11,930 4,260 41,465 2,895 3,929 6,760 3,910 17,494 Renter 0-30% AMI Households with Children Present 0 Table 11 Crowding Information 2/2 Data Source Comments: >30-50% >50-80% Total AMI AMI 0 0 0 Owner 0-30% AMI >30-50% >50-80% Total AMI AMI 0 0 0 0 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 25 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) What are the most common housing problems? The data shows that the most common housing problem affecting Georgians relates to cost burden. Of the 3,417,298 households in Georgia, a total of 688,603 of those have incomes at or below 80% of the area median family income. This represents 20% of all Georgia households. Of these 688,603 households below the 80% threshold, a total of 372,587 (54.1%) are cost burdened to the point they are paying more than 30% of their income towards housing costs. Of those 372,587 households cost burdened in excess of 30% of their income, 189,132 (50.8%) are severely cost burdened to the point where they are paying in excess of 50% of their household income towards housing costs. The other two housing problems referenced in the tables relate to lacking complete kitchen or plumbing facilities or being overcrowded to the extent that more than one person occupies each room in a home. The data show that there are more households dealing with overcrowding than not having complete facilities but the total numbers experiencing these problems come nowhere close to those dealing with cost burdens. Are any populations/household types more affected than others by these problems? Cost burden issues seem to affect a similar number of rental households as owner-occupied ones as there are a total of 173,527 rental households cost burdened of 30% or more compared to 199,060 homeowner households. However, American Community Survey estimates for 2007-2011 indicate that 66.8% of the total occupied households in Georgia are owner-occupied and 33.2% ore renter-occupied. Considering this disparity in number, cost burden issues are much more likely to affect renters than owners. The other population that seems to be affected by cost burden is elderly homeowners. According to Table 6, there are a total of 239,853 households in Georgia containing at least one person aged 62 or older. Of these, a total of 93,745 (39.1%) are cost burdened at least 30%. Based upon the ratio of renters versus homeowners in the state, it appears that elderly rental households are affected equally to owner-occupied ones. Describe the characteristics and needs of Low-income individuals and families with children (especially extremely low-income) who are currently housed but are at imminent risk of either residing in shelters or becoming unsheltered 91.205(c)/91.305(c)). Also discuss the needs of formerly homeless families and individuals who are receiving rapid re-housing assistance and are nearing the termination of that assistance Persons threatened with homelessness include a variety of populations. For the purposes of Georgia's Consolidated Plan, the number of households with incomes below 30% of the median family income and who spend more than 50% of their income on housing is used as a proxy for the number of households threatened with homelessness. This proxy matches the statistics indicating that most households, immediately prior to becoming homeless, spend as much as 70% of their income on housing. Household estimates derived from 2013 American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) numbers by the National Low Income Housing Coalition show that Georgia's population of renters threatened with homelessness includes 262,746 households, or just over 21% of the state's total renter Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 26 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) households. (National Low Income Housing Coalition Congressional District Profiles, available online (http://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/CDP-GA.pdf). Extremely low income households threatened with homelessness require a variety of supportive services to meet their respective needs, including rental/mortgage assistance; security deposit and utility assistance; financial management counseling; landlord-tenant counseling; day care; job counseling; substance abuse counseling; and medical services. If a jurisdiction provides estimates of the at-risk population(s), it should also include a description of the operational definition of the at-risk group and the methodology used to generate the estimates: The figure above is an estimate from National Low Income Housing Coalition 2013 data. The group is defined within the narrative above, along with the methodology. Specify particular housing characteristics that have been linked with instability and an increased risk of homelessness Persons threatened with homelessness include a variety of populations. For the purposes of Georgia's Consolidated Plan, the number of households with incomes below 30% of the median family income and who spend more than 50% of their income on housing is used as a proxy for the number of households threatened with homelessness. This proxy matches the statistics indicating that most households, immediately prior to becoming homeless, spend as much as 70% of their income on housing. Household estimates derived from 2011 American Community Survey Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) numbers by the National Low Income Housing Coalition show that Georgia's population of renters threatened with homelessness includes 262,746 households, or just over 21% of the state's total renter households. (National Low Income Housing Coalition Congressional District Profiles, available online (http://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/CDP-GA.pdf). Extremely low income households threatened with homelessness require a variety of supportive services to meet their respective needs, including rental/mortgage assistance; security deposit and utility assistance; financial management counseling; landlord-tenant counseling; day care; job counseling; substance abuse counseling; and medical services. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 27 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) NA-15 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Problems - 91.305 (b)(2) Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to the needs of that category of need as a whole. For purposes of determining whether a disproportionately greater need exists for a racial or ethnic group, this occurs when the members of such a group experience housing problems at a greater rate (10% or more) than the income level as a whole. As an example, Table 12 shows that there are a total of 392,370 households in the sample adding up the numbers ion Column A and Column B. Of this total, 330,405 (84.21%) have one or more housing problems. For any of the racial or ethnic groups that have 94.21% or more of their households with one or more housing problems, that would indicate a disproportionately greater need for that group. 0%-30% of Area Median Income Housing Problems Jurisdiction as a whole Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems 330,405 61,965 42,875 White 137,640 34,215 19,765 Black / African American 157,345 24,755 17,695 Asian 6,015 630 1,880 American Indian, Alaska Native 945 300 135 Pacific Islander 160 0 19 Hispanic 24,440 Table 12 - Disproportionally Greater Need 0 - 30% AMI 1,400 2,815 Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS *The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30% Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 28 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 30%-50% of Area Median Income Housing Problems Jurisdiction as a whole Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems 277,250 118,775 0 White 124,070 76,075 0 Black / African American 112,925 34,510 0 Asian 6,700 1,495 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 795 365 0 Pacific Islander 105 0 0 Hispanic 29,455 5,430 0 Table 13 - Disproportionally Greater Need 30 - 50% AMI Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS *The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30% 50%-80% of Area Median Income Housing Problems Jurisdiction as a whole Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems 283,885 305,035 0 White 142,395 184,085 0 Black / African American 106,350 94,155 0 Asian 8,090 4,750 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 555 555 0 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 29 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Housing Problems Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems Pacific Islander 40 170 0 Hispanic 23,270 18,580 0 Table 14 - Disproportionally Greater Need 50 - 80% AMI Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS *The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30% 80%-100% of Area Median Income Housing Problems Jurisdiction as a whole Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems 101,265 255,735 0 White 58,305 159,755 0 Black / African American 31,655 73,935 0 Asian 3,790 4,635 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 185 850 0 Pacific Islander 59 59 0 Hispanic 5,975 13,615 0 Table 15 - Disproportionally Greater Need 80 - 100% AMI Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS *The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30% Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 30 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Discussion Table 12 indicates that there is a disproportionately greater need for Pacific Islanders and Hispanic households at 0-30% of median income as the percentage of households exhibiting one or more housing problems for those groups is 100% and 94.58% respectively. For the 30-50% of median group, there is a disproportionate need for Asians (81.76% with housing problems), Pacific Islanders (100%), and Hispanics (84.43%). For those households at 50-80% of median, only Asians at 63.01% exhibit a disproportionate need. For those at 80-100% of median income, a disproportionate need exists for Asians (44.99% with housing problems), Pacific Islanders (50%), and Hispanics (43.89%). It should be noted that Pacific Islanders only make up .1% of Georgia's population according to 2010 Census data so the data could be skewed by such a small sample of individuals. Asians comprise 3.4% of Georgia's population and 9.1% of all residents are Hispanic so data for those two groups should be more accurate. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 31 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) NA-20 Disproportionately Greater Need: Severe Housing Problems 91.305(b)(2) Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to the needs of that category of need as a whole. Introduction For purposes of determining whether a disproportionately greater need exists for a racial or ethnic group, this occurs when the members of such a group experience housing problems at a greater rate (10% or more) than the income level as a whole. As an example, Table 16 shows that there are a total of 392,370 households in the sample adding up the numbers in Column A and Column B. Of this total, 276,655 (70.51%) have severe housing problems. For any of the racial or ethnic groups that have 80.51% or more of their households with severe housing problems, that would indicate a disproportionately greater need for that group. 0%-30% of Area Median Income Severe Housing Problems* Jurisdiction as a whole Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems 276,655 115,715 42,875 White 112,300 59,550 19,765 Black / African American 132,655 49,445 17,695 Asian 5,560 1,090 1,880 American Indian, Alaska Native 745 500 135 Pacific Islander 130 30 19 Hispanic 21,920 Table 16 Severe Housing Problems 0 - 30% AMI 3,920 2,815 Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS *The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 32 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 30%-50% of Area Median Income Severe Housing Problems* Jurisdiction as a whole Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems 142,815 253,210 0 White 63,160 136,985 0 Black / African American 57,020 90,410 0 Asian 4,065 4,130 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 370 790 0 Pacific Islander 50 44 0 Hispanic 16,340 18,550 0 Table 17 Severe Housing Problems 30 - 50% AMI Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS *The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% 50%-80% of Area Median Income Severe Housing Problems* Jurisdiction as a whole Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems 82,160 506,770 0 White 41,375 285,105 0 Black / African American 26,990 173,515 0 Asian 3,375 9,470 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 205 900 0 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 33 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems Pacific Islander 0 210 0 Hispanic 9,295 Table 18 Severe Housing Problems 50 - 80% AMI 32,555 0 Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS *The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% 80%-100% of Area Median Income Severe Housing Problems* Jurisdiction as a whole Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems 24,125 332,875 0 White 12,710 205,350 0 Black / African American 6,745 98,845 0 Asian 1,215 7,205 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 30 1,010 0 Pacific Islander 49 69 0 Hispanic 3,010 Table 19 Severe Housing Problems 80 - 100% AMI 16,580 0 Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS *The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 34 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Discussion Table 16 indicates that there is a disproportionately greater need for Asian, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic households at 0-30% of median income as the percentage of households experiencing severe housing problems for those groups is 83.61%, 81.23% and 84.83% respectively. For the 30-50% of median group shown in Table 17, there is a disproportionate need for Asians (49.60% with severe housing problems), Pacific Islanders (53.19%), and Hispanics (46.71%). For those households at 50-80% of median represented by Table 18, only Asians at 26.27% exhibit a disproportionate need. For those at 80-100% of median income, a disproportionate need exists for Asians (14.43% with severe housing problems), Pacific Islanders (41.53%), and Hispanics (15.36%). It should be noted that Pacific Islanders only make up .1% of Georgia's population according to 2010 Census data so the data could be skewed by such a small sample of individuals. Asians comprise 3.4% of Georgia's population and 9.1% of all residents are Hispanic so data for those two groups should be more accurate. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 35 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) NA-25 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens 91.305 (b)(2) Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to the needs of that category of need as a whole. For purposes of determining whether a disproportionately greater need exists for a racial or ethnic group, this occurs when the members of such a group experience housing problems at a greater rate (10% or more) than the income level as a whole. Housing Cost Burden Housing Cost Burden <=30% 30-50% Jurisdiction as a whole 2,271,760 614,195 >50% 486,590 No / negative income (not computed) 44,755 White 1,578,120 327,310 226,105 20,215 Black / African American 525,410 221,085 204,930 18,755 Asian 49,055 15,640 13,400 1,990 American Indian, Alaska Native 4,880 1,410 1,225 145 Pacific Islander 845 150 210 19 Hispanic 93,665 42,170 Table 20 Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens AMI 34,885 3,070 Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS Discussion Table 20 shows the level of housing cost burden for the state as a whole and for specific races and ethnicities. The first column marked <=30% includes households that pay less than 30% of their income for housing and are thus not cost burdened. This table shows that 66.48% of the state's households are not cost burdened. For this category, a disproportionately greater need would exist for any subcategories where the total not cost burdened would be 55.48% or less. There are two groups meeting this criteria. They are African-Americans at 54.16% and Hispanics at 53.90%. Asians and American Indian/Alaskan Natives both had lesser percentages that are not cost burdened (61.25% and 63.71%) but neither met the 10% threshold to make it a disproportionately greater need. The state's White and Pacific Islander population were the only two subgroups that actually had a higher percentage of households with no cost burden than the state average. These figures were 73.41% and 69.04% respectively. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 36 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) The 30-50% column shows the number of households that would be considered cost burdened and the >50% column shows those that are severely cost burdened. The figure for those cost burdened in the state is 17.97% and the corresponding figure for the severely cost burdened is 14.24%. No groups met the 10% minimum required to show a disproportionately greater need but again the African-American and Hispanic population showed the greatest disparity. For African-Americans, 22.79% are cost burdened and 21.12% are severely cost burdened. For Georgia's Hispanic population, 24.26% are cost burdened and 20.07% are severely cost burdened. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 37 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) NA-30 Disproportionately Greater Need: Discussion 91.305 (b)(2) Are there any Income categories in which a racial or ethnic group has disproportionately greater need than the needs of that income category as a whole? Following are tables showing the breakdown of each of the three categories of housing issues and a summary of which racial or ethnic groups are disproportionately affected by income grouping compared to the effect on all members of the group. For all boxes marked with an X, those groups have at least a 10% or higher percentage that are affected by the problem than the group as a whole. If they have needs not identified above, what are those needs? The tables above indicate that there is a disproportionately greater need for Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders across the board. It should be pointed out that the overall number of Pacific Islanders in Georgia are .1% of the total population according to 2010 Census data and that the numbers of households experiencing housing problems could be affected by the small number of households in that state for this population. The last table showing Housing Cost Burden only identifies African-American and Hispanic households with more than a 10% differential of households not being cost burdened compared with other racial categories. It should be pointed out, however, that these two groups also have the highest disparity in the 30-50% and >50% groups although none of these reach the 10% threshold. This would indicate that there is a need for programs and activities to enhance housing affordability for these two groups at all income levels. Are any of those racial or ethnic groups located in specific areas or neighborhoods in your community? There are a number of areas within the state where there are significant numbers of African-Americans and Hispanic households. These are scattered throughout the state. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 38 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) NA-35 Public Housing (Optional) Introduction This section is optional for States to complete. DCA has opted not to do so. Totals in Use Program Type Certificate ModRehab Public Housing Vouchers Total Project based - Tenant based - Special Purpose Voucher Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Family Unification Program Disabled * # of units vouchers in use 0 0 0 16,228 125 15,701 282 0 58 Table 21 - Public Housing by Program Type *includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center) Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 39 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Characteristics of Residents Program Type # Homeless at admission Certificate ModRehab 0 0 Public Housing Vouchers Total Project based - Tenant based - Special Purpose Voucher Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Family Unification Program 0 0 0 0 0 0 # of Elderly Program Participants (>62) 0 0 0 2,478 5 2,424 26 0 # of Disabled Families 0 0 0 3,004 36 2,869 49 0 # of Families requesting accessibility features 0 0 0 16,228 125 15,701 282 0 # of HIV/AIDS program participants 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 # of DV victims 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Table 22 Characteristics of Public Housing Residents by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center) Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 40 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Race of Residents Program Type Race White ModCertificate Rehab Public Housing Total 0 0 0 2,280 Project based 64 Vouchers Special Purpose Voucher Tenant based Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Family Unification Program Disabled * 2,158 38 0 14 Black/African American 0 0 0 13,893 58 13,494 243 0 43 Asian 0 0 0 22 2 18 0 0 1 American Indian/Alaska Native 0 0 0 23 0 22 1 0 0 Pacific Islander 0 0 0 10 1 9 0 0 0 Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 *includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition Table 23 Race of Public Housing Residents by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center) Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 41 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Ethnicity of Residents Program Type Ethnicity Hispanic Certificate ModRehab 0 0 Public Housing Vouchers Total 0 260 Project based 10 - Tenant based 241 - Special Purpose Voucher Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Family Unification Program Disabled * 6 0 0 Not Hispanic 0 0 0 15,968 115 15,460 276 0 58 *includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition Table 24 Ethnicity of Public Housing Residents by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center) Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 42 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Section 504 Needs Assessment: Describe the needs of public housing tenants and applicants on the waiting list for accessible units: What are the number and type of families on the waiting lists for public housing and section 8 tenant-based rental assistance? Based on the information above, and any other information available to the jurisdiction, what are the most immediate needs of residents of public housing and Housing Choice voucher holders? N/A How do these needs compare to the housing needs of the population at large N/A Discussion: Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 43 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) NA-40 Homeless Needs Assessment 91.305(c) Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance for families with children and the families of veterans. If data is not available for the categories "number of persons becoming" and "exiting homelessness" each year, and "number of days that persons experience homelessness, describe these categories for each homeless population type including chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth. If data is not available for the categories "number of persons becoming and exiting homelessness each year," and "number of days that persons experience homelessness," describe these categories for each homeless population type (including chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth): Estimates for sheltered persons entering and exiting homelessness each year in Georgia's Balance of State were measured directly from 2012 HMIS data. An assumption was made that the ratio of unsheltered persons to sheltered persons was the same during these two events as it was on the Pointin-Time night. Estimates for unsheltered persons entering and exiting homelessness each year were subsequently derived from the sheltered numbers by applying a simple multiplier to the sheltered numbers. In 2012, more people entered homelessness than exited homelessness in the Balance of State CoC. This was consistent across various subpopulations, with the exception of chronically homeless families, which experienced an opposite trend. Persons in families with only adults experienced the worst disparity; the number of those persons who entered was over 2 times the number of persons who exited. Currently, DCA is piloting methods for observing episodes of sheltered homelessness that span several program enrollments. Because this methodology is still in development, we cannot at this time measure the average number of days persons experience homelessness in Georgia's Balance of State. It is anticipated that the Balance of State will utilize the forthcoming guidance from HUD to measure this. The racial and ethnic breakout of the number of unsheltered persons is uncertain at this time. In the Balance of State CoC, of the number of persons who were residing in a shelter on the night of the 2012 Sheltered Count in January, 75% were Black or African American and 3% were Hispanic. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 44 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Nature and Extent of Homelessness: (Optional) Race: Sheltered: Unsheltered (optional) White 512 0 Black or African American 1,678 0 Asian 45 0 American Indian or Alaska Native 10 0 Pacific Islander 5 0 Ethnicity: Sheltered: Unsheltered (optional) Hispanic 76 0 Not Hispanic 2,174 0 Data Source Comments: Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance for families with children and the families of veterans. Based upon the Homeless Count conducted on January 25, 2013, it is estimated that there are 224 unsheltered families with children who are in need of housing assistance. Of that number, it is estimated that the head of household was a veteran in 12% of the cases. The estimated number of unsheltered persons on the night of January 25, 2013, is derived from a combination of survey-based methods developed by DCA and statistical techniques developed by Dr. Jennifer Priestley of Kennesaw State University. Describe the Nature and Extent of Homelessness by Racial and Ethnic Group. The racial and ethnic breakout of the number of unsheltered persons is uncertain at this time. In the Balance of State CoC, of the number of persons who were residing in a shelter on the night of the 2012 Sheltered Count in January, 75% were Black or African American and 3% were Hispanic. Describe the Nature and Extent of Unsheltered and Sheltered Homelessness. Several factors influence the prevalence of homelessness in different areas, including job markets and the availability of affordable housing. Although it is often assumed that homelessness is an urban problem, it actually occurs in both urban and rural areas. Urban areas typically offer more housing and supportive service programs to homeless individuals, therefore service usage data is often swayed in the direction of urban versus rural. In addition, however, in a recent article, the National Alliance to End Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 45 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Homelessness indicated, "in 22 percent of states, over 50 percent of people experiencing homelessness was counted in rural or mostly rural CoCs. A majority of homeless count survey respondents (89%) who were homeless were living in Georgia when they first became homeless. Interestingly, the City of Atlanta's homeless census found that 75.1% of persons surveyed already live where they originally became homeless. SAMHSA's National Resource Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness notes that homeless persons with serious mental illnesses are typically long-term citizens of the communities in which they are homeless. Please note, the homeless count data reported throughout this document reflects data from the 2011 Balance of State Unsheltered Homeless Count and/or the 2012 Sheltered Homeless Count. Beginning with the 2013 Homeless Count, as per the requirements, the count data for consolidated planning jurisdictions within the Balance of State CoC will be available for the separate consolidated planning jurisdictions. Homeless count data for the Balance of State CoC can be found at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/homeless_count.asp. Discussion: Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 46 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) NA-45 Non-Homeless Special Needs Assessment 91.305 (b,d) HOPWA Current HOPWA formula use: Cumulative cases of AIDS reported 10,303 Area incidence of AIDS 312 Rate per population 8 Number of new cases prior year (3 years of data) 1,042 Rate per population (3 years of data) 9 Current HIV surveillance data: Number of Persons living with HIV (PLWH) Area Prevalence (PLWH per population) Number of new HIV cases reported last year Table 25 HOPWA Data 10,787 266 0 Data Source: CDC HIV Surveillance HIV Housing Need (HOPWA Grantees Only) Type of HOPWA Assistance Tenant based rental assistance Estimates of Unmet Need 187 Short-term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility 91 Facility Based Housing (Permanent, short-term or transitional) 178 Table 26 HIV Housing Need Data Source: HOPWA CAPER and HOPWA Beneficiary Verification Worksheet Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 47 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Describe the characteristics of special needs populations in your community: A total of 74% of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Georgia are males as of December 2010, which is an increase of 5% over what was reported 3 years ago. The number of females living with HIV/AIDS is 26%, which a decrease of 5% of the total number of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS over the last three years. The most frequent age category for both males and females is 40-49 years with the 50-59 age category coming in second. This represents a shift from previous years where the largest groups were younger, and better treatment options show continued success in helping persons living with this disease to live longer. An important note is that the number of Black, Non-Hispanic persons living with with HIV/AIDS continues to be disproportionately higher in that they account for a total of 70% of cumulative cases of HIV/AIDS, but the percentage of Black, Non-Hispanic persons only comprise 30% of Georgia's population. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, men who have sex with men (MSM) represent 55% of the most commonly reported transmission category within the persons living with AIDS group, and they represent 51% of males living with HIV (not AIDS).[1] Among the Persons Living with HIV/AIDS, 29% of males and 59% of females are reported to have had no identified risk (NIR). What are the housing and supportive service needs of these populations and how are these needs determined? Based on responses to the Continuum of Care Bed Inventories and Georgia's Point-in-Time homeless census in 2011, the State estimates that 456 HOPWA-eligible households have unmet housing needs (individual and/or family households) in the balance of state's HOPWA 127-county coverage area. The estimated housing need of 456 most likely under-represents the true need for this population, but unfortunately, there is no other data to compare it with. The HIV Housing Need table has the unmet need estimate broken out by type of assistance as related to the HOPWA housing assistance available. The housing needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS include tenant-based rental assistance (short- and long-term), emergency assistance, and rental and utility deposit assistance. Emergency assistance for individuals with HIV/AIDS enables homeless or marginally housed clients who become homeless to access shelter at local hotels and motels. To illustrate, medical conditions such as tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections often prevent these individuals from entering many conventional shelters for the homeless. In addition, rental and utility deposit assistance allows low-income people with HIV/AIDS to pay deposits even for the most modest housing. Persons living with HIV/AIDS also face numerous obstacles that can jeopardize their housing situation, including discrimination based on their medical condition; progressions in their illness requiring increased medical care; and the limitation created by the disease on employment capabilities and financial resources. Barriers to providing housing and services to people living with AIDS in rural communities can also include transportation difficulties, lack of service providers, and a reluctance to seek help for a variety of reasons. Affordable single or multifamily units, as well as transitional housing units, are keys to stabilizing the housing problems of marginally housed individuals and families. In addition, since many people living Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 48 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) with HIV/AIDS are also substance abusers or have chronic mental health issues, transitional facilities or permanent supportive housing programs that can offer supportive services are needed. Other marginally housed individuals and families include those who are dependent and are living with family or friends in temporary or unstable situations. These individuals are at risk of losing their shelter at any time. When their care becomes too stressful or financially burdensome for the householder, the HIV/AIDS victim is often asked to leave the home. Discuss the size and characteristics of the population with HIV/AIDS and their families within the Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area: As of 2010, there were 41,986 persons in Georgia living with HIV/AIDS. Of these individuals, male-tomale sexual contact was the most commonly reported transmission category. Similar to the newly diagnosed cases, the majority of prevalent cases occurred in Black/Non-Hispanics. Among women, individuals with missing risk information or who did not meet one of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-defined transmission categories and heterosexual contact were the two most commonly reported transmission categories. The majority of individuals who were living with HIV/AIDS in Georgia were male (74%). Based upon 2011 data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Georgia ranks sixth in the nation for its number of reported cumulative AIDS cases through December 2011. The number of persons living with AIDS in Georgia has increased every year since 1981. Using this data from the CDC, the cumulative number of AIDS cases in Georgia was 42,068 as of December 31, 2011. In 2010, there were 1,294 persons newly diagnosed with HIV (not AIDS) and 743 persons newly diagnosed with AIDS. Of these, the majority of individuals were male (75%). Persons who were newly diagnosed with HIV (not AIDS) were, on average, younger than those who were newly diagnosed with AIDS. Black/Non-Hispanics accounted for the majority of newly diagnosed HIV (not AIDS) and AIDS cases among all races/ethnicities. An encouraging finding is that the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases has decreased 4.1% from the previous year, and the number of newly diagnosed cases of AIDS has decreased at a much higher rate over the last three years. In 2010, the number of newly diagnosed cases of AIDS in Georgia was 743, from 878 in 2009, and 1,165 in 2008. GPH's 2011 HIV/AIDS Surveillance report shows that of the 41,986 Georgians living with HIV/AIDS, 66% resided in the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), 5% resided in the East Central (Augusta) Public Health District, and approximately 29% resided in the balance of state HOPWA jurisdiction. Discussion: Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 49 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) NA-50 Non-Housing Community Development Needs - 91.315 (f) Describe the jurisdiction's need for Public Facilities: There is a need for public facility improvements throughout the state. Funds are awarded to local governments competitively through the Annual Competition for these projects. It is difficult to predict exactly what the need is as it changes over time and is a product of the number and scope of funding requests DCA receives. For the most recent program year, 70 outof 94 awards were for public facilities or improvements. Of these 70 projects, 8 funded projects were for facilities. These included 1 senior center, 1 Head Start facility, 2 health centers, 2 domestic violence shelters, and 2 other facilities. How were these needs determined? These were based on CDBG Program Year 2012 funded projects. Describe the jurisdiction's need for Public Improvements: Of the 70 Public Facility/Improvements funded in Program Year 2012, 62 were for public improvements. These included 14 for streets and drainage, 11 water, 28 sewer, 3 multi-infrastructure, an6 water and sewer projects. How were these needs determined? These were from CDBG Program Year 2012 grant awards. Describe the jurisdiction's need for Public Services: DCA generally does not provide direct funding forpublic services. Local governments that apply for public facilities often are using funding for public services that are provided by other agencies, e.g., Area Agencies on Aging, and are combining these funds with CDBG dollars to meet both facilities needs and public services needs. Therefore demand for senior centers, health centers, and domestic violence shelters are an indication of public services needs. Again, funding all requests for these needs is not possible given the limited availability of CDBG dollars. Also, because CDBG funds are not available to non-entitlement local governments each year as is the case with entitlement local governments, using CDBG non-entitlement funds for public services does not have a sustainable impact on public services needs unless these dollars are provided locally via agencies that have year-after-year funding availability. How were these needs determined? See above. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 50 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Housing Market Analysis Housing Market Analysis Overview: Georgia has been slow to recover from the mortgage crisis that began in the middle of the last decade and took off in 2007. According to RealtyTrac, Georgia ranked fourth in the nation in 2012 in its foreclosure rate although the rate declined from the previous year. In April 2013, the rate in Georgia of homes that received a foreclosure filing was 1 in every 283 homes. There were a total of 5,959 foreclosures in Georgia in April 2013. That figure is 5% lower than the number of foreclosures in March 2013 and 42% less than those foreclosed in April 2012 so the situation is improving. In the United States, there were a total of 144,790 foreclosures in April 2013 and those are declining at a similar rate to Georgia's. A larger problem is the number of homes in Georgia that are underwater, or those with mortgage balances in excess of the home's value. A recent study by Zillow completed at the end of 2012 showed that 42.1% of Georgia's homes are underwater. This compares to the national average of 27.5%. That study identified the worst 1% of Zip Codes nationwide with the largest percentage of residents with mortgage balances that exceeded their current home's worth. Georgia had nearly a quarter of those Zip Codes. This creates problems in a number of areas. People become less mobile and unable to move to take advantage of better jobs or schools for their children. When people do not move, it creates a drag on upward mobility and stalls the market, making it harder for new families to enter into it and buy their first homes or move up to a bigger home as their families grow. People who are underwater are less likely to make improvements to their properties as they are less likely to ever see a return on the value they have added to their property. Until something is done at the national level to provide a means to principal reduction for these homeowners, this problem is likely to be persistent and linger for many years. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 51 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) MA-10 Number of Housing Units 91.310(a) All residential properties by number of units Property Type 1-unit detached structure Number % 2,604,547 66% 1-unit, attached structure 138,573 4% 2-4 units 221,682 6% 5-19 units 398,047 10% 20 or more units 187,073 5% Mobile Home, boat, RV, van, etc 394,699 10% Total Table 27 Residential Properties by Unit Number Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data Unit Size by Tenure 3,944,621 100% No bedroom Owners Number % 3,132 0% Renters Number % 18,999 2% 1 bedroom 29,378 1% 214,100 19% 2 bedrooms 300,829 13% 467,417 42% 3 or more bedrooms 1,973,909 86% 409,534 37% Total Table 28 Unit Size by Tenure 2,307,248 Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data 100% 1,110,050 100% Describe the number and targeting (income level/type of family served) of units assisted with federal, state, and local programs. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 52 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Most of DCA's housing programs are competitive and all types of applications are received for homeowner housing as well as rental. For that reason, there are not specific targets as applicants design their own projects. For all HUD-funded programs, the focus is on those households at or below 80% of area median income. In many of these programs, an emphasis is placed on the development of housing through scoring for occupancy by persons below 50% of median income. In addition, two groups for which there is a special emphasis is the elderly and those with physical and/or mental disabilities. Provide an assessment of units expected to be lost from the affordable housing inventory for any reason, such as expiration of Section 8 contracts. The State of Georgia is allocated a total of 16,647 Housing Choice Vouchers. Based upon the experience in State Fiscal Years 2010-2012, a total of 1,443 units are expected to be lost from this inventory each year. Among the reasons for these losses are the following: Tenant Criminal Activity Lease Violations Voucher Expiration Non-compliance with Program Requirements Failure of Tenant to Pay Rent Eviction for Damages Portability Outside of Service Area Failure to Complete Annual Review Does the availability of housing units meet the needs of the population? There appears to be an adequate supply of homeowner and rental housing in Georgia just looking at the total numbers without accounting for cost. American Community Survey data from 2007-2011 shows that there are 572,270 vacant housing units in the state. This represents 14.1% of the total housing units in Georgia. The rental vacancy rate for the State is 11% and the same rate for homeowner units is 3.6%. Over the last five years, Georgia has been hit hard by the foreclosure crisis. This has led to a number of homes in various stages of construction that were not completed or occupied as well as a number of homes that have been left vacant as a result of their owners losing them to foreclosures. Finding the resources to complete these and make them available for occupancy by households at all income levels would also increase the supply of available units. Describe the need for specific types of housing: Two categories of housing that Georgia needs more of are affordable rental housing for the elderly and for those who are disabled. Because both of these groups are often living on fixed incomes, it is difficult for them to find quality rental housing they can afford. More rental housing affordable to those at or below 30% of median income is needed for these groups. Another group that needs housing of this type are those that are coming out of institutions and moving to community-based housing as part of the settlement agreement with the Department of Justice. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 53 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) These individuals also are typically below 30% of area median income. An added challenge in housing these populations in the community is the need for services to assist them in living independently. Linkages with Community Service Boards, Boards of Health, and other service providers are needed to allow them to successfully make this transition out of institutional settings. Discussion Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 54 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) MA-15 Cost of Housing 91.310(a) Introduction Georgia's median home values increased from 2000 to 2009 but the median contract rents changed very little. A total of 38.03% of Georgian households pay less than $500 per month in rent, many of whom live in rural areas based upon Fair Market Rents for those areas. Another 51.38% pay between $500 and $999 for rent. The cost of housing for homeowners as well as renters is problematic primarily for those below 50% of area median income. It is especially acute for those below 30% AMI. Cost of Housing Base Year: 2000 Most Recent Year: 2009 % Change Median Home Value 0 160,100 0% Median Contract Rent 0 622 0% Table 29 Cost of Housing Data Source: 2000 Census (Base Year), 2005-2009 ACS (Most Recent Year) Rent Paid Less than $500 $500-999 $1,000-1,499 $1,500-1,999 $2,000 or more Total Table 30 - Rent Paid Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data Number 422,174 570,286 96,219 15,068 6,303 1,110,050 % 38.0% 51.4% 8.7% 1.4% 0.6% 100.0% Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 55 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Housing Affordability % Units affordable to Households Renter earning 30% HAMFI 94,420 Owner No Data 50% HAMFI 304,735 184,260 80% HAMFI 675,825 431,835 100% HAMFI No Data 665,765 Total Table 31 Housing Affordability Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS Monthly Rent 1,074,980 1,281,860 Monthly Rent ($) Fair Market Rent Efficiency (no 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom bedroom) 0 0 0 0 0 High HOME Rent 413 506 564 729 761 Low HOME Rent 413 Table 32 Monthly Rent 459 551 637 711 Data Source: HUD FMR and HOME Rents Is there sufficient housing for households at all income levels? There is not sufficient housing at all income levels for the citizens of Georgia as there is a great need for more housing for those at the lowest income levels. As evidenced by Tables 9 and 10 in the Needs Assessment section of this document (NA-10), there are great numbers of cost burdened households for renters as well as homeowners. There are 79,577 renter households and 66,075 homeowner households that are cost burdened greater than 30%. Of these, 64,672 of the renter households (81.27%) and 49,248 of the homeowners (74.81%) are cost burdened to the point where they are paying in excess of 50% of their household income towards housing expenses. The situation is slightly less critical for those below 50% of median income but still problematic. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 56 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) How is affordability of housing likely to change considering changes to home values and/or rents? The median home value increased from $111,200 based upon 2000 Census data to $160,100 according to 2005-2009 ACS data. This represents a 30.54% increase. Georgia was hit hard by the mortgage crisis and home values plummeted throughout the state beginning in 2007. With a large number of foreclosures and vacant units, purchasing a home is now within reach of many Georgians because of these lower values. This is tempered by the fact that access to credit has tightened greatly during this time because of the large losses experienced by many lenders throughout the state and higher down payment requirements have been imposed as a result. It is expected that many housing markets in Georgia will pick up during this reporting period as a result of pent-up demand among buyers and prices should begin to escalate again. Georgia's rents have remained steady from 2000 to 2009. The 2000 Census identified the median contract rent as $613 and this figure increased only to $622 according to 2005-2009 ACD data. This represents only a 1.45% increase. Despite these relatively flat median rents, there continues to be an affordability problem for renters. The 2007-2011 ACS data shows there to be 1,052,943 occupied units where rent is being paid and 454,146 of these (43.13%) have tenants paying in excess of 35% of their household income towards rent. How do HOME rents / Fair Market Rent compare to Area Median Rent? How might this impact your strategy to produce or preserve affordable housing? In many of Georgia's urban counties, the Fair Market Rents are typically lower than the High HOME rents but still greater than the area median rent. This would indicate a seller's market where there is more demand for quality affordable units than the supply can provide. In rural areas, rents are typically more affordable and the Fair Market Rents are equal or less than the high HOME rents. In virtually all cases in rural counties, the fair market rent is lower than the area median. Although this would indicate a lesser need for rental housing in the rural areas, this factor does not take into account the numbers of rental units available. In many of those rural areas, they are in short supply and more are needed, especially for the elderly and special needs populations such as those who are disabled. Discussion Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 57 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) MA-20 Condition of Housing 91.310(a) According to 2011 ACS estimates, there are a total of 4,103,118 housing units in Georgia. Of these, 85.2% are occupied and 14.8% are vacant. This total number of units represents just a .97% increase from the total number of units in 2009. This is due primarily to the foreclosure crisis in Georgia as there was such a large inventory of housing units during this period that very few new ones were being constructed. In contrast to the current number of vacant units, the vacancy rate for all housing units in the 2000 Census was just 8.39%. Demand for housing throughout Georgia has been slow during this previous five year period but is expected to increase sharply during the five years covered by this plan. In many urban communities around the state, construction and sale of new units has picked up considerably. Generally, Georgia's housing stock is relatively new. According to ACS data, a total of 61.81% of homes in the state were constructed in 1970 or later. Only 8.1% of current units were constructed prior to 1950. While a number of Georgia's household are experiencing housing problems, most are related to overcrowding or cost burden and not the condition of the homes. Only a total of 8,464 homes lacked complete kitchen or plumbing facilities according to 2005-2009 CHAS data. Cost burdens are still a major problem for households in the state. Of those below 80% of area median income, a total of 173,527 renter households and 199,060 homeowners are cost burdened to the point where they are paying more than 30% of their income towards housing expenses. Of these households, 189,132 are cost burdened to where they are paying more than 50% of their income for housing expenses. For special needs households such as those with persons having HIV/AIDS or persons with other disabilities, this problem is particularly acute as they are typically at the lowest income levels. Using the same number cited above, a total of 45.85% of renters and 33.19% of homeowners cost burdened at the 30% level have incomes below 30% of median income which would typically reflect those living on Social Security disability income. Of those cost burdened over 50%, 72.16% of all renters and 49.48% of all owners fit into that 30% of median income category. Definitions "Substandard condition" is defined as housing that fails to meet all state and local codes. Units that are "substandard but suitable for rehabilitation" would be ones that fail to meet state and local codes but are structurally and financially feasible to rehabilitate. Condition of Units Condition of Units With one selected Condition Owner-Occupied Number % 628,334 27% Renter-Occupied Number % 488,033 44% With two selected Conditions 12,527 1% 27,266 2% Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 58 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Condition of Units Owner-Occupied Number % Renter-Occupied Number % With three selected Conditions 1,526 0% 2,390 0% With four selected Conditions 0 0% 159 0% No selected Conditions 1,664,861 72% 592,202 53% Total Table 33 - Condition of Units Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data 2,307,248 100% 1,110,050 99% Year Unit Built Year Unit Built Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied 2000 or later Number % 447,565 19% Number % 170,409 15% 1980-1999 983,211 43% 420,965 38% 1950-1979 700,018 30% 409,149 37% Before 1950 176,454 8% 109,527 10% Total Table 34 Year Unit Built 2,307,248 Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard 100% 1,110,050 100% Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Total Number of Units Built Before 1980 Number % 876,472 38% Number % 518,676 47% Housing Units build before 1980 with children present Table 35 Risk of Lead-Based Paint 209,345 9% Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS (Total Units) 2005-2009 CHAS (Units with Children present) 93,815 8% Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 59 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Vacant Units Vacant Units Suitable for Not Suitable for Total Rehabilitation Rehabilitation 0 0 0 Abandoned Vacant Units 0 0 0 REO Properties 0 0 0 Abandoned REO Properties 0 0 0 Table 36 - Vacant Units Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS Need for Owner and Rental Rehabilitation Table 33 shows that there are a total of 499,441 housing units in the state that have one or two of the following conditions: lacking complete kitchen or plumbing facilities, severe overcrowding, or cost burden. Of this total, 59.82% of these are owner-occupied homes and the remainder rental units. Making available HUD funds for rehabilitation of these properties will allow for many of these units to remain in the housing stock and would also target the assistance to those who need it the most. Table 7 in the Housing Needs Assessment section breaks down those who have one or more housing problems by income and tenure. Of the total number of renters who are experiencing one or more housing problems, 97.27% are at or below 80% of area median income. For owners experiencing one or more housing problems, 92.29% are at or below 80% of median income. Estimated Number of Housing Units Occupied by Low or Moderate Income Families with LBP Hazards There are a total of 649,825 housing units in Georgia built before 1980. Of these, 439,706 (67.6%) are owner-occupied units. A total of 91,693 of these owner-occupied units are occupied by families with children. There are 210,119 rental units in the state built before 1980, 41,819 of which are occupied by households with children. Statistics show that the older a home is, the more likely it is to have leadbased paint present. Typically, those dwelling units built prior to 1950 are deemed the most likely to have lead-based paint present somewhere in the home. According to 2011 ACS data, 7.6% of Georgia's housing units were built prior to 1950. This figure represents 311,837 homes throughout the state that are likely to have the presence of lead-based paint. Discussion: Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 60 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) MA-25 Public and Assisted Housing (Optional) This section is optional for States to complete and DCA opts not to do so. Totals Number of Units # of units vouchers available Program Type Vouchers Special Purpose Voucher Mod- Public Certificate Rehab Housing Total Project -based Tenant -based Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Family Unification Program Disabled* 16,580 1,052 0 657 # of accessible units *includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition Table 37 Total Number of Units by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center) Describe the supply of public housing developments: Describe the number and physical condition of public housing units in the jurisdiction, including those that are participating in an approved Public Housing Agency Plan: N/A Describe the Restoration and Revitalization Needs of public housing units in the jurisdiction: N/A Describe the public housing agency's strategy for improving the living environment of lowand moderate-income families residing in public housing: N/A Discussion: Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 61 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) MA-30 Homeless Facilities 91.310(b) Facilities Targeted to Homeless Persons Emergency Shelter Beds Year Round Beds (Current & New) Voucher / Seasonal / Overflow Beds Households with Adult(s) and Child(ren) 707 33 Households with Only Adults 0 0 Chronically Homeless Households 7 0 Veterans 0 0 Unaccompanied Youth 696 44 Table 38 - Facilities Targeted to Homeless Persons Data Source Comments: Transitional Housing Beds Permanent Supportive Housing Beds Current & New Current & New Under Development 1,150 739 20 0 352 82 10 469 0 0 0 0 212 681 16 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 62 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Describe mainstream services, such as health, mental health, and employment services to the extent those services are use to complement services targeted to homeless persons Most of the mainstream provider agencies that complement services to homeless persons are community service boards (CSB). Routinely, these provider organizations are the community mental health providers and provide a comprehensive array of services to those with behavioral health and addictive disease needs. There are many of the CSBs that are ESG and S+C provider agencies that coordinate housing opportunities and assist in engagement of services with the individual. Further, these CSBs are the providers of supported employment, an evidence based practice for getting persons engaged in meaningful working opportunities. Recently the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities have promoted this service as an evidenced-based practice based on fidelity. List and describe services and facilities that meet the needs of homeless persons, particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth. If the services and facilities are listed on screen SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure or screen MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services, describe how these facilities and services specifically address the needs of these populations. As of January 2012, Georgia contained approximately 4,668 emergency shelter beds (source www.hudhre.info). Approximately 31% (1,432) of those beds are within the Balance of the State Continuum of Care (152 counties). However, approximately 50% of the emergency shelter beds within the Balance of State Continuum of Care are reserved specifically for victims of Domestic Violence. There were another 519 seasonal/winter beds of which 65 were in the Balance of State Continuum of Care. See the Appendices for a table showing the County bed counts by category within the Balance of State Comtinuum of Care. As of January 2012, Georgia contained approximately 4,846 transitional housing (source www.hudhre.info). Approximately 28% (1,362) of those beds are within the Balance of the State Continuum of Care (152 counties). However, approximately 38% of the transitional housing beds within the Balance of State Continuum of Care are reserved specifically for victims of Domestic Violence. The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) has certified family violence shelters and programs throughout Georgia covering all 159 counties. Within Georgia, 1,477 emergency and transitional beds are reserved specifically for victims of domestic violence. According to the total number of domestic violence beds on the 2011 and 2012 HUD Continuum of Care Housing Inventories, approximately 83% of those beds are within the Balance of State Continuum of Care (152 counties). Core services funded by DHS include the following: 24-hour crisis line, shelter, support groups, children's program, legal advocacy, crisis intervention, comprehensive case management, community resources, and referrals. Within the Balance of State CoC bed inventory, in January 2012, approximately 50% of all shelter beds and 83% of all transitional beds were in use by households with children. Many shelter and transitional programs have the ability to switch between types of household served based on need. However, around 20% of shelter and/or transitional programs are reserved for both individuals and families with children around the State. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 63 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Statewide, approximately 4,725 units of permanent supportive housing existed in January of 2012. Within the Balance of State specifically, there were 2,047 Permanent Supportive Housing Beds as of January 2012 and another 118 under development. Approximately 61% of these beds are reserved for individuals and 39% for families. These units are funded with a combination of Shelter Plus Care, Housing Choice Vouchers, HOME, and other funding sources. The Supportive Services are funded through various state and federal programs through a number of State agencies and local nonprofits. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 64 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services 91.310(c) HOPWA Assistance Baseline Table Type of HOWA Assistance TBRA Number of Units Designated or Available for People with HIV/AIDS and their families 91 PH in facilities 104 STRMU 180 ST or TH facilities 29 PH placement 31 Table 39 HOPWA Assistance Baseline Data Source: HOPWA CAPER and HOPWA Beneficiary Verification Worksheet To the extent information is available, describe the facilities and services that assist persons who are not homeless but who require supportive housing, and programs for ensuring that persons returning from mental and physical health institutions receive appropriate supportive housing Two initiatives formally move persons from institutional care to the community-based integrated settings. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities has received state funding for additional housing and community based supported services for persons who are leaving institutional settings including state psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric residential treatment facilities, and nursing home placements. The Georgia Department of Community Health has a grant to transition persons in nursing homes to community based settings using various waiver programs. This Money Follows the Person Demonstration Grant allows transitional assistance for a full year, providing the individual start up funds to cover costs for community integrated housing options, including security deposits, first month's rent, environmental modifications, and other related technology and services to assist the person in being re-integrated to the community. The persons served by the MFP grant include those with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury and seniors. The following services and facilities are available in Georgia's 127 county HOPWA jurisdiction to assist people living with HIV/AIDS, including those returning from an institutional setting. Other direct service providers that are not listed (such as medical establishments and other nonprofits) also deliver services to individuals with HIV/AIDS that are funded by various federal, state, local, and private funds. Action Ministries, Inc. offers short-term emergency assistance, case management, and supportive services to persons with HIV or AIDS in North Georgia. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 65 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) AIDS Athens, Inc. offers short-term emergency assistance, case management, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, permanent housing placement, and supportive services to individuals with HIV or AIDS in Athens. Central City AIDS Network provides case management, education and outreach, advocacy, emergency assistance, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing, permanent housing placement, and coordinated social and health services for families and individuals living with HIV or AIDS in Macon. Comprehensive AIDS Resource Encounter, Inc. provides short-term emergency assistance, case management, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, permanent housing placement, and supportive services to individuals with HIV or AIDS in Jesup. Georgia Legal Services offers civil legal services to people living with AIDS in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, and Savannah. Homeless Resource Network, Inc. provides case management, short-term housing services, education and outreach, advocacy, and early intervention health care for persons with HIV or AIDS in metropolitan Columbus. Living Room, Inc. provides case management, housing services, and education and outreach in Metro Atlanta for people with HIV or AIDS, and they offer case management and TBRA for people with HIV or AIDS in Northwest Georgia. Phoenix Place provides permanent supportive housing for HIV and AIDS infected adults in Savannah. Lowndes County Board of Health (d/b/a South Health District) provides case management, supportive services, short-term emergency housing assistance, permanent housing placement, education and outreach, advocacy, and health care for persons with HIV or AIDS in Valdosta. Other programs that work with the State through the Shelter Plus Care program and provide permanent supportive housing to persons with HIV/AIDs who are homeless are Jerusalem House in Atlanta, and AIDS Alliance of Northwest Georgia in Cartersville. Both of these programs fall under the City of Atlanta's HOPWA 28-county jurisdiction. Describe programs for ensuring that persons returning from mental and physical health institutions receive appropriate supportive housing The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and Department of Community Health efforts discussed above are two initiatives to formally move persons from institutional care to the community-based integrated settings. Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year goals. 91.315(e) DCA will continue to administer the HOPWA Program in order to serve low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 66 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) DCA committed to set aside 100 Housing Choice Vouchers in FY 2012 through the current HCV Program to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities individuals who are currently on the state funded Georgia Housing Voucher Program, (GHVP). DCA will provide an additional 700 Housing Choice Vouchers each year through 2015 for a total of 2,200 total vouchers. DCA will transfer households from the GHVP to DCA's HCV Program to free up state funded DBHDD vouchers so new DBHDD individuals can receive state funded rental assistance accompanied by transitional and bridge funding for costs associated with moving to the community from institutional placement. The GHVP is designed to assist the hardest to house Settlement Agreement consumer in a Housing First Model. Once stabilized on the GHVP with an established rental history, the individual can be transferred to the HCV and maintain their current housing. Another initiative is the DCA HOME Tenant-based Rental Assistance Program, (TBRA). DCA has developed a new TBRA Program funded through DCA's HOME allocation designed specifically for individuals participating in the Money Follows the Persons Demonstration Grant. DCA anticipates program start up by the summer of 2013 and has committed $1,000,000 in resource through the FY 2012 funding. The TBRA Program will operate statewide and will allow participants to select neighborhoods and communities of their choosing. This program will be primarily for persons who are leaving nursing home institutional care for community-based housing with waivers for the necessary and needed supported services and care. The State of Georgia was recently awarded the new HUD Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Demonstration Grant. This HUD Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Demonstration Program will enable the state to expand its efforts to transition individuals from institutional to integrated, community-based settings. It is a cooperative effort at the federal level: Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services; and at the Georgia State Level: Departments of Community Affairs, Community Health and Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The program will involve private sector and non-profit developers and organizations in the provision of 150 units of subsidized housing for the most vulnerable within the population, extremely low income persons with disabilities. This program is expected to be implemented during the summer of May 2013 and should be at full capacity in 24 months after the implementation date. For entitlement/consortia grantees: Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year goals. (91.220(2)) N/A Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 67 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) MA-40 Barriers to Affordable Housing 91.310(d) Negative Effects of Public Policies on Affordable Housing and Residential Investment Public policy related to the cost of housing and the incentives to develop, maintain, or improve affordable housing vary widely through the State and is typically affected by local policies over which the State has little control. Effective in 2013, the State has adopted Minimum Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning. The purpose of the Minimum Standards and Procedures is to provide a framework for the development, management and implementation of local comprehensive plans at the local, regional and state government level. They reflect an important state interest: healthy and economically vibrant cities and counties are vital to the state's economic prosperity. Included in each Plan submitted by local governments is a Housing Element. This is required for Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Communities and optional but encouraged for all other local governments. Updates are submitted at local discretion. Factors are identified to evaluate the adequacy and suitability of existing housing stock to serve current and future community needs. A Community Work Program is developed and submitted that identifies activities for addressing any identified needs or opportunities. Among the factors to be considered include: housing types and mix, condition and occupancy, local cost of housing, cost-burdened households in the community, jobshousing balance, housing needs of special populations, and availability of housing options across the life cycle. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 68 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) MA-45 Non-Housing Community Development Assets -91.315(f) Economic Development Market Analysis Business Activity Business by Sector Agriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas Extraction Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations Construction Education and Health Care Services Number of Workers 44,188 143,583 184,674 394,147 Number of Jobs %Share of Workers 14,424 2 123,024 7 72,987 9 243,643 20 Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate Information 108,389 64,559 5 37,079 13,889 2 Manufacturing 299,567 110,426 15 Other Services 97,458 63,033 5 Professional, Scientific, Management Services 148,763 41,409 7 Public Administration 113,182 112,637 6 Retail Trade 238,237 175,440 12 Transportation and Warehousing 127,760 41,043 6 Wholesale Trade 69,956 87,361 3 Total Table 40- Business Activity 2,006,983 1,163,875 -- Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS (Workers), 2010 ESRI Business Analyst Package (Jobs) %Share of Jobs %Jobs less workers 1 -1 11 4 6 -3 21 1 6 1 1 -1 9 -6 5 0 4 -3 10 4 15 3 4 -2 8 5 -- -- Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 69 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Labor Force Total Population in the Civilian Labor Force 2,166,270 Civilian Employed Population 16 years and over 2,003,337 Unemployment Rate 7.52 Unemployment Rate for Ages 16-24 21.04 Unemployment Rate for Ages 25-65 Table 41 - Labor Force Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data 4.21 Occupations by Sector Number of People Management, business and financial 591,045 Farming, fisheries and forestry occupations 22,722 Service 309,699 Sales and office 501,037 Construction, extraction, maintenance and repair 243,095 Production, transportation and material moving 335,739 Table 42 Occupations by Sector Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 70 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Travel Time Travel Time < 30 Minutes Number 1,225,557 Percentage 64% 30-59 Minutes 515,718 27% 60 or More Minutes 167,038 9% Total Table 43 - Travel Time 1,908,313 100% Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data Education: Educational Attainment by Employment Status (Population 16 and Older) Educational Attainment Less than high school graduate In Labor Force Civilian Employed Unemployed 206,851 25,981 Not in Labor Force 185,730 High school graduate (includes equivalency) 574,611 38,658 227,738 Some college or Associate's degree 492,236 26,096 136,014 Bachelor's degree or higher 393,534 Table 44 - Educational Attainment by Employment Status Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data Educational Attainment by Age 10,826 78,028 Less than 9th grade Age 1824 yrs 13,688 2534 yrs 25,755 3544 yrs 28,572 4565 yrs 62,456 65+ yrs 94,524 9th to 12th grade, no diploma 92,681 76,661 78,022 147,175 94,119 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 71 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Age 1824 yrs High school graduate, GED, or alternative 160,455 2534 yrs 191,554 3544 yrs 237,673 4565 yrs 414,721 65+ yrs 178,634 Some college, no degree 133,593 132,683 138,218 223,594 77,232 Associate's degree 15,951 43,913 49,779 75,474 17,145 Bachelor's degree 18,771 81,955 96,895 137,639 42,100 Graduate or professional degree 1,748 Table 45 - Educational Attainment by Age 31,383 45,706 Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data Educational Attainment Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months 94,573 30,041 Educational Attainment Less than high school graduate Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months 0 High school graduate (includes equivalency) 0 Some college or Associate's degree 0 Bachelor's degree 0 Graduate or professional degree 0 Table 46 Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS Data Based on the Business Activity table above, what are the major employment sectors within the state? Major employment sectors include: Education and Healthcare Services, Manufacturing, Retail, Construction and Entertainment. Approximately 75% of Georgia's workforce is employed in these sectors. Describe the workforce and infrastructure needs of business in the state. Workforce needs center primarily in the area of education. Approximately 53% of Georgia's workforce has some level of advanced education while 47% has a high school degree or less. The educational Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 72 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) needs of businesses in the state vary greatly from a workforce that has received at least a GED to a highly trained workforce in some of the newer business sectors to the state, such as bio-science. Infrastructure needs are primarily in the areas of telecommunication and transportation. Transportation needs include improvements to Georgia's ports, and improvements to the state's major transportation network of roads, rail and air. Describe any major changes that may have an economic impact, such as planned public or private sector investments or initiatives that have affected or may affect job and business growth opportunities during the planning period. Describe any needs for workforce development, business support or infrastructure these changes may create. Major changes affecting the State include private investments in three key areas: bio-science, general manufacturing and automobile manufacturing. These new investments have resulted in needs for a more highly educated workforce, the expansion of broadband and other telecommunications capabilities state-wide, and improvements in the state's transportation systems, specifically ports, Atlanta's international airport, and other major highway transportation corridors. How do the skills and education of the current workforce correspond to employment opportunities in the state? Georgia has a world-class job training program (Quick Start through the State's Technical College System) that major employers have used for many years that matches their initial training needs with employee screening and tailored training programs. Given recent announcements in highly specialized areas such as bio-science, leading colleges across the State such as the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Georgia Regents University have also enhanced efforts in this area in order to meet growing demand. Also, the Governor's Office of Workforce Development (GOWD) was created in August 2006 to improve the job training and marketability of Georgia's workforce and drive future economic growth for the state. GOWD was established to implement state workforce development policy. All efforts in this area of workforce training are designed to better match Georgia's workforce with growing demand for more highly trained workers. Describe current workforce training initiatives supported by the state. Describe how these efforts will support the state's Consolidated Plan. See the State's supporting efforts in matching business workforce needs with a qualified workforce under the previous question. The State is also committed to supporting employment opportunities by using an economic development set-aside under the CDBG Method of Distribution that supports efforts for job creation and retention. Other State efforts include the use of tobacco settlement funds in ways that help diversify the economies of the State's rural areas, State tax credits for job creation and other types of business investment, and more recently, the State Small Business Credit Initiative, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Treasury that is intended to increase access to capital for small businesses. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 73 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Describe any other state efforts to support economic growth. See the State's other supporting efforts supporting economic growth using State Tax Credits and other federal initiatives under the previous question. Discussion Georgia's economy has been greatly affected by the recession and the collapse of the housing market. This has been especially evidenced by the State leading the nation in the number of bank closures, the number of housing foreclosures and the number of sub-prime loans. This has resulted in the State's need to diversify its economy. Success has been seen in the number of highly skilled manufacturing jobs being created, an increase in site locations/expansions by the logistics industry as well as recent investments in the area of arts and entertainment. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 74 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) MA-50 Needs and Market Analysis Discussion Are there areas where households with multiple housing problems are concentrated? (include a definition of "concentration") Georgia has a total of 159 counties, many of which have an aging housing stock and multiple households below 80% of median income. Areas that are concentrated would be those that have one or more of the following housing problems: lacking complete kitchen facilities, lacking complete plumbing facilities, overcrowded, and housing cost burdened. No specific data is available statewide showing where these areas are concentrated although many are located in urban areas that are themselves entitlements. Are there any areas in the jurisdiction where racial or ethnic minorities or low-income families are concentrated? (include a definition of "concentration") Census data from 2010 shows that Georgia is 63.2% white with 36.8% being minorities. Any county where the population is greater than 50% minority would be considered an area of minority concentration. A total of 29 of Georgia's 159 counties have minority populations greater than 50%. Any county where more than 50% of the population has incomes below 80% of area median income would be considered an area of low-income concentration. There are a number of counties in the state that meet this definition, again many located in urban entitlement areas. What are the characteristics of the market in these areas/neighborhoods? Many of these neighborhoods with a high concentration of minorities and/or low-income individuals have high vacancy rates. A number have been hit hard by the foreclosure crisis and homes have become vacant and overgrown and magnets for crime. In some communities, investors have come in and acquired and rehabilitated homes for rent. The resulting drop in the number of homeowners is likely to lead to instability in the future as families come and go. Are there any community assets in these areas/neighborhoods? There are a number of qualified and concerned community-based organizations that operate in these areas. Many are faith-based and take a holistic approach to community improvement focusing on areas such as crime, housing, health care, schools, child care, and employment. Are there other strategic opportunities in any of these areas? The number of vacant units in many of these neighborhoods that are currently contributing to blight and crime could also be viewed as opportunities. Finding the funds to bring them to Code and use as rental or homeownership units could help stabilize the community and serve as a catalyst for a number of other improvements. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 75 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Strategic Plan Strategic Plan Overview Geographic Priorities The state does not allocate specific funds based upon geographic priorities. Much of the funding awarded under the CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA programs is based upon competitive application processes. Some programs are limited, however, to applicants that are not located in another HUD entitlement area for that same program. Priority Needs Among the priority needs identified for FFY13 are the following: Affordable rental housing Affordable homeownership housing preservation and development Public facilities Infrastructure Economic development Redevelopment Rapid re-housing Homelessness prevention Outreach Emergency shelter and transitional housing Influence of Market Conditions Data continues to show that Georgia has a problem in the number of households that are cost burdened in paying their housing-related costs each month. This is particularly acute for those below 50% of median income which typically includes those who are elderly or disabled and living on a fixed income. There are also a number of homeowners who have incomes at or below that 50% that are cost burdened. Anticipated Resources In addition to the resources offered by the four HUD programs, there are a number of other resources available to address the priority needs identified in this plan in addition to required matching funds. These include the following: Housing Choice Vouchers Low-income Housing Tax Credits State Housing Tax Credits HomeSafe Georgia assistance for those behind on their mortgages Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 76 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Institutional Delivery Structure There are a number of other federal, state, and local partners that will work together to carry out the activities funded through this consolidated plan. Also included are developers and nonprofit organizations. There is a need for more qualified CHDOs in the state. Barriers to Affordable Housing Local governments control their own development and zoning policies that may result in the creation of barriers to affordable housing. The state provides education, training, and technical assistance in identifying and addressing these barriers. Strategic Plan Overview-II Homelessness Strategy DCA requires its ESG subrecipients to work to identify the chronically homeless and carry out street outreach activities to identify these individuals and get them involved in the Continuum of Care. They are also required to work to get them into permanent housing after leaving temporary shelters and transitional housing programs. The state operates the Homeless Management Information System for all homeless continuums in the state to be able to track the results providers are getting to promote self-sufficiency. Lead-based Paint Hazards The state has fully incorporated HUD lead-based paint requirements into all of its federally-funded housing programs for units constructed prior to 1978. Anti-Poverty Strategy Georgia has a number of initiatives designed to attract jobs to the state that seem to be working. There are One-Stop Workforce Centers throughout the state to help link those seeking jobs to available positions. Several of the competitive programs funded by HOME that create affordable housing contain scoring provisions that reward those serving persons at the lowest income levels. Monitoring DCA carries out extensive monitoring activities to ensure that all federal requirements are met through the compliance period and that the recipients are serving individuals and families at the level they stated they would. These activities include desk reviews, unit inspections, and on-site reviews. Staff works with those recipients not meeting these requirements by providing technical and other assistance to improve their performance. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 77 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-10 Geographic Priorities 91.315(a)(1) Geographic Area 1 Area Name: Non-entitlement Areas within the State Area Type: Jurisdictions that do not receive HUD entitlement funds Other Target Area Description: Jurisdictions that do not receive HUD entitlement funds HUD Approval Date: % of Low/ Mod: Revital Type: Other Revital Description: Identify the neighborhood boundaries for this target area. Include specific housing and commercial characteristics of this target area. How did your consultation and citizen participation process help you to identify this neighborhood as a target area? Identify the needs in this target area. What are the opportunities for improvement in this target area? Are there barriers to improvement in this target area? 2 Area Name: Entitlement and Non- entitlement Areas within the State Area Type: Includes all areas within the State regardless of entitlement status Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 78 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Other Target Area Description: Includes all areas within the State regardless of entitlement status HUD Approval Date: % of Low/ Mod: Revital Type: Other Revital Description: Identify the neighborhood boundaries for this target area. Include specific housing and commercial characteristics of this target area. How did your consultation and citizen participation process help you to identify this neighborhood as a target area? Identify the needs in this target area. What are the opportunities for improvement in this target area? Are there barriers to improvement in this target area? Table 47 - Geographic Priority Areas General Allocation Priorities Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically within the jurisdiction (or within the EMSA for HOPWA) Allocations for the CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA Programs are mostly made on a competitive basis through annual application processes. The only exception to this is for HOME-funded down payment assistance provided through the Georgia Dream Program on a first come, first served basis. Application workshops are advertised widely and are held for each of the competitive programs to provide applicants with the information they need in order to apply including copies of the applications, discussion as to what is being requested, minimum threshold issues if applicable, documentation needed, and program deadlines. In the CDBG Programs, applicants must either be located in HUD nonentitlement areas or be applying for funds to serve areas that are not HUD entitlement communities. For ESG and HOME, applicants may apply for funds for any area of the State with the exception of the HOME Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP), which is limited to non-Participating Jurisdictions. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 79 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) The State does not anticipate any funding set-asides for specific geographic areas of Georgia for the ESG or HOPWA programs. 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 for ESG and HOPWA. By formula, HOPWA funds are allocated to eligible states and Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Areas (EMSAs) that meet the minimum number of cumulative AIDS Cases. States and metropolitan areas coordinate use of HOPWA funds with their respective Consolidated Plans, a collaborative process, which establishes a unified vision for community development actions. In Georgia, HUD provides HOPWA formula funds to two (2) other government entities in addition to the State of Georgia. States and metropolitan areas coordinate use of HOPWA funds with their respective Consolidated Plans, a collaborative process, which establishes a unified vision for community development actions. HOPWA eligible metropolitan areas receive their HOPWA allocations directly from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and have specific guidelines and separate processes not included within the State's program. Subject to availability of funds, and on a second priority basis, programs operating within the Atlanta and Augusta EMSAs may be eligible to receive HOPWA funds from the State of Georgia. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 80 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-25 Priority Needs 91.315(a)(2) Priority Needs Priority Need Name Priority Level Population Associated Goals 1. Affordable Rental Housing High Extremely Low Low Moderate Large Families Families with Children Elderly Elderly Frail Elderly Persons with Mental Disabilities Persons with Physical Disabilities Persons with Developmental Disabilities Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families Victims of Domestic Violence Construction/Rehabilitation of Rental Units CHDO Pre-development Loans CHDO Operating Assistance Tenant-based Rental Assistance Geographic Areas Affected Includes all areas within the State regardless of entitlement status Description This activity includes the new construction or rehabilitation of affordable rental housing and tenant-based rental assistance. Basis for Relative Priority Georgia has many cost-burdened renter families that need quality affordable housing. 2. Homeownership Housing High Preservation & Development Extremely Low Low Moderate Large Families Families with Children Elderly Public Housing Residents Elderly Homeownership Assistance CHDO Pre-development Loans CHDO Operating Assistance Geographic Areas Affected Includes all areas within the State regardless of entitlement status Description Assistance for homeownership housing including homeowner rehab, new construction, and down payment financial assistance Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 81 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Basis for Relative Priority Georgians need financial assistance to enable them to purchase homes and to allow existing homeowners to maintain their homes. There is also a large inventory of vacant units that need to be brought to Code and occupied. 3. Public Facilities High Extremely Low Low Moderate Large Families Families with Children Elderly Public Housing Residents Non-housing Community Development Buildings Infrastructure Immediate Threat and Danger Program Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 82 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Geographic Areas Affected Jurisdictions that do not receive HUD entitlement funds Description Local governments throughout the state need financial assistance to allow them to construct buildings where public services are offered as well as infrastructure projects. Basis for Relative Priority Local governments have been hit hard by the housing crisis and the resulting drops in property values have impacted their tax bases while the demand for services remains high. 4. Job Creation Low Extremely Low Low Moderate Large Families Families with Children Elderly Rural Chronic Homelessness Individuals Families with Children Chronic Substance Abuse veterans Persons with HIV/AIDS Victims of Domestic Violence Persons with Mental Disabilities Persons with Physical Disabilities Persons with Developmental Disabilities Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families Victims of Domestic Violence Economic Development Redevelopment Geographic Areas Affected Includes all areas within the State regardless of entitlement status Description Assistance provided to local governments and businesses that result in the creation of jobs for low and moderate-income persons. Basis for Relative Priority Georgia continues to have unemployment levels that exceed those of the nation and incentives are often needed to encourage job creation. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 83 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 5. Rapid Re-housing High Extremely Low Low Moderate Large Families Families with Children Elderly Rural Chronic Homelessness Individuals Families with Children Mentally Ill Chronic Substance Abuse veterans Persons with HIV/AIDS Victims of Domestic Violence Elderly Frail Elderly Persons with Mental Disabilities Persons with Physical Disabilities Persons with Developmental Disabilities Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families Victims of Domestic Violence Rapid Re-housing Assistance HOPWA Tenant-based Rental Assistance HOPWA Housing Assistance Geographic Areas Affected Includes all areas within the State regardless of entitlement status Description Rapid re-housing is designed to get homeless individuals back into permanent housing as quickly as possible. Basis for Relative Priority DCA has priritized rapid re-housing as its proncipal interventions as it has proven to be effective throughout the nation and many areas of the state do not have any emergancy shelters or transitional housing. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 84 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 6. Homelessness Prevention Low Extremely Low Low Moderate Large Families Families with Children Elderly Rural Chronic Homelessness Individuals Families with Children Mentally Ill Chronic Substance Abuse veterans Persons with HIV/AIDS Victims of Domestic Violence Unaccompanied Youth Elderly Frail Elderly Persons with Mental Disabilities Persons with Physical Disabilities Persons with Developmental Disabilities Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families Victims of Domestic Violence Homeless Prevention Assistance HOPWA Tenant-based Rental Assistance HOPWA Housing Assistance Geographic Areas Affected Includes all areas within the State regardless of entitlement status Description Homeless prevention works to keep at-risk individuals and families in their homes rather than have them lose them and become homeless. Basis for Relative Priority Homeless prevention is a lower priority as DCA prefers the rapid re-housing model but this can be effective for the state's most vulnerable populations. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 85 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 7. Homeless Outreach High Extremely Low Low Moderate Families with Children Rural Chronic Homelessness Individuals Families with Children Mentally Ill Chronic Substance Abuse veterans Persons with HIV/AIDS Victims of Domestic Violence Persons with Mental Disabilities Persons with Physical Disabilities Persons with Developmental Disabilities Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families Victims of Domestic Violence Homeless Outreach Assistance Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 86 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Geographic Areas Affected Includes all areas within the State regardless of entitlement status Description Outreach involves identifying persons on the street and bringing them into the system for assessments and referrals so they can be assisted . Basis for Relative Priority This is a high priority as there are many homeless Georgians that are not receiving services through the continuums of care around the state and this will help identify them. 8. Emergancy Shelter & High Transitional Housing Extremely Low Low Moderate Large Families Families with Children Elderly Rural Chronic Homelessness Individuals Families with Children Mentally Ill Chronic Substance Abuse veterans Persons with HIV/AIDS Victims of Domestic Violence Elderly Frail Elderly Persons with Mental Disabilities Persons with Physical Disabilities Persons with Developmental Disabilities Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families Victims of Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing HOPWA Tenant-based Rental Assistance HOPWA Housing Assistance Geographic Areas Affected Includes all areas within the State regardless of entitlement status Description Emergency shelter typically involves providing the homeless overnight accommodations and transitional housing usually can last up to two years to allow households to learn to live independently. Basis for Relative Priority Table 48 Priority Needs Summary Narrative (Optional) These are high priorities as they are needed for those with special needs and the chronically homeless. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 87 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-30 Influence of Market Conditions 91.315(b) Influence of Market Conditions Affordable Housing Market Characteristics that will influence the use of funds available for housing type Type Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Table 7 of NA-10 indicates there are a total of 200,515 renter households of people at 100% or less of AMI. Of this number, 84,975 (42.4%) report spending more than 50% of their income on housing costs and 60,799 of these severely cost burdened households (71.5%) have household incomes below 30% of median income. Most of Georgia's disabled population would fit into this income category. Because of the overwhelming need for housing subsidies for persons below 80% AMI and the limited availability of Housing Choice vouchers, the State will be undertaking a tenant-based rental assistance program to fill this gap. Participants must have at least one individual with a disability to receive assistance. TBRA for NonHomeless Special Needs Finding community housing for those being de-institutionalized is a high priority for the State as is providing housing for the disabled. Both groups tend to be at the lowest income levels (0-30% AMI). Table 7 indicates that 65.6% of renters at this income level pay over 50% of their income for housing costs. The State has determined that the best way to address this problem is with tenant-based rental assistance. New Unit Production Generally, Georgia's housing vacancy rate would indicate there is not a great need for any new housing units. According to a 2012 ACS report, Georgia's homeownership vacancy rate was 2.7%. While better than the 3.6% rate in 2011, this rate is the 4th highest in the nation. The rental vacancy rate is 9.9%. While these rates would indicate a very low need for new construction, there are times it may be justified, particularly for rental units. This would particularly apply to rural areas where there is not a sufficient supply of existing units. The construction of new homeownership units is a low priority. Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of both rental and homeownership units is a high priority. The 2012 vacancy rate in Georgia for rental units is 9.9%. Included in this figure are a number of blighted and abandoned developments. These will be a high priority to address. Table 7 shows that there are a total of 136,826 homeowner units in the State owned by persons with incomes at or below 50% AMI. Of this total, 76,921 households have severe cost burdens, many of them elderly. For this reason, homeowner rehabilitation will be a high priority for funding. Acquisition, including preservation Acquisition and preservation will be a low priority with one exception. There are a number of vacant single-family homes that are either blighted or were not finished as a result of the housing crisis beginning in 2006. The acquisition, completion, and sale or rental of these properties will be a high priority throughout the State. Table 49 Influence of Market Conditions Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 88 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-35 Anticipated Resources - 91.315(a)(4), 91.320(c)(1,2) Georgia will have a number of federal, state, local, and private resources available to address the priority needs and objectives identified in this Strategic Plan. Included in these are the following: CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA Housing Choice Vouchers Low-income Housing Tax Credits/Georgia Housing Tax Credit Competitive HUD Homeless funds Shelter Plus Care State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless HomeSafe Georgia Section 811 Project Rental Assistance HUD Housing Counseling National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling (NFMC) Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 89 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Anticipated Resources Program Source of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Annual Allocation Program Income Prior Year Resources Total Expected Amount Available Reminder of ConPlan Narrative Description CDBG public - Acquisition federal Admin and Planning Economic Development Housing Public Improvements Public Services $37,110,886 $750,000 Required match plus additional leverage will be used with the federal funds. $13,000,000 $50,860,886 $148,443,544 HOME public federal Acquisition Homebuyer assistance Homeowner rehab Multifamily rental new construction Multifamily rehab rental New construction for ownership TBRA $14,150,146 $5,000,000 $10,000,000 $29,150,146 $76,600,584 Funds will be used in conjunction with other non-federal funds for leverage and to ensure that minimal HOME funds are invested in each project. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 90 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Program Source of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Annual Allocation Program Income Prior Year Resources Total Expected Amount Available Reminder of ConPlan Narrative Description HOPWA public - Permanent housing in federal facilities Permanent housing placement Short term or transitional housing facilities STRMU Supportive services TBRA $1,964,378 0 Funds will be leveraged as much as possible with other sources and subrecipients will be required to show sources of matching funds. $629,610 $2,593,988 $7,857,512 ESG public - Conversion and rehab federal for transitional housing Financial Assistance Overnight shelter Rapid re-housing (rental assistance) Rental Assistance Services Transitional housing $3,308,761 0 Table 50 - Anticipated Resources Required match plus additional leverage will be used with federal funds. In addition to the federal funds, the state plans to allocate approximately $6,400,000 of its funds during the five years covered by this plan. $72,463 $3,381,224 $13,253,044 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 91 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied For all programs that have competitive funding rounds, points are granted to local applicants based upon the leveraging they show using nonfederal funds as a way to encourage this. This would include the Low-income Housing Tax Credit, CDBG, and CHIP Programs. This also includes the ESG Program where non-federal resources are required as part of the match requirements for the program. In addition to the ESG match generated by private or local funds, the State allocates general revenue to the Housing Trust Fund which is combined with the federal resources in being allocated to program recipients and provides additional ESG match needed for the program. For the HOME Program, match is provided from two non-federal resources. State tax credits provided from general funds are awarded on a one for one basis to go along with the federal tax credits for all projects that also receive HOME funds and are used as equity generational tools by the developer recipients. In addition, the State also provides down payment assistance to HOME-eligible homebuyers with the use of State general revenues. If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the state that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan No State-owned property will be used to address the needs identified in the plan. It is possible that locally owned property may be used for projects seeking funding through the competitive application processes for CDBG and HOME. That is not a requirement, however, and that would be a local determination that DCA would have no way of knowing if that was the case at this time. Discussion Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 92 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure 91.315(k) Explain the institutional structure through which the jurisdiction will carry out its consolidated plan including private industry, non-profit organizations, and public institutions. Responsible Entity Responsible Entity Type GA Dept. of Behavioral Health & Government Dev. Disabilities Role Homelessness Planning Rental Geographic Area Served State GA Dept of Community Health Government Homelessness Planning State State Housing Trust Fund for the Government Homeless Homelessness Planning State US Dept. of Veteran Affairs Government Homelessness Planning Nation CHIP Grantees Government Ownership Jurisdiction Private Developers Developer Ownership Rental State Non-profit Developers CHDO Ownership Rental State Community Service Boards Government Homelessness Planning Rental Jurisdiction ESG Entitlement Jurisdictions Government Homelessness Jurisdiction Private Non-profit Organizations Non-profit organizations Homelessness Ownership Rental Region Tri-Jurisdictional Continuum of Government Care Homelessness Planning Region Athens-Clarke County Continuum Government of Care Homelessness Planning Jurisdiction Augusta-Richmond Continuum of Government Care Columbus-Muscogee Continuum Government of Care Homelessness Planning Homelessness Planning Jurisdiction Jurisdiction Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 93 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Responsible Entity Responsible Entity Type Role Geographic Area Served Cobb County Continuum of Care Government Homelessness Planning Jurisdiction SAVANNAH-CHAHAM AUTHORITY FOR THE HOMELESS, INC. Government Homelessness Planning Region Table 51 - Institutional Delivery Structure Assess of Strengths and Gaps in the Institutional Delivery System With HUD's increased expectations of CHDOs and their ability to own, sponsor, or develop affordable housing, the State is re-assessing how it works with CHDOs as it enters this 5-year planning period. In the past, many organizations sought CHDO status without having specific projects in mind or having the capacity to undertake large-scale projects. The State's primary focus for funding CHDOs in the past was for them to undertake large rental projects using HOME resources in conjunction with Low-income Housing Tax Credits or with State Housing Trust Fund money if the project was to be permanent supportive housing. Many agencies struggled to keep projects viable not only through the construction process, but also through the compliance period. During the period covered by this Plan, the State will be working to also consider projects for CHDOs to undertake of a more modest scale that will make it easier for those smaller organizations to successfully complete developments. The lack of a number of high quality, capable CHDOs is the primary gap in the State's delivery system. A number of very qualified multi-family development organizations exist with good track records that have undertaken projects throughout the State, but most of these do not meet CHDO qualifications. Within CHIP, there are also a number of experienced subrecipients that have excellent track records of completing both home buyer assistance and homeowner rehabilitation projects. There are also a number of organizations that have participated in the development of permanent supportive housing units. An ongoing issue regarding these types of developments is being able to provide the necessary services to the residents that are needed to allow them to live independently and succeed. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 94 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Availability of services targeted to homeless persons and persons with HIV and mainstream services Homelessness Prevention Services Counseling/Advocacy Legal Assistance Mortgage Assistance Rental Assistance Utilities Assistance Law Enforcement Mobile Clinics Other Street Outreach Services Alcohol & Drug Abuse Child Care Education Employment and Employment Training Healthcare HIV/AIDS Available in the Community Targeted to Homeless Homelessness Prevention Services X X X X X X X X Street Outreach Services X X X X X Supportive Services X X X X X X X X X X X X Targeted to People with HIV X X X X X X X X X X X X X Life Skills X X X Mental Health Counseling X X X Transportation X X X Other Table 52 - Homeless Prevention Services Summary Describe the extent to which services targeted to homeless person and persons with HIV and mainstream services, such as health, mental health and employment services are made available to and used by homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 95 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) families, families with children, veterans and their families and unaccompanied youth) and persons with HIV within the jurisdiction DCA administers all programs funded through the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless (HTF) Commission. Through the Georgia's HOPWA Program, the State's eight HOPWA funded project sponsors are able to provide supportive services to persons living with HIV/AIDS from 108 of the State's 127-county HOPWA entitlement area. This represents an increase of 25 counties in the last two years. HOPWA project sponsors provide, or link clients to, services in the areas of alcohol and drug abuse, child care, education (for HIV/AIDS prevention), employment and training, healthcare, life skills, and transportation. Many supportive service programs exist for persons who are homeless, however stand-alone service programs specifically targeted to persons who are homeless are principally based in the more urban areas of Georgia. Employment training programs for persons who are homeless are in Athens, Atlanta, Decatur Savannah, Marietta, Macon, and the seven rural counties surrounding Macon. Day centers are located in Athens, Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Tifton, and Valdosta, and programs offering case management, ID assistance, mainstream resources assistance, healthcare, employment referrals, assessment, and transportation are located in Atlanta, Augusta, Marietta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah. Support services (outside of mainstream services) are provided for persons who are homeless within Georgia's 150 ESG funded emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing programs. Within those programs, 38 are located within the State's consolidated planning area and the BoS CoC, 32 are within other consolidated planning areas within the BoS CoC, and 80 are located within other planning jurisdictions entirely. The Georgia State Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHHD) is the state agency responsible for service provision, program oversight, and policy development of all behavioral health, substance abuse, and developmental/intellectual disability services. DBHDD coordinates its services through regional offices, and through Community Service Boards (CSB), DBHDD provides community based public disability services for disabilities related to mental health, developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases. DCA has an extensive partnership with over 16 CSBs around Georgia in the administration of over 33 PSH project grants that have 944 units under contract (868 units in production) within the state's consolidated planning jurisdiction alone. Community based street outreach programs include DBHDD's PATH Teams that specifically target persons who are chronically homeless and have a mental illness in Atlanta, Columbus, Augusta, and Savannah. DBHDD also sponsors a toll-free Georgia Crisis and Access Line (1-800-715-4225) as well as Mobile Crisis Services that can also be reached through the toll-free number. In an effort to end homelessness for veterans, DCA's Rental Assistance Division works with HUD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to administer 415 VASH vouchers in Georgia. The HUDVeterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program is a combination of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the VA. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 96 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Homeless prevention programs and services outside of DCA's 8 ESG funded programs that are located throughout Georgia are as follows: Georgia Legal Services offer legal assistance and advocacy in cases of eviction, foreclosure, etc. within 11 regional offices; temporary mortgage assistance for eligible households through the HomeSafe Georgia program; Community Action Agencies administer utility assistance programs throughout the state; and housing counseling agencies. Describe the strengths and gaps of the service delivery system for special needs population and persons experiencing homelessness, including, but not limited to, the services listed above The service delivery system for special needs populations and persons experiencing homelessness, including, but not limited to, the services listed above, is both diverse and strong in Georgia. While the previous section highlights many of these strengths, the following section briefly summarizes some of these strengths; The General Assembly has committed to addressing the problem of homelessness in Georgia through the creation of the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless; The consolidation of the state's housing programs under one agency, DCA, has enabled the state to better coordinate the implementation of programs targeted to persons with special needs and/or persons experiencing homelessness, and has enhanced the resources available to address these needs; and DCA has formed strong partnerships with other State agencies, local governments, and various nonprofit organizations to assist in not only addressing the issue of homelessness in Georgia, but in working to reduce the number of persons who are experiencing homelessness and prioritizing both persons who are chronically homeless and veterans. DBHDD contracts with 25 CSBs, boards of health and various providers, and state-operated regional hospitals to provide treatment and supportive services to persons with mental illnesses and addictive diseases, and support to people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. CSBs are available for all Georgians with low income, however there are approximately 33 CSBs that specifically target persons who are homeless with a disability related to an addictive disease or mental illness through the administration of the Shelter Plus Care program. For a list of DBHDD's Regional Offices, please go to: http://dbhdd.georgia.gov/regions. The HIV Unit within the Georgia Department of Public Health works to provide programs targeted to persons living with HIV/AIDS that include the HIV Prevention Program (in all 18 health districts) and the HIV Care (Ryan White Part B) Program (to 16 health districts and several agencies). In addition to prevention services, testing, and reporting, these programs both provide essential medical and supportive services for persons with HIV diseases or AIDS and manage the Georgia AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) and Health Insurance Continuation Program (HICP). For a list of the Department of Public Health's statewide HIV care and service providers, please go to: http://www.health.state.ga.us/programs/stdhiv/providers.asp. While many strengths exist in Georgia's system for delivering services to special needs populations and persons experiencing homelessness, gaps in this structure exist which hinders fully addressing this need. These gaps are summarized as: State budget cutbacks have resulted in the decline of financial resources available for HOME match and State Housing Trust Funds for the Homeless (HTF) allocations; Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 97 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) A dedicated revenue source for the HTF dies not exist and such a tool would guarantee the viability of the actions undertaken by the fund; Local governments and nonprofit organizations often lack the capacity to administer housing programs, and many homeless service providers are hesitant to both serve clients with higher needs and move program strategies to a housing first model; Many of the more rural areas of Georgia lack nonprofit providers needed to insure adequate coverage of the state; Program providers frequently have different funding cycles and/or program timelines that increase the difficulty in accessing the resources of various programs simultaneously; and Local governments may be unwilling or unfamiliar with the need to address affordable housing, homelessness, and special needs issues. Provide a summary of the strategy for overcoming gaps in the institutional structure and service delivery system for carrying out a strategy to address priority needs In tandem with the Balance of State Continuum of Care, DCA is currently incorporating elements of the Federal Strategic Plan through the use of state funds to support projects that implement programs serving persons who are chronically homeless. DCA is currently expanding its harm reduction program for statewide implementation to ensure persons who are chronically homeless have the widest range of interventions available to them. DCA continues to work with providers to build on the successful implementation of the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program for households with children throughout the state. In addition, all DCA funded agencies are required to set goals targeted toward ending homelessness as quickly as possible and connecting families with mainstream services. DCA will continue to provide focused training and technical assistance to shelter and housing providers on the rapid re-housing model. Through the State Interagency Council on Homelessness, DCA works to decrease the number of homeless families statewide through state agency partnerships and policy change. Through the restructuring of the Continuum of Care governance, DCA will work to enhance the institutional structure and engage more stakeholders to the table in order to end homelessness for families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, and chronically homeless throughout Georgia. DCA will continue to strengthen connections with regional providers, such as Community Action Agencies, with the goal of all counties within the Balance of State CoC having access to prevention and rapid re-housing resources. Through the implementation of a Coordinated Assessment System, DCA will be able to build on each agency's efforts in the determination of Barriers to Housing Stability for participants at program entry. This data will be used to identify systemic barriers that can be addressed through the Interagency Homeless Coordination Council. DCA will also further data analysis begun in tracking the length of stay and in reoccurrence studies in order to assess systematic and programmatic barriers to families moving out of homelessness and link performance to funding and the rating of projects (where appropriate). Street outreach services targeted for people who are homeless and for people with HIV/AIDS vary around the state. Many outreach programs exist for persons who are homeless, however, the majority of ESG funded street outreach programs specifically targeted to persons who are homeless are in the more urban areas of Georgia. In order to address this issue, DCA focused Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 98 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) ESG Outreach Programs in an effort to target homeless persons who are unsheltered and living on the street, prioritized applicants that focused on Permanent Housing (PH) as their principal intervention, and created a harm reduction PH program to assist with supporting persons who are chronically homeless. DCA is also funding a Street Outreach program specifically to reach out to homeless youth. Covenant House Georgia is a Shelter Plus Care sponsor with a program capacity of 18 units, and while the agency is located in the metro area, they provide assistance with shelter, food, clothing, residential and non-residential services and counseling for runaway youth from across the state. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 99 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-45 Goals Summary 91.315(a)(4) Goals Summary Information Sort Order Goal Name Start End Year Year Category Geographic Area Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator 1 Construction/Rehabilitation of 2013 2017 Affordable Housing Entitlement and Non- Affordable Rental Housing HOME: Rental units constructed: 70 Rental Units entitlement Areas within the State $47,620,350 Rental units rehabilitated: 30 2 Homeownership Assistance 2013 2017 Affordable Housing Entitlement and Non- Homeownership Housing CDBG: Homeowner Housing Added: 175 entitlement Areas Preservation & Development $7,922,359 Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated: 560 within the State HOME: $19,298,965 Direct Financial Assistance to Homebuyers: 1500 3 CHDO Pre-development Loans 2013 2017 Affordable Housing Entitlement and Non- Affordable Rental Housing HOME: $146,025 Rental units constructed: 3 entitlement Areas Homeownership Housing within the State Preservation & Development 4 CHDO Operating Assistance 2013 2017 Capacity Building Entitlement and Non- Affordable Rental Housing HOME: $198,750 Other: 2 entitlement Areas Homeownership Housing within the State Preservation & Development 5 Tenant-based Rental Assistance 2013 2017 Affordable Housing Entitlement and Non- Affordable Rental Housing HOME: Tenant-based rental assistance / Rapid entitlement Areas $2,804,525 Rehousing: 200 within the State 6 Buildings 2013 2017 Non-Housing Community Development Non-entitlement Public Facilities Areas within the State HOME: $15,844,720 Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 25,000 7 Infrastructure 2013 2017 Non-Housing Community Development Non-entitlement Public Facilities Areas within the State CDBG: $83,977,013 Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 45,000 8 Immediate Threat and Danger 2013 2017 Non-Housing Non-entitlement Public Facilities Program Community Areas within the State Development CDBG: $3,168,944 Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 25,000 Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 100 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Sort Order 9 Goal Name Economic Development 10 Redevelopment 11 Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing Start End Year Year Category 2013 2017 Non-Housing Community Development 2013 2017 Non-Housing Community Development 2013 2017 Homeless 12 Rapid Re-housing Assistance 2013 2017 Homeless 13 Homeless Prevention Assistance 2013 2017 Non-Homeless Special Needs 14 Homeless Outreach Assistance 2013 2017 Homeless 15 HOPWA Tenant-based Rental 2013 2017 Non-Homeless Assistance Special Needs 16 HOPWA Housing Assistance 2013 2017 Non-Homeless Special Needs Table 53 Goals Summary Geographic Area Needs Addressed Entitlement and Nonentitlement Areas within the State Job Creation Non-entitlement Job Creation Areas within the State Funding CDBG: $39,611,799 Goal Outcome Indicator Jobs created/retained: 4,000 CDBG: $7,922,360 Jobs created/retained: 810 Entitlement and Nonentitlement Areas within the State Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing ESG: $6,500,000 Homeless Person Overnight Shelter: 145,000 Entitlement and Nonentitlement Areas within the State Rapid Re-housing ESG: $7,500,000 Tenant-based rental assistance / Rapid Rehousing: 12,500 Entitlement and Nonentitlement Areas within the State Homelessness Prevention ESG: $2,500,000 Homelessness Prevention: 1,550 Entitlement and Nonentitlement Areas within the State Homeless Outreach ESG: $1,250,000 Other: 5,000 Non-entitlement Areas within the State Rapid Re-housing Homelessness Prevention Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing HOPWA: $1,783,105 Tenant-based rental assistance / Rapid Rehousing: 500 Non-entitlement Areas within the State Rapid Re-housing Homelessness Prevention Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing HOPWA: $10,089,937 HIV/AIDS Housing Operations: 2300 Household Housing Unit Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 101 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Goal Descriptions 1 Goal Name Construction/Rehabilitation of Rental Units Goal Description This activity involves the new construction or rehabilitation of units for rent to income-eligible households. The allocation figure noted for this activity is an amount not to be exceeded. 2 Goal Name Homeownership Assistance Goal Description This activity includes the construction of new homeownership units, rehabilitation of owner-occupied units, and down payment assistance to income-eligible homebuyers. The funding allocations are both CDBG and HOME are maximum amounts that are not to be exceeded. The CDBG funding amount and persons to be assisted are based upon past performance as allocations for this activity will be based upon an annual competition for which there is no way to determine the amount of funds to be requested. 3 Goal Name CHDO Pre-development Loans Goal Description These funds will be used to provide loans to CHDOs with potential housing projects to determine if the project is viable. 4 Goal Name CHDO Operating Assistance Goal Description These funds will be provided to qualified CHDOs to assist them in building capacity. 5 Goal Name Tenant-based Rental Assistance Goal Description Funds will be used to provide assistance with rent, security deposits, and utilities for households with disabled individuals that qualify for the program. The funding allocation noted fgor this program is a maximum amount not to be exceeded. 6 Goal Name Buildings Goal Description Funds will be used by non-entitlement local governments to construct public facilities through an annual competitive application process. Because there is no way to predict how many applications for this activity will be received or funded, the amount and goal outcome indicator listed below is an estimate based upon percentages in years past. 7 Goal Name Infrastructure Goal Description Funds will be provided to non-entitlement local governments through an annual competition to carry out infrastructure projects including but not limited to water and sewer lines, drainage, sidewalks, and road improvements. The funding and number of persons assisted are estimates based upon past year's performance as there is no way to determine how many projects will be submitted or awarded as part of this annual competition. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 102 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 8 Goal Name Immediate Threat and Danger Program Goal Description These funds are made available to local governments that have an urgent need that may adversely affect the health or welfare of their citizens for which other financial resources are unavailable. The funding allocation amount listed representa a maximum not to be exceeded. 9 Goal Name Economic Development Goal Description Funds are provided to local governments, non-profits, and for-profit organizations to carry out activities that result in job creation or retention primarily for low and moderateincome persons. The allocation amount for this activity is a maximum amount not to be exceeded and the number of beneficiaries is an estimate based upon past experience with this program. 10 Goal Name Redevelopment Goal Description Funds are made available to local governments to assis with the implementation of economic and community development projects that result in job creation or retention or the elimination of slums and blight. 11 Goal Name Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing Goal Description Provision of essential services to homeless families and individuals in emergency shelters/transitional housing programs, operating emergency shelters and issuing hotel/motel vouchers, and operating transitional housing programs. (Under emergency shelter Hotel/Motel Vouchers are to be used in the absence of adequate or appropriate shelter based upon documented needs in areas where rapid re-housing or outreach programs exist.) Eligible costs noted in application guidelines for each type of housing assistance. 12 Goal Name Rapid Re-housing Assistance Goal Description 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. 13 Goal Name Homeless Prevention Assistance Goal Description Provision of 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). Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 103 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 14 Goal Name Homeless Outreach Assistance Goal Description Provision of essential services necessary to reach out to unsheltered homeless people; connect them with emergency shelter, housing, or critical services; and provide urgent, non-facility-based care to unsheltered homeless people who are unwilling or unable to access emergency shelter, housing, or an appropriate health facility. For the 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: Engagement; Case management; Emergency health services; Emergency mental health services; and Transportation. 15 Goal Name HOPWA Tenant-based Rental Assistance Goal Description Provision of time-limited assistance designed to prevent homelessness and to help low-income people with HIV and AIDS to live independently. 16 Goal Name HOPWA Housing Assistance Goal Description Provision of eligible housing activities as named in current HUD regulations (24 CFR 574.300) that include but are not limited to the following: facility-based housing, short term supportive housing/temporary shelter, permanent housing placement, rental assistance (including shared housing), homelessness prevention. Estimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families to whom the jurisdiction will provide affordable housing as defined by HOME 91.315(b)(2) Extremely Low-income Households Expected to be Assisted with Housing: 710 (CDBG-12, HOME-694) Low-income Households Expected to be Assisted with Housing: 1,893 (CDBG-11, HOME-1,879) Moderate-income Households Expected to be Assisted with Housing: 2,169 (CDBG-7, HOME-2,159) Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 104 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-50 Public Housing Accessibility and Involvement 91.315(c) Need to Increase the Number of Accessible Units (if Required by a Section 504 Voluntary Compliance Agreement) The State of Georgia does not own, manage, or operate any public housing units. Activities to Increase Resident Involvements N/A Is the public housing agency designated as troubled under 24 CFR part 902? N/A Plan to remove the `troubled' designation Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 105 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-55 Barriers to affordable housing 91.315(h) Public policy related to the cost of housing and the incentives to develop, maintain, or improve affordable housing vary widely through the State and is typically affected by local policies over which the State has little control. Effective in 2013, the State has adopted Minimum Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning. The purpose of the Minimum Standards and Procedures is to provide a framework for the development, management and implementation of local comprehensive plans at the local, regional and state government level. They reflect an important state interest: healthy and economically vibrant cities and counties are vital to the states economic prosperity. Included in each Plan submitted by local governments is a Housing Element. This is required for Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Communities and optional but encouraged for all other local governments. Updates are submitted at local discretion. Factors are identified to evaluate the adequacy and suitability of existing housing stock to serve current and future community needs. A Community Work Program is developed and submitted that identifies activities for addressing any identified needs or opportunities. Among the factors to be considered include: housing types and mix, condition and occupancy, local cost of housing, cost-burdened households in the community, jobshousing balance, housing needs of special populations, and availability of housing options across the life cycle. Strategy to Remove or Ameliorate the Barriers to Affordable Housing The Minimum Standards and Procedures for Local Comprehensive Planning encourage local governments throughout the State to examine all of their policies, including those related to housing, to see if they result in any negative effects. For those communities throughout the State that want additional housing information and technical assistance to possibly mitigate any existing barriers or identify affordable housing incentives, the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) was created. GICH offers communities a three-year program of collaboration and technical assistance. The objective of the Initiative is to help communities create and launch a locally based plan to meet their housing and neighborhood revitalization needs as well as to allow them to look at potential barriers to affordable housing that may exist in their communities. The program represents a collaboration of partners: the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), the University of Georgia (UGA) Housing and Demographics Research Center, and the UGA Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach. The Georgia Power Company is GICH's Founding Sponsor. Additional in-kind support is provided by Georgia EMC, the UGA Archway Partnership, and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government. During the three-year program of technical assistance and cross-community sharing, participating community housing teams: Attend two retreats a year with other participating communities Identify issues and needs, available resources, and potential obstacles Develop new ideas about meeting local housing needs and enhancing community development Learn about best practices and available resources and funding for housing and community development Produce a community housing plan with objectives and goals Begin implementation of the action plan Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 106 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-60 Homelessness Strategy 91.315(d) Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs Expand DCA's harm reduction program for statewide implementation to ensure persons who are chronically homeless have the widest range of interventions available to them; Continue to provide technical assistance in assisting street outreach programs establish policy and procedure as outreach programs begin work. DCA acts as a facilitator when street outreach teams, including PATH teams find impediments to getting homeless people the services or resources they need such as Permanent Supportive Housing; Target Street Outreach to be strongly focused on street based Engagement and Case Management that should lead to one goal, supporting homeless households in achieving some form of permanent, sustainable housing. To this end, DCA will prioritize funding towards Street Outreach teams that collaborate with Rapid Re-Housing programs to provide one seamless service. Addressing the emergency and transitional housing needs of homeless persons Provide housing necessary for Georgia's homeless to break the cycle of homelessness to provide housing to an estimated 29,700 homeless individuals (transitional and shelter) through implementation of Georgia's ESG Program; Provide decent affordable housing to an estimated 2,500 persons who would otherwise be living on the street or in shelters/transitional housing programs through implementation of the Rapid Re-Housing Program funded through Georgia's ESG Program; Continue to work with providers to increase the accessibility to the Rapid Re-Housing program for households with children throughout the State; and Through the administration of the Balance of State (152 County) Continuum of Care Plan, DCA will continue to monitor the housing stability of CoC funded transitional housing providers and provide technical assistance to agencies that fall below 70% housing stability (clients leaving transitional housing that move to a permanent destination). Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again. Continue to educate DCA Grantees in the housing first model and encourage them to prioritize Rapid ReHousing funds towards ending homelessness; Provide technical assistance in the implementation of Outreach and Rapid Re-Housing grants towards increasing the number of homeless households served; Target Prevention dollars to communities that are able to demonstrate most need; Through the use of HMIS data, continue to monitor the length of time households are homeless, and then establish targets for agencies to assist households into permanent housing; Continue DCA's research into recidivism, and establish further research to assist agencies at a program level towards reducing the level of recidivism; Continue DCA's long term goal of increasing the number of Permanent Supportive housing units by 5% each year. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 107 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Help low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families who are likely to become homeless after being discharged from a publicly funded institution or system of care, or who are receiving assistance from public and private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education or youth needs Currently all grantees of State 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. 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. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 108 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-65 Lead based paint Hazards 91.315(i) Actions to address LBP hazards and increase access to housing without LBP hazards Any homes built prior to 1978 are 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 cost of lead-based paint removal activities, depending upon the type of activity being funded. The State requires testing for the presence of lead-based paint in all housing proposed for rehabilitation that is built prior to 1978. Contractors working on these homes must be lead-certified and follow safe work practices in working on any of the affected areas to protect their workers. The State Department of Natural Resources provides education, training, and certification to contractors in the treatment of lead-based paint. The State provides to the owners and occupants a lead pamphlet, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home, before starting renovation work and maintains documentation that it was received by the residents. 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. How are the actions listed above integrated into housing policies and procedures? Program policies and procedures regarding single- or multi-family housing rehabilitation all incorporate the HUD-mandated requirements for notification. Subrecipients of CDBG and HOME funds must incorporate these procedures into their local policies. As work write-ups are prepared and submitted for approval, the presence and proposed treatment of lead-based paint is reviewed thoroughly as part of the environmental review prior to approving the work and issuing a notice to proceed. For multifamily properties, this subject is covered thoroughly at the pre-construction conference. The Department of Human Services administers other lead poisoning prevention programs, including a statewide lead poisoning surveillance system that incorporates electronic reporting of all blood lead levels, health education awareness programs, and has also implemented the revised Case Management and Follow up Guidelines treatment manual. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 109 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-70 Anti-Poverty Strategy 91.315(j) Jurisdiction Goals, Programs and Policies for reducing the number of Poverty-Level Families According to U.S. Census data, Georgia had a total of 1,688,932 residents living below the poverty line in 2010. This constituted 17.9% of the state's population. This number grew to 1,827,743 in 2011. This figure represented 19.1% of all Georgia residents. Based upon the 2011 Census statistics, Georgia is tied for fifth of all 50 states in the percentage of its citizens living in poverty. In January, 2013, Georgia's unemployment rate was 8.7% and only 8 states had a higher rate. While this was still high, the numbers are trending downward. The rate for Georgia in 2011 was 9.9%. The unemployment rate in January 2010 was 10.4% which represents an all-time high for the state. Job creation and retention combined with job training opportunities are considered to be the best way to fight poverty and to provide Georgians throughout the state the ability to live self sufficiently. Following are several initiatives the State is undertaking in this area. 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. 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 Commissiondesignated counties. The grants will provide schools with resources to enable them to continue to increase their graduation and college-going rates. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 created the State Small Business Credit Initiative, funded with $1.5 billion nationwide to strengthen state lending programs that support small businesses and manufacturers. Of that total amount allocated, Georgia was allocated $47,808,507 in 2011. These funds are used to provide low-cost capital to small businesses for expansion and improvements. Georgia Work Ready was created to ensure that Georgia's workers have the best skills, easy access to training and world-class job opportunities. The backbone of the initiative is the Work Ready Certificate, which assesses the real world skills of Georgia's workers. Georgians can use their Work Ready Certificate to prove their work readiness to potential employers. Georgia also offers gap training aimed at helping to improve Certificate scores, enabling career growth and continued on-the-job success. This, combined with an innovative job profiling process that accurately identifies the exact skills required for specific jobs is helping create the perfect match between Georgia workers and jobs. A total of 136 of Georgia's 159 counties have been certified as Work Ready communities through this initiative showing potential employers that their work force has the skills needed in the event they wish to locate there. There are 20 Workforce Investment Act service areas in Georgia, and each workforce area has at least one comprehensive/full-service One-Stop Workforce Center where a wide range of workforce services are available to job seekers and employers. There are currently 46 fullservice Career Centers in Georgia. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 110 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) How are the Jurisdiction poverty reducing goals, programs, and policies coordinated with this affordable housing plan Georgia recognizes that employment and housing issues are intertwined. The 2013 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) is the document that the State develops to govern the award of assistance under the Lowincome Housing Tax Credit Program which can also be combined with HOME Program funds. A number of criteria are included that involve employment and serving those in poverty. Preference is given to those projects that serve tenants below 50% of area median income and for developments located in proximity to public transportation options. Points are also awarded to developers proposing to provide supportive housing to those who are mentally or physically disabled who typically are also under 50% of area median income. In addition to the HOME Rental Housing Loan Program, incentives are also included in scoring for the Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) to serve lower income households. This competitive program allows local governments, nonprofit organizations, and public housing authorities to apply for funds through the provision of down payment assistance and homeowner rehabilitation. Points are provided to applicants based upon the percentage of persons below the poverty line in the proposed area of service with higher numbers getting higher points. Additional points are also awarded to applicants agreeing to limit their assistance to extremely low- and very low- income households. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 111 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 2011 Povert)' Rates Poverty Rate D 5.9%-16.5% D 16.6%-20% D 2o.1%- 43.1% us 14.3% Georgia 16.5% Map prepared by Data source: U.S Bureau of the Census, 2007-2011 American Community Survey (ACS) 5 year estimates, 2012 Geography: 2010 TIGER/Line Shapefile Map prepared by Georgia Department of Community Affairs, 2013 Departmentol Community A.t'fO"tlr. 2013 Poverty Levels of Georgia Counties Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 112 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SP-80 Monitoring 91.330 Describe the standards and procedures that the state will use to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan and will use to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the comprehensive planning requirements See that Monitoring section of the Appendix for details on DCA's activities in this area. Consolidated Plan GEORGIA 113 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) ANNUAL ACTION PLAN Federal FY 2013 State FY 2014 July 1, 2013 June 30, 2014 AP-15 Expected Resources 91.320(c)(1,2) Georgia will have a number of federal, state, local, and private resources available to address the priority needs and objectives identified in this Strategic Plan. Included in these are the following: CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA Housing Choice Vouchers Low-income Housing Tax Credits/Georgia Housing Tax Credit Competitive HUD Homeless funds Shelter Plus Care State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless HomeSafe Georgia Section 811 Project Rental Assistance HUD Housing Counseling National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling (NFMC) Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 114 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) ANNUAL ACTION PLAN Federal FY 2013 State FY 2014 July 1, 2013 June 30, 2014 Anticipated Resources Program Source of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Annual Allocation Program Income Prior Year Resources Total Expected Amount Available Reminder of ConPlan Narrative Description CDBG public federal Acquisition Admin and Planning Economic Development Housing Public Improvements Public Services $37,110,886 $750,000 Required match plus additional leverage will be used with the federal funds. $13,000,000 $50,860,886 $148,443,544 HOME public federal Acquisition Homebuyer assistance Homeowner rehab Multifamily rental new construction Multifamily rental rehab New construction for ownership TBRA $14,150,146 $5,000,000 $10,000,000 $29,150,146 $76,600,584 Funds will be used in conjunction with other nonfederal funds for leverage and to ensure that minimal HOME funds are invested in each project. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 115 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) ANNUAL ACTION PLAN Federal FY 2013 State FY 2014 July 1, 2013 June 30, 2014 Program Source of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Annual Allocation Program Income Prior Year Resources Total Expected Amount Available Reminder of ConPlan Narrative Description HOPWA public - Permanent housing federal in facilities Permanent housing placement Short term or transitional housing facilities STRMU Supportive services TBRA $1,964,378 0 Funds will be leveraged as much as possible with other sources and subrecipients will be required to show sources of matching funds. $629,610 $2,593,988 $7,857,512 ESG public - Conversion and federal rehab for transitional housing Financial Assistance Overnight shelter Rapid re-housing (rental assistance) Rental Assistance Services Transitional housing 3,308,761 0 Table 54 - Expected Resources Priority Table Required match plus additional leverage will be used with federal funds. In addition to the federal funds, the state plans to allocate approximately $6,400,000 of its funds during the five years covered by this plan. 72,463 3,381,224 13,253,044 Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 116 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied For all programs that have competitive funding rounds, points are granted to local applicants based upon the leveraging they show using non-federal funds as a way to encourage this. This would include the Low-income Housing Tax Credit, CDBG, and CHIP Programs. This also includes the ESG Program where non-federal resources are required as part of the match requirements for the program. In addition to the ESG match generated by private or local funds, the State allocates general revenue to the Housing Trust Fund which is combined with the federal resources in being allocated to program recipients and provides additional ESG match needed for the program. For the HOME Program, match is provided from two non-federal resources. State tax credits provided from general funds are awarded on a one for one basis to go along with the federal tax credits for all projects that also receive HOME funds and are used as equity generational tools by the developer recipients. In addition, the State also provides down payment assistance to HOME-eligible homebuyers with the use of State general revenues. If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan No State-owned property will be used to address the needs identified in the plan. It is possible that locally owned property may be used for projects seeking funding through the competitive application processes for CDBG and HOME. That is not a requirement, however, and that would be a local determination that DCA would have no way of knowing if that was the case at this time. Discussion Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 117 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Annual Goals and Objectives AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives 91.320(c)(3)&(e) Goals Summary Information Sort Goal Name Order Start End Category Year Year 1 Construction/Rehabilitation of 2013 2017 Affordable Rental Units Housing Geographic Area Needs Addressed Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State Affordable Rental Housing Funding HOME: $8,122,731 2 Homeownership Assistance 2013 2017 Affordable Housing Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State Homeownership Housing Preservation & Development CDBG: $1,584,472 HOME: $3,859,793 3 CHDO Pre-development Loans 2013 2017 Affordable Housing Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State Affordable Rental Housing HOME: $29,205 4 CHDO Operating Assistance 2013 2017 Capacity Building Entitlement and Affordable Rental Non-entitlement Housing Areas within the State HOME: $39,750 5 Tenant-based Rental Assistance 2013 2017 Affordable Housing Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State Affordable Rental Housing HOME: $560,905 Goal Outcome Indicator Rental units constructed: 70 Rental units rehabilitated: 30 Rental units rehabilitated: 112 Homeowner Housing Added: 35 Other: 3 Other: 3 Tenant-based rental assistance / Rapid Rehousing: 50 Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 118 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Sort Goal Name Order 6 Buildings Start End Category Year Year 2013 2017 Non-Housing Community Development 7 Infrastructure 2013 2017 Non-Housing Community Development 8 Immediate Threat and Danger 2013 2017 Non-Housing Program Community Development 9 Economic Development 2013 2017 Non-Housing Community Development 10 Redevelopment 2013 2017 Non-Housing Community Development 11 Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing 2013 2017 Homeless 12 Rapid Re-housing Assistance 2013 2017 Homeless Annual Action Plan OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Geographic Area Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator Non-entitlement Areas within the State Non-entitlement Areas within the State Non-entitlement Areas within the State Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State GEORGIA Public Facilities Public Facilities Public Facilities Job Creation CDBG: $3,168,944 Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 5000 Persons Assisted CDBG: $16,795,402 Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 45000 Persons Assisted CDBG: $633,789 Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 25000 Persons Assisted CDBG: $7,922,360 Jobs created/retained: 800 Jobs Public Facilities Job Creation CDBG: $1,584,472 Jobs created/retained: 162 Jobs Emergancy Shelter & Transitional Housing ESG: $1,300,000 Homeless Person Overnight Shelter: 29700 Persons Assisted Rapid Re-housing ESG: $1,500,000 Tenant-based rental assistance / Rapid Rehousing: 2500 Households Assisted 119 Sort Goal Name Order 13 Homeless Prevention Assistance Start End Category Year Year 2013 2017 Non-Homeless Special Needs 14 Homeless Outreach Assistance 2013 2017 Homeless 15 HOPWA Tenant-based Rental 2013 2017 Non-Homeless Assistance Special Needs 16 HOPWA Housing Assistance 2013 2017 Non-Homeless Special Needs Table 55 Goals Summary Geographic Area Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State Non-entitlement Areas within the State Non-entitlement Areas within the State Needs Addressed Homelessness Prevention Funding Goal Outcome Indicator ESG: $500,000 Homelessness Prevention: 310 Homeless Outreach ESG: $250,000 Other: 1,000 Rapid Re-housing Homelessness Prevention Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing Rapid Re-housing Homelessness Prevention Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing HOPWA: $356,621 Tenant-based rental assistance / Rapid Rehousing: 120 HOPWA: $2,450,769 HIV/AIDS Housing Operations: 460 Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 120 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Goal Descriptions 1 Goal Name Construction/Rehabilitation of Rental Units Goal Description This activity involves the new construction or rehabilitation of rental units. The funding amount represents the maximum amount for the activity not to be exceeded. 2 Goal Name Homeownership Assistance Goal Description This activity includes the construction of new homeownership units, the rehabilitation of owner-occupied units, and the provision of down payment assistance to income-eligible home buyers. The allocations for both CDBG and HOME are maximum amounts not to be exceeded. The CDBG funding for this activity is an estimate based upon past requests as total funding will be determined through an annual competition. 3 Goal Name CHDO Pre-development Loans Goal Description Funds will be used to provide loans to qualified CHDOs with potential housing projects to determine if they are viable. 4 Goal Name CHDO Operating Assistance Goal Description These funds will be provided to qualified CHDOs to assist them in building capacity. 5 Goal Name Tenant-based Rental Assistance Goal Description Funds will be used to provide assistance with rent, utilities, and security and utility deposits for households with disabled individuals. The funding allocation for this program is an amount not to be exceeded. 6 Goal Name Buildings Goal Description Funds will be provided to non-entitlement local governments to construct public facilities through an annual competitive application process. Because there is no way to predict the number of applications for this activity and what will be awarded, the allocation and projected goal outcome is based upon past year's performance. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 121 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 7 Goal Name Infrastructure Goal Description Funds will be provided to non-entitlement local governments through an annual competition to carry out infrastructure projects including, but not limited to, water and sewer line installation, drainage projects, sidewalk construction, and road improvements. The allocation and goal outcome indicators are based upon past performance as there is no way to determine how many applications for this activity will be received and approved for funding. 8 Goal Name Immediate Threat and Danger Program Goal Description these funds are made available to local governments that have an urgent need that may adversely affect the health or welfare of their citizens for which other financial resources are unavailable. The funding allocation represents an amount for this activity not to be exceeded. 9 Goal Name Economic Development Goal Description Funds are provided to local governments, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations to carry out activities that result in job creation or retention primarily for low to moderate-income persons. The allocation amount for this activity represents a maximum not to be exceeded and the goal outcome indicator is based upon past performance. 10 Goal Name Redevelopment Goal Description Funds are made available to local governments to assist with the implementation of economic and community development projects that result in job creation or retention or the elimination of slums and blight. 11 Goal Name Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing Goal Description Provision of essential services to homeless families and individuals in emergency shelters/transitional housing programs, operating emergency shelters and issuing hotel/motel vouchers, and operating transitional housing programs. (Under emergency shelter Hotel/Motel Vouchers are to be used in the absence of adequate or appropriate shelter based upon documented needs in areas where rapid re-housing or outreach programs exist.) Eligible costs noted in application guidelines for each type of housing assistance. 12 Goal Name Rapid Re-housing Assistance Goal Description 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. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 122 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 13 Goal Name Homeless Prevention Assistance Goal Description Provision of 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). 14 Goal Name Homeless Outreach Assistance Goal Description Provision of essential services necessary to reach out to unsheltered homeless people; connect them with emergency shelter, housing, or critical services; and provide urgent, non-facility-based care to unsheltered homeless people who are unwilling or unable to access emergency shelter, housing, or an appropriate health facility. For the 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: Engagement; Case management; Emergency health services; Emergency mental health services; and Transportation. 15 Goal Name HOPWA Tenant-based Rental Assistance Goal Description Provision of time-limited assistance designed to prevent homelessness and to help low-income people with HIV and AIDS to live independently. 16 Goal Name HOPWA Housing Assistance Goal Description Provision of eligible housing activities as named in current HUD regulations (24 CFR 574.300) that include but are not limited to the following: facility-based housing, short term supportive housing/temporary shelter, permanent housing placement, rental assistance (including shared housing), homelessness prevention. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 123 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) AP-25 Allocation Priorities 91.320(d) The percentages for HOME reflect the totals of anticipated FFY13 funding and estimated program income receipts. The 10% set-aside for admin is not reflected in these totals. Percentages are rounded up as applicable as the table does not allow for anything but whole numbers. See the State of Georgia Method of Distribution for its State CDBG Program at AP 30 in the Appendices for further details. The percentages in the table are based on the dollar amounts planned for each set-aside (Immediate Threat, Economic Development, and Redevelopment) with remaining funds for the CDBG Annual Competition (Buildings, Infrastructure and Housing). The allocation priorities provided for Buildings, Infrastructure, and Housing are based on historical information only and do not reflect State allocation priorities. Allocation priorities under the Annual Competition are determined by local governments. Allocation priorities (and percentages) may change based on the needs and decisions of local governments as they assess their own needs and priorities. Therefore, the allocation priorities are provided as estimates only and are not meant to limit the State CDBG program or otherwise change the State's Method of Distribution. ESG allocations include 7% for HMIS administration. This percentage is included with the 7% allocated for Homeless Outreach Assistance. Percentages for all programs are calculated after the administrative set-aside has been taken. Funding Allocation Priorities Construction Rehab Rental Units (%) Homeowner Assistance (%) CHDO Loans (%) CHDO Operating (%) TBRA (%) Buildings (%) Infrastructure (%) Immediate Threat and Danger Program (%) Economic Development (%) Redevelopment (%) Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing (%) Rapid Re-housing Assistance (%) Homeless Prevention Assistance (%) Homeless Outreach Assistance (%) HOPWA TBRA (%) HOPWA (%) Total (%) CDBG 0 5 0 0 0 10 53 2 25 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 HOME 72 23 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 HOPWA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 82 100 ESG 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Table 56 Funding Allocation Priorities 0 34 39 13 14 0 0 100 Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 124 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Reason for Allocation Priorities Allocation priorities as represented by the percentages in the table above are based upon the demand-driven nature of the State CDBG Program. Because needs are widely disbursed throughout the state and because units of local government are closer to the community and economic development needs of their geographies, DCA provides technical assistance and coordination services to local interests for the development of locally driven initiatives, partnering with public and private initiatives to strengthen rural communities. CDBG has a unique method of distribution from the other Consolidated Plan funds and most CDBG funds are allocated to the Annual Competition. This allows local governments to establish local priorities; however, because the funding for the Annual Competition is competitive, applicants that describe and document significant needs receive a high priority for funding. Also, applications for funds allocated to the set-asides (Economic Development, Redevelopment, and Immediate Threat and Danger) are reviewed based on threshold criteria that require a review of described and documented needs. Note that the ultimate geographic distribution of assistance cannot be predicted. HOME priorities are determined based upon the needs identified through the data and for affordable rental and homeownership housing for all populations as well as through input received from the public during the citizen participation process. ESG and HOPWA priorities are determined by program set-asides and priority needs evidenced by available data and public input. How will the proposed distribution of funds will address the priority needs and specific objectives described in the Consolidated Plan? Funds will be allocated to programs and activities that have been developed to meet the needs identified in the Annual Goals and Objectives section in AP-20. The percentage of funding allocated for each goal is based upon the level of need determined through these sources as well as the amount of carryover funds available for each and the anticipated demand for funds from developers, subrecipients, and other potential beneficiaries of these activities. The allocation figures were developed to address the unmet needs in the areas of affordable housing, homelessness, non-housing community development, and special needs households throughout the state of Georgia. As projects are funded and completed in all areas, it is anticipated that these needs will decrease as a result of the additional resources that are created to meet these needs. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 125 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) AP-30 Methods of Distribution 91.320(d)&(k) Distribution Methods 1 State Program Name: CDBG Annual Competition Funding Sources: CDBG Describe the state program addressed by the Method of Distribution. Funds are made available to local governments through an annual competitive process. The State has designed its CDBG program to address community priorities; ensure fairness in the treatment of all applications; and support activities that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons. In the Annual Competition eligible local governments may apply for either a Single-Activity 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. Describe all of the criteria that will be used to select applications and the relative importance of these criteria. Single- or Multi-Activity applications will be rated separately to assign points for feasibility, impact and strategy. Demographic scores will be calculated jointly for cities and counties. 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. If only summary criteria were described, how can potential applicants access application manuals or other state publications describing the application criteria? (CDBG only) Application manuals and other state publications regarding the CDBG Program can be found at the web link below: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/index.asp Describe the process for awarding funds to state recipients and how the state will make its allocation available to units of general local government, and non-profit organizations, including community and faith-based organizations. (ESG only) Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 126 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Identify the method of selecting project sponsors (including providing full access to grassroots faith-based and other community-based organizations). (HOPWA only) Describe how resources will be allocated among funding categories. A minimum of $21,689,439 will be allocated to this activity. This activity may be increased depending upon the need for other CDBG programs based upon requests received and approved. Describe threshold factors and grant size limits. 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. 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. 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. The maximum grant amount for a single activity is $500,000 and $800,000 for a multiactivity request. What are the outcome measures expected as a result of the method of distribution? Number of People Assisted Number of Jobs Created/Retained Number of Housing Units Assisted Number of Units Demolished 2 State Program Name: Employment Incentive Program Funding Sources: CDBG Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 127 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Describe the state program addressed by the Method of Distribution. 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 moderateincome. Typically, this includes loans to private for-profit entities or the provision of infrastructure improvements. Describe all of the criteria that will be used to select applications and the relative importance of these criteria. 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 either "available to" or "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 lowand moderate-income 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. If only summary criteria were described, how can potential applicants access application manuals or other state publications describing the application criteria? (CDBG only) Additional details including application manuals and other state publications can be found at the web link below: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/index.asp Describe the process for awarding funds to state recipients and how the state will make its allocation available to units of general local government, and non-profit organizations, including community and faith-based organizations. (ESG only) Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 128 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Identify the method of selecting project sponsors (including providing full access to grassroots faith-based and other community-based organizations). (HOPWA only) Describe how resources will be allocated among funding categories. Up to eight million ($8,000,000) dollars from the FFY 2013 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 2013 Program Year based on demand for the set-aside. Describe threshold factors and grant size limits. The maximum Employment Incentive Program grant is $500,000. Note that the maximum grant amount for the Employment Incentive Program may be increased. See program description and selection criteria for details. What are the outcome measures expected as a result of the method of distribution? Number of jobs created/retained 3 State Program Name: Immediate Threat and Danger Program Funding Sources: CDBG Describe the state program addressed by the Method of Distribution. The Immediate Threat and Danger Program must address an event or situation that has a particular urgency and uniqueness that adversely 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. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 129 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Describe all of the criteria that will be used to select applications and the relative importance of these criteria. 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." 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 set-aside 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. If only summary criteria were described, how can potential applicants access application manuals or other state publications describing the application criteria? (CDBG only) Application manuals and other state publications with program details can be found at the web link below: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/index.asp Describe the process for awarding funds to state recipients and how the state will make its allocation available to units of general local government, and non-profit organizations, including community and faith-based organizations. (ESG only) Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 130 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Identify the method of selecting project sponsors (including providing full access to grassroots faith-based and other community-based organizations). (HOPWA only) Describe how resources will be allocated among funding categories. Up to $500,000 from each federal fiscal year's allocation to DCA for CDBG will be setaside for this program. 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." Describe threshold factors and grant size limits. The maximum grant request for the Immediate Threat and Danger Program is $50,000. Note that the maximum grant amount for the Immediate Threat and Danger Program may be increased. What are the outcome measures expected as a result of the method of distribution? Number of people assisted Number of housing units assisted Number of units demolished Table 57 - Distribution Methods by State Program Discussion: Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 131 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) AP-40 Section 108 Loan Guarantee 91.320(k)(1)(ii) Will the state help non-entitlement units of general local government to apply for Section 108 loan funds? Yes Available Grant Amounts 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 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. 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. Maximum Loan Guarantee Amount: $5,000,000 (In the interest of limiting exposure and promoting a diversified portfolio, the Department reserves the right to limit the amounts "pledged" to any one unit of local government or business interest). Acceptance process of applications 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. 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 sub-recipients for the purposes of confirming and evaluating information contained in the pre-application or application. The staff may consult with other appropriate government and private entities in the course of reviewing and evaluating information contained in pre-applications 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. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 132 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Selection System for Section 108 Applications Section 108 Applications will be rated and scored against each of the following factors: Review Factors Maximum Points Available Demographic Need 90 points Program Feasibility 120 points Program Impact 120 points Program Strategy 120 points Bonus (for Credit Enhancement) 25 points Total Available Points 475 points Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 133 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) AP-45 Community Revitalization Strategies 91.320(k)(1)(ii) Will the state allow units of general local government to carry out community revitalization strategies? Yes State's Process and Criteria for approving local government revitalization strategies HOME Program Community Redevelopment activities may be eligible to receive points under the HOME Rental Housing Loan Program carried out in conjunction with the Low-income Housing Tax Credit Program. Points can be awarded to projects that are located within an area that has a Redevelopment Plan that has been adopted and formulated by the local Government and that clearly targets the specific neighborhood in which the project is located. Points will also be awarded if the proposed development site is located in a Qualified Census Tract and the development of which contributes to a concerted community revitalization plan or is located in a State Enterprise Zone. CDBG Program - Five points apiece can be awarded for projects meeting the criteria for Revitalization Area threshold requirement, local redevelopment tools, investment partnerships, and collaboration. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 134 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) AP-50 Geographic Distribution 91.320(f) Description of the geographic areas of the state (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed The State does not have any geographic set-asides for any of the four HUD programs covered under this plan. Most programs do, however, prohibit projects or activities from being funded in areas that receive direct entitlement funds from HUD. Only down payment assistance and multi-family development funding provided to CHDOs do not follow this requirement. Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically 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. For the CDBG program, the State does not anticipate any funding set-asides for specific geographic areas of Georgia. 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 of funded projects. Funding is limited to jurisdictions that do not receive direct CDBG entitlement funds from HUD. Under the HOME Program, there are also no geographic set-asides for specific geographic areas of Georgia. Funds are not provided for projects to be carried out in HOME participating jurisdictions with two exceptions. In the HOME Rental Housing Loan Program, Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) only may be funded for developments within these areas. Recipients of Georgia Dream down payment assistance may also purchase homes in these areas as well. For the ESG and HOPWA programs, the State does not anticipate any funding set-asides for specific geographic areas of Georgia. 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. By formula, HOPWA funds are allocated to eligible states and Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Areas (EMSAs) that meet the minimum number of cumulative AIDS Cases. States and metropolitan areas coordinate use of HOPWA funds with their respective Consolidated Plans, a collaborative process, which establishes a unified vision for community development actions. In Georgia, HUD provides HOPWA formula funds to two (2) other government entities in addition to DCA. States and metropolitan areas coordinate use of HOPWA funds with their respective Consolidated Plans, a collaborative process, which establishes a unified vision for community development actions. HOPWA eligible metropolitan areas receive their HOPWA allocations directly from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and have specific guidelines and separate processes not included within the State's program. Subject to availability of funds, and on a second priority basis, programs operating within the Atlanta and Augusta EMSAs may be eligible to receive GHFA HOPWA funds. Discussion Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 135 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Affordable Housing AP-55 Affordable Housing 24 CFR 91.320(g) Assistance in FFY2013 for will come primarily from HOME but CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA will also be included. The numbers below are based upon the anticipated completion numbers for projects in each of the categories. One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported Homeless 1,000 Non-Homeless 597 Special-Needs 120 Total 1,717 Table 58 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through Rental Assistance 1,170 The Production of New Units 85 Rehab of Existing Units 142 Acquisition of Existing Units 320 Total 1,717 Discussion: Table 59 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type A total of 1,717 households are expected to be assisted in FFY2013. Of this total, 1,000 homeless will receive rental assistance through ESG Rapid Re-Housing and 120 with HOPWA rental assistance. There are an anticipated 1,007 non-homeless households expected to receive assistance. These include 50 receiving HOME-funded TBRA, 70 in newly constructed multifamily housing, 15 in newly constructed single-family housing, 107 homeowners receiving rehabilitation assistance through CDBG and CHIP, 35 in newly constructed multi- and single-family housing, and 320 receiving HOME assistance to acquire single-family housing. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 136 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) AP-60 Public Housing - 24 CFR 91.320(j) The State of Georgia does not operate any public housing units directly nor receive any funding to do so. The State does review the Annual and Five-Year Plans of public housing authorities throughout the state to determine consistency with Georgia's Consolidated Plan and issues certifications to these authorities upon request documenting this fact. Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing No actions are planned by the State to specifically address the needs of public housing residents to the exclusion of other classes. These residents are eligible to participate in any of the ongoing programs of the State based upon their eligibility as determined by program regulations. Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership Public housing residents are eligible to participate in the home buyer programs offered through DCA and its subrecipients as long as they meet all eligibility criteria. The State plans no actions on its part to involve these residents in management but encourages the various public housing authorities within the state to do this. If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be provided or other assistance DCA monitors the number and location of "troubled" PHAs within the state and makes itself available to provide technical assistance if requested by the PHA itself. Discussion: Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 137 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities 91.320(h) Introduction The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has established the primary goal of reducing the number of unsheltered homeless individuals and families. 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. 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. 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. 1. Prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless either unsheltered or sheltered, by 3% each year. Follow-up checks will be made at 3 months and 6 months post discharge. This will be measured in HMIS. 2. Increase the percentage of individuals and families remaining housed for 3 months by 2% each year. This will be measured in HMIS by using our Recidivism measurements. Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness including Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs 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. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 138 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) In addition, DCA will pursue the following overarching goals: Expand DCA's harm reduction program for statewide implementation to ensure persons who are chronically homeless have the widest range of interventions available to them; Continue to provide technical assistance in assisting street outreach programs establish policy and procedure as outreach programs begin work. DCA acts as a facilitator when street outreach teams, including PATH teams find impediments to getting homeless people the services or resources they need such as Permanent Supportive Housing; Target Street Outreach to be strongly focused on street based Engagement and Case Management that should lead to one goal, supporting homeless households in achieving some form of permanent, sustainable housing. To this end, DCA will prioritize funding towards Street Outreach teams that collaborate with Rapid Re-Housing programs to provide one seamless service. Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons *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. 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. An increase in the percentage of discharged households that secured permanent housing at exit by 5% each year. 3. An increase in the percentage of households that increase cash and non-cash income during program enrollment. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 139 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) *Programs serving the chronically homeless, or chemically dependent clients, or shelters with minimal barriers to entry may be held to different standards than programs providing other levels of assistance. In addition, DCA will pursue the following overarching goals: 1. Provide housing necessary for Georgia's homeless to break the cycle of homelessness to provide housing to an estimated 29,700 homeless individuals (transitional and shelter) through implementation of Georgia's ESG Program; 2. Provide decent affordable housing to an estimated 2,500 persons who would otherwise be living on the street or in shelters/transitional housing programs through implementation of the Rapid Re-Housing Program funded through Georgia's ESG Program; 3. Continue to work with providers to increase the accessibility to the Rapid Re-Housing program for households with children throughout the State; and Through the administration of the Balance of State (152 County) Continuum of Care Plan, DCA will continue to monitor the housing stability of CoC funded transitional housing providers and provide technical assistance to agencies that fall below 70% housing stability (clients leaving transitional housing that move to a permanent destination). Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again Continue to educate DCA Grantees in the housing first model and encourage them to prioritize Rapid Re-Housing funds towards ending homelessness; Provide technical assistance in the implementation of Outreach and Rapid Re-Housing grants towards increasing the number of homeless households served; Target Prevention dollars to communities that are able to demonstrate most need; Through the use of HMIS data, continue to monitor the length of time households are homeless, and then establish targets for agencies to assist households into permanent housing; Continue DCA's research into recidivism, and establish further research to assist agencies at a program level towards reducing the level of recidivism; Continue DCA's long term goal of increasing the number of Permanent Supportive housing units by 5% each year. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 140 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs DCA continues to evaluate policies across the State in order to help low-income individuals and families to avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families who are being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care, such as healthcare facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions. Currently all ESG subrecipients are required to follow 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. 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. Planned actions for the next year are as follows: DCA will work with health agencies this year to develop formal policy that will promote appropriate discharge planning efforts to prevent being discharged from health care facilities to the shelters or street. DCA will continue to provide permanent supportive housing options for placement in community based placement options. Shelter plus Care is a resource only for individuals who meet HUD eligibility criteria for admission into the program. DCA will implement the newly announced award for the HUD Section 811 PRA Demonstration Grant in order to provide project based rental assistance for an additional 150 units of permanent supportive housing in tax credit developed properties. This Section 811 PRA program will target extremely low income persons covered by the Settlement Agreement and the Money Follows the Person Program. DCA will work to assist DBHDD in the planning and development of formal policy that would promote appropriate discharge planning efforts to prevent persons in mental health facilities from being discharged to the shelters or street. The State's Interagency Council on Homelessness will be a resource to assist in collaborative efforts to ensure that effective use of resources will allow for proper residential and housing options appropriate to meet the individual's needs. DCA will continue to both serve as an Advisory Member of the Healthy Transition Initiative Program to ensure that housing resources are available to those youth that are at risk of homelessness. DCA will continue to partner with the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Department of Corrections in the joint implementation of the "Re-Entry Housing Partnership" (RHP) program. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 141 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) AP-70 HOPWA Goals 91.320(k)(4) One year goals for the number of households to be provided housing through the use of HOPWA for: Short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to prevent homelessness of the individual or family 165 Tenant-based rental assistance 120 Units provided in permanent housing facilities developed, leased, or operated with HOPWA funds 100 Units provided in transitional short-term housing facilities developed, leased, or operated with HOPWA funds 50 Total 435 Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 142 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing 91.320(i) Many of the actions that present barriers to affordable housing are taken at the local level over which the state has no control. As a result, the actions noted below pertain mostly to education and raising public awareness among citizens and local officials. Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment 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. Continue to fund homebuyer education and foreclosure mitigation counseling. 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 to provide housing educational opportunities to communities throughout the state through the Georgia Municipal Association. Also continue the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) which offers participating jurisdictions technical assistance to develop local housing plans designed to enhance affordability and to address barriers to affordable housing. 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. Discussion: Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 143 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) AP-85 Other Actions 91.320(j) Introduction: The State plans a number of other actions designed to address gaps and weaknesses in the service delivery system, promote coordination, overcome obstacles, promote affordable housing, and work to meet the needs of its lowest-income citizens during this reporting period. Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs Several obstacles exist that prevent the State from meeting some of its goals. One such obstacle relates to the Georgia Dream down payment assistance program. Outreach to lenders is ongoing to get as broad participation as possible. With the pending implementation of the new HOME rule adding additional requirements on inspections and determining the level of assistance to be provided, it will become more difficult to recruit lenders to participate in the program. DCA staff will continue to meet with lenders to educate them about the program and will work to revise program procedures to conform to the new rules upon their implementation to streamline the process as much as possible and to make it easier for lenders to participate. Another obstacle to meeting the needs of Georgia's citizens is matching the availability of rental units to those needing housing. DCA has sponsored the Georgia Housing Search website for a number of years to address this problem. The site provides a real-time assessment of units that are available with details including addresses, numbers of bedrooms, security deposits required, proposed rents, and eligibility criteria. Staff will continue to do outreach about the system to landlords to encourage them to list their units on the system which does not cost them anything and to also work to make sure the site is updated by them regularly as units become vacant or are leased. The CHIP Program has become a primary source of affordable housing assistance at the local level. Being an annual competitive program, it is critical that local governments, nonprofit organizations, and public housing authorities are aware of the program and what it can provide in order to apply as there are so many unmet housing needs throughout the state, particularly in rural areas. Staff will continue to spread awareness about the program and continue to encourage participation at the local level to address these needs. Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing Preserving affordable housing units that may be lost from the assisted housing inventory will be a high priority for DCA. With regards to homes owned by low- and moderate-income individuals, rehabilitation through the CHIP Program to bring these houses to Code will continue to be a priority and should allow many of them to be preserved as affordable housing for the long term. Preservation of rental housing will also be a high priority. In the HOME Rental Housing Loan Program, developments that received previous HOME and tax credit assistance are eligible to apply again once their period of affordability has been satisfied. In addition, trends have shown that many rental projects, particularly those undertaken by nonprofit organizations and CHDOs, s are struggling to remain viable in this challenging housing environment and are in danger of foreclosure. Staff will work closely with the borrowers and other lenders to try and develop workout plans to prevent this from happening which would result in lost affordable rental units. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 144 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards All proposed rehabilitation projects for units built before 1978 will be tested for the presence of leadbased paint. If any is found, risk assessments will be completed and all lead-related work will be performed by lead-certified contractors. Clearance tests will be completed to ensure that the hazard has been removed from the home. All those affected by these programs will receive information to educate them about the dangers of lead paint. The Department of Human Services will continue to administer other lead poisoning prevention programs throughout the state including a lead poisoning surveillance system that incorporates electronic reporting of all elevated blood levels, health education awareness programs, and follow-up treatment for all children diagnosed with elevated blood levels. Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families During the upcoming reporting period, Georgia will undertake a number of activities to reduce the number of poverty-level families. Job creation efforts as outlined in SP-70 will continue as will programs such as the Communities of Opportunity and Work Ready initiative. Students in Georgia's technical schools will have enhanced opportunities to receive tuition assistance through Georgia's HOPE scholarship program through lower grade requirements. Georgia's Career Service Centers will continue to work to provide job training opportunities to residents throughout the state. In addition, awards made through the HOME Rental Housing Loan and CHIP programs will continue to emphasize those applications that propose to serve more people at the lowest income levels. Actions planned to develop institutional structure A major gap exists with CHDO and nonprofit capacity in developing affordable housing. DCA recognizes that and will continue to encourage partnerships among agencies designed to increase their experience and knowledge. DCA will also continue to seek out opportunities for training and make these agencies aware of these as they come up. Following are some activities to be undertaken during the upcoming program year to address gaps in housing and services for the homeless: In tandem with the Balance of State Continuum of Care, DCA is currently incorporating elements of the Federal Strategic Plan through the use of state funds to support projects that implement programs serving persons who are chronically homeless. DCA is currently expanding its harm reduction program for statewide implementation to ensure persons who are chronically homeless have the widest range of interventions available to them. DCA continues to work with providers to build on the successful implementation of the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program for households with children throughout the state. In addition, all DCA funded agencies are required to set goals targeted toward ending homelessness as quickly as possible and connecting families with mainstream services. DCA will continue to provide focused training and technical assistance to shelter and housing providers on the rapid re-housing model. Through the State Interagency Council on Homelessness, DCA works to decrease the number of homeless families statewide through state agency partnerships and policy change. DCA will also further data analysis begun in tracking the length of stay and in reoccurrence studies in order to assess systematic and programmatic barriers to families moving out of homelessness and link performance to funding and the rating of projects (where appropriate). Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 145 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies The State will continue to work closely with program partners in a wide array of areas to promote efficiency and coordination among different areas. Proposed actions in various areas are outlined below. 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-ForProfit Developers (GSTAND), Supportive Housing Subcommittee of the Atlanta Regional Commission on Homelessness, and the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. 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. Continue the operation of State Small Business Credit Initiative to support the state's small businesses and manufacturers. These funds are used to provide low-cost capital to small businesses for expansion and improvements. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 146 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Continuum of Care Through the restructuring of the Continuum of Care governance, DCA will work to enhance the institutional structure and engage more stakeholders to the table in order to end homelessness for families, unaccompanied youth, veterans, and chronically homeless throughout Georgia. DCA will continue to strengthen connections with regional providers, such as Community Action Agencies, with the goal of all counties within the Balance of State CoC having access to prevention and rapid re-housing resources. Through the implementation of a Coordinated Assessment System, DCA will be able to build on each agency's efforts in the determination of Barriers to Housing Stability for participants at program entry. This data will be used to identify systemic barriers that can be addressed through the Interagency Homeless Coordination Council. Discussion: Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 147 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Program Specific Requirements AP-90 Program Specific Requirements 91.320(k)(1,2,3) The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) provides funding to assist a wide range of eligible activities, including housing improvement projects, public facilities such as water and sewer lines, buildings such as local health centers or head start centers, and economic development projects. All projects must substantially benefit low and moderate income persons. The total funding level is approximately $32.8 million with approximately $22 million available for the annual competition. The maximum amount available per applicant is $500,000 for Single-Activity projects during the annual competition and $800,000 for Multi-Activity projects during the annual competition. Eligible applicants are units of general local government, excluding metropolitan cities, urban counties, and units of government eligible to participate in the urban counties or metropolitan cities programs of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Eligible applicants selected for funding will be those having the greatest need as evidenced by poverty and per capita income and whose applications most adequately address the needs of low- and moderate-income persons and have the greatest impact. Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Reference 24 CFR 91.320(k)(1) Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out. 1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 664,888 2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan. 0 3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0 4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not been included in a prior statement or plan 0 5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0 Total Program Income: 664,888 Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 148 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Other CDBG Requirements 1. The amount of urgent need activities 2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income. Overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 500,000 90.00% Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 149 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Reference 24 CFR 91.320(k)(2) 1. A description of other forms of investment being used beyond those identified in Section 92.205 is as follows: No forms of investments other than those found in 92.205 will apply to the use of DCA's HOME funds. 2. A description of the guidelines that will be used for resale or recapture of HOME funds when used for homebuyer activities as required in 92.254, is as follows: DCA will use recapture for home buyer activities where the buyer does not occupy the home for the minimum period of affordability. This 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 option outlined in the regulations to recapture the entire amount of its investment prior to the homebuyer receiving anything. If the net proceeds of the sale are not sufficient for DCA to recapture the full amount of the CHIP or Georgia Dream direct subsidy investment, the recapture amount will be limited to the net proceeds. In the event the net proceeds exceed the amount necessary to repay the HOME subsidy, the excess proceeds will go to the homeowner. The DCA recapture policy for these programs is the same for voluntary and involuntary sales. 3. A description of the guidelines for resale or recapture that ensures the affordability of units acquired with HOME funds? See 24 CFR 92.254(a)(4) are as follows: The minimum periods of affordability outlined in 92.254(a)(4) will not apply to the recapture period for down payment assistance loans provided under the CHIP and Georgia Dream programs. Instead of the 5 and 10 year periods, DCA will impose 6 and 11 years to allow for time from closing for legal documents to be filed and returned before closing out the projects in IDIS. In the Georgia Dream Program, DCA may opt to continue the recapture period throughout the owner's term in the house without forgiving any of the assistance after the initial period has been satisfied. In these instances, the owner must pay back any of the net proceeds of the sale up to the amount of HOME assistance they received initially at purchase. 4. Plans for using HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is rehabilitated with HOME funds along with a description of the refinancing guidelines required that will be used under 24 CFR 92.206(b), are as follows: DCA does not intend to use its HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing rehabilitated with HOME funds. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 150 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Reference 91.320(k)(3) 1. Include written standards for providing ESG assistance (may include as attachment) STREET OUTREACH programs must have standards for targeting and providing essential services related to street outreach. EMERGENCY SHELTER programs must have: 1)Policies and procedures for admission, diversion, referral, and discharge by emergency shelters, including standards regarding length of stay, if any, and safeguards to meet the safety and shelter needs of special populations, [e.g., victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and individuals and families who have the highest barriers to housing and are likely to be homeless the longest]; and 2) Policies and procedures for assessing, prioritizing, and reassessing needs for essential services related to emergency shelter PREVENTION and RAPID RE-HOUSING programs must have policies and procedures for determining and prioritizing homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing assistance; standards for determining what percentage or amount of rent and utilities costs, if any, each program participant must pay for asssitance; standards for determining how long a particular program participant will be provided with rental assistance and whether and how the amount of that assistance will be adjusted over time, if at all; and standards for determining the type, amount, and duration of housing stabilization and/or relocation services to provide, including the limits, if any, on the homelessness prevention or rapid rehousing assistance that each program participant may receive, such as the maximum amount of assistance, maximum number of months in the program; or the maximum number of times the program participant may receive assistance. TERMINATION, COMPLAINTS, APPEALS AND CONFIDENTIALITY POLICIES If a program participant violates program requirements, the grantee may terminate the assistance in accordance with a formal process established by the grantee, and approved by the recipient, that recognizes the rights of individuals affected. The grantee must exercise judgment and examine all extenuating circumstances in determining when violations warrant termination so that a program participant's assistance is terminated only in the most severe cases. To terminate rental assistance or housing relocation and stabilization services to a program participant, the required formal process, at a minimum, must consist of written notice to the program participant, a review of the decision, in which the program participant is given the opportunity to present their case; and prompt written notice of the final decision to the program participant. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 151 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 2. If the Continuum of Care has established centralized or coordinated assessment system that meets HUD requirements, describe that centralized or coordinated assessment system. The CoC has not completed its implementation of the coordinated assessment system. 3. Identify the process for making sub-awards and describe how the ESG allocation available to private nonprofit organizations (including community and faith-based organizations). As noted in AP-30, both HUD and HTF ESG funds are available to nonprofit organizations (including community and faith-based organizations) and local government entities. Local units of government are eligible to apply. 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. 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). Criteria for the Written Standards and Policies and Procedures can be found within the 2013 ESG Application Guidelines, and the full application guidelines can be found at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/SpecialNeeds/programs/documents/20132014ESGAPPLICATIONMANUAL.pdf 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. Current or past DCA grantees must also be in compliance with all DCA programs and grant agreements to apply for and receive funds under this program. DCA will solicit information about application submission and application development workshops by email from every person on its HTF "contacts" mailing list. Notices will also be emailed to local government representatives, regional commissions, DCA regional representatives, and other groups with local and regional interests. Notice will be published on the DCA website, and all persons receiving notice will be asked to share the notice with others within the state, their region or their community with an interest. Application development workshops will be held in at least four (4) locations around the state. 4. If the jurisdiction is unable to meet the homeless participation requirement in 24 CFR 576.405(a), the jurisdiction must specify its plan for reaching out to and consulting with homeless or formerly homeless individuals in considering policies and funding decisions regarding facilities and services funded under ESG. The homeless participation requirement is not applicable to States. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 152 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) 5. Describe performance standards for evaluating ESG. ESG programs with different eligible activities will require different assessment standards. DCA's goal is to require sub-recipients to enter additional data elements into HMIS and DCA is diligently working with sub-recipients to ensure a level of data completeness by which an accurate evaluation of program performance can be measured. *Emergency Shelter program 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. 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. Transitional Housing program 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. An increase in the percentage of discharged households that secured permanent housing at exit by 5% each year. 3. An increase in the percentage of households that increase cash and non-cash income during program enrollment. Rapid Re-Housing program standards: 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. Homeless Prevention program 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. Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 153 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) Street Outreach program 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. *Programs serving the chronically homeless, or chemically dependent clients, or shelters with minimal barriers to entry may be held to different standards than programs providing other levels of assistance. Discussion: Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 154 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) APPENDICES I. PRIOR YEAR PERFORMANCE II. AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING III. SP-80 MONITORING IV. (COUNTY) HOMELESS BED COUNT V. CONSOLIDATED PLAN NEEDS AND PRIORITIES SURVEY RESULT VI. SUMMARY OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION COMMENTS 155 SUMMARY OF PAST PERFORMANCE FROM 2010 and 2011 CAPERS (For ES-05 Executive Summary) Specific Obj. # Outcome/Objective Specific Annual Objectives Sources of Funds Performance Indicators Program Year DH-1.2 Accessibility for the purpose of providing decent affordable housing DH-1.2.1.1 Construct affordable rental housing units for extremely lowincome households. HOME Program Income Number of affordable rental housing units 2010 2011 Expected Number 77 60 Actual Percent Number Completed 77 100% 85 142% 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 90 146 162% households. housing units Program Income GOAL 541 DH-1.2.1.3 Construct affordable rental Number of 2010 37 housing units for moderate- HOME affordable rental 2011 40 income households. housing units Program 37 100% 62 155% Income GOAL 239 DH-1.2.2.1 Assist extremely low-income HOME Number of 2010 0 households with the affordable 2011 1 construction of housing so that they may achieve homeownership. Program Income housing units for 0 N/A 0 0% 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 Income 0 N/A 2 200% GOAL 6 156 DH-1.2 Accessibility for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing DH-1.2.2.3 Assist moderate-income Number of 2010 2 households with the HOME affordable 2011 construction of housing so that housing units 0 they may achieve homeownership. Program Income 2 100% 10 N/A 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 ESG HCV GOAL Number of Hispanic households assisted 2010 2011 2 2,427 2,000 GOAL 6,427 Affordability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing Provide extremely low-income households with rental assistance. HOPWA Number of households assisted 2010 2011 14,060 13,954 HCV S+C Provide low-income households with rental assistance. HOPWA HCV GOAL Number of households assisted 2010 2011 42,023 3,232 3,046 Provide moderate-income households with rental assistance. S+C HOPWA HCV GOAL Number of households assisted 2010 2011 9,324 414 388 2,427 1,447 14,060 13,277 3,232 3,819 414 623 100% 72% 100% 95% 100% 125% 100% 161% S+C GOAL 1,190 Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 157 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) DH-2.2 DH-2.2.2.1 DH-2.2.2.2 DH-2.2.2.3 DH-2.2.3 Affordability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing Assist extremely low-income households with down payment assistance so that they may achieve homeownership. HOME Program Income Number receiving down payment assistance 2010 2011 Assist low-income households with down payment assistance so that they may achieve homeownership. CDBG HOME Program Income GOAL Number receiving down payment assistance 2010 2011 CDBG Assist moderate-income households with down payment assistance so that they may achieve homeownership. HOME Program Income GOAL Number receiving down payment assistance 2010 2011 CDBG 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 32 32 18 26 71 236 236 134 163 520 474 474 263 213 1,024 6,563 5,250 6,563 932 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 16,013 7,898 7,500 7,898 9,120 DH-2.2.5 DH-2.2.6 Provide housing assistance and information to Special Needs households in order to enable them to transfer from institutional to community living situations. HCV HOME Provide housing assistance and services to break the cycle of ESG homelessness GOAL 22,948 Number households assisted 2010 12 12 2011 0 0 GOAL 67 Number 2010 0 0 households that 2011 1,100 194 received emergency financial assistance GOAL 2,200 100% 144% 100% 122% 100% 81% 100% 18% 100% 122% 100% N/A N/A 18% Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 158 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) DH-3.2 Sustainability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing DH-3.2.1.1 Rehabilitate affordable, rental housing units for extremely low-income households. HOME Program Number of units 2010 40 rehabilitated 2011 0 Income 40 100% 12 N/A DH-3.2.1.2 Rehabilitate affordable, rental housing units for low-income households. HOME Program Income GOAL 116 Number of units 2010 166 166 100% rehabilitated 2011 0 6 N/A GOAL 166 DH-3.2.1.3 Rehabilitate affordable, rental Number of units 2010 5 housing units for moderate- HOME rehabilitated 2011 0 income households. Program 5 100% 0 N/A Income DH-3.2 DH-3.2.2.1 GOAL 5 Sustainability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing Assist extremely low-income households with rehabilitation so that they may achieve HOME Number of 2010 45 affordable units 2011 27 sustainable and affordable homeownership. CDBG 45 100% 37 137% DH-3.2.2.2 Assist low-income households with rehabilitation so that they may achieve sustainable and affordable homeownership. HOME CDBG GOAL 108 Number of 2010 51 51 100% affordable units 2011 41 55 134% DH-3.2.2.3 Assist moderate-income households with rehabilitation so that they may achieve sustainable and affordable homeownership. HOME CDBG GOAL 148 Number of 2010 37 37 100% affordable units 2011 37 23 62% GOAL 125 Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 159 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SL-1.1 SL-1.1.1.0 SL-1.1 SL-1.1.2 SL-1.1.3 SL-1.1.4 Accessibility for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments Provide housing necessary for Georgia's homeless to break the cycle of homelessness to provide housing to homeless ESG CDBG Number of homeless given overnight shelter 2010 2011 33,766 33,000 individuals (transitional and shelter) GOAL 99,766 Accessibility for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments Enhance the availability and accessibility of suitable living environments through the CDBG Number of people 2010 assisted 2011 16,588 3,000 construction of public facilities to benefit residential areas with a LMI percentage of 51 or greater. GOAL 22,588 Enhance the availability and accessibility of suitable living environments through the CDBG Number of people 2010 assisted 2011 1,468 3,000 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 GOAL 7,468 of new facilities. Provide supportive services ESG necessary for Georgia's homeless to break the cycle of Number of homeless individuals 2010 2011 47,963 46,000 homelessness to individuals. assisted 33,766 29,873 16,588 9,118 1,468 23,680 47,963 39,890 96% 91% 100% 304% 100% 789% 100% 87% SL-1.1.5 Provide emergency housing for Georgia's homeless seeking ESG overnight accommodations in shelters and transitional to break the cycle of homelessness GOAL Number of beds created in overnight shelter or emergency housing 2010 2011 137,963 4,505 4,500 4,505 4,593 GOAL 13,505 100% 102% Annual Action Plan GEORGIA 160 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015) SL-3.1 SL-3.1.1.0 SL-3.1.2.0 SL-3.1 L-3.1.3.0 EO-1.3 EO-1.3.1.0 EO-3.3 EO-3.3.1.0 EO-3.3.1.1 Sustainability for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments Make funding awards to local governments, or organizations that assist elderly persons with HOME Number of elderly 2010 62% persons assisted 2011 housing and/or supportive services. NOTE: For CDBG, these CDBG numbers generally represent GOAL services through senior centers. Enhance the sustainability of Number of people 2010 suitable living environments through the construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation CDBG assisted 2011 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 with 6" lines. GOAL Sustainability for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments 3,081 3,994 11,185 4,255 9,000 22,255 Enhance the sustainability of suitable living environments through the reconstruction or CDBG Number of people 2010 assisted 2011 1,468 2,000 rehabilitation of buildings to benefit LMC at a percentage of 51 or greater. For CDBG, this will primarily involve projects 5,468 that offer limited clientele services through renovations GOAL and expansions of existing facilities. Accessibility for the purpose of creating Economic Opportunities Provide economic opportunity by providing new job opportunities via loans to CDBG Number of new jobs created 2010 2011 648 1,200 businesses, grants for public infrastructure and funds for training centers. GOAL 3,048 Sustainability for the purpose of creating Economic Opportunities Provide economic opportunity by Number of jobs 2010 782 retaining jobs via loans to CDBG retained 2011 400 businesses, grants for public infrastructure and funds for training centers. GOAL 1,582 Provide economic opportunity by assisting businesses grants to create or retain jobs CDBG Number of businesses assisted 2010 16 2011 16 3,081 100% 2,491 4,255 100% 2,383 26% 1,468 100% 5,223 261% 648 100% 969 81% 782 100% 36 9% 16 100% 12 75% 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. 161 I. Affirmatively Further Fair 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 past years; nevertheless, the State has been proactive with implementing housing programs to facilitate access to available resources. 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. 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: In addition to publicizing DCA's programs and services and providing appropriate auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities, DCA is committed to a variety of outreach activities to persons with disabilities. These activities include marketing, programs targeted to those with disabilities, matching persons with disabilities with accessible housing units, criteria for funding selection weighted toward serving those with disabilities, research and technical assistance to facilitate access and services for individuals with disabilities, and DCA's treatment of its own staff through its human resource procedures. The following describes several initiatives that demonstrate DCA's ongoing commitment to equal access for persons with disabilities. 1. Creation of a Disability Housing Coordinator Position at DCA Creating opportunities for expanding knowledge and understanding about issues pertinent to housing for individuals with disabilities through information sharing and distribution, relationship building, training and networking for and with people at all points through the housing spectrum, including DCA leadership and staff, builders, developers, local and state government officials, housing planners, lenders, and organizations representing people with disabilities and their families. Developing and coordinating programs and providing technical assistance designed to enhance awareness and understanding of the housing needs of individuals with mental, physical, and/or developmental disabilities and their families and expand the programs available to these targeted populations. 2. Creation of the Home Access Program DCA identified that the architectural design of a home is a significant barrier to many individuals with disabilities being able to remain in their home, even when the home is affordable to them and the other services and supports necessary to live independently are available. As a result, DCA created the Home Access program to provide grant funding for the implementation of accessibility improvements at owner-occupied residences of individuals with a disability. DCA first began the program in 2002 and it now continues through a partnership with the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission (BSITFC). 3. Creation of GeorgiaHousingSearch.org The GeorgiaHousingSearch.org provides an important tool to match available rental units to individuals and families needing this resource. Since its launch, the system has grown to include more than 180,000 units. DCA requires all developers of affordable rental units through its Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to list the portfolio of their properties in Georgia on the system. 162 Additionally, DCA also promotes its use with organizations serving the homeless or providing support services to individuals with disabilities and the service is translatable to over 71 languages at the simple click of a button. One of the earliest disconnects identified by the Disability Housing Coordinator was the inability to link accessible rental units created by through DCA's Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program with those individuals who needed the accessibility features available in these units. Many accessible rental units were being created annually; however, these units were frequently occupied by individuals who did not require these features to live in the unit. Similarly, disability advocates noted the difficulty in identifying units with accessibility features. As a result, DCA created the Rental Access Network (RAN) which provided a static, searchable database of affordable rental units. DCA quickly realized that the highest and best value was in a database that provides real-time listings of vacant units. 4. Creation of Choice Initiative under the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program DCA offers the CHOICE Initiative, a down payment assistance/principal reduction program, to assist individuals with disabilities that, because of income considerations alone, could not afford to purchase a home in their community. Just as with any eligible home buyer, regardless of the existence of a disability, income and credit are the key issues to qualify for a home mortgage. However, individuals with disabilities have additional needs and issues which advocate for the provision of an enhanced amount of financial assistance beyond the traditional maximum cap that is available to traditional Georgia Dream borrowers. 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. In 2010, Georgia signed an Agreement 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 highlights specific targeted outcome measures for compliance in each of the five years included in the agreement. DCA, in collaboration with the DBHDD and the Department of Community Health, the State Medicaid agency, have explored the options to promote the 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. These strategies are listed below along with projected numbers to be served during State Fiscal Year 2013. 163 DCA Housing Choice Voucher Set-Aside Shelter Plus Care Sponsor-based Expansion Section 811 Project-based Rental Assistance Funding Marketing of Tax Credit Units to Populations with Disabilities HOME Tenant-based Rental Assistance Outreach to Other Public Housing Agencies DCA developed language for the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) for Low Income Housing Tax Credit Rental Housing, 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. 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. FAIR HOUSING CHOICE DCA is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) from qualified consultants or organizations with experience in development of an AI for the State of Georgia. The AI is a review of impediments or barriers that affect the rights of fair housing choice. It covers public and private policies, practices, and procedures affecting housing choice. Impediments to fair housing choice are defined as any actions, omissions, or decisions that restrict, or have the effect of restricting, the availability of housing choices, based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. The AI serves as the basis for fair housing planning, provides essential information to policy makers, administrative staff, housing providers, lenders, and fair housing advocates, and assists in building public support for fair housing efforts. Conducting an analysis of impediments is a required component of certification and involves the following: An extensive review of the State jurisdiction's laws, regulations, and administrative policies, procedures, and practices; An assessment of how those laws affect the location, availability, and accessibility of housing; An evaluation of conditions, both public and private, affecting fair housing choice for all protected classes; and An assessment of the availability of affordable, accessible housing in a range of unit sizes. DCA intends to use these tools to identify barriers to affordable housing choice so that it can be proactive in fashioning ways to help promote fair housing choice and achieve the objectives under the Fair Housing laws. The AI should have the necessary analysis and possible solutions to barriers to AFFH to enable the State to evaluate whether the programs established and administered by its awardees are meeting the requirement to AFFH and to identify steps which the State can take directly to AFFH. These actions should help the State identify and prevent discriminationary effects on individuals in protected classes as defined by the Fair Housing Act. The AI will evaluate all the areas of the State to AFFH by: Conducting an analysis to identify impediments to fair housing choice within the State; Taking appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified through the analysis; Maintaining records reflecting the analysis and actions in this regard; and 164 Assuring that units of local government funded by the State comply with their certifications to affirmatively further fair housing, in accordance with 24 CFR 570.487(b)(1)-(4). The State is in the process of procuring a qualified organization or agency to update the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice for the annual action plan federal fiscal year 2014. The current AI study is available on the State's webpage at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CommunityInitiatives/programs/Impediments.asp Affirmative Marketing Efforts The Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (AFHMP) guides HUD's effort to ensure that prospective funding recipients will follow the Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Regulations found in the Code of Federal Regulations (section 24 CFR 200.600, Subpart M). This requires each applicant to develop, and put in place an affirmative program that will attract potential consumers or tenants of all minority and non-minority groups within the housing market, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. The purpose of such programs is to provide services designed to affirmatively further the fair housing objectives stated in Title VIII of the Fair Housing Act. Each applicant is to pursue affirmative fair housing marketing policies by seeking out possible buyers and tenants, and advertising available housing properties. Examples of such action include: Advertising the availability of housing to the population that is less likely to apply, both minority and non-minority groups, through various forms of media (i.e. radio stations, posters, newspapers) within the marketing area Use of the Equal Housing Opportunity Logo and the equal housing opportunity statement Educate persons within an organization about fair housing and their obligations to follow nondiscrimination laws Conduct outreach to advocacy groups (i.e. disability rights groups) on the availability of housing The effort to meet the annual goals and objectives relied heavily on the State's attempt to effectively market the programs offered through the HUD programs by local governments, nonprofits, for-profit developers, and public housing authorities. Recipients of the CHIP and Rental Housing programs developed and implemented both the Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing (AFHMP) and a Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) outreach plan that was reviewed by the State. The affirmative marketing plan must meet each of the following criteria: Specify a method by which the owner will inform potential residents about fair housing laws; Solicit applications from persons not likely to apply without special outreach by at minimum posting and/or distributing information on the project in such places as community organizations, places of worship employment centers, fair housing groups and housing counseling agencies; Require the use of the Equal Housing Opportunity (EHO) logo or slogan in any press releases or written materials distributed by or on behalf of the owner; Require the recipients of HOME funds to maintain records of efforts under the affirmative marketing plan and the results of said efforts; and, Require the recipient to assess annually their affirmative marketing efforts and describe the method of self-assessment used. 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: 165 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). 166 II. SP-80 Monitoring 91.230 Describe the standards and procedures that the state will use to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan and will use to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the comprehensive planning requirements. CDBG 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. HOME Monitoring DCA has established standards and procedures for monitoring the federal funded housing and community development activities. These standards and procedures ensure long-term 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. 167 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 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, 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 a 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 proposed for new construction must meet the requirements of site and neighborhood standards during the threshold review of information submitted (project location, racial composition of project area, visual 168 review of area surrounding the site) and a physical site visit to determine any conditions present, which may be seriously detrimental to family life. 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: DavisBacon, 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) Section 3 Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 requires that economic opportunities generated by HUD-funded programs including CDBG and HOME shall, to the greatest extent feasible, be given to low and very low-income persons and to businesses that provide economic opportunities for those persons. This information is discussed with contractors and subcontractors at pre-construction conferences if applicable and they are required to submit a plan showing how they propose to meet these requirements. Once approved, they are required to report all outreach actions they took to hire Section 3 residents and provided related data about those residents. f) 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. g) 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. h) 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 Act i) 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. On-site 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 for satisfactory program compliance. 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, subsidy layering documents, and home buyer counseling certification. All home buyers are contacted annually throughout HUD's period of affordability to ensure they are in compliance with the principal place of residence requirement. CHIP 169 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. 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 subrecipient 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 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. 170 Periodically, DCA issues CHIP policy memoranda to all active State Recipients and Sub-recipients 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. ESG Monitoring In accordance with program regulations all of the State's ESG sub-grantees will have an on-site review of their homeless housing and/or service program. Program monitoring is an ongoing process of reviewing a grantee's performance in meeting goals, identifying program deficiencies, and enhancing management capacity through technical assistance or other corrective actions. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA)/Housing Trust Fund (HTF) and/or its assigns, will review the performance of each ESG recipient in carrying out its responsibilities whenever determined necessary, but at least annually. Current DCA policy requires an initial on-site visit to each new grantee. In conducting performance reviews, DCA staff will obtain financial and programmatic information from the grantee's records and reports and, when appropriate, its sub-recipients, as well as information from onsite monitoring and electronic data sources. Where applicable, the DCA may also consider relevant information pertaining to the recipient's performance gained from other sources, including application for funding, reimbursement requests, audits and annual reports. Reviews to determine compliance with specific requirements of the ESG program will be conducted as necessary, with prior notice to the grantee. If it is determined that the recipient, or one of its sub-recipients, has not complied with an ESG program requirement, DCA will give the ESG recipient grantee notice of this determination and an opportunity to demonstrate, within the time prescribed by the DCA and on the basis of substantial facts and data, that the grantee has complied with ESG requirements. Remedial actions and sanctions for a failure to meet an ESG program requirement will be designed to prevent a continuation of the deficiency; mitigate, to the extent possible, its adverse effects or consequences; and prevent its recurrence. If the recipient fails to demonstrate to the DCA's satisfaction that the activities were carried out in compliance with ESG program requirements, the DCA will take one or more of the remedial actions or sanctions. 171 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. 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. 172 For each Rapid Re-Housing program, performance will be measured based on the following standards: 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. HOPWA 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. 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. On-site monitoring, therefore, is largely limited to eligibility of beneficiaries and a comparison of program records with the programmatic claims of the applicant. 173 Minority and Women Business Outreach DCA makes every effort to encourage recipients to solicit the participation of minority-and 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 Section 3 applies to HOPWA projects for which the aggregate amount of covered funding exceeds $200,000 and is used for activities involving housing construction, demolition, rehabilitation, or other public construction. In the event DCA provides funding to a subrecipient for one of these activities that qualifies, the recipient will be required to submit a Section 3 Plan showing how it plans to comply with the requirements and DCA staff will monitor their compliance with the Plan they submit as well as other requirements related to this issue. 174 IV. HOMELESS FACILITIES TABLE BY COUNTY County Bed Counts within Georgia's Consolidated Planning Jurisdiction (Within the Balance of State Continuum of Care) Shelter Beds &/or Vouchers for Victims of Emergency and Transitional Beds &/or Vouchers Permanent GEORGIA COUNTY Domestic Violence (Excluding DV) Supportive Housing BALDWIN 0 11 42 BARROW 15 47 0 BARTOW 17 45 21 BIBB (outside the City of Macon) See City of Macon See City of Macon 76 BULLOCH 47 0 51 CARROLL 24 36 29 Total 53 62 83 76 98 91 CHATTOOGA CHEROKEE CLAYTON 0 See Cherokee County below See Clayton County below 7 See Cherokee County below See Clayton County below 0 See Cherokee County below See Clayton County below 7 See Cherokee County below See Clayton County below COLQUITT 55 26 0 81 COLUMBIA 0 3 0 3 COWETA 21 0 0 21 CRISP DOUGHERTY (outside the City of Albany) 0 See City of Albany 0 See City of Albany 4 See City of Albany 4 See City of Albany DOUGLAS 46 62 166 274 EFFINGHAM 0 0 18 18 FAYETTE FLOYD (outside the City of Rome) 27 See City of Rome 14 See City of Rome 0 See City of Rome 41 See City of Rome FORSYTH 42 0 0 42 GLYNN (outside the City See City of of Brunswick) See City of Brunswick Brunswick 125 125 GORDON 0 22 0 22 GREENE GWINNETT 12 See Gwinnett County below 3 See Gwinnett County below 0 See Gwinnett County below 15 See Gwinnett County below HABERSHAM 51 7 10 68 HALL (outside the City of See City of Gainesville) See City of Gainesville Gainesville 25 25 175 HARRIS HART HENRY HOUSTON (outside the City of Warner Robins) JACKSON 0 8 See Henry County below See City of Warner Robins 43 0 0 See Henry County below See City of Warner Robins 0 11 11 0 See Henry County below See City of Warner Robins 8 See Henry County below See City of Warner Robins 0 43 JEFFERSON 0 0 1 LAURENS LIBERTY (outside the City of Hinesville) LOWNDES (outside the City of Valdosta) 26 See City of Hinesville See City of Valdosta 0 135 See City of Hinesville See City of Hinesville 5 80 LUMPKIN 15 4 0 MADISON 0 0 10 1 161 See City of Hinesville 85 19 10 MCINTOSH MORGAN MURRAY NEWTON OCONEE PAULDING PICKENS POLK RABUN 0 0 30 30 0 3 0 3 0 9 0 9 0 75 35 110 0 5 11 16 23 0 0 23 0 10 0 10 14 0 0 14 12 0 0 12 ROCKDALE SPALDING STEPHENS STEWART SUMTER TELFAIR THOMAS TIFT TOOMBS 20 0 4 24 0 33 79 112 0 0 8 8 0 0 6 6 0 0 37 37 0 0 1 1 15 38 0 53 12 47 4 63 15 10 1 26 176 TREUTLEN TROUP UNION WALKER WALTON WARE WAYNE WHITE WHITFIELD (outside the City of Dalton) 0 14 15 15 0 14 16 0 See City of Dalton 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 See City of Dalton 1 1 0 26 0 15 0 15 45 45 78 92 21 37 8 8 See City of Dalton See City of Dalton Georgia Sub-Total 634 534 1,157 2,325 BED Count for Other Consolidated Planning Jurisdictions within Balance of State CoC Emergency and Shelter Beds &/or Transitional Beds Vouchers for Victims of &/or Vouchers Permanent Supportive Domestic Violence (Excluding DV) Housing Total ALBANY (130054) 21 88 42 151 BRUNSWICK (130444) 27 22 0 49 DALTON (130882) 55 25 31 116 GAINESVILLE (131314) 22 41 49 112 HINESVILLE (131566) 12 57 0 69 MACON (131968) 14 293 300 607 ROME (132814) 27 43 94 172 VALDOSTA (133354) 30 WARNER ROBINS (133432) 0 102 40 163 70 101 171 CHEROKEE COUNTY 178 0 42 220 CLAYTON COUNTY 55 144 68 267 GWINNETT COUNTY 105 229 123 465 HENRY COUNTY Consolidated Planning Jurisdiction (within Balance of State CoC) Sub-Total Total Bed Count; Georgia Balance of State Continuum of Care 48 594 1,228 5 1,119 1,631 0 890 2,047 53 2,603 4,906 BED Counts for Other Georgia Continua of Care Jurisdictions (source: www.hudhre.info) 177 Shelter Beds &/or Vouchers* for Victims of Domestic Violence (*Estimates based on 2011inventory data) Emergency and Transitional Beds &/or Vouchers (Excluding DV) Permanent Supportive Housing Total CHATHAM (Savannah) 48 535 580 1,163 CLARKE (Athens) 16 138 90 244 COBB (Marietta) 44 ATLANTA, FULTON, & DEKALB 102 354 4,618 149 1,523 547 6,243 MUSCOGEE (Columbus) 39 315 171 525 RICHMOND (Augusta) 0 Total Bed Count; Other CoC Jurisdictions 249 531 6,491 165 2,678 696 9,418 2012 Statewide Bed Inventory Type of Housing Emergency and Transitional Housing Beds &/or Vouchers (excluding housing for victims of domestic violence) Housing for Victims of Domestic Violence (Beds &/or Vouchers) Permanent Supportive Housing Total Number of Beds 8,122 1,477 4,725 14,324 178 V. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING NEEDS AND PRIORITIES SURVEY RESULTS State of Georgia 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan and ~ SurveyMonkey FFY2013/SFY2014 Annual Action Plan 1. For statistical purposes, please identify your occupation: D Grant Administrator Social Service Provider 0 Fair Housing Advocate D Local Elected Official Local Government Staff r==J D BuilderiD eveloper D Citizen Other(Piease Specify) Response Response Percent Count 4.3% 22 39.5% 200 2.2% 11 2.4% 12 15.0% 76 4.5% 23 6.9% 35 25.1% 127 Occupation: 241 answered question 506 ski pped question 23 1 of 19 179 2. Do you consider yourself or your organization/agency to be: Housing Services c = J Social Services D Health Serv ices D Trade or Professional Organization D Community Action Agency Government 0 Ad vocacy Group D Faith Based D Support Service Provider c = J Other(Piease specify) Response Response Percent Count 20 .2% 103 1 4 .1% 72 4. 5% 23 2.7% 14 5.9% 30 22.7% 116 3.7% 19 6.3% 32 7.8% 40 12.1 % 62 O rganizati on/Agency/Self 142 answered question 511 skipped question 18 2 of 19 180 3. Are there underserved elderly in your community? Yes No D Don't Know Response Response Percent Count 69.7% 304 5.7% 25 24.5% 107 If yes, how are they unders erved ? Please explain. 229 answered question 436 skipped question 93 4. Are there obstacles that prevent meeting the housing needs of the elderly or frail elderly? Yes No D Don't Kn ow Response Response Percent Count 64.7% 278 7. 4% 32 27 .9% 120 If yes, w hat obstacles ? Please explain. 249 answered question 430 skipped question 99 3 of 19 181 5. Are there improvements that need to be made to current housing programs that assist the elderly and frail elderly? Yes No D Don't Know Response Response Percent Count 58.5% 249 5.4% 23 36 .2% 154 If yes, what improv ements are needed. Please exp lain. 210 answered question 426 skipped question 103 6. In your community what special needs groups have underserved housing needs? Persons with mental disabilities Persons w ith physical disabilities Persons with developmental d i sa bilities Persons with alcohol and/or other drug addictions Persons w it h HIV/AIDS Yes 72.5 % (274) 64.9 % (235) 61.2% (219) No 8.5% (32) 10.8% (39) 10.9% (39) Don't Know 19.0% (72) 24.3% (88) 27.9% (100) Rating Count 378 362 358 64.7% (238) 9.0% (33) 26.4% (97) 368 40.6% (139) 10.2% (35) 49.1% (168) 342 If yes, how are they underserved? Please explain. 238 an sw e red question 386 skipped question 143 4 of 19 182 7. Are there obstacles that prevent meeting the housing needs of individuals with special needs? Yes No D Don't know Response Response Percent Count 70.2% 264 6.6% 25 23 .1% 87 If yes, what obstacles? Please explain. 237 answered question 376 skipped question 153 8. Are there improvements that need to be made to current housing programs to better assist persons with special needs? Yes No D Don't Know Response Response Percent Count 60.8% 225 6. 5% 24 3 2 .7% 12 1 If yes, what improvements are needed? Please explain. 188 answered question 370 skipped question 159 5 of 19 183 9. What is the greatest impediment to affordable housing? Availability Accessibility for disabled/ elderly D persons Cost Burden D Substandard or overcrowded conditions D Poor neighborhood D Other Response Response Percent Count 43.0% 156 7.7% 28 28 .9% 105 5.5% 20 8.5% 31 6.3% 23 If Other (please s pec ify) 45 answered question 363 skipped question 166 6 of 19 184 10. In regards to affordable housing, what are the top 3 needs/ issues facing your community? First Provide assistance to residents to maintain safe, healthy, and affordable housi ng More affo rdable housing for purchase More affordable rental ho using More rental assistance Fair access to housing More housing near areas w ith jobs Other 47.1% (1 22) 22.5% (31) 42.5% (108) 25.5% (42) 13.1% (8) 25. 8% (34) 36 .8% (14) Second 25. 1% (65) 36.2% (50) 37.0% (94) 44.2% (73) 31.1% (19) 31.8% (42) 21.1% (8) Third R at i n g Average Rating Count 27.8% (72) 1.81 259 41.3% (57) 2.19 138 20.5% (52) 1.78 254 30.3% (50) 2. 0 5 165 55.7% (34) 2.43 61 42.4% (56) 2.17 132 42.1% (16) 2.05 38 Other (please specify) 45 answered questi on 362 skipped questi on 167 7 of 19 185 11. These issues affect: (select all that apply) My Family My Community My Municipality My County State of Georgia Response Response Percent Count 24 0% 88 72.5% 266 48 .0% 176 7 1. 9% 264 68 .9% 253 answered question 367 skipped question 162 8 of 19 186 12. Which are the most needed affordable housing types? (select all that apply) Single Family Housing Senior Housing Assisted Living Subsidized Housing Multifamily Housing Accessible Housing for people vvth disabilities Supportive Housing Emergency Housing/Shelter D Other Response Response Percent Count 54. 9% 201 5 2 .2% 191 37 .4% 137 54.4% 199 29 .8% 109 4 5 .4% 166 5 3 .6% 196 56 .6% 207 4.1% 15 Other (please specify) 25 answered question 366 skipped question 163 9 of 19 187 13. How should the Georgia Department of Community Affairs prioritize spending of its Affordable Housing funds in your area? (select all that apply) High Priority Construction of more affordable housing for homeownership 33.4% (100) Down payment Assistance 33.9% (102) Home Buyer Education 39.3% (117) Modifications to the homes of residents w ith physical disabilities 390% (121) Rental Assistance 56.1 % (180) Rehabilitation of affordable renta l housing 51.6% (159) Constructio n of supportive housing 50.8% (153) Homeowner Rehabilitation 30.9% (92) Construction of affordable renta l housing 54.2% (166) Other 75.0% (24) Medium Priority 29.8% (89) 37.5% (113) 31 .9% (95) 43.2% (134) 27. 1% (87) 35.1% (108) 32.2% (97) 40.9% (122) 24.5% (75) 15.6% (5) Low Priority Not a Priority Rating Count 23.4% (70) 13.4% (40) 299 21.3% (64) 8.3% (25) 30 1 20.8% (62) 8.4% (25) 298 15.5% (48) 2.6% (8) 310 140% (45) 2.8% (9) 321 9.4% (29) 3.9% (12) 308 130% (39) 4.3% (13) 301 22. 1% (66) 6.7% (20) 298 14.1% (43) 7.5% (23) 306 0.0% (0) 9.4% (3) 32 Other (please specify) 33 answered question 361 skipped question 168 14. What can DCA do to better support affordable housing development efforts in Georgia? Respon se Count 226 answered q uestion 226 skipped question 303 10 of 19 188 15. Are homeless individuals underserved in your community? Yes No c=J Don't Know Response Response Percent Count 67.2% 240 1 2 .3% 44 20 .4% 73 If yes, how are the y underserved? Please explai n. 19 6 answered question 357 skipped question 172 16. Are there obstacles that prevent meeting the housing needs of homeless individuals? Yes No D Don't Know Response Response Percent Count 72.0% 255 5.4% 19 22 .6% 80 If yes, w hat obstacles? Pl ease explai n. 226 answered question 354 skipped question 175 11 of 19 189 17. Are there improvements that need to be made to current housing programs that assist homeless people? Yes No CJ Don't Know Response Response Percent Count 57.8% 197 8.8% 30 33.4% 114 If yes, what improvements are needed ? Please explai n. 166 answered question 341 skipped question 188 18. Are you aware of homeless assistance programs in your community? Yes No Don't Know c::::J Response Response Percent Count 68.7% 241 21 .7% 76 9.7% 34 If yes, wh ich on es? 168 answered question 351 skipped question 178 12 of 19 190 19. Are individuals with low, very low, and moderate income underserved in your community? Yes No r:=J Don't Know Response Response Percent Count 73.9% 249 10 .4% 35 15 .7% 53 If yes, how are the y underserved? Please explai n. 196 answered question 337 skipped question 192 20. Are there obstacles that prevent meeting the housing needs of individuals with low, very low, and moderate income? Yes No D Don't Know Response Response Percent Count 74.5% 246 8. 2% 27 17 .3% 57 If yes, w hat obstacles? Please explain. 211 answ ered question 330 skipped question 199 13 of 19 191 21. Are there improvements that need to be made to current housing programs that assist individuals with low, very low, and moderate income? Yes No D Don't Know Response Response Percent Count 64.3% 207 7.5% 24 28 .3% 91 If yes, w hat improve ments are needed? Please explai n. 159 answered question 322 skipped question 207 22. Are there improvements that can be made to reduce the number of housing units with lead-based paint hazards occupied by low, very low and moderate income families? Yes No D Don't Know Response Response Percent Count 31 .5% 104 8.2% 27 60 .3% 199 If yes, what improvements are needed? Please explain. 91 answ ered question 330 skipped question 199 14 of 19 192 23. COMMUNITY FACILITIES (select top 3 priorities) c=J Asbestos Removal Child Care Centers Community Centers Emergency Services Facilities Health Care Facilities Libraries ~ c=J Non-Residential Historic Preservation D Parking Facilities Parks & Recreation Facilities Response Response Percent Count 11.3% 16 55 .6% 79 57.0% 81 47 .9% 68 47 .9% 68 10 .6% 15 11 .3% 16 6.3% 9 34.5% 49 answered question 142 skipped question 387 15 of 19 193 24. SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATION FACILITIES (select top 3 priorities) Abused/Neglected Children Centers for Individuals w ith Disabilities Veterans HIV/AIDS C=::J Homeless Shelters Senior Centers Youth Centers Response Response Percent Count 4 8 .6% 71 4 5 .2% 66 41 .1% 60 13 .7% 20 63.0% 92 3 1. 5% 46 41 .8% 61 Other (please specify) 10 answered question 146 skipped question 383 16 of 19 194 26. INFRASTRUCTURE (select top 3 priorities) ADA/Accessibility Improvements Internet Infrastructure Flood Drainage Infrastructure Sidewalk Improvements Street/Alley Improvements Storm Water Improvements Water/Sewer Improvements Response Response Percent Count 500% 70 28 .6% 40 25 .0% 35 57.9% 81 34. 3% 48 21.4% 30 5 0 .0% 70 Other (please specify) 4 answered question 140 skipped question 389 17 of 19 195 26. COMMUNITY SERVICES (select top 3 priorities) Abused/Neglected Children Child Care c=J Crime Awareness Programs Domestic Violence Family Self-Sufficiency C J Fair Housing D Health D H I V/ A I D S Homeless --- D Legal Mental Health Senior Care Services for Individ ua ls w ith C J Developmental Disabilities D Services for Individuals wi th Physical Disabilities Substance Abuse Tenant/Landlord Counseli ng C ] Transportation Youth c=J 18 of 19 Response Response Percent Count 18.2% 27 16.2% 24 10.8% 16 15 .5% 23 38.5% 57 11. 5% 17 8. 1% 12 5.4% 8 37 .2% 55 7.4% 11 32 .4% 48 1 8 .2% 27 11.5% 17 8.8% 13 22 .3% 33 9.5% 14 35 .8% 53 1 2 .8% 19 Other (please specify) 4 answered question 148 skipped question 381 196 27. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEEDS What are your 3 most important Economic Development needs in your service area or community? Respons e Res ponse Percent Count 100.0% 111 2 93 .7% 104 3 9 0 .1% 100 answered quest ion 111 skipped question 418 19 of 19 197 CITIZEN COMMENTS RECEIVED Comments from Gail Jennings Comments on the State of Georgia 2013-2017 CONSOLIDATED PLAN DRAFT The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has created the State of Georgia Draft 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan (the Plan) and has requested public comments. One item that DCA notes in the Plan is that the "lack of a number of high quality, capable CHDOs [Community Housing Development Organizations] is the primary gap in the State's delivery system." (P. 100). On page 106 with respect to special needs populations and persons experiencing homelessness, the Plan states "Local governments and nonprofit organizations often lack the capacity to administer housing programs" and "Many of the more rural areas of Georgia lack nonprofit providers needed to insure adequate coverage of the state." The Consolidated Plan has a section for DCA to describe strategies for addressing this lack of capacity however, there are no suggestions made in this regard. Other state Consolidated Plans include a Plan of Action listed to specifically address non-profit organization and capacity issues. Such as: Building basic and intermediate skills of non-profit organization staff in designing and developing projects Training on establishing and operating Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) Training and technical assistance for supportive housing programs Training and technical assistance on housing development in the Appalachian area of the State of Georgia Training to develop capacity to implement housing development projects Capacity Building (CB) grants of up to $75,000 will be made available to local governments to assist established non-profit organizations with steady and reliable income streams to develop appropriate and competitive CDBG projects and gain functional capacity in a new and different role The Award of a Capacity Building grant is expected to result in a future application in one of the CDBG categories On page 233, under the heading "Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs," DCA states, "The CHIP Program has become a primary source of affordable housing assistance at the local level. Being an annual competitive program, it is critical that local governments, nonprofit organizations, and public housing authorities are aware of the program and what it can provide in order to apply as there are so many unmet housing needs throughout the state, particularly in rural areas. [Emphasis added] Staff will continue to spread 198 awareness about the program and continue to encourage participation at the local level to address these needs." On page 234, under the heading "Actions planned to develop institutional structure," the Plan states, "A major gap exists with CHDO and nonprofit capacity in developing affordable housing. DCA recognizes that and will continue to encourage partnerships among agencies designed to increase their experience and knowledge. DCA will also continue to seek out opportunities for training and make these agencies aware of these as they come up." CHDOs are nonprofit, locally created organizations which meet several criteria established by HUD, one of which is that at least one-third of their boards of directors are representatives of low-income persons or neighborhoods. Therefore is would seem reasonable that if the lack of CHDOs is the primary gap in the delivery system, and that if rural nonprofit capacity is a major gap in Georgia's institutional structure, then the Plan should address that gap through more active measures than "encourage partnerships" and make agencies aware of training opportunities. One suggested method that DCA might adopt would be to partner more closely with nonprofit intermediary organizations, such as the Georgia State Trade Association of Nonprofit Developers (GSTAND). The Plan should provide funding for statewide and regional nonprofits that can provide direct technical assistance, help CHDOs and other nonprofit housing developers design programs and implement policies and procedures, and create and implement fund-raising strategies to insure sustainability. Nonprofit intermediary organizations such as GSTAND are familiar with existing nonprofit housing development organizations. They can review each organization's current capacity and direct the organization to appropriate growth strategies. They can help DCA to provide the continuing training necessary to grow nonprofits in the State's impoverished rural areas. They can also directly develop partnerships between those organizations that will allow established entities to share capacity and experience with smaller and emerging CHDOs. Relatively modest capacity building funding, in the range of $75,000 to $150,000, would allow GSTAND and other intermediaries to significantly assist rural communities in creating, growing, and stabilizing CHDOs and nonprofit housing developers. The primary focus of their practice should be the rural areas of Georgia thereby improving the State of Georgia as a whole. Many programs that provide direct assistance to Georgia residents are listed in the 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan Draft in both the areas of purchase and then if negative circumstances occur to being able to keep a home. While there seems to be no designated area to comment on distinct types of programs I believe there are two that merit specific discussion: 1. HomeSafe Georgia This is a wonderful program granted to the State of Georgia based on the high numbers of unemployed residents caused by the recent and still existing recession. As Georgia is 19th out of 19 Hardest Hit Programs across the country in the total of dollars awarded to applicants, I believe that the eligibility requirements should be "re-reviewed" and that a principal reduction component be added. 199 2. Georgia Dream Downpayment Assistance One would normally assume that a downpayment assistance program should be considered an asset. However, in these days of lower interest rates and lesser household incomes it has become a liability to some low-to-moderate income households. Many households that previously received the Georgia Dream Downpayment Assistance would now benefit from a streamline refinance. However, as the Georgia Dream does not allow subordination to existing mortgage loans due to an included clause that demands it be paid in full at the time of refinance an adjustment should be considered. I believe the Georgia Dream Downpayment Assistance Program and the clients it is designed to help would benefit from a program restructured with a 20% a year forgiveness for 5 years. This alteration would allow first time buyers to advance their housing options as life style changes occur and as mortgage rates improve from their assigned percentage. A benefit for the downpayment program structured similar to the CHIP Program would be a required repayment that was at least partially reduced. 200 Comments from Kate Little, Executive Director of GSTAND TO: housingplanning@dca.ga.gov FROM: Kate S. Little DATE: May 10, 2013 RE: State of Georgia Draft 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan In response to the request by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for public comments on the State of Georgia Draft 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan (the Plan), the Georgia State Trade Association of Nonprofit Developers submits the following: DCA notes in the Plan that the "lack of a number of high quality, capable CHDOs is the primary gap in the State's delivery system." (p. 100). On page 106 with respect to special needs populations and persons experiencing homelessness, the Plan states "Local governments and nonprofit organizations often lack the capacity to administer housing programs" and "Many of the more rural areas of Georgia lack nonprofit providers needed to insure adequate coverage of the state." On page 233, under the heading "Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs," DCA states, "The CHIP Program has become a primary source of affordable housing assistance at the local level. Being an annual competitive program, it is critical that local governments, nonprofit organizations, and public housing authorities are aware of the program and what it can provide in order to apply as there are so many unmet housing needs throughout the state, particularly in rural areas. [Emphasis added] Staff will continue to spread awareness about the program and continue to encourage participation at the local level to address these needs." On page 234, under the heading "Actions planned to develop institutional structure," the Plan states, "A major gap exists with CHDO and nonprofit capacity in developing affordable housing. DCA recognizes that and will continue to encourage partnerships among agencies designed to increase their experience and knowledge. DCA will also continue to seek out opportunities for training and make these agencies aware of these as they come up." CHDOs are nonprofit, locally created organizations which meet several criteria established by HUD, one of which is that at least one-third of their boards of directors are representatives of low-income persons or neighborhoods. It seems reasonable that if the lack of CHDOs is the primary gap in the delivery system, and that if rural nonprofit capacity is a major gap in Georgia's institutional structure, then the Plan should address that gap through more active measures than "encourage partnerships" and make agencies aware of training opportunities. 201 G-STAND respectfully suggests that DCA consider collaborating more closely with nonprofit intermediary organizations, such as this organization. DCA could provide funding for statewide and regional nonprofits that can provide training and hands-on technical assistance to help CHDOs and other nonprofit housing developers understand and work through the development process. Nonprofit intermediary organizations such as GSTAND are familiar with existing nonprofit housing development organizations. We can review each organization's current capacity and direct the organization to appropriate growth strategies. We can help DCA to provide the continuing training that will be necessary to grow nonprofits in the State's impoverished rural areas. We can directly develop the partnerships between organizations that will allow established organizations to share capacity and experience with smaller and emerging nonprofits that would like to qualify as CHDOs under DCA's certification process. GSTAND has for the past 10 years partnered with other nonprofit organizations to hold an annual affordable housing conference. Nonprofit organizations attending the conference have the opportunity to get the latest information on affordable housing programs and policies at local and federal levels. At the conference, we offer sessions to enhance core competencies, so that non profit housing organizations in Georgia can pursue their mission utilizing the best tools and strategies available. We also encourage coordination and collaboration among the various organizations by providing a venue for networking and sharing. In addition to attracting nonprofit housing organizations, we invite national housing intermediaries, lenders, and local government officials to the conference to create an important cross-sector mix of participants and perspectives throughout the day. Additionally, to address both the capacity issue and the continuing foreclosure crisis, this year GSTAND partnered with another organization to conduct a series of six workshops for the metro Atlanta area, concentrating on best practices in the complete process of REO redevelopment as a neighborhood stabilization tool. The first three workshops, beginning with large-scale planning on the management of community change, have addressed the full spectrum of REO redisposition planning and implementation, including different strategies for the control and reuse of vacant properties. The series will also include a workshop for board members of these organizations, another important capacity issue that has been identified. The workshops are a collaboration with the Center for Community Progress, Enterprise Community Partners, and NeighborWorks America, organizations nationally renowned for their roles as technical assistance and resource providers to the nation's non-profit sector, and CCP particularly so for innovative REO and vacant property redevelopment best practices. We tailored the series of workshop to address capacity issues uncovered based on meetings with various stakeholders (including the City of Atlanta, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta) as well as nonprofit housing developers. Our goal is to train nonprofits on best practices for strategies across the full spectrum of single-family redevelopment and redisposition activities. 202 In addition to the training, nonprofit organizations are eligible to receive project-specific technical assistance (TA). The TA will include such things as pre- and post-development activities (e.g., physical needs assessment, developing a rehab scope of work, preparing a pro forma, market analysis), project management (e.g., selecting a contractor, monitoring the contractor), property management, or other needs identified by the organization. GSTAND can build on this experience to develop a capacity building program for nonprofits operating in non-metro areas of the state. Relatively modest capacity building funding, in the range of $75,000 to $150,000, would allow GSTAND and other intermediaries to significantly assist rural communities in creating, growing, and stabilizing CHDOs and nonprofit housing developers. This effort could target those counties that DCA and USDA have identified as counties of persistent poverty. In these locations, local leadership and local effort, supported by DCA and intermediary organizations, can make the most difference in improving the State of Georgia as a whole. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. 203 Comments from G-STAND on Needs and Priorities Georgia State Trade Association of Nonprofit Developers TO: Department of Community Affairs FROM: Georgia State Trade Association of Nonprofit Developers DATE: November 19, 2012 RE: CONSOLIDATED PLAN COMMENTS G-STAND submits the following comments for DCA's consideration as it begins preparing the 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan. First, G-STAND notes that several objectives for the HOME Program, including: Expanding the capacity of nonprofit housing providers; Strengthening the ability of state and local governments to provide housing. As a statewide association of nonprofit housing developers, G-STAND has an interest in improving the efficiency, quality and effectiveness of nonprofit housing organizations at all levels, so as to meet the housing needs of the state's lower-income residents. Since both entities share the same objective, G-STAND would like to figure out a way to partner with DCA to make substantial progress in this area. We propose collaborating to create a program that would incorporate a set of experiences that would serve as a prerequisite for nonprofit organizations to become qualified developers. Such a collaboration is important as capacity depends upon not just competency of individual nonprofits, but also upon the existence and strength of an institutional network made up of public, private, and other nonprofit organizations which support production and management of affordable housing. In addition to providing equity capital, loans, and grants for development, organizations would benefit from underwriting of operating costs and financial and technical support, in particular around organizational capacity building. In its Annual Action Plans, DCA has recognized the need for increasing the capacity and skills of local nonprofit organizations to offer housing assistance and provides CHDOs funding for technical assistance through COAP. However, G-STAND believes more could be done, such as a 204 establishing a formal training and technical assistance program and coupling that with project funding for smaller projects (both rental or for-sale) to get the needed experience and develop a track would produce better results. Tax Credit Program DCA's current approach to nonprofit developers is to strengthen its pool of qualified nonprofit developers. However, these select few nonprofit developers will eventually max out their capacity to obtain financing for large tax credit projects. This approach also does not address housing needs in smaller communities with a more limited market, but households still in need of standard, affordable housing. G-STAND urges DCA to consider creating a program that would contribute to a robust nonprofit development community. Such a community will need new nonprofit developers to enter the pool of qualified developers interested in and capable of operating in areas now currently underserved. We suggest that DCA partner with G-STAND to design a program that would create a set of experiences that would serve as a prerequisite for organizations to become qualified nonprofit developers. In addition, we suggest creating a three-year pilot program to identify and cultivate nonprofit organizations to serve as developers of the future. By focusing on a narrow group of chosen nonprofit organizations, the department inevitably leaves out others, which, with some resources and nurturing could eventually flourish. The department should consider what parts of the state does its current strategy leave out and that strategy might reinforce social inequities and disempower local communities. We understand DCA's wish to limit its risk, but ask at what cost? By trying to eliminate all risk or get risk as close to zero as possible, does DCA run the risk of crippling or destroying local organizations while benefitting organizations from out of state that have no real ties to the communities in which they develop projects? HOME Program G-STAND urges DCA to work to ensure that more of "our" HOME funds are used in the areas of Georgia for which they are intended those jurisdictions that do not receive a direct allocation of HOME funds. DCA's allocation of HOME funds is meant to serve the `balance of state.' According to information provided at the public hearings, DCA does not spend CDBG funds or HOPWA funds in communities that receive their own allocation of those program funds. Why does it treat HOME funds differently? G-STAND urges DCA to utilize HOME program funds to increase its service in those communities for which they are intended. CHDOs and community-based nonprofit organizations need to effectively balance their mission driven work with sound business practices. This means having stable, consistent resources to support affordable housing development activities and the developer fees they generate. DCA currently places strong emphasis on the development of large, multi-family rental properties. That makes it difficult for CHDOs and community-based nonprofit organizations serving the `balance of state' to maintain a pipeline of development activity that ensures sustainability and self-sufficiency. 205 Changes to the HOME program are likely to place further demands on CHDOs and could likely result in fewer organizations that qualify for the CHDO designation. DCA should consider allocation strategies that help CHDOs develop a pipeline of development activity and, therefore, revenue. Such strategies could then ensure that there are sufficient CHDOs to utilize the HOME CHDO set-aside and meet the housing needs in the non-metro areas of the state. G-STAND offers these strategies for DCA to consider: Decrease the emphasis on large, multi-family properties. There are CHDOs and community based-nonprofit organizations in Georgia that have sufficient development capacity to develop small and medium sized rental properties in their service areas. However, these entities to do not have a relationship with DCA because they do not develop large properties that do not `work' in their communities or make sense for their organization. G-STAND recommends that DCA consider soliciting funding applications that are designed to meet the needs of small cities and rural areas. Increase the resources available for housing rehabilitation and small development properties. These activities will allow CHDOs and true community-based nonprofit organizations to develop a pipeline of development activity, and a consistent revenue stream. Accordingly, they will be able to retain talented staff and the development knowledge required to develop large, multifamily properties that layer multiple funding sources when those projects make sense in their service areas. Allow CHDOs to retain CHDO proceeds. Access to CHDO proceeds would provide resources to capitalize future affordable development activities. CHDOs need a source of unrestricted funding for the predevelopment work that goes into a successful project. Allowing a CHDO to retain CHDO proceeds would produce a long-range impact. Such action can result in increased output and organizational success. Encourage local governments to partner with CHDOs and nonprofit housing developers on CDBG projects. In a time with fewer HOME and CDBG resources, fostering partnerships will allow scarce resources to go further. Experienced nonprofit developers can be effective stewards of CDBG resources and use their understanding of community and economic development to leverage additional resources and develop effective, creative projects. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Gwinnett County's Public Comment Submission: State of Georgia's Draft 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan In accordance with Gwinnett County's 2013 Action Plan, Gwinnett County recognizes three of the greatest underserved needs for low- and moderate-income citizens: (1) affordable housing; (2) affordable childcare; and (3) access to affordable and accessible transportation. 206 AFFORDABLE HOUSING The rapid population growth in Gwinnett County has attracted housing developers, but primarily in the upper income market. Limited numbers of new affordable multi-family housing is being constructed and no housing has been constructed recently for use as emergency shelter, transitional housing, or permanent housing for the homeless. Additional permanent housing is needed at a price affordable to persons who may be moving from transitional housing. Chart #1 demonstrates the density of Owner Occupied Housing Units below $100,000 in Gwinnett County correlated on the scatter plot with Median Househould Incomes. The scatter plot identifies many low-income communities which do not provide sufficient affordable housing (homes below $100K). CHART # 1: GWINNETT COUNTY'S OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS BELOW $100K ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION One major obstacle for homeless persons in Gwinnett County is the limited availability of public transportation. The County initiated the operation of its public transit system in November 2000. The system consists of commuter service to Atlanta, local route services, and para-transit service. But accessibility is still limited. Many areas of the county do not have a bus stop for many miles making the public transportation in Gwinnett County fall far below adequate standards. 207 Chart #2 demonstrates the density of Workers Who Took Public Transportation in Gwinnett County. The plot chart correlates Workers Who Took Public Transportation with the total number of Worker's 16 and Older in Gwinnett County. The plot indicates the number of working citizen utilizing public transportation falls far below the number of workers in Gwinnett County. We suggest this is because of inadequate access to public transportation. CHART # 2: GWINNETT COUNTY'S WORKERS 16 AND OLDER AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, child care costs should not exceed more than 10% of a family's annual gross income. On average in Gwinnett County 12.5% of a family's income is spent on child care for one infant in an accredited program, costing parents anywhere from $120 to $140 a week. 208 The Georgia Pre-K Program funded by the Georgia Lottery provides Georgia's 4 year old children with preschool. But funds do not go far enough to serve every preschool age child and the program is only part-day, meaning most working parents must still pay for before and/or after care. In 2005, the estimated population of 4 year olds in Gwinnett County was 11,185, of which 6,864 were enrolled in Pre-K, which represents only 61% of the total 4 year old population. Chart #3 shows the concentration of Children Under the Age of 5 in Gwinnett County, correlated on the scatter plot with Gwinnett County's Median Household Income. All Gwinnett County families with a median income of $65,000 or less will spend more than 10% of their income on child care per child. CHART # 3: GWINNETT COUNTY'S CHILDREN UNDER 5 POPULATION Gwinnett County's Median Household Income values are provided below in Chart #4 for reference. CHART # 4: GWINNETT COUNTY MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME 209 REQUESTS Gwinnett County requests DCA provide resources to promote affordable housing. When clients do not qualify for Gwinnett County's HOMEstretch program we refer them to DCA's Georgia DREAM. This program has been a great catalyst for making it affordable to purchase a house. Specifically it is helpful because many high end homes were built but after the mortgage crisis went unoccupied. This program allows families that might otherwise not be able to afford housing afford it by getting a lower mortgage rate with down payment assistance. 210 Gwinnett County requests DCA provide resources to increase access to public transportation. Many Gwinnett County citizens work in Atlanta requiring them to spend excessive amounts of money on gasoline commuting. And the price of gasoline continues to increase. In addition, the issue of traffic has become a plight on the metro Atlanta area. Access to Public Transportation could alleviate these issues. Gwinnett County requests DCA provide resources to promote affordable childcare. We encourage DCA to collaborate with other Georgia Departments to increase funding for programs such as Georgia's Pre-K Program and provide financial assistance to child care providers in the Gwinnett County Communty. GWINNETT COUNTY'S EFFORTS TO ADDRESS UNDERSERVED NEEDS Affordable Housing During FY 2013, Gwinnett County and its existing affordable housing partners, particularly the Gwinnett County Health and Human Services Coalition, the Lawrenceville Housing Corporation, and Gwinnett County Habitat for Humanity, continue to carry out programs and to locate private and/or public funding to continue the development and/or rehabilitation of affordable housing. Gwinnett County also continue its funding process with its HOME Program, where funding awards are made when organizations submit actual projects with all HOME Program and Gwinnett County required documentation sufficient to approve the project. Affordable Childcare Gwinnett County provides technical assistance to local non-profit childcare providers as they seek public and private funding. Gwinnett County provided FY 2011 CDBG assistance to Sheltering Arms to reconstruct the playgrounds at the Lillian Webb Childcare Center in Lawrenceville and their Childcare Center in Norcross during 2012. No childcare projects are receiving funding under Action Plan 2013. Affordable Transportation Gwinnett County placed its new public transit system in operation in November 2001 and has expanded express, local and para-transit services since the system began operations. No transportation projects are receiving funding under Action Plan 2013 Comments from SOPOS Coalition 211 November 15, 2012 Rick Heermans Georgia Department of Community Affairs 60 Executive Park South, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30329 Dear Mr. Heermans: On behalf of the SOPOS Coalition, we are pleased to provide input for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) FFY2013 -2017 Consolidated Plan and FFY2013 Annual Action Plan. Our Coalition, made up of housing professionals and disability advocates -and which includes a DCA representative, strives to promote fair housing for people with disabilities throughout the state of Georgia. In September 2011, we released our report, "Shut Out, Priced Out, and Segregated: the Need for Fair Housing for People with Disabilities." The comments that follow are based on our findings and recommendations. We encourage you to review the full report, or a four-page briefing,at http://www.metrofairhousing.com/sopos_coalition.htm. We appreciate the efforts of DCA to provide adequate housing for low-income people. However, we want to emphasize strongly the need to provide accessible, affordable, and integrated housing for all people with disabilities. As you may know, due to the high rate of unemployment among people with disabilities, as well as the medical and attendant care costs associated with having a disability, a large portion of the disability community is not just low-income but living in poverty. There are 1.1 million people with a disability (336,299 with a mobility impairment) living in Georgia. Of those, 28% are living below the poverty level, compared to 17% of their non-disabled peers. Furthermore, people with disabilities between the ages of 30-64 lagin home ownership by about 20% as compared to those without a disability. For this reason, we recommend the following: Improve Data Used to Develop Consolidated Plan Given the recent Department of Justice settlement and the Olmstead Plan, we realize that DCA has made efforts to provide housing for people with disabilities who need to transition from nursing facilities, state hospitals, and other institutions. We applaud these efforts. However, we want to point out that the Justice settlement focuses exclusively on the needs of people with developmental or psychiatric disabilities. We are concerned that, as a result, the needs of people with other types of disabilities are being overlooked or not included in DCA's priorities. 212 With this in mind, we recommend that DCA conduct research to quantify the need for housing that is both accessible, affordable, and integrated for people with all types of disabilities, and use that data as the basis for the development of your Consolidated Plan. The study should evaluate: the number of affordable dwellings that currently exist, and where they are located; the number of affordable dwellings that are needed, and of these, how many are moderately subsidized and how many are significantly subsidized; the number of accessible affordable dwellings that are needed; and the number of people who need both accessible and affordable dwellings as well as regular support services. The study should also take into account the number of people with disabilities who currently reside in nursing facilities or other institutions, but who prefer to live in the community. Such data will ensure that DCA is better prepared to meet the housing needs of Georgians with disabilities, particularly in terms of the provision of rental subsidies. Invest State Dollars to Supplement Section 8 The Coalition recommends the State of Georgia invest dollars from the general fund in the Section 8 rental assistance program to supplement existing federal rental subsidies. We recommend that DCA use results from the research study above as well as models in other states to develop a budget request that better addresses the need for subsidized housing in Georgia. Currently, there are many states, including New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Hawaii that have done this. Increase Number of Dwellings with Basic Access In your efforts to improve current housing structures and rehab foreclosed properties, we recommend that you identify those properties that could easily be modified to include Basic Access features (one zero-step entrance, wider doors, and at least one half bath on the main level). Such features enable a person with a mobility impairment to live in or visit the dwelling. In addition, such features can benefit people with young children, aging parents, temporary injuries, and other conditions as well. Research has proven that basic access features can be added for little to no additional cost. Our Coalition includes experts on Basic Access who would be willing to consult with you and provide technical assistance in this area. We also recommend that DCA set a specific goal that quantifies the number of current housing structures and rehabbed foreclosed properties will be improved and provided to people with physical disabilities. Again, data from the proposed study above can be useful in this initiative. 213 Redefine the Definition of Homeless As you are working to meet the needs of homeless people, please keep in mind that a number of people with disabilities are homeless because of the poverty issues mentioned above, therefore, we request that you revise your plan to include specific initiatives that take into account the particular needs of people with disabilities who are homeless. There are also many people with disabilities who currently reside in nursing facilities but prefer to live in the community. Unfortunately, accessible and affordable housing is a major barrier to relocating back home, therefore, please consider people in this situation as "homeless people." Emphasize the Needs of the Individual in Supportive Housing As a result of the Justice settlement we know that DCA has placed an emphasis on the model of supportive housing for people with disabilities. We want to make sure you are aware that there are many models of supportive housing and that the particular needs of the individual should determine the type of supportive housing to be provided. There is no "one size fits all" model. As said before, we would be happy to consult with you in this area. Reaffirm Fair Housing Act Regulations for Multi-Family Housing Providers As a reminder, we ask that you require any multi-family housing providers using federal funds to educate themselves on, and abide by, the accessibility guidelines in the design, construction, or rehab of multi-family housing in accordance with the Fair Housing Act; and to develop Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans that target those least likely to apply, including those with physical disabilities. We appreciate the opportunity to provide these comments. We also thank DCA for its participation in the Coalition and the opportunity to work with you to develop and implement these recommendations. With more than thirty individuals and organizations in our Coalition, including disability advocates, architects, developers, planners, nonprofit developers, Fair Housing agency representatives, state housing representatives, and others, we welcome the opportunity for further dialogue with you. Sincerely, SOPOS Coalition Steering Committee: 214 Eric Jacobson Executive Director Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities Kate Little Executive Director Georgia State Trade Association of Nonprofit Developers Patricia Puckett Executive Director Statewide Independent Living Council Jackie Wilks Executive Director Center for Financial Independence and Innovation Metro Fair Housing Services SOPOS Coalition Members: Atlanta Legal Aid, Atlanta Regional Commission, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Center for Financial Independence and Innovation, Concrete Change , disABILITY Link, Disability Resource Center, Georgia Advocacy Office, Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Department of Human Services, Georgia State Trade Association of Nonprofit Developers, Georgia Supportive Housing Association, Georgia Technology Institute, For Rent Media Solutions, Keller Williams First Atlanta, McDowell/Hall-McDowell Architectural Firm, Metro Fair Housing Services, My AccessAble Home, NeighborWorks-Columbus, People First Georgia, Shepherd Center, Statewide Independent Living Council, University of Georgia, Unlock! The Waiting Lists, Walton Community Services, Walton Options for Independent Living, Worthing Companies 215 Meeting with Kelly Cooney of Housing Assistance Council on November 26, 2012 It was recommended that CHDOs be allowed to undertake a variety of activities to allow them to increase capacity as either a subrecipient or a CHDO. Suggestions included: Small multifamily rental developments Single-family developments both homeowner and rental Owner-occupied rehabilitation Down Payment Assistance Tenant-based Rental Assistance The current DCA application process limits CHDOs to primarily only undertake large rental projects. DCA should look at having an open funding round for CHDOs that would allow them to apply for any activities that are eligible under the HOME Program. DCA needs to invest time and resources in developing capable nonprofits that can become CHDOs and needs to consider allowing them to keep CHDO proceeds that result from developing successful projects. Comments from Robert Cooke Comments on the STATE OF GEORGIA DRAFT 2013-2017 CONSOLIDATED PLAN 2013-05-10 Robert B. Cooke (robert.cooke@swgau.org) Demographic Data Page 24 Needs Assessment Overview The Needs Assessment Overview uses statewide data to determine the need. This approach mixes information from the Atlanta metro-area with information from other, smaller metroareas and with information from rural Georgia. As DCA notes in its maps section (http://www.georgiaplanning.com/documents/atlas/commofopp2005.pdf), a large number of Georgia Counties have been in persistent poverty for at least the last twenty years. As the University of Georgia reported in its 2003 publication "Dismantling Persistent Poverty in Georgia," South Georgia and East Georgia rural counties are located at the geographic heart of the poorest region in the United States. (http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/regionalism/programs/downloads/GA_Report.pdf) Resources in these counties are extremely limited. In most parts of the U.S., a typical income curve is arched like a rainbow, with a relatively small number of people in poverty, a larger number as the median income is approached, and a small number at the top. The income curve 216 in south rural Georgia is shaped like a skewed capital-U a large number of people in poverty, a small middle class, and a very small number with incomes above $100k. The skewed income distribution, among other negative outcomes, results in a lack of private charitable resources. About 20% of the Georgia population lives in rural areas. According to the Foundation Center records of all the private grants awarded in GA, 76% have gone to the metropolitan Atlanta area. Only about 5% of all private grants have been awarded in rural areas. This focus on demographic statistics for the state as a whole affects the perceived service needs. It also affects the methods that will be effective in meeting those needs. The high poverty levels and low population density in rural Georgia may require different or intensified service delivery methods in order to achieve the same outcomes. Recommendation: DCA should include regional statistics, including a focus on the counties of persistent poverty. A second issue with the demographic data lies in the presentation. DCA uses charts of numeric data to present the information that supports its conclusions. The information would be significantly easier to absorb if the presentation included graphic elements, such as graphs. The graphic data would both complement and explain the charts. Recommendation: Add graphic data presentation Page 142 "The geographic area for allocating investments goes to the entire State of Georgia." Whether the entire state should be served on an equal basis without consideration of regional need is a policy decision. No recommendation. An issue related to demographic data is "Area Median Income." Whenever the area median income is used to determine program eligibility, persons in persistent poverty rural counties are disadvantaged. According to the FY 13 HUD Income limits, a family of four living in Atlanta and making $53,000 would be eligible to receive services. That same family would be no less in need of services if they lived in a persistent poverty county, but they would be ineligible due to their income. In the Georgia persistent poverty counties, any family of four making more than $36,500 is ineligible for services. This difference of more than $15,000 per year consistently harms persistent poverty counties by limiting the assistance available to their residents. Recommendation: Use the State-wide area median income to determine eligibility for assistance. Page 120 - QAP "Preference is given to those projects that serve tenants below 50% of area median income and for developments located in proximity to public transportation options." "Points are also awarded to developers proposing to provide supportive housing to those who are mentally or physically disabled who typically are also under 50% of area median income." Persistent poverty rural counties seldom have public transportation. As noted in the discussion of area median income, both these provisions can discriminate against development in persistent poverty rural counties. 217 Rental Housing Development and Rehabilitation According to the 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, the State of Georgia as a whole has about 13% of its rental units with gross rent of less than $500 per month. Crisp County, as an example of a persistent poverty county, has about 31% with gross rent of less than $500. The reason for these low rental rates is that most of the rental units in many persistent poverty counties are single family homes that were built before 1960. More than 13% (over 10,000 units ACS) of the single family homes in Crisp County and the surrounding persistent poverty counties are more than 50 years old. Though some of these structures are historic houses and have been well maintained, most may be presumed to be substandard and in need of rehabilitation or repair. Based on a windshield survey and a separate review of existing rental housing in Cordele and Crisp County, it is likely that many units are in visibly poor condition and a general state of disrepair, and in some cases are uninhabitable. The outcome of the low rental rates is the continued deterioration of rental properties. There is a significant need for rehabilitation of single family rental properties throughout the persistent poverty counties. This need is not addressed in the Consolidated Plan. The success of the Sumter County Initiative in 2000 demonstrates that it is possible for a persistent poverty county, with local leadership and support from larger organizations, to eliminate substandard housing in an eight year period. Recommendation: Establish a single family rental rehabilitation program. Such a program could also be used to assist in developing sustainable, local CHDOs and nonprofit housing developers. p 92 "New Unit Production Generally, Georgia's housing vacancy rate would indicate there is not a great need for any new housing units. According to a 2012 ACS report, Georgia's homeownership vacancy rate was 2.7%. While better than the 3.6% rate in 2011, this rate is the 4th highest in the nation. The rental vacancy rate is 9.9%. While these rates would indicate a very low need for new construction, there are times it may be justified, particularly for rental units. This would particularly apply to rural areas where there is not a sufficient supply of existing units. [emphasis added] The construction of new homeownership units is a low priority." P 92 "Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of both rental and homeownership units is a high priority. The 2012 vacancy rate in Georgia for rental units is 9.9%. Included in this figure are a number of blighted and abandoned developments. These will be a high priority to address. Table 7 shows that there are a total of 136,826 homeowner units in the State owned by persons with incomes at or below 50% AMI. Of this total, 76,921 households have severe cost burdens, many of them elderly. For this reason, homeowner rehabilitation will be a high priority for funding." 218 As noted, single family rental rehabilitation is also needed. P 135 "Federal HOME funds will leverage private and state funds through several different programs. In the HOME Rental Housing Loan Program, HOME funds will be provided to developers who will also receive assistance through the Low-income Housing Tax Credit and the Georgia Housing Tax Credit programs. These deals often include private funds as well as owner cash. They also usually include an allotment of State tax credits. In the Georgia Dream down payment assistance program, tax-exempt mortgage bond proceeds are used to provide first mortgage financing. Both the state tax credits and the tax-exempt mortgage financing serve as sources of matching funds for the HOME Program." The establishment of a single family rental rehabilitation program could provide an opportunity for small and emerging nonprofits to complete small scale projects with community banks & build capacity. This would provide an opportunity to positively affect existing units and existing neighborhoods. One possible model is funding for nonprofit CHDOs and housing developers for rental ownership & rehab to a max of $300,000, requiring at least a 1:1 match and a total project cost of not more than $60,000 per unit (including match funds). Completed units would be required to meet fair market rent for low income residents. All residents must be low income. A connection to a local GICH initiative might be required, which would also strengthen the GICH process. In lieu of a GICH, support and participation by a local government, housing authority, or development authority might be required. P 233-234 "Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing: Preserving affordable housing units that may be lost from the assisted housing inventory will be a high priority for DCA. With regards to homes owned by low- and moderate-income individuals, rehabilitation through the CHIP Program to bring these houses to Code will continue to be a priority and should allow many of them to be preserved as affordable housing for the long term. "Preservation of rental housing will also be a high priority. In the HOME Rental Housing Loan Program, developments that received previous HOME and tax credit assistance are eligible to apply again once their period of affordability has been satisfied. In addition, trends have shown that many rental projects, particularly those undertaken by nonprofit organizations and CHDOs, s are struggling to remain viable in this challenging housing environment and are in danger of foreclosure. Staff will work closely with the borrowers and other lenders to try and develop workout plans to prevent this from happening which would result in lost affordable rental units." Preservation of single family rental housing should also be a priority. Rehabilitation to "bring these houses to Code... should allow many of them to be preserved as affordable housing for the long term." It will also benefit existing neighborhoods in small municipalities, reduce green field development, and preserve historic structures. 219 Ownership Housing P. 233 "The CHIP Program has become a primary source of affordable housing assistance at the local level. Being an annual competitive program, it is critical that local governments, nonprofit organizations, and public housing authorities are aware of the program and what it can provide in order to apply as there are so many unmet housing needs throughout the state, particularly in rural areas. [emphasis added] Staff will continue to spread awareness about the program and continue to encourage participation at the local level to address these needs." Homelessness Homelessness is a symptom of other underlying social and economic ills. In rural Georgia, treat it holistically. Serve the families, meet their needs, and solve or prevent the homelessness as an outcome of the process. "The near absence of the homeless service provider system in rural areas makes it difficult to obtain reliable data on specific homeless subpopulations, especially among those who are unsheltered." p 49 P. 128 "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." P. 90 ESG priorities: "Outreach High DCA will continue to implement outreach and assessment through the use of street outreach teams, working with rural providers [emphasis added] to establish best practices around rural street outreach. Once the coordinated assessment systems are devised and put into practice, this will complement outreach, particularly in rural areas." P 106 re "Georgia's system for delivering services to special needs populations and persons experiencing homelessness" - "Local governments and nonprofit organizations often lack the capacity to administer housing programs, and many homeless service providers are hesitant to both serve clients with higher needs and move program strategies to a housing first model. "Many of the more rural areas of Georgia lack nonprofit providers needed to insure adequate coverage of the state. P 107 - "DCA will continue to strengthen connections with regional providers, such as Community Action Agencies, with the goal of all counties within the Balance of State CoC having access to prevention and rapid re-housing resources." An additional useful program might be the establishment of small local funding pools for emergency needs. Local churches and nonprofits could provide matching funds. Pools could be established on a regional basis at housing counseling agencies, churches, or other reliable institutions. Funds for local emergency needs - deposits, utilities, short hotel stays, etc. 220 Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) One item that DCA notes in the Plan is that the "lack of a number of high quality, capable CHDOs [Community Housing Development Organizations] is the primary gap in the State's delivery system." (P. 100). On page 106 with respect to special needs populations and persons experiencing homelessness, the Plan states "Local governments and nonprofit organizations often lack the capacity to administer housing programs" and "Many of the more rural areas of Georgia lack nonprofit providers needed to insure adequate coverage of the state." On page 233, under the heading "Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs," DCA states, "The CHIP Program has become a primary source of affordable housing assistance at the local level. Being an annual competitive program, it is critical that local governments, nonprofit organizations, and public housing authorities are aware of the program and what it can provide in order to apply as there are so many unmet housing needs throughout the state, particularly in rural areas. [Emphasis added] Staff will continue to spread awareness about the program and continue to encourage participation at the local level to address these needs." On page 234, under the heading "Actions planned to develop institutional structure," the Plan states, "A major gap exists with CHDO and nonprofit capacity in developing affordable housing. DCA recognizes that and will continue to encourage partnerships among agencies designed to increase their experience and knowledge. DCA will also continue to seek out opportunities for training and make these agencies aware of these as they come up." CHDOs are nonprofit, locally created organizations which meet several criteria established by HUD, one of which is that at least one-third of their boards of directors are representatives of low-income persons or neighborhoods. It seems reasonable that if the lack of CHDOs is the primary gap in the delivery system, and that if rural nonprofit capacity is a major gap in Georgia's institutional structure, then the Plan should address that gap through more active measures than "encourage partnerships" and make agencies aware of training opportunities. One method that DCA might adopt would be to partner more closely with nonprofit intermediary organizations, such as the Georgia State Trade Association of Nonprofit Developers (GSTAND). The Plan should provide funding for statewide and regional nonprofits that can provide direct technical assistance, help CHDOs and other nonprofit housing developers design programs and implement policies and procedures, and create and implement fund-raising strategies to insure sustainability. Nonprofit intermediary organizations such as GSTAND are familiar with existing nonprofit housing development organizations. They can review each organization's current capacity and direct the organization to appropriate growth strategies. They can help DCA to provide the continuing training that will be necessary to grow nonprofits in the State's impoverished rural areas. They can directly develop the partnerships between organizations that will allow established organizations to share capacity and experience with smaller and emerging CHDOs. 221 Relatively modest capacity building funding, in the range of $75,000 to $150,000, would allow GSTAND and other intermediaries to significantly assist rural communities in creating, growing, and stabilizing CHDOs and nonprofit housing developers. The primary focus of their practice should be the rural areas of Georgia, particularly those counties that DCA has identified as counties of persistent poverty. (http://www.georgiaplanning.com/documents/atlas/commofopp2005.pdf) These are the locations where local leadership and local effort, supported by DCA and intermediary organizations, can make the most difference in improving the State of Georgia as a whole. Comments from Patricia Ajike Williams Date: 10 May 2013 To: State and Federal Public Servants Fr: Concerned Citizen of Fulton County My name is Patricia "Ajike" Williams. Due to my disability, I was unable to read all the materials, within the time allotted, to make an appropriate assessment and to make informed comments on this year's plans that are being submitted to HUD by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. However, I am submitting my comments regarding a related and relevant situation which appears to be the denial of federally funded homeless services to homeless women and children, of African Ancestry. This situation appears to have resulted in the sustaining of a pipleline for what appears to serve the purpose of increasing the potential for sexual exploitation of homeless women and children, in the City of Atlanta, that is located within the jurisdiction of Fulton County One piece of evidence that supports this assertion is the two attached letters that I received from Ms. Williams and her Daughter in 2012. These documents have been presented, along with other researched information, during televised Board Meetings, to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. Since presenting information to the Commissioners, I have continued to conduct research in an effort to track the Federal money that has come into the County, since the reign of Maynard Jackson, that was targeted for providing services to the homeless community. Most recently, I have been unsuccessful with gaining access to Tri-J information from the Fulton County Office of Housing and Human Services. I was informed that this office may have served as the Tri-J Coordinator last year. 222 This same county office also continues to fail to provide me with documents, requested through the Open Records Act, while I was participating in their recent HUD CAPER several weeks ago. I'm merely an unempowered senior citizen. Therefore, county elected officials and government employees, more often than not, just ignore my concerns. I can only hope that someone in authority will read my comments, contact me, and conduct a thorough investigation to determine why, after the death of Ms. Yetta Yates, would homeless woman and homeless children, of African Ancestry, in the 21st century, be forced to sleep on the cement floor of the City of Atlanta Gateway Shelter for men. A lack of federal funding certainly is not the justification. A Concerned Citizen of Fulton County Georgia! Patricia "Ajike" Williams, GA CPS Graduate of Fulton County Citizens' University - Class of 2012 (Address and Phone Number submitted but not included here) 223 Summary of Comments Received on Needs, Priorities, and Policies Related to the 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan and 2013 Annual Action Plan Webinar - Atlanta November 8, 2012 2:00 p.m. Citizen participation is an integral part of the citizen participation process. In addition to holding public hearings to solicit feedback from the public as part of the Consolidated Plan development process, other meetings take place throughout the year where input is received by DCA that relates to programs, policies, and funding decisions. Following is a summary of the comments received at these meetings and DCA's response. Atlanta Webinar Total Attended via the internet 65 There were no citizen comments on the needs, priorities or policies related to the 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan and the 2013 Annual Action Plan during or after the scheduled webinar held on November 8, 2012. Brunswick Public Hearing-Gateway Behavioral Health Services-October 16, 2012 Attendees: 3 Comment # 1: How are funds awarded? Are there areas that are targeted geographically? (State's response) Funds are awarded based upon a competitive process for programs including CHIP, CDBG, ESG, and HOME-funded rental housing. Each have an annual application process and the elements of scoring and associated points are made clear as part of the application process. Comment # 2: Must applicants demonstrate need? (State's response) Yes, that's why we have public hearings and listening sessions. With program objectives and priorities changing at the federal level and funding cuts implemented, we need to target our funding to those areas of the greatest need now more than ever. For CDBG projects, surveys must be conducted if a project is proposing an area benefit to show that the area is at least 70% low- and moderate-income. Comment # 3: There is a critical problem in Glynn County with high utility bills. A number of families have become homeless because of this and have been forced to leave public housing due to the fact that their utilities have been turned off. 224 (State's response) ESG money is available for rapid re-housing of these families. The Salvation Army may be able to assist persons in the Glynn area with this. If a family does have to seek assistance at an emergency shelter that receives HUD funding and they have a teenage child, the shelter must now serve the entire family including any teenagers under the new ESG regulations. Comment # 4: We have a problem with housing older adults. There are many senior homeowners who that are unable to maintain their homes. Their failure to do this jeopardizes their ability to continue to live independently. (State's response) DCA offers rehab assistance to homeowners through the CHIP Program. Local governments, housing authorities, and nonprofit organizations are all eligible to apply for funding through an annual application process that should take place later in 2012. In addition, homeowner rehab is also an eligible activity under the CDBG Program which also has an annual application process. Comment # 5: Brunswick needs more affordable rental and special needs housing. Gateway has over 100 people on their waiting list for rental housing. There is a need for more supportive services for persons being de-institutionalized and moved back into communitybased housing. More 4 bed personal care homes are needed. (State's response) DCA will be issuing the Qualified Allocation Plan for the 2013 funding round later in 2012. The community might want to identify developers that have worked with the Low-income Housing tax Credit Program in the past to see if a project can be identified for possible submission in 2013. Special needs housing and related supportive services is always a challenge to pair up. The State, through its Olmstead settlement agreement with the US Department of Justice, is working to try to pair available community services with affordable housing for those coming to community-based housing from institutions. Other needs noted through written comments provided after the hearing: Consider including developing Livable Communities in future priorities More education about HUD programs to potential beneficiaries Public transportation opportunities need to be increased Americus Public Hearing-Public Safety Building-October 29, 2012 No citizens attended this hearing so it was not held. Gainesville Public Hearing-City of Gainesville Building-November 1, 2012 Attendees: 3 Comment # 1: DCA needs to continue to offer down payment assistance through CHIP and Georgia Dream. Many minority households in Gainesville have benefitted from this activity. However, the State needs to reconsider its policy of not forgiving liens. Many potential buyers do not participate because of this provision. Also, lenders need to be educated more about the 225 program and the process needs to be streamlined to make it more attractive to them as well as buyers. In addition, DCA needs to consider doing subsidy layering reviews to determine how much funding is needed for the buyer to purchase the home and provide down payment assistance based on need. (State's response) New HOME regulations are anticipated to become effective in early 2013 that will require a review of all elements of the policies related to the provision of down payment assistance. This will include the State's lien policy. Georgia Dream staff works continuously to provide outreach for additional lenders to participate in the program and to try and make the process move as efficiently as possible. Comment # 2: There is a need for rehabilitation of homes owned by seniors. There is also a need for emergency assistance repairs to their homes that will allow them to age in place in their communities. (State's response) Home repair assistance can be provided through the CHIP Program as well as the CDBG Program. Each involves the local government making a determination that they wish to apply and following the process. Comment # 3: DCA and Pathways need to rethink the requirement that requires that ALICE be used in conjunction with Pathways for the domestic violence population. It creates double work for the agencies and is a burden. (State's response) This request will be passed on to the appropriate staff in DCA for consideration. Comment # 4: Providing housing for those who are disabled and deinstitutionalized under the Olmstead settlement should be an important priority and we support the use of resources to carry this out. (State's response) The State has agreed to provide housing and related services to this population and has certain benchmarks it must meet by 2015. This is expected to be a continuing priority through that time. 226 State Grantee Certifications & SF 424 t:u~~~lENTo, 0 1.111:) CPMP State Grantee ~"~ 1111111 ~l Certifications 6~"' oE'IIOI.o Many elements of this document may be completed electronically, however a signature must be manually applied and the document must be su bmitted in paper form to the Field Office. D This certification does not apply. [gj This certification is applicable. See signature on the last page. STATE CERTIFICATIONS I n accordance with the applicable statutes and the regulations governing the consolidated plan regulations, the jurisdiction certifies that : Affirmatively Further Fair Housing -- The State will affirmatively further fair housing, which means it will conduct an analysis of impediments to fair housing choice within the state, take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified through that analysis, and maintain records reflecting that analysis and actions in this regard. Antidlsplacement and Relocation Plan -- It will comply with the acquisition and relocation requirements of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, and implementing regulations at 49 CFR 24; and it has in effect and is following a residential antidisplacement and relocation assistance plan required under section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, in connection with any activity assisted with funding under the CDBG or HOME programs. Drug Free Workplace -- It will or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by: 1. Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition; 2. Establishing an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about - a. The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; b. The grantee's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; c. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and d. The penalties that may be Imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace; 3. Making it a requirement that each employee to bP. enoaoed in the performance of the orant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph 1; 4. Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph 1 that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will a. Abide by the terms of the statement; and b. Notify the employer in writing of his or her conviction for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction; 5. Notifying the agency In writing, within ten calendar days after receiving notice under subparagraph 4(b) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction. Employers of convicted employees must provide notice, Including position title, to every grant officer or other designee on whose grant activity the convicted employee was working, unless the Federal agency has designated a central point for the receipt of such notices. Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant; 6. Taking one of the following actions, within 30 calendar days of receiving notice under subparagraph 4(b), with respect to any employee who iS so convicted a. Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; or b. Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency; 7. Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. CPMP State Grantee Certifications Version 1.2 227 State Grantee Certifications & SF 424 Jurisdiction Anti -Lobbying To the best of the state's knowledge and belief: 1. No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of it, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement; 2. If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, it will complete and submit Standard Fonn-LLL, "Disclosure Fonn to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions; and 3. It will require that the language of paragraph 1 and 2 of this anti-lobbying certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly. Authority of State --The submission of the consolidated plan is authorized under State law and the State possesses the legal authority to carry out the programs under the consolidated plan for which it is seeking funding, in accordance with applicable HUD regulations. Consistency with plan -- The housing activities to be undertaken with CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA funds are consistent with the strategic plan. Section 3 -- It will comply with section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, and implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 135. I 7/dt:r Date Mike Beatty Name I DCA Commissioner/GHFA Executive Director Title I 60 Executive Park South Address I Atlanta, Georgia 30329 City/State/Zip I (404l 679-4940 Telephone Number CPMP State Grantee Certifications 2 Version 1.2 228 State Grantee Certifications & SF 424 Jurisdiction D This certification does not apply. ~ This certification is applicable. See signature on the last page. Specific CDBG Certifications The State certifies that: Citizen Participation ~ It is in full compliance and following a detailed citizen participation plan that satisfies t he requirements of 24 CFR 91.115 and each unit of general local government that receives assistance from the State is or will be following a detailed citizen participation plan that satisfies the requirements of 24 CFR 570.486. Consultation with Local Governments -- It has or will comply with the following : 1. It has consulted wi th affected units of local government in the nonentitlement area of the State in determining the method of distribution of funding; 2. It engages in or will engage in planning for community development activities; 3. It provides or will provide technical assistance to units of local government in connection with community development programs; and 4. It will not refuse to d istribute funds to any unit of general local government on the basis of the particular eligible activity selected by the unit of general local government to meet its community development needs, except that a State is not prevented from establishing priorities in distributing funding on the basis of the activities selected. Local Needs I dentification -- It will require each unit of general local government to be funded to identify its community development and housing needs, including the needs of low-income and moderate-income families, and the activities to be undertaken to meet these needs. Community Development Plan -- Its consolidated housing and community development plan identifies community development and housing needs and specifies both short-term and long-term community development objectives that have been developed in accordance with the primary objectives of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. (See 24 CFR 570.2 and 24 CFR part 570) Use of Funds -- It has complied with the fol lowing criteria : 1. Maximum Feasible Priority - With respect to activities expected to be assisted with CDBG funds, it certifies that it has developed its Action Plan so as to give maximum feasible priority to activities which benefit low and mnOP.r?Jte income families or aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight. The Action Plan may also include activities which the grantee certifies are designed to meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community, and other financial resources are not available); 2. Overall Benefit - The aggregate use of CDBG funds including section 108 guaranteed loans during program year(s) 2Q.U, 2ru, 2Q.l5, (a period specified by the grantee consisting of one, two, or three specific consecutive program years), shall principally benefit persons of low and moderate income in a manner that ensures that at least 70 percent of the amount is expended for activities that benefit such persons during the designated period; 3 . Special Assessments - The state will require units of general focal government that receive CDBG funds to certify to the following: It will not attempt to recover any capital costs of public improvements assisted with CDBG funds including Section 108 loan guaranteed funds by assessing any amount against properties owned and occupied by persons of low and moderate income, including any fee charged or assessment made as a condition of obtaining access to such public improvements. However, if CDBG funds are used to pay the proportion of a fee or assessment that relates to the capital costs of public improvements (assisted in part with CDBG funds) financed from other revenue sources, an assessment or charge may be made against the property with respect to the public improvements financed CPMP Stat e Grant ee Certifications 3 Version 1.2 229 State Grantee Certifications & SF 424 Jurisdiction by a source other than COBG funds. It will not attempt to recover any capital costs of public improvements assisted with COBG funds, including Section 108, unless CDBG funds are used to pay the proportion of fee or assessment attributable to t he capital costs of public Improvements f inanced from other revenue sources. In this case, an assessment or charge may be made against the property with respect to the public improvements financed by a source other than CDBG funds. Also, in the case of properties owned and occupied by moderate-income (not lowincome} families, an assessment or charge may be made against the property for public improvements financed by a source other than CDBG funds if the jurisdiction certifies that it lacks CDBG funds to cover the assessment. Excessive Force It will require units of general local government that receive COBG funds to certify that they have adopted and are enforcing: 1. A policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within its jurisdiction against any individuals engaged in non-violent civil rights demonstrations; and 2. A policy of enforcing applicable State and local laws against physically barring entrance to or exit from a facility or location which is the subject of such non-violent civil rights demonstrations within its jurisdiction; Compliance With Anti-discrimination laws -- The grant will be conducted and administered in conformity with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 2000d), t he Fair Housing Act (42 USC 3601-3619), and Implementing regulations. Compliance with Laws-- It will comply with applicable laws. Mike Beatty Name Address I Atlanta, Georgia 30329 City/State/Zip I (404l 679-4940 Telephone Number Date Title CPMP State Grantee Certifications 4 Version 1.2 230 State Grantee Certifications & SF 424 Jurisdiction D This certification does not apply . [8] This certification i s app licab le. See si gnature on t he last pa Specific HOME Ce rtifications The State certifies that: Tenant Based Rental Assistan ce-- If it intends to provide tenant-based rental assistance: The use of HOME f unds for tenant-based rental assistance is an essential element of the State's consolidated plan. Eligible Activities a nd Costs -- It is using and will use HOME funds for eligible activities and costs, as described In 24 CFR 92.205 through 92.209 and t hat it is not using and will not use HOME funds for prohibited activities, as described in 92.214. Appropriat e Financial Assistance - - Before committing any funds to a project, the State or its recipients will evaluate the project in accordance with the guidelines that it adopts for this purpose and will not invest any more HOME funds in combination with other Federal assistance than is necessary to provide affordable housing; Name I Execut ive Director, GHFA Title I 6 0 Execut ive Park Sout h Add r ess I Atlanta, Georgia 30329 City/State/Zip I C404 l 679-4940 Telephone Number I s/tf/u Da t e CPMP State Grantee Certifications 5 Version 1.2 231 State Grantee Certifications & SF 424 Jurisdiction D This certification does not apply. 0 This certification is applicable. See signature on the last page. HOPWA Certificatio n s The State HOPWA grantee certifies that: Activ it ies -- Activities funded under the program will meet urgent needs that are not being met by available public and private sources. B uilding -- Any building or structure assisted under the program shall be operated for the purpose specified in the plan: 1. For at least 10 years in the case of any building or structure purchased, leased, rehabilitated, renovated, or converted with HOPWA assistance, 2. For at least 3 years In the case of assistance involving non-substantial rehabilitation or repair of a building or structure. Name I Executive Director, GHFA Title I 60 Executiv e Park South Address I Atlanta, Georgia 30329 City/State/Zip I C404l 679-4940 Telephone Number J/f.f"/jj Date CPMP State Grantee Certifications 6 Version 1.2 232 State Grantee Certifications & SF 424 Jurisdiction D This certification does not apply. ~ This certification is applicable. See signature on the last pa ESG Certifications The Emergency Shelter Grantee certifies that: 1. The requirements of 24 CFR 576.2l(a)(4) which provide that the funding of homeless prevention activities for families that have received eviction notices or notices of termination of utility services meet the following standards: (A) that the inability of the family to make the required payments must be the result of a sudden reduction in income; (B) that the assistance must be necessary to avoid eviction of the family or termination of the services to the family; (C) that there must be a reasonable prospect that the family will be able to resume payments within a reasonable period of time; and (D) that the assistance must not supplant fund ing for preexisting homeless prevention activities from any other source. 2. The requirements of 24 CFR 576.25(b)(2) concerning the submission by nonprofit organizations applying for funding of a certification of approval of the proposed project(s) from the unit of local government in which the proposed project is located. 3. The requirements of 24 CFR 576.53 concerning the continued use of buildings for which Emergency Shelter Grant funds are used for rehabilitation or conversion of buildings for use as emergency shelters for the homeless; or when funds are used solely for operating costs or essential services, concerning the population to be served. 4. The building standards requirement of 24 CFR 576.55. 5. The requirements of 24 CFR 576.56, concerning assistance to the homeless. 6. The requirements of 24 CFR 576.57, other appropriate provisions of 24 CFR Part 576, and other applicable Federal law concerning nondiscrimination and equal opportunity. 7. The requirements of 24 CFR 576.59(b) concerning the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. 8. The requirP.ment..c; of 24 CFR 576.59 concernino minimizing the displacement of persons as a result of a project assisted with these funds. 9. (9) The requirements of 24 CFR 576.56(a) and 576.65(b) that grantees develop and implement procedures to ensure the confidentiality of records pertaining to any individual provided family violence prevention or treatment services under any project assisted under the Emergency Shelter Grants Program and that the address or location of any family violence shelter project assisted with ESG funds will not be made public, except with written authorization of the person or persons responsible for the operation of the shelter. 10. The requirement of that recipients involve, to the maximum extent practicable, homeless individuals and families in constructing, renovating, maintaining, and operating facilities assisted under the ESG program, and in providing services for occupants of these facilities as provided by 24 CFR 576.56(b)(2). 11. The new requirement of the McKinney Act (42 USC 11362) to develop and implement, to the maximum extent practicable and where appropriate, policies and protocols for the discharge of persons from publicly funded institutions or systems of care (such as health care facilities, foster care or other youth facilities, or correction programs and institutions) in order to prevent such discharge from immediately resulting in homelessness for such persons. 1 further understand that State and local governments are primarily responsible for the care of these individuals, and that ESG funds are not to be used to assist such persons in place of State and local resources. I certify that the State will comply with the requirements of 24 CFR Part 24 concerning the Drug Free Worln r Construction ~~struction r Construction r Non-construe ion 5 . APPLICANT INFORMATION Legal Name: Georgia Housing Finance Authority ~~~~ig3~3nal DUNS: 4. DATE RECEIVED BY FEDERAL AGENCY Federal Identifier Organizational Un it" 81ftc3ertgr~r!;gram & Public Affairs Division: Housing Policy & Administration Address: Street: 60 Executive Park South NE ~i~:nta fco u n x OeKa State: GA Country: --- - - - jZipCode 30329 --- 6. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (EIN): - -- Name and telephone number of person to be contacted on matters In volv ing this application (a ive area co de) P re f ix : Mr First Name: John Middle Name - ~StN~ - -- - - Bassett --- - -- Suffix: Email: john.bassett@dca.ga.gov Phone Number(give area code) IFax Number (give "ea code) [5]~-11lf21121[!@[0]15] 4046793170 4046790595 8. TYPE OF APPLICATION: r New ./] Cont i nu ation f Reviston, enter appropriate letter(s} in box{es} See back of form for descriptton of letters.) 0 Other (specify) r Revision 0 7. TYPE OF APPLICANT: {See back of form for Application Types} State Government pther (specify) 9. NAME OF FEDERAL AGENCY: HUD 10. CATALOG OF FEDERAL DOMESTIC ASSISTANCE NUMBER: 11. DESCRIPTIVE TITLE OF APPLICANT'S PROJECT: [D~-fl~[D U6'u"sl~~mcl'P0~6R"l'lJ'N'j'fiES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS PROGRAM 12. AREAS AFFECTED BY PROJECT (Cities, Counties, States, etc.): FFY 2013 HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS PROGRAM ENTIRE STATE 13. PROPO SED PROJ ECT Start Date: 711113 15 . ESTIMATED FUNDING: a . Federal !J.AJJplicant IEnding Date: 6130118 1,964,378 14. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS OF: a . Applicant GA-AII ~;Project A -All 16. IS APPLICATION SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY STATE EXECUTIVE RDER 12372 PROCESS? 17 a . Yes. THIS PREAPPLICATIONIAPPLICATION WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE STATE EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372 PHUCESS FOR REVIEW ON c. Slate DATE: d. Local e. Other f. Program Income .w b . No. r:J PROGRAM IS NOT COVERED BY E. 0 . 12372 l OR PROGRAM HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED BY STATE FOR REVIEW 17. IS THE APPLICA NT DELINQUENT ON A NY FEDERAL DEBT? g. TOTAL ~ 1,964,378 n Yes If "Yes~ attach an explanation. 91 No 18. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, A L L DATA IN THIS APPLICATIONI PREAPPLICATION ARE TRUE AND CORRECT. THE DOCUMENT HAS B EEN DULY A UTHORIZED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE APPLICANT AND THE APPLICANT WILL COMPLY WITH TH E TTACHED ASSURANCES IF THE ASSISTANCE IS AWARDED. R re entative ~refix J First Name Mike !Middle Name Last Name Beatty uffix r- Tille Executive Director, Georgia Housing and Finance Authority . Signature of Authorized Representative ~ Prevrous Edthon Usable Authorized for Local Reoroduction ~ -- F:T elephone Number (givo area code) 4046794940 ~ Date Signed (o-ll -l 3 Standard Form 424 (Rev.9 2003) Prescribed bv OMB Circular A 102 240