The State of Georgia consolidated plan annual action plan, 2015-2016

The State Of Georgia Consolidated Plan Annual Action Plan
Federal FY 2015/State FY 2016 July 1, 2015 June 30, 2016
Submitted May 15, 2015
Nathan Deal, Governor Camila Knowles, Commissioner
Georgia Department of Community Affairs 60 Executive Park South
Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2231 404-679-4940
www.dca.ga.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Annual Action Plan (Federal FY 2015/State FY 2016)

AP-05 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3

PR-05 LEAD & RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES

10

AP-10 CONSULTATION

11

AP-12 PARTICIPATION

17

AP-15 EXPECTED RESOURCES

19

AP-20 ANNUAL GOALS & OBJECTIVES

22

AP-25 ALLOCATION PRIORITIES

26

AP-30 METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION

27

AP-40 SECTION 108 LOAN GUARANTEE

42

AP-45 COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION STRATEGIES

43

AP-50 GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION

44

AP-55 AFFORDABLE HOUSING

45

AP-60 PUBLIC HOUSING

46

AP- 65 HOMELESS & OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS ACTIVITIES

47

AP-70 HOPWA GOALS

51

AP-75 BARRIERS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING

52

AP-85 OTHER ACTIONS

53

AP-90 PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

56

ATTACHMENTS

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION SUMMARY & PUBLIC COMMENTS

60

SF-424 & CERTIFICATIONS

66

Executive Summary
AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
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 U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. The four federally-funded HUD programs covered by the Action Plan are: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).
This Annual Action Plan is the third year (FY 2015/2016) of the Five-Year Consolidated Planning period, which covers years 2013 to 2017. The Annual Action Plan outlines the activities that will be undertaken in the program year 2015/2016 (October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016). In accordance with HUD's Strategic framework, the State will affirmatively ensure that it will make efforts to inclusively connect these resources with communities and residents of Georgia. The projects identified in this plan will be primarily used to benefit very low-, low- and moderate- income persons and/or households and businesses.
For the 2015 Program Year, the State will receive $57,148,215 million in funding from HUD. These resources continue to trend the significantly decreasing funding levels that have been reoccurring with each past budget cut, necessitating the prioritization of needs and strategic targeted investment by the State. This process assists the agency to achieve the greatest impact on the goals and objectives identified in the planning period. This document lays out those key priorities and goals for the administration and implementation of DCA's HUD-funded programs.
2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan
The State endeavors to simulate the model set forth by HUD in the HUD's 2014-2018 Strategic Framework. This framework focuses on creating communities that are strong, sustainable, affordable, and inclusive for all citizens. As part of this effort, HUD aims to engage new local and federal partners, adjust their agency policies and programs to better serve the American people, address common problems across a broader metropolitan geography, and transform the way they do business. Specifically, the State is committed to align its goals with HUD's goals, which consist of the following:
Strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers Meet the need for quality and affordable rental homes Use housing as a platform to improve quality of life Build strong, resilient and inclusive communities
Based on these goals, the State's community development and housing strategy consists of expanding economic growth opportunities in local communities with assistance from private sector businesses and providing housing program assistance for underserved populations throughout the state. The State intends to accomplish this strategy through the following actions:
Increase the number of jobs created and retained through DCA's community development, economic development, and housing development programs
Demonstrate small business expansion in local communities through the State's Small Business Credit Initiative and Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund
Increase access to affordable housing for persons living with a disability Increase stable housing outcomes for homeless persons Continue to provide decent and affordable housing and housing related services through
the HOME, CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA programs
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Increase citizen awareness of housing opportunities through available housing counseling agencies, fair housing outreach, homelessness prevent programs, and other technical assistance efforts
Provide opportunities to increase participation in DCA family self-sufficiency programs
3. Evaluation of past performance
As the activities for the federal fiscal year FFY 2014 are currently underway, evaluations of those activities and accomplishments will not be reflected or made available until the publication of the upcoming Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) which will occur September 30, 2015. Therefore, the State made significant progress during the FFY 2013, as indicated in the State's (CAPER) in September 2014. The CAPER's evaluation of past performance directly influences the State's goal development and project selection process.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program:
The CDBG program seeks to improve the living conditions and economic opportunities of Georgia's low- and moderate-income families. CDBG works to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses, to provide health and safety services to communities, and to support decent affordable housing. To meet this goal, a minimum of 70% of all allocated CDBG funds must benefit low- and moderate-income persons.
The State's Method of Distribution (MOD) does not specify in advance the types of projects to be funded or the number of beneficiaries for those projects that are funded. In addition, eligible local governments are not required to apply for funds. The most competitive projects document the highest severity of need and are cost effective in benefiting the greatest number of people for the type of project submitted. The variances in the expected and actual numbers for CDBG activities are unavoidable because the State allows local governments to determine the types of projects that will be submitted based on locally determined needs. Results for the FFY 2013 program year include the following:
The State's activities benefited 16,716 persons (334% of the 5,000 person goal) through the construction of non-housing public facility building activities,
The State's activities benefited 9,253 persons (185% of the 5,000 person goal) through the non-housing Immediate Threat and Danger Program.
The State's activities benefited to 15,346 persons (171% of the 9,000 person goal) through non-housing infrastructure construction and/or improvements.
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Programs:
HOME funds are awarded annually as formula grants to participating jurisdictions (PJs).The program's flexibility allows States and local governments to use HOME funds for grants, direct loans, loan guarantees or other forms of credit enhancements, or rental assistance or security deposits.
The program was designed to reinforce several important values and principles of community development:
HOME's flexibility empowers people and communities to design and implement strategies tailored to their own needs and priorities.
HOME's emphasis on consolidated planning expands and strengthens partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector in the development of affordable housing.
HOME's technical assistance activities and set-aside for qualified community-based nonprofit housing groups builds the capacity of these partners.
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GHFA is the recipient, and participating jurisdiction of the State's HOME allocation which is administered through the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). During FFY 2013, the State received $14,150,146 in HOME funds and added an additional $8,919,894.52 through a combination of program income and prior year resources. DCA leverages HOME funds in conjunction with non-HUD funds.
Overall, the State funded five activities with its HOME allocation: Rental, Down Payment Assistance, Homeowner Rehabilitation, Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO), and Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA). Below are the following activities in which the HOME allocation was administered: Rental Housing DCA's Multifamily Housing Finance and Development Programs administer funding to for-profit and non-profit developers for the construction and/or renovation of affordable multifamily rental housing in communities across Georgia.
The DCA Multifamily rental housing program awarded $5,686,000 in leveraged HOME funds in conjunction with the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. Three (3) multifamily developments were completed that produced 184 affordable HOME-assisted units
Multifamily Affordable Housing The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Multifamily Affordable Housing Developments was to facilitate construction, rehabilitation, and acquisition/rehabilitation of affordable multifamily rental housing by providing gap financing at rates below those charged by commercial lending institutions. The Georgia Housing and Finance Authority (GHFA) expects its loans to be leveraged with other resources that may include private equity, government funds, and loans from lending institutions and/or funds from federal, state or local programs such as Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) or Tax-Exempt Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds.
Under this NOFA, a total of $10,000,750 to several private and public developers throughout the state for the aforementioned purpose. These activities are estimated to produce 527 HOME assisted- units which are currently underway.
Homeownership & Small Rental Housing Development The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Homeownership and Small Rental Housing Development was to facilitate the new construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of small, affordable rental housing as well as single family units for sale to low and moderate income home buyers. To meet this goal, DCA would provide financing at rates below those charges by commercial lending institutions. For purposes of this NOFA, "small affordable rental housing" was defined as a property composed of less than 40 units. Under this NOFA, a total of $3,441,200 was awarded to local governments throughout the state to construct or rehabilitate single family homeownership and rental projects. These activities are estimated to produce 28 home assisted units which are currently underway.
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Georgia Dream Down Payment Assistance Program
The Georgia Dream down payment assistance program offered deferred payment second mortgage for low to moderate-income home buyers The deferred loan are joined with the State's Georgia Dream First Mortgage Program. Borrower's contribute a minimum of $1,000 to the purchase transaction and must have completed a home buyer education provided by a DCA or HUD-approved education counselor.
The Georgia Dream program awarded $1,115,000 in down payment assistance loans which produced 188 Home assisted units of direct financial assistance for first time homebuyers.
Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP)
The Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP) uses a portion of DCA's HOME funds to assist local governments, nonprofit organizations and public housing authorities to address the needs of affordable housing development in their communities. CHIP funds may be used to provide down payment assistance or homeowner rehabilitation funding to eligible low-income and moderate-income households. Eligible communities are those outside of a HUD-designated Participating Jurisdiction as defined by the HOME Program.
For FFY 2013, CHIP funding led to the rehabilitation of 45 Home assisted units and 25 Home assisted units received direct financial assistance in the form of the deferred down payment assistance loan to first time homebuyers.
During FFY 2013, the CHIP program allocated $10,268,977 to 31 local governments and three (3) nonprofit organizations. These units are due to be completed during the FFY 2015/2016.
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
DCA has set-aside a portion of its annual HOME allocation to provide TBRA to a targeted group of single individuals with disabilities and families with at least one adult family member with a disability. The household member with a disability must be receiving services from the State Money Follows the Person (MFP) initiative or be a recent graduate from the MFP initiative and connected with ongoing support services.
The primary objective of the TBRA program is to assist eligible applicants to secure safe, decent, and sanitary housing in the private rental market in cities and counties in Georgia. This program allows individuals/families to choose a neighborhood in which they prefer to live and helps to upgrade and maintain the quality of neighborhoods.
DCA assisted seven (7) households through December 31, 2014. The program was closed on this date due to transition coordination issues created principally by transportation barriers. Additionally, expanded permanent resources became available which eliminated the need to use HOME as a transitional resource into the community.
DCA closed the TBRA program after DCA opened access for MFP clients to the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program Tenant Selection Preference approved by HUD for individuals who were eligible for the DOJ Settlement Agreement and the MFP initiative. The Tenant Selection Preference designated 25 HCVs per year to be available to MFP individuals until the expiration of the preference on July 1, 2015. DCA has sought an extension of this preference through 2017.
MFP clients now have access to DCA's HCV program for all clients wanting to live in the DCA's HCV catchment area. MFP clients who wish to live in areas not covered by the DCA's HCV program will be referred to DCA's new HUD Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (811 PRA) program that targets Settlement Agreement and MFP clients and provides long-term rental assistance at select Low Income Housing Tax Credit developments. DCA will roll out the 811 PRA program with an initial focus in the Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah metropolitan areas.
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Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Program:
The HOPWA program is a federally funded program that has been in operation since 1994. The program was borne out of Congress' desire to address the housing crisis associated with the AIDS epidemic and is designed to provide states and localities with the resources and incentives to devise long-term comprehensive strategies for meeting the housing needs of persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and related diseases. In Georgia, the HOPWA program provides supportive housing opportunities for persons living with AIDS and related diseases through direct subsidies to organizations operating housing and service programs for this population.
During FFY 2013, the HOPWA Program assisted 804 persons with housing assistance and support services to address the housing crisis associated with the HIV/AIDS epidemic in 127 non-entitlement areas. The State awarded $2,641,007 in HOPWA funds.
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program:
The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) Program provides outreach, shelter, rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention and related services to persons experiencing homelessness, or for persons in danger of becoming homeless, throughout the state. Assistance is provided to members of the community, local government entities and non-profit organizations utilizing State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless Commission (HTF) and Federal HUD ESG funds. This program is principally designed to be the first step in a continuum of assistance to enable homeless individuals and families to move toward independent living as well as to prevent homelessness.
During FFY 2013, the ESG program provided financial assistance to shelters and homeless service providers to meet the emergency needs of homeless individuals and families. Applicants were eligible to receive ESG funds for operational expenses.
The State administered the ESG funds for the non-entitlement jurisdictions. The State awarded $4,859,474 to 97 recipients (awards to 164 projects) to provide assistance to the homeless population.
The State used ESG funds for emergency shelter, street outreach, rapid re-housing, transitional housing, supportive services, homeless prevention, HMIS, and administrative activities. These activities were targeted to households that were homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness with incomes between 0-30% of Area Median Income (AMI) and to individuals and families in the following at-risk categories: chronically homeless, HIV/AIDS, elderly, veterans, mental health, domestic violence victims and substance abuse. ESG funds assisted a total of 20,876 individuals.
4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and Consultation Process
Citizen Participation Process
The State of Georgia conducted three public hearings on housing and community development issues to allow citizens the opportunity to provide input into this current FFY 2015 Annual Action Plan. The use of online survey and webinars to solicit feedback for the development of the Annual Action Plan was also a key component of DCA's citizen participation strategy.
E-mail blasts were sent to affordable housing 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. Please review the AP12 found on page 18 to assess the efforts made to broaden citizen participation.
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Additionally, the State published two public notices on December 22, 2014 and January 8, 2015 to allow the citizens the opportunity to provide input on the Method of Distribution for the CDBG, HOPWA, and ESG Programs in order to facilitate access to these resources during the performance period.
The State of Georgia continued to consult with local governments and other state agencies on the preparation of housing and community development activities. DCA conducts regular interagency meetings to plan and review collaborative efforts related to housing, economic development, and community revitalization.
Consultation Process
In FFY 2013 the State of Georgia continued efforts to consult with local governments and other state agencies on the preparation of its housing and community development activities. DCA conducts regular interagency meetings to plan and review collaborative efforts related to housing, economic development, and community revitalization.
DCA collaborates and consults with a number of private housing and service providers, including but not limited to: the Georgia State Trade Association of Nonprofit Developers (GSTAND), the Housing Assistance Council, the Georgia Affordable Housing Coalition (GAHC), 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. Additionally, DCA 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.
Additionally, DCA participates in collaborative groups that create opportunities for further consultation. 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. The Georgia Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) Project is a collaborative effort to implement HMIS across six of the seven Georgia Continuums of Care.
5. Summary of public comments
All public comments received are included in the citizen participation comment's attachments.
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
There were no public comments received that were not accepted.
7. Summary
This FFY 2015 Annual Action Plan lays out the key priorities and goals of the State for the implementation and administration of DCA's four HUD-funded programs: CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA programs. The State focuses its goals to simulate those laid out by HUD in the HUD's 2014-2018 Strategic Framework, which centers on creating communities that are strong, sustainable, affordable, and inclusive for all citizens. From this grounding, the State's community development and housing strategy consists of expanding economic growth opportunities in local communities with assistance from private sector businesses and providing housing program assistance for underserved populations throughout the state. Finally, the
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State's key actions delineated above flow from this strategy and draw on the experience and input of the State's citizens and industry organizations. The following sections expound upon these goals and actions, providing the details to substantiate and lay out the implementation of DCA's goals, strategy, and actions.
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PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91.300(b)
1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan

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

CDBG Administrator

GEORGIA

HOPWA Administrator

GEORGIA

HOME Administrator

GEORGIA

ESG Administrator

GEORGIA

HOPWA-C Administrator

GEORGIA

Table 1 Responsible Agencies

Department/Agency Department of Community Affairs Georgia Housing & Finance Authority Georgia Housing & Finance Authority Georgia Housing & Finance Authority Georgia Housing & Finance Authority

Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information Christy Fletcher, Planning and Policy Manager (404) 679-3125 christy.fletcher@dca.ga.gov

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AP-10 Consultation - 91.110, 91.300(b); 91.315(l)
Provide a concise summary of the state's activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies
As the home state of the landmark case Olmstead v. L.C., the State of Georgia coordinated with several public and private entities to establish the housing and support services required to assist individuals with physical disabilities and behavioral health and developmental disabilities. The settlement agreement mandated the State 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, the State agencies formulated housing plan for individuals with disabilities that focused solely on improving integrated housing. Those agencies included Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Community Health and the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services. The state plans to assist 3,199 households through the efforts that include:
convening a regular Steering Committee for state agency leaders to collaborate on plan implementation;
establishing strategies to remove housing and other impediments; and creating a tenant selection preference with the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
Regarding DCA's efforts to enhance coordination with private sector entities, DCA has a dedicated field service staff responsible for directly coordinating with private industry, businesses, developers, social service agencies and local governments on potential economic development projects. DCA field service staff will be brought in on economic development projects to work with local governments, private industry, businesses, developers and social service agencies to discuss the economic development funding tools available through DCA and help determine the best option for meeting the needs of potential projects. This coordination will often include site visits to provide a better understanding of all the factors that may need to be addressed by the project. Field staff provides an introduction to the federal and state regulations governing each project, the steps for submitting any preliminary documentation (initial project assessment or pre-application), guidance on where to locate the proper application forms and materials, and the appropriate contacts for more specific guidance on what is required.
Field representatives and Central Office staff participate in local, regional and statewide conferences, providing an opportunity to network with potential partners unfamiliar with the economic development programs offered through DCA. Conferences attended by economic development representatives include the annual Community Development Block Grant Applicants' and Recipients' Conferences, Community Development Institute Conference, Downtown Development Conference, Southeast Small Business Lenders Conference, and the Georgia Sustainable Communities Alliance Conference. Through other partners (such as the Technical College System, Regional Planning Commissions, the state university system including special units such as the Small Business Development Centers, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other non-profit groups whose mission is to serve underserved communities and small businesses, the Department of Labor, the state utility partners such as Georgia Power, AGL, MEAG Power, and others), DCA may be brought in during business recruitment in order to provide more direct and focused assistance.
DCA Central Office personnel responsible for each economic development program will consult with representatives from private industry, businesses, and developers to provide answers to specific questions and provide further guidance on what is required.
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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
The State's primary intervention is working through the Continuum of Care to end all forms of homelessness and to maximize the use of the Rapid Re-Housing intervention. Using state and federal funds, the State increased the amount of funds available for Rapid Re-Housing to $1.7 million dollars each year across the State after consultation with the CoC. The State and the CoC worked to complement this intervention with Rental Assistance Permanent Supportive Housing through the CoC. Through collaboration with all CoC's, the State has 1,631 units managed by DCA through the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority to assist the most vulnerable homeless, including chronically homeless individuals, families, and veterans. The State also makes over $500,000 available for Homelessness Prevention throughout the State each year.
Additionally, the State established 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 to 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 conjunction with the Interagency Homeless Coordination Council, the State works 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.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the State in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS
Each year the State's ESG staff solicits input from all of Georgia's Continuums of Care (CoC) regarding applications made to the State for ESG programs funded by agencies located in their respective CoC. The Continuums are asked to rank eligible activities according to their local need, and this local priority ranking is reflected in DCA's scoring of applications and award recommendations. Stakeholders including the CoC leads, local government officials and nonprofit organizations serving the homeless provide input and assist with setting funding priorities for ESG eligible activities. The State coordinated meetings to review performance measures that were being implemented, including a review of benchmarks to be established. Additionally, the State continues to provide technical assistance, attend meetings, and conduct webinars to review plans.
The State of Georgia is the lead agency for the HMIS Project, which is a statewide collaborative effort to implement HMIS across eight of the nine Georgia Continuums of Care. The Steering Committee is made up of two representatives from each of the eight participating Continuums of Care, one which is designated by each CoC board and one which is designated by the Collaborative Applicant of each CoC.
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2. Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and consultations

1 Agency/Group/Organization

City of Atlanta Continuum of Care

Agency/Group/Organization Type

Continuum of Care

What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Homelessness Strategy HOPWA Strategy

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email, phone,

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

webinar

2 Agency/Group/Organization

Athens-Clarke Continuum of Care

Agency/Group/Organization Type

Continuum of Care

What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Homelessness Strategy HOPWA Strategy

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email, phone,

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

webinar

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?

Housing Need Assessment Homelessness Strategy HOPWA Strategy

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email, phone,

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

webinar

4 Agency/Group/Organization

Cobb County Continuum of Care

Agency/Group/Organization Type

Continuum of Care

What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment Homelessness Strategy HOPWA Strategy

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email, phone,

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

webinar

5 Agency/Group/Organization

Columbus-Muscogee Continuum of Care

Agency/Group/Organization Type

Continuum of Care

What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment Homelessness Strategy HOPWA Strategy

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email, phone,

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

webinar

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?

Housing Need Assessment Homelessness Strategy HOPWA Strategy

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email, phone,

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

webinar

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7 Agency/Group/Organization

CHIP Grantees

Agency/Group/Organization Type

Government Neighborhood Organization

What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email and

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

webinar

8 Agency/Group/Organization

Private Developers

Agency/Group/Organization Type

Private Corporations

What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Housing Need Market Analysis

Assessment

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email, webinar

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

and survey

9 Agency/Group/Organization

Private Non-profit Organizations

Agency/Group/Organization Type

Private/Public Corporations

What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment Market Analysis

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email, webinar,

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

and survey

10 Agency/Group/Organization

ESG Entitlement Jurisdictions

Agency/Group/Organization Type

Government

What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment Homelessness Strategy

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email, webinar,

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

and survey

11 Agency/Group/Organization

CDBG Grantees

Agency/Group/Organization Type

Government

What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment Market Analysis Economic Development

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email, meetings

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

and phone calls

12 Agency/Group/Organization

DeKalb County Continuum of Care

Agency/Group/Organization Type

Continuum of Care

What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Homelessness Strategy HOPWA Strategy

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the Consulted through email, phone,

anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination?

webinar

13 Agency/Group/Organization

Fulton County Continuum of Care

Agency/Group/Organization Type

Continuum of Care

What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Homelessness Strategy HOPWA Strategy

Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Table 2 Agencies, groups, organizations who participated

Consulted through email, phone, webinar

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Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting

The State openly seeks participation from all stakeholders.

Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan

Name of Plan

Lead Organization

Continuum of Care

N/A

Table 3 - Other local / regional / federal planning efforts

How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each
plan?
N/A

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. Through the 2015 Homeless Count, the State worked with local consolidated planning jurisdictions that were located in a county where the State was able to contract with a homeless count coordinator to conduct a physical count. Through the assessment of the 2015 Homeless Count data, acting as Collaborative Applicant for the Balance of State CoC, the State will be able to further identify 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, the CDBG Annual Competition, and the CDBG set-asides (Employment Incentive Program, Redevelopment Fund, and the Immediate Threat and Danger program) where local governments can be sub-recipients of funds to carry out housing, public facility, infrastructure, and economic development initiatives. Because the State may only award CDBG funds to local governments, the State's city and county governments are the entities that carry out all CDBG activities unless provided for as part of a HUD exemption for special purpose funding such as disaster recovery or neighborhood stabilization. Local governments are critical partners in the CDBG implementation process and provide both local planning and implementation services for the CDBG program, with the State's role supplying impartial implementation of the Method of Distribution, oversight of local implementation, and management of draw downs and reporting.

There are other entities that are partners in facilitating the development of affordable housing and in implementing portions of the Annual Action Plan. These include the following:

Georgia Housing and Finance Authority (GHFA)

The Georgia Housing and Finance Authority (GHFA) allocates and issues Low Income Housing Tax Credits and state's Georgia Housing Credits through the approved Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) after extensive public consultation, including two public hearings and a thirty day public comment period. The QAP is set forth to:

establish legislative and program requirements for the housing credit program; determine federal and state resources that will be awarded under the QAP; establish selection criteria which are appropriate to local conditions and will be used to
determine housing priorities of GHFA; and determine the process for evaluating funding requests and award of resources.

Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs)

The State continues to allocate at least 15 percent of HOME funds to CHDO program activities and no more than five percent of HOME funds to operating expenses. The CHDO set-aside is allowable for all eligible HOME activities.

Page | 15

Process for Local Government The HOME CHIP Program and CDBG Program each promulgate an annual competition and set-aside applications that local governments use in applying for state-administered federal funding as sub-recipients to carryout housing and community development activities for the State. Local governments are consulted on a regular basis concerning the State's CDBG Method of Distribution. Each year, the State holds two state-wide workshops, inviting all non-entitlement local governments to participate. The first workshop, the CDBG Applicants' Workshop, is designed to teach local governments the "art and science" of submitting a CDBG application to the State. Prior to the workshop, the State's Method of Distribution is published for comment. During the workshop, comments on the State's Method are also solicited from local governments and other interested parties. The second workshop, the CDBG Recipients' Workshop, is also an opportunity for local governments to express opinions regarding the Method of Distribution. Other specialty workshops are also held periodically to train local governments on special topics, such as neighborhood revitalization or Fair Housing. This past year, two formal public hearings were held regarding the Consolidated Plan (including the Method of Distribution) at DCA/CDBG workshops: the first was held at the Neighborhood Revitalization Workshop, October 22, 2014 October 24, 2014, and the second at the CDBG Applicants' Workshop held December 3, 2014December 5, 2014. DCA has taken into consideration input received at these public hearings and designed a flexible Method of Distribution for the CDBG program that allows local governments to address the most pressing health and safety needs of their low- to moderate-income citizens.
Page | 16

AP-12 Participation - 91.115, 91.300(c)

Sort Order 1
2
3 4
5 6.

1. Summary of citizen participation process/efforts made to broaden citizen participation

The State of Georgia conducted three public hearings on housing and community development issues to allow citizens the opportunity to provide input into this current FFY 2015 Annual Action Plan. The use of online survey and webinars to solicit feedback for the development of the Annual Action Plan was also a key component of DCA's citizen participation strategy.

E-mail blasts were sent to affordable housing 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. The public hearings and webinar occurred in Washington-Wilkes, Hinesville, and the Metro Atlanta Area on November 18, 2014, November 19, 2014, and December 10, 2014, respectively. A total of 29 people attended the hearings and over 50 joined the webinars.

Additionally, the State published two public notices to allow the citizens the opportunity to provide input on the Method of Distribution for the CDBG, HOPWA and ESG Programs because the competitive funding application rounds occur before the general citizen participation planning period.

Citizen Participation Outreach

Mode of Outreach Public Meeting
Neighborhood Planning
Internet Survey

Target of Outreach Non-targeted Broad community
Statewide
Statewide

Summary of response and attendance
This hearing was held in Washington on November 18, 2014.

Summary of comments received
See Appendices

12 attendees Coordinate with local government planning efforts GICH Retreat on September 23, 2014. Attended the CDBG/CHIP Neighborhood Revitalization Workshop on October 22, 2014. Attended the CDBG Applicant's Method of Distribution Workshop on December 5, 2014.
A community and housing development survey was available for 30 days online to solicit input

See Appendices N/A

Summary of comments not accepted and
reasons

URL (If applicable)

None

None None

https://www.surveymon key.com/s/FFY 2015ActionPlan

Webinar

Non-targeted Broad community

Virtual public meeting to solicit input 50 attendees

See Appendices

None

Public Meeting Public Meeting

Non-targeted Broad community
Non-targeted Broad community

This hearing was held in the Hinesville on November 19

See Appendices

5 attendees This hearing was held in Atlanta on December 10, 2014

See Appendices

12 attendees

None None

Public Hearing Webinar
https://www4.gotomeet ing.com/register/54177 2967

Page | 17

Sort Order 7.
8.
9.

Mode of Outreach

Target of Outreach

Summary of response and attendance

Listserv announcements or request

Email Announcements

Statewide

for citizen input and notification of public meetings that the plans and

reports availability on DCA websites

DCA published the method of

Website Publication

Statewide

distributions on the program websites and sent out email blasts to (HOME, CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA)

stakeholders.

Limited English Proficiency & Minority Participation

18 Counties identified in DCAs Communicati on Plan

Published public notice in Mundo Hispanico and the Atlanta Voice

Table 4 Citizen Participation Outreach

Summary of comments received N/A
N/A
N/A

Summary of comments not accepted and
reasons
None

URL (If applicable)
http://www.dca.ga.gov/ communities/Communi tyInitiatives/programs/ ConsolidatedPlan.asp

None

None

Page | 18

Expected Resources

AP-15 Expected Resources 91.320(c)(1,2)

Along with CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA funds, the State will have a number of other private and public funding resources available to address the priorities in the Annual Action Plan. These are the following:

Housing Choice Vouchers Low-Income Housing Tax Credits/Georgia Housing Tax Credits 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)

These funds are distributed through many different means. Much of the funding awarded under the CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA programs is based upon competitive applications processes. While some programs are administered for the "balance of state," the State does not allocate specific funds based upon geographic priorities.

Anticipated Resources

Program CDBG
HOME

Source of
Funds public federal
public federal

Uses of Funds Acquisition Admin and Planning Economic Development Housing Public Improvements Public Services Acquisition Homebuyer assistance Homeowner rehab Multifamily rental new construction Multifamily rental rehab New construction for ownership TBRA

Expected Amount Available Year 3

Annual Allocation

Program Prior Year Income Resources

Total

$36,517,619 $140,000 $6,400,000 $43,057,619

$14,150,399 $5,000,000

$0

$19,150,399

Expected Amount Available Reminder of ConPlan
$73,315,238
$37,303,531

Narrative Description
The State's CDBG funds are matched by communities awarded funds.
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.

Page | 19

Expected Amount Available Year 3

Source of
Program Funds

Uses of Funds

Annual Allocation

public - Permanent

federal housing in

facilities

Permanent

housing

placement

HOPWA

Short term or transitional

housing

facilities

STRMU

Supportive

services

TBRA

$2,265,003

public - Conversion

federal and rehab for

transitional

housing

Financial

Assistance

Overnight

shelter

ESG

Rapid re-

housing

(rental

assistance)

Rental

Assistance

Services

Transitional

housing

$4,215,254

Table 5 - Expected Resources Priority Table

Program Income
$
$0

Prior Year Resources

Total

$0

$2,265,0032

$0

$4,215,254

Expected Amount Available Reminder of ConPlan
$3,387,657
$1,136,498

Narrative Description
Funds will be leveraged as much as possible with other sources and subrecipients will be required to show sources of matching funds.
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.

Page | 20

Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied HOME funds leverage private mortgages, grants, other federal programs, bond financing, and tax credits. Match for the HOME Program is met through a combination of cash from non-federal sources, fees, bond financing, and other sources such donated land and labor. The CDBG Program rewards local government and private sector leveraging commitments through the leverage score component of the rating and ranking system. A local cash match for all nonhousing CDBG projects is required that is based on the type of project and the amount of CDBG funds received. For the FFY 2014 program year, the State received commitments for leveraged funds in the amount of $233,041,950. The Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and the state's Georgia Housing Credits continue to be a major resource in the development and preservation of affordable rental housing in Georgia. These programs allocate both federal and state tax credits to qualified developers to build or rehabilitate multi-family rental housing units for low-income households. Additionally, this program is designed to encourage private investments to assist with reducing the size of the permanent mortgage, and rents are therefore affordable. The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program allows public housing authorities the opportunity to offer rental and utility assistance to meet the housing needs of qualified individuals and families seeking rental assistance subsidy. Shelter Plus Care Rental Assistance (S+C) program provides permanent housing and on-going services for homeless persons with disabilities and their families. These disabilities may include but are not limited too serious mental illness, chronic problems with alcohol and/or drugs, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or related diseases. Eligible clients can receive either sponsor-based or project-based rental assistance (with or without rehabilitation). Georgia Dream First Mortgage program uses the proceeds generated from GHFA's issuance of mortgage revenue bonds. The program offers low interest rate loans to qualified low- and moderate-income home buyers with modest assets. Except for targeted rural counties and some urban census tracts, borrowers must be first-time home buyers. The GHFA serves as a conduit for federal Homeless McKinney funds that DCA administers to local governments and private nonprofit organizations whose primary goal is to assist homeless persons. The State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless (Trust Fund) augments this assistance with additional state funds for related assistance. If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan Not applicable because no state-owned property will be used to address the needs identified in the plan.
Page | 21

Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives 91.320(c)(3)&(e)
Goals Summary Information

Sort Order 1

Goal Name
Construction/Rehabilitation of Rental Units

Start Year
2013

End Year
2017

Category
Affordable Housing

2

Homeownership Assistance

2013

2017

Affordable Housing

3

Tenant based Rental Assistance

2013

2017

Affordable Housing

4 Buildings

2013

2017

Non-Housing Community Development

5 Infrastructure

2013

2017

Non-Housing Community Development

6

Immediate Threat and Danger Program

2013

2017

Non-Housing Community Development

7

Non-Housing

Economic Development

2013 2017 Community

Development

8

Non-Housing

Redevelopment

2013 2017 Community

Development

Geographic Area

Needs Addressed

Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State

Affordable Rental Housing

Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State

Homeownership Housing Preservation & Development

Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State

Affordable Rental Housing

Non-entitlement Areas within the State

Public Facilities

Non-entitlement Areas within the State

Public Facilities

Non-entitlement Areas within the State

Public Facilities

Non-entitlement Areas within the State Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State

Job Creation
Public Facilities Job Creation

Funding HOME: $10,205,305
CDBG: $1,500,000 HOME: $7,000,000
HOME: $0
CDBG: $3,000,000
CDBG: $23,168,599
CDBG: $500,000
CDBG: $7,922,360 CDBG: $1,577,576

Goal Outcome Indicator Rental units constructed: 328 HH Units
Rental units rehabilitated: 0 HH Units
Homeowner Housing Added: 0 HH Units
Homeowner Rehabilitation: 40 HH Units (CDBG) 61 HH Units (HOME)
Direct Financial Assistance to HB: 51 HH Units
TBRA/Rapid ReHousing: 0 HH Assisted
Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 5,000 Persons Assisted
Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 9,000 Persons Assisted
Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 5,000 Persons Assisted
Jobs created/retained: 490 Jobs
Jobs created/retained: 20 Jobs

Page | 22

Sort Order 9

Goal Name
Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing

10
Rapid Re-housing Assistance

11 Homeless Prevention Assistance
12 Homeless Outreach Assistance
13

HOPWA Tenant-based Rental Assistance HOPWA

Start End Year Year

Category

2013 2017 Homeless

2013 2017 Homeless

2013

2017

NonHomeless Special Needs

2013 2017 Homeless

2013

2017

NonHomeless Special Needs

14
HOPWA Housing Assistance

2013

2017

NonHomeless Special Needs

15

CHDO Pre-development Loans

Affordable 2013 2017 Housing

16
CHDO Operating Assistance

2013

2017

Capacity Building

Table 6 Goals Summary

Geographic Area
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
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

Needs Addressed Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing
Rapid Rehousing
Homelessness Prevention
Homeless Outreach
Rapid Rehousing Homelessness Prevention Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing Rapid Rehousing Homelessness Prevention Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing Affordable Rental Housing Homeownership Housing Preservation & Development Affordable Rental Housing Homeownership Housing Preservation & Development

Funding ESG: $2,662,821 ESG: $2,762,831 ESG: $1,462,820 ESG: $1,012,820
HOPWA: $356,621
HOPWA: $1,848,231
HOME: $30,000
HOME: $0

Goal Outcome Indicator Homeless Person Overnight Shelter: 16,000 Persons Assisted Tenant-based Rental Assistance/Rapid ReHousing: 873 Persons Assisted Homelessness Prevention: 500 Persons Assisted Other: 675 Persons Assisted
TBRA/Rapid ReHousing: 120 HH Assisted
HIV/AIDS Housing Operations: 460 HH Assisted
Other: 1 Loans
Other: 0 Grants

Page | 23

Goal Descriptions 1 Goal Name Construction/Rehabilitation of Rental Units

Goal Description

This activity involves the new construction or rehabilitation of rental units.

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 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 Tenant-based Rental Assistance

Goal

Funds will be used to provide assistance with rent, utilities, and security deposits for

Description households with disabled individuals.

4 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 or how many will be awarded, the allocation and projected goal outcome is based upon previous performance.

5 Goal Name Infrastructure

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

Goal Description

sewer line installation, drainage projects, sidewalk construction, and road improvements. Because there is no way to predict the number of applications for this activity or how many will be awarded, the allocation and projected goal outcome is

based upon previous performance.

6 Goal Name Immediate Threat and Danger Program

Funds are made available to local governments that have an urgent need that may

adversely affect the health and welfare of their citizens and for which other financial

Goal

resources are unavailable. Because there is no way to predict the number of

Description applications for this activity or how many will be awarded, the allocation and projected

goal outcome is based upon previous performance.

7 Goal Name Economic Development

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-

Goal

income persons. Because there is no way to predict the number of applications for this

Description activity or how many will be awarded, the allocation and projected goal outcome is

based upon previous performance.

8 Goal Name Redevelopment

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

Goal

the elimination of slums and blight. Because there is no way to predict the number of

Description applications for this activity or how many will be awarded, the allocation and projected

goal outcome is based upon previous performance.

Page | 24

9 Goal Name Goal Description
10 Goal Name
Goal Description
11 Goal Name
Goal Description
12 Goal Name
Goal Description
13 Goal Name Goal Description
14 Goal Name
Goal Description
15 Goal Name Goal Description
16 Goal Name Goal Description

Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing
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.
Rapid Re-housing Assistance
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).
Homeless Prevention Assistance
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).
Homeless Outreach Assistance
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 care to unsheltered homeless people unwilling or unable to access emergency shelter, housing, or an appropriate health facility.
HOPWA Tenant-based Rental Assistance
Provision of time-limited assistance designed to prevent homelessness and to help lowincome people with HIV and AIDS to live independently.
HOPWA Housing Assistance
Provision of eligible housing activities 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), and homelessness prevention.
CHDO Pre-development Loans
Funds will be used to provide loans to qualified CHDOs with potential housing projects to determine if they are viable.
CHDO Operating Assistance
Funds will be provided to qualified CHDOs to assist them in building capacity.

Page | 25

AP-25 Allocation Priorities 91.320(d)

The State of Georgia will distribute development resources in proportion to development needs in the State and in accordance to the method of distribution for the CDBG Program, HOPWA/ESG Programs, HOME CHIP Program Distribution, and the QAP rental housing criteria. Because the State CDBG program allows local governments to set their own allocation priorities, the percentages below 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 allocation priorities only reflect projections for federal funds and do not reflect the proposed allocation of state funds in the listed categories (and HMIS administration). Percentages for all programs are calculated after taking account of the administrative set-aside, so the set-asides for administrative costs are not reflected in these totals.

Funding Allocation Priorities

Const. and Rehab of Rental Units
(%)

Homeownership Assistance (%)

Tenant-based Rental
Assistance (%)

CDBG

0

3

0

HOME

85

13

0

HOPWA

0

0

0

ESG

0

0

0

Table 7 Funding Allocation Priorities

Buildin gs (%)
8 0 0 0

Infrastruct ure (%)
66 0 0 0

Immediate Threat and
Danger Program
(%)
1
0
0
0

Economic Development (%)
21 0 0 0

Redevelop ment (%)
1 0 0 0

Emergency Shelter &
Transitiona l Housing
(%)
0
0
0
39

Rapid Re-
housing Assistan
ce (%)
0
0
0
45

Homeless Prevention Assistance (%)
0 0 0 11

Homeless Outreach Assistance (%)
0 0 0 5

HOPWA Tenant-based
Rental Assistance (%)
0
0
20
0

HOPWA Housing Assistance
(%)
0
0
80
0

CHDO Predevelopmen t Loans (%)
0 1 0 0

CHDO Opera ting Assist ance (%)
0
1
0
0

Total (%)
100 100 100 100

Page | 26

Reason for Allocation Priorities For the State CDBG Program, the allocation percentages in the table above are based ast totals given the demand-driven nature of the program. In order to meet a wide distribution of needs throughout the state, DCA allows local governments to establish local priorities for allocation, recognizing that local governments are closer to the community and economic development needs of their geographies. Further, 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. The CDBG program's method of distribution is unique compared to other Consolidated Plan funds, as most CDBG funds are allocated through the Annual Competition. This competitive process prioritizes funding in part to applicants that describe and document significant need. Note that this need-based review process prevents DCA from predicting the ultimate geographic distribution of assistance, since areas of need can change over the course of a year. HOME priorities are determined through need-based analysis derived from the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) and statistical input from the American Community Survey (ACS), past experience and historical data of the program when specifically considering the affordable rental and homeownership needs of relevant populations. Public input gathered during the citizen participation process also influences the prioritization of HOME funds. For the ESG and HOPWA programs, the State does not anticipate any funding set-asides for specific geographic areas of Georgia. DCA will reserve a minimum of 65% of Federal funding to be spent within the DCA ESG Entitlement area, however, State funds will be awarded to the best applications regardless of location by formula, HOPWA funds are allocated to eligible states and Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Areas (EMSAs) that meet the minimum number of cumulative AIDS Cases. For HOPWA, as a first priority, funding will be limited to programs located within the State's 127 county entitlement area. 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. How will the proposed distribution of funds 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 the HUD federally funded allocations. 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.
Page | 27

AP-30 Methods of Distribution 91.320(d)&(k)

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 MultiActivity 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 MultiActivity 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.

In summary, 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. Leverage is also scored and is based on a per capita commitment of additional funds to the proposed project.
Applications will be rated and scored against each of the above 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)
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)
Identify the method of selecting project sponsors (including providing full access to grassroots faithbased and other community-based organizations). (HOPWA only)

As this is a summary of the CDBG Program, 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 An complete copy of the Method of Distribution can be found at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/publications/Method_of_Distribution.pdf
N/A
N/A

Page | 28

Describe how resources will be allocated among funding categories.

Annual Competition (Single-activity): $500,000 Annual Competition (Multi-activity): $800,000

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.

Describe threshold factors and grant size limits.

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. However, recipients applying for activities within a DCA-approved Revitalization Area may apply annually. See other exceptions in the complete Method of Distribution at the link above.
Local governments that have received prior awards must show substantial progress in implementing and spending those prior grants to receive subsequent awards. Criteria for measuring substantial progress include, but shall not be limited to, the percentage of funds obligated and/or expended from prior grants.

Recipients of prior CDBG funding must resolve all outstanding audits and monitor findings and/or other program exceptions involving violations 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 future Annual Competitions.

The maximum grant amount for a single activity is $500,000 and for a multi-activity is $800,000.

Number of People Assisted

What are the outcome measures

Number of Low and-Moderate Income Persons Assisted

expected as a result

Number of Jobs Created/Retained

of the method of distribution?

Number of Housing Units Assisted

Number of Units Demolished

2 State Program Name: CDBG Employment Incentive Program

Funding Sources:

CDBG

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 moderate-income. Typically, this includes loans to private for-profit entities or the provision of infrastructure improvements.

Page | 29

Summary of Rating and Review Procedures for the EIP Program

Upon its receipt, an application shall be rated against the rating and selection factors specified below, using any additional and/or supplemental information, data, analyses, documentation, commitments, assurances, etc. as might be required or requested by DCA for purposes of evaluating, rating, and selecting applicants under this program. When applications contain insufficient information or documentation to be evaluated and rated, DCA will request in writing additional information from the local government applicant.

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. Staff may also consult with other appropriate government and private entities in the course of reviewing and evaluating information contained in pre-applications and applications.

Describe all of the criteria that will be used to select applications and the relative importance of these criteria.

The scores obtained for the various selection factors will be totaled and applicants with scores of at least 300 points that meet all appropriate funding criteria; conform to the objectives of Title I of the Community Development Act of 1974, as amended; and can be carried out in compliance with all applicable federal, state, or local laws, regulations, or requirements will be funded until funds are exhausted. In cases where fundable applications exceed available funds, the applicant with the highest number of jobs benefiting low- and moderate-income persons will be given priority. EIP applications will be rated and scored against each of the following factors:

Demographic Need

Program Feasibility

Program Impact

Program Strategy

Bonus for Return of RLF Assets

DCA meets or exceeds all HUD Individual and Aggregate Activity standards for job creation ($50,000 per job for Individual Activity). Please see more details at the Method of Distribution found at:

http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/publications/Method_of_Distribution.pdf

If only summary criteria were described, how can potential applicants access application manuals or other state publications describing the application criteria? (CDBG only)

As this is a summary of the Employment Incentive Program; 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 An complete copy of the Method of Distribution can be found at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/publications/Method_of_Distribution.pdf

Describe the process

for awarding funds

to state recipients

and how the state

will make its

allocation available

to units of general

local government,

N/A

and non-profit

organizations,

including community

and faith-based

organizations. (ESG

only)

Page | 30

Identify the method of selecting project sponsors (including providing full access N/A to grassroots faithbased 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 2014 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 2014 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 at the following link: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/publications/Method_of_Distribution.pdf..

What are the

outcome measures expected as a result of the method of

Number of jobs created/retained Number of low- to moderate-income jobs created/retained

distribution?

3 State Program Name: CDBG Immediate Threat and Danger Program

Funding Sources:

CDBG

Describe the state program addressed by the Method of Distribution.

The Immediate Threat and Danger Program addresses an event or situation that has a particular urgency and uniqueness. The event or situation must adversely affect a community and its citizens, and other financial resources are not available to meet the event or situations needs. The State certifies that the activity meets the immediate needs of the community because the existing condition poses a threat to the health or welfare of the community and other financial resources are unavailable.

Page | 31

Summary of Rating and Selection Process

Up to $500,000 from each federal fiscal year's allocation to DCA for CDBG will be set-aside 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 a 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 do not exceed $50,000.

Describe all of the criteria that will be used to select applications and the relative importance of these criteria.

Generally, a grant awarded under this program cannot be more than 50% of the project cost. Additionally, 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 DCA Commissioner will determine the extent of DCA involvement. The DCA 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 available in the set-aside. Applications must include: certification that other financial resources are not available to meet the identified needs; information corroborating that the situation poses a serious and immediate threat; and identification of the project's other sources of 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 DCA 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)

As this is a summary, 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 A complete copy of the Method of Distribution can be found at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/publications/Method_of_Distribution.pdf

Describe the process

for awarding funds

to state recipients

and how the state

will make its

allocation available

to units of general local government,

N/A

and non-profit

organizations,

including community

and faith-based

organizations. (ESG

only)

Identify the method of selecting project sponsors (including providing full access to grassroots faith- N/A based and other community-based organizations). (HOPWA only)

Page | 32

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 set-aside for this program. In the 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 the case of a major disaster or other extraordinary circumstances.

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

Number of people assisted

expected as a result

Number of housing units assisted

of the method of distribution?

Number of units demolished

4 State Program Name: CDBG Loan Guarantee Program (Section 108)

Funding Sources:

CDBG

Describe the state program addressed by the Method of Distribution.

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

Summary of Rating and Selection Process

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

Describe all of the criteria that will be used to select applications and the relative importance of these criteria.

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.
Demographic Need
Program Feasibility
Program Impact
Program Strategy (120 points)

Bonus for Pledge of Assets and/or Credit Enhancement

Final Application Funding Determination

Final applications are invited only for those projects that meet the pre-application threshold requirements. The locality submitting the Section 108 final application must hold public hearing(s) in accordance with the requirements of HUD and Georgia's CDBG program.

Final applications for the Section 108 Program must be submitted to DCA in conformance with CFR Part 570.704 and the format and applicable instructions specified by DCA and HUD. The final application review will ensure that all appropriate funding criteria have been considered, and the overall benefits to be achieved warrant the State's concurrence, acceptance of the responsibilities outlined in CFR Part 570.710, and Pledge of Grants.

Page | 33

If only summary criteria were described, how can potential applicants access application manuals or other state publications describing the application criteria? (CDBG only)

As this is a summary of the Loan Guarantee Program (Section 108 Program), 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 A complete copy of the Method of Distribution can be found at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/publications/Method_of_Distribution.pdf

Describe the process

for awarding funds

to state recipients

and how the state

will make its

allocation available

to units of general

N/A

local government,

and non-profit

organizations,

including community

and faith-based

organizations. (ESG

only)

Identify the method of selecting project sponsors (including providing full access to grassroots faith- N/A based and other community-based organizations). (HOPWA only)

Describe how resources will be allocated among funding categories.

DCA may set aside a five-year, cumulative total of up to twenty percent (20%) of its current and future CDBG allocations plus any CDBG program income for Pledge of Grants that will be used as security for notes and other obligations issued by units of non-entitlement local government, pursuant to Section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

Describe threshold factors and grant size limits.

The maximum Loan Guarantee amount is $5,000,000. In the interest of limiting exposure and promoting a diversified portfolio, DCA reserves the right to limit the amounts pledged to any one unit of local government or business interest.

What are the

outcome measures

expected as a result

Number of jobs created/retained

of the method of

distribution?

5 State Program Name: CDBG Redevelopment Fund Program

Funding Sources:

CDBG

Describe the state program addressed by the Method of Distribution.

Up to $1,500,000 in CDBG funds will provide flexible financial assistance to local governments to assist them in implementing challenging economic and community development projects that cannot be undertaken with existing public sector grant and loan programs. The Redevelopment Fund will reward locally initiated public/private partnerships by providing financing to leverage private sector investments in commercial, downtown, and industrial redevelopment and revitalization projects that need Redevelopment Fund investment to proceed.

Page | 34

Summary of Rating and Selection Process

A) Factor 1: Demographic Need

Demographic Need points will be calculated by DCA based on three factors.

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

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

Describe all of the criteria that will be used to select applications and the relative importance of these criteria.

Per capita income: Applicants will be compared in terms of their per capita income. Scores will be obtained by dividing each applicant's per capita income into the lowest per capita income of any applicant and multiplying by 40.
B) Factor 2: Feasibility
Feasibility points will be based on an analysis of how each application addresses the following factors: eligibility of proposed activity; reasonableness of cost; compliance with applicable state and federal laws; project timetables; confirmation of all required resources; completeness of proposed plans and specifications; reasonableness of any sub-recipients proposed business plan(s) and financial projections; reasonableness of any site clean-up proposal and plan; and conformance with applicable underwriting and review requirements contained in 24 CFR Part 570.

C) Factor 3: Strategy

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

D) Factor 4: Leverage

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

If only summary criteria were described, how can potential applicants access application manuals or other state publications describing the application criteria? (CDBG only)

As this is a summary of the Redevelopment Fund Program, 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 An complete copy of the Method of Distribution can be found at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/publications/Method_of_Distribution.pdf

Describe the process

for awarding funds

to state recipients

and how the state

will make its

allocation available

to units of general

local government,

N/A

and non-profit

organizations,

including community

and faith-based

organizations. (ESG

only)

Page | 35

Identify the method of selecting project sponsors (including providing full access to grassroots faith- N/A based and other community-based organizations). (HOPWA only)

Describe how resources will be allocated among funding categories.

Up to $1,500,000 or three percent (3%) (whichever is greater) from each federal fiscal year's allocation to DCA for the CDBG Program will be set aside for this program.
Funds remaining in the set-aside at the end of the fiscal year may be returned to an "active status" and may be used to fund Redevelopment Fund applications under a subsequent fiscal year or transferred to any of the other funding categories or for state administration, subject to the limitations of the Housing and Community Development Act. In addition, the Commissioner of DCA may adjust the Redevelopment Fund program set-aside periodically during the 2014 Program Year based on demand for the set-aside.

Describe threshold factors and grant size limits.

The grant amount is up to $500,000. In cases of projects with exceptional public benefits or need, the Commissioner of DCA may raise the allowable grant amount.

What are the

outcome measures expected as a result of the method of

Number of people assisted Number of jobs created

distribution?

6 State Program Name: ESG Programs

Funding Sources:

ESG

Describe the state program addressed by the Method of Distribution.

Funding decisions will be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, those stated within the Rating and Selection section of the notice distributed to interested parties in December 2014 (http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CommunityInitiatives/programs/downloads/2015_ESGHOPWA_Distribution_Method.pdf). Thresholds for program consideration generally include the eligibility of the described population to be served, the eligibility of described activities, minimum criteria for organizational capacity, community or service area need, HMIS performance, past or projected program performance, responsiveness to timeliness and information requested, as well as other relevant factors, as determined by DCA. Threshold considerations may also include any of the Rating and Selection criteria in the section above or in the application guidelines linked below.

Page | 36

A competition for funds will be implemented that will include, but not be limited to, the threshold criteria named in the Method of Distribution section, as well as other considerations such as project location related to demonstrated need, participation in collaborative networks and planning processes, and cost benefit analyses and recidivism rates for currently-funded programs, etc. Lower scoring applications may not be funded.

Describe all of the criteria that will be used to select applications and the relative importance of these criteria.

General funding decisions for all organizations will be based upon: geographical location; past performance (outputs/outcomes); past performance with DCA agreements, DCA ESG policies and rules, Federal/state/local laws, regulations, and policies; compliance and past performance with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) requirements (family violence agencies must demonstrate performance through the HUD format Annual Performance Report in ALICE or other equivalent database recognized by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee); need based on data derived from the Homeless Point in Time Count conducted by DCA and its partners or the local Continuum of Care; project strategy; organizational structure, operating processes, and capacity; extent to which the organization operates under the authority of a diversified, involved, volunteer, community-based board of directors; professional management; the consistency of the organization's identity or its mission to the provision of homeless services; the consistency to which the organization utilizes networks and partnerships within the community to avoid duplication of housing and services; participation in meetings and other activities of the appropriate local Continuums of Care; the direct cash match provided for ESG activities; the value of other non-cash contributions; the priorities established by the local Continuum of Care; sound operating procedures, accounting policy and controls; organizational and financial policy, stability, and capacity; and location in an ESG entitlement jurisdiction which receives federal ESG funds directly from HUD. These jurisdictions include: City of Atlanta, Augusta-Richmond County, City of Savannah, Clayton County, Cobb County, DeKalb County, Fulton County, and Gwinnett County.

For full details on the criteria and application requirements, please see the ESG Application Guidebook on DCA webpage at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/esg.asp.

If only summary

criteria were

described, how can

potential applicants

access application manuals or other

N/A

state publications

describing the

application criteria?

(CDBG only)

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)

Both HUD-funded and State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless (HTF)-funded ESG funds are available to nonprofit organizations (including community- and faith-based organizations) and local government entities. Agencies must demonstrate collaboration with local mainstream service providers and local provider groups that are dedicated to housing and service interventions that serve persons experiencing homelessness. Agencies must also participate in HUD-mandated continuum of care planning appropriate to the jurisdiction where their activities are located.
DCA solicited information about application submission and application development workshops by email from every person on the "contacts" mailing list associated with its homeless projects (December 2014). Notice was emailed to representatives of local governments, local Continuums of Care, regional commissions, DCA Office of Regional Services, and other groups with local and regional interests. Notice was published on the DCA website, and all persons receiving notice were asked to provide input and to share the notice with others within the state, their region, or their community with an interest. Application development workshops were held in two (2) locations (Marietta and Macon) and through two (2) webinars, and multiple webinars were conducted by DCA staff to provide applicants with technical assistance with the application process.

Identify the method of selecting project sponsors (including providing full access to grassroots faith- N/A based and other community-based organizations). (HOPWA only)

Page | 37

Describe how resources will be allocated among funding categories.

Of the $4.8 million dollars expected to be available for awards this year, DCA expects to make about approximately $600,000 available for homelessness prevention and $1.7 million dollars available for rapid re-housing. DCA is expecting to make primary prevention and re-housing investments within its congressionally mandated 152-county balance of state Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) entitlement area. Based on the 2013 homeless census, approximately 7,650 persons were homeless within this area, which has also been historically underserved. Moreover, there is a congressional requirement to spend at least 40% of the total federal allotment of ESG funds allocated to DCA on prevention and rapid re-housing activities. Grants awarded in this funding cycle will have a duration of one year. DCA will reserve a minimum of 65% of federal funding to be spent within the Balance of State ESG Entitlement area.
Maximum grant amounts are as follows:
Emergency Shelter: $50,000 per project
Transitional Housing: $40,000 per project

Essential Services: $50,000 per project

Short- and Medium-Term Rental Assistance and Stabilization Services: average costs per family/household will vary by region according to rent reasonableness and fair market rents for the area and approval by DCA

Project Homeless Connect: $2,000

HMIS: $25,000

As a threshold consideration, all applicants must demonstrate how their housing or service programs directly serve persons who are homeless, and demonstrate how the housing and services provided will improve housing stability for those persons. Applicants must describe homeless verification methods, and how they will track outputs and outcomes (stable housing) for persons served.

DCA will make minimum grant awards of $20,000 for all eligible activities except HMIS, Project Homeless Connect, and Hotel/Motel Voucher grants to agencies serving the Balance of State ESG Entitlement jurisdiction. DCA will make minimum grant awards of $40,000 for all eligible activities except HMIS, Project Homeless Connect, and Hotel/Motel Voucher to agencies outside the Balance of State ESG Entitlement jurisdiction.

Describe threshold factors and grant size limits.

There are certain considerations that may result in an application being automatically returned or denied for funding without being scored. These threshold requirements include, but are not limited to: the deadline is missed; HMIS or ALICE non-participation; the application is substantially incomplete; consistent non-compliance (financial, reporting, other); ineligible applicant lacks 501(c)(3); insufficient documentation (new organizations should have been in business and fully operational for two (2) years and able to produce minimum financial statements and filings with the IRS for that period as well as financial policies and procedures and project policies and procedures); failure to obtain Local Approval or Certification of Consistency, as applicable; serving ineligible populations (not homeless by HUD definition and verification standard); insufficient or ineligible match amount or source; use of projected project income or client fees as a match source; for returning DV agencies, a failure to submit HUD Annual Performance Report (APR) for the entire prior or current project year by application deadline; inability to keep families intact for service; non-compliance with McKinney Vento education requirements (DCA policy); non-compliance with completion of Barriers to Housing Stability. Assessments (for agencies other than new applicants); non-compliance with coordinated assessment/intake; transitional housing projects must primarily serve special needs populations to include those experiencing challenges of mental health, substance abuse, chronic homelessness, domestic violence, runaway and homeless youth (must be reflected in the HMIS data); and length of stay less than two weeks for an emergency shelter.

What are the

Number of persons assisted through Outreach

outcome measures expected as a result of the method of

Number of persons assisted through Rapid Re-Housing assistance Number of persons assisted through Homeless Prevention Assistance

distribution?

Number of persons assisted through Housing (emergency shelter and transitional housing)

7 State Program Name: HOPWA Programs

Funding Sources:

HOPWA

Page | 38

Describe the state program addressed by the Method of Distribution.

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. For more information, visit the DCA website:
http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/hopwa.asp

Funding decisions will be based on a number of factors, including but not limited to, those stated within the Maximum Grant Amounts and Funding Factors section of the notice distributed to interested parties in December 2014 (http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CommunityInitiatives/programs/downloads/2015_ESGHOPWA_Distribution_Method.pdf).

Describe all of the criteria that will be used to select applications and the relative importance of these criteria.

Applicants must meet a capacity test, and funding decisions for all nonprofit agencies shall also be based upon the following factors: availability of other HOPWA providers within the service area; performance outcomes; consistency with local need, conformance to local plans, and servicesdelivery strategy; other funding for programs available to applicant; amount of funds requested, prior award amounts, and prior utilization of funds; degree of compliance demonstrated during DCA monitoring visits or in-desk audits; relative quality of housing or standards for services to be provided; participation in the State's collaborative HMIS initiative (encouraged for HOPWA-only projects, but not "required"); level of service; standard costs for housing and services; value of applicant's contribution (cash and in-kind); the complexity or nature of the request; organizational development and capacity; the extent to which the organization operates under the authority of a diversified, involved, volunteer, community-based board of directors; professional management; the consistency of the organization's identity or its mission to the provision of HIV/AIDS (as applicable) services; the extent to which the organization utilizes networks to avoid duplication of housing and services; participation in appropriate Continuums of Care; sound operating procedures, accounting policy, and controls; and organizational and financial policy, stability, and capacity. An additional "threshold" measure applies under the HOPWA program. Under HOPWA, relative need is examined and new applicants are denied funding when they propose to duplicate services within a service area where HOPWA programs are already being carried out by eligible sponsors.

For full details on the criteria and application requirements, please see the HOPWA Manual and Application on DCA webpage at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/hopwa.asp.

If only summary

criteria were

described, how can

potential applicants

access application manuals or other

N/A

state publications

describing the

application criteria?

(CDBG only)

Describe the process

for awarding funds

to state recipients

and how the state

will make its

allocation available

to units of general

local government,

N/A

and non-profit

organizations,

including community

and faith-based

organizations. (ESG

only)

Page | 39

Identify the method of selecting project sponsors (including providing full access to grassroots faithbased and other community-based organizations). (HOPWA only)
Describe how resources will be allocated among funding categories.

Applications will be solicited through a Notice of Funds Availability and availability of associated Application Guidelines. This notice will be emailed to known HIV/AIDS service and housing providers, public health departments, local governments, and other interested parties. Faith-based organizations have full access to the selection process as described in regulations and within the application. Applications must be submitted on forms provided by DCA. The applicant must also provide required certifications and provide all supporting documentation requested by DCA. Each applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of DCA that it is in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, and that it is capable of carrying out applicable programs. DCA may require additional information during the review process, and applicants are expected to comply with these requests. DCA held one HOPWA application development and Q&A session at the annual HOPWA training in Savannah, and one webinar was conducted to provide applicants with remote assistance with the application process.
Local government entities are eligible to apply for HOPWA funds. To the extent determined under State law by DCA, private, secular, or faith-based nonprofit organizations are also eligible to apply for funds. Nonprofit organizations must demonstrate collaboration with local mainstream service providers and local homeless provider groups. Generally, it is the intent of the State to make all nonconstruction activities eligible under the HOPWA program, subject to the program purpose and eligible beneficiaries. HOPWA funding is provided through sub-grants to organizations (project sponsors). Sponsor administrative costs are limited to seven percent (7%) of the grant amount.
Project sponsors are responsible for designing their own program rules and policies for their programs; however, their program policies and design must comply both with guidance from DCA and the HUD HOPWA Program Regulations at 24 CFR Part 574, as amended.
Other requirements for Georgia HOPWA applicants and project sponsors are:
Reporting requirements that strengthen the focus on consumer outcomes, all of which complement the agency's larger initiative to establish a priority for DCA-driven performance measures and funding decisions.
Absent disabilities, the HOPWA TBRA Program must be a time-limited comprehensive program not to exceed five (5) years that is designed to prevent homelessness and to help low-income people with HIV and AIDS to live independently. The HOPWA applicants must submit policies and procedures for this program during the application process. Policies and procedures must provide consideration for persons with a disability or other extenuating circumstances that will require ongoing assistance beyond five (5) years.
Specific case management requirements for consumer support and the development a Housing Stability Plan for each consumer. Job descriptions must be submitted with the application.
Development of an individualized Housing Plan for all consumers. Policies and procedures addressing this requirement must be submitted with the application.
All HOPWA project sponsors are expected to comply with fair housing requirements, including all applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Title 42, United States Code Sections 12101-12213) and implementing regulations at Title 28, CFR, Part 35 (States and local government sub-grantees) and Part 36 (public accommodations and requirements for certain types of short-term housing assistance).
There are no minimum and maximum funding amounts established for this program in FFY 2015, and there are not predetermined funding amounts by type of assistance. Applicants are advised to scale their requests based on housing need for eligible persons, organizational capacity, funding history, the types of activities proposed, number of counties served, participation in state or regional referral networks, and other relevant factors as determined by the applicant and DCA. For HOPWA, as a first priority, funding will be limited to programs located within the State's 127-county entitlement area. 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.

Page | 40

Describe threshold factors and grant size limits.

There are no set grant size limits. Funding determinations are made using a "threshold" method for selecting grantees. Applicants must meet a capacity test, and funding decisions for all nonprofit agencies shall also be based upon the following factors: availability of other HOPWA providers within the service area; performance outcomes; consistency with local need, conformance to local plans, and services-delivery strategy; other funding for programs available to applicant; amount of funds requested, prior award amounts, and prior utilization of funds; degree of compliance demonstrated during DCA monitoring visits or in-desk audits; relative quality of housing or standards for services to be provided; participation in the State's collaborative HMIS initiative (encouraged for HOPWA-only projects, but not "required"); level of service; standard costs for housing and services; value of applicant's contribution (cash and in-kind); the complexity or nature of the request; organizational development and capacity; the extent to which the organization operates under the authority of a diversified, involved, volunteer, community-based board of directors; professional management; the consistency of the organization's identity or its mission to the provision of HIV/AIDS (as applicable) services; the extent to which the organization utilizes networks to avoid duplication of housing and services; participation in appropriate Continuums of Care; sound operating procedures, accounting policy, and controls; and organizational and financial policy, stability and capacity. An additional "threshold" measure applies under the HOPWA program. Under HOPWA, relative need is examined and new applicants are denied funding when they propose to duplicate services within a service area where HOPWA programs are already being carried out by eligible sponsors.

What are the

Number of households assisted through Short-Term Rent, Mortgage and Utility Assistance

outcome measures expected as a result of the method of

Number of households assisted through Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Number of households assisted through Facility-Based Housing Assistance

distribution?

Number of households assisted through Permanent Housing Placement

Table 8 - Distribution Methods by State Program

Page | 41

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 five-year, cumulative total of up to twenty percent (20%) of its current and future CDBG allocations plus any CDBG program income for Pledge of Grants that will be used as security for notes and other obligations issued by units of non-entitlement local government pursuant to Section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. 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 are required by HUD in order to participate in the program. The maximum loan guarantee amount is $5,000,000. 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. More details at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/index.asp
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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 - The State of Georgia has not chosen to target particular geographical areas for special assistance under the CDBG Program. All non-entitlement communities are allowed to submit an application. Up to 20 points, however, may be awarded for CDBG Annual Competition applications meeting the Revitalization Area Strategies (RAS) threshold requirement, demonstrating the adoption of local redevelopment tools, and documenting investment partnerships, and collaboration. The RAS program is a State revitalization program that targets block groups of 20 percent or greater poverty. Bonus points may be awarded under the Annual Competition (as described above) and successful applicants are able to apply in the immediate next round of Annual Competition funding provided that certain timeliness requirements are met. The program is described in the annual CDBG Applicants' Manual and at the following web link: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/programs/CDBGrevitApproval.asp. Special Note: The State CDBG program does not plan on allowing Units of General Local Government (UGLG) to apply for a Community Revitalization Strategy designation under HUD regulation. Such designation provides the state and UGLG regulatory flexibility in satisfying the eligibility and national objective requirements of the CDBG program. The RAS program provides flexibility under the State's Method of Distribution rather than HUD regulation.
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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. However, the HOME Rental Housing Loan Program does provide a preference for properties located in rural areas of Georgia as part of the competitive application selection criteria. Applicants seeking HOME funds for use in conjunction with Federal Housing Credits also receive a competitive advantage if the proposed property is located in a stable community which is defined as having low poverty rates and high income residents.

Geographic Distribution

Target Area

Percentage of Funds

Non-entitlement Areas within the State

63

Entitlement and Non-entitlement Areas within the State

37

Table 9 - Geographic Distribution

Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically

The State does not assign funding allocation priorities based on a geographic method or dedicate a specific percentages or amounts of funding to particular targeted areas. However, the State will distribute development resources in proportion to development needs in the State to satisfy the community need, effort and preventive action to create and maintain decent affordable housing.

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 overall 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. But, there is a competitive advantage for properties located in rural areas. Funds are not provided for projects to be carried out in HOME participating jurisdictions with three 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. TBRA recipients may be seek housing in any community within Georgia.

For the ESG and HOPWA programs, the State does not anticipate any funding setasides for specific geographic areas of Georgia. DCA will reserve a minimum of 65% of Federal funding to be spent within the DCA ESG Entitlement area, however, State funds will be awarded to the best applications regardless of location by formula, and HOPWA funds are allocated to eligible states and Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Areas (EMSAs) that meet the minimum number of cumulative AIDS Cases. For HOPWA, as a first priority, funding will be limited to programs located within the State's 127 county entitlement area. 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.

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Affordable Housing

AP-55 Affordable Housing 24 CFR 91.320(g)

The one year goals vary by program and some of the data in the following tables may overlap due to some programs that assist households in addition to individuals. In FFY 2014, the HOME Program focused on the production and preservation of affordable housing; however, CDBG, ESG and HOPWA may also address affordable housing during the program year to meet a specific community or resident need. 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

SOURCE

Homeless

2,000

ESG

Non-Homeless

460

HOME MF(328), HOME SF (112), CDBG Rehab (20)

Special-Needs

140

CDBG Elderly (20) and HOPWA (120)

Total

2600

Table 10 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement

One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through

Rental Assistance

2,120

ESG (2,000) and HOPWA (120)

The Production of New Units

328

HOME MF (328)

Rehab of Existing Units

101

HOME CHIP (61) and CDBG (40)

Acquisition of Existing Units

51

HOME CHIP (51)

Total

2600

Table 11 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type

Narrative

A total of 2,600 households are expected to be assisted in FFY2015. Of this total, 2,000 homeless people will receive rental assistance through ESG Rapid Re-Housing, 120 with HOPWA rental assistance and 20 CBDG for the elderly.

The State anticipated 460 non-homeless households will receive assistance. These include 328 in newly constructed multifamily housing, 112 in newly constructed single-family housing, 20 homeowners receiving rehabilitation assistance through CDBG.

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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. Several DCA programs provide assistance in furtherance of HUD's Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD). DCA has launched an innovative Multi-site tax exempt Bond Program to further the objectives of the RAD program. The Federal Low Income Housing tax credit program provides a competitive advantage to RAD applicants and a HOME NOFA was issued that also provided a competitive advantage to RAD participants. 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 sub-recipients 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 The State agency monitors the performance of existing PHAs and provides technical assistance to troubled PHAs throughout the state.
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AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities 91.320(h)
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.
Reduce the number of unsheltered individuals and families, as established in the Homeless Point in Time Count, within the BoS ESG Entitlement. Since 2011, the number of unsheltered households has decreased by 25%. This goal will continue to be achieved by placing emphasis on high utilization of emergency shelters and transitional housing beds. This will be measured in HMIS. In addition, the Entitlement will:
Right-size length of stay for clients in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs. Length of stay should generally be no longer than 90 days for shelters and 1 year for Transitional Housing. Currently, length of stay for emergency shelter programs is 30 days on average and 190 days on average for transitional housing programs. This will be measured in HMIS.
Increase placements into permanent housing for homeless individuals and families from Emergency Shelter and Transitional housing each year. This will be measured in HMIS.
Prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless either unsheltered or sheltered. Follow-up checks will be made at 3 months and 6 months post discharge to ensure that households assisted do not become homeless.
Maintain or increase the percentage of individuals and families remaining housed for 3 months. In 2014, 94% of prevention and rapid re-housing participants leaving for permanent destinations remained for 3 months (a 3% improvement over last year). This will be measured in HMIS by using our recidivism methodology.
Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness including
(See Below)
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.
DCA Objectives and Action Steps
DCA anticipates Outreach services to provide services to 675 individuals during its next year. It anticipates in future years awarding more Grants and serving greater numbers.
In order to reach out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs, DCA will undertake the following:
Implement DCA's harm reduction program for statewide implementation to ensure persons who are chronically homeless have the widest range of interventions available
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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 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 each year. 3. 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.
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 16,000 homeless individuals (transitional and shelter) through implementation of Georgia's ESG Program
2. Provide decent affordable housing to an estimated 2,000 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
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)
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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 utilization of Permanent Supportive housing units by 5% each year
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 sub-recipients 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 2013 and 2014 HUD Section 811 Project Rental Assistance Grants in order to provide project based rental assistance for an 484 units of permanent supportive housing in tax credit developed properties. This Section 811 PRA program
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will target extremely low income persons covered by the Settlement Agreement or the Money Follows the Person Program initiatives DCA will continue to work to assist DBHDD in the implementation of the Transitional Action Plan, the newly developed process to 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 need DCA will continue to 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, with efforts this next year to expand RHP DCA will partner with the Governor's Office of Transition, Support and Reentry to (1) provide training to GOTSR staff on housing programs and addressing housing barriers of individuals returning to the community following release from prison ("Returning Citizens"); (2) support the development of partnerships locally by GATSR Housing Coordinators as they work to expand the supply of housing options in the community for Returning Citizens; and (3) support policy development and implementation at the state level to foster the goals of GOTSR.
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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

50

developed, leased, or operated with HOPWA funds

Total

435

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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 released a request for information from qualified consulting firms with experience in the coordination, development and delivery of Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI). The State is gathering information to determine the feasibility and format needed to produce an updated five year AI within the next twelve (12) months. The State recognizes that the AI serves as the basis for fair housing planning, assists in building public support for fair housing efforts, and provides essential information to policy makers, administrative staff, housing providers, lenders, and fair housing advocates. As a result, DCA intends to use the AI to identify barriers to affordable housing choice so that it can be proactive in fashioning ways to help promote fair housing choice and identify and prevent discriminatory effects on individuals in protected classes as defined by the Fair Housing Act.
To eliminate the affordable housing barriers, the State will continue to meet the needs of families requiring the federal programs offered. Those steps include, but are not limited to the list below:
Collaborate with the other state agencies to address the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities to eliminate the barriers to accessing affordable housing opportunities
Promote homeownership awareness and collaborate with a number of housing counseling agencies that work with specific non-English speaking populations
Collaborate with nonprofit agencies, lenders, and mortgage insurance companies who offer borrowers an opportunity to reduce cost and become successful homeowners
Provide funding homebuyer education and foreclosure mitigation counseling, including ensuring access to individuals of limited English proficiency
Provide educational opportunities to communities throughout the state working to address housing issues through the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing by partnering with the University of Georgia, the Georgia Municipal Association, as well as funding partners, including Georgia Power
Partner with housing developers and local governments to create aesthetically built homes that are decent and affordable
Require funding recipients to create and maintain an Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan identifying potentially underserved local populations and efforts to market to those constituencies and document a process to inform potential program participants of their fair housing rights
Include a fair housing component in all grantee, developer and property manager training
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AP-85 Other Actions 91.320(j)
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 home buyer down payment assistance program. Outreach to lenders continues to be a challenge with the ongoing changing market and mortgage product available to low-income households. It is difficult to recruit lenders to participate in the program. However, the State continues to meet with lenders to educate them about the program and will work to revise program procedures to meet of the home buyer.
The State is challenged with providing the needed affordable rental units throughout the entire state. The State sponsored the Georgia Housing Search website that 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. Developers are required to enroll their units on the website at the start of lease-up for properties funded with LIHTC and HOME funds.
The State is challenged to expand housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that housing opportunities that are integrated into the community are made available. DCA will continue to implement its HOME-funded TBRA program and explore the removal of barriers for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the State will work with other state agencies to remove barriers to access supportive services.
Under the CHIP Program has become a primary source of affordable housing assistance with the local government and nonprofit organization and public housing authorities. Therefore is critical that the State continue to meet unmet housing needs throughout the state, particularly in rural areas. The State will continue to expand the housing eligible activities under the federal funded programs and coordinate with other resources.
Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing
The State coordinates with other interagency meetings to plan and review collaborative efforts related to housing. Additionally, the State sends out email blasts and Constant Contact notices for upcoming events held be different stakeholders.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
The State continues to partner with other state agencies and other external stakeholders to develop and to coordinate lead-based paint hazards strategies and monitor the grantees to ensure compliance with the HUD lead-based paint regulations. These regulations cover the CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA programs. The State provides homeowner awareness and education by referring funding recipients with the lead-based paint regulations of the EPA and those enacted by the State, including the licensing requirements for rehabilitation assistance.
Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families
The State continues as a partner on the Governor's Workforce Investment Board's (WIB) Coordinating Council that assesses job seekers skills to provide them with the certification needed to create job profiling for businesses economic development opportunities. The CDBG set-aside funds for the Employment Incentive Program awards grants that directly promote employment and creates new jobs designed to lift families out poverty. The Redevelopment Fund Program provided local governments access to flexible financial assistance to locally initiated public/private partnerships to leverage investments in commercial, downtown, and industrial redevelopment and revitalization projects that might not proceed otherwise due to the number of challenges to be overcome.
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The State assisted cities, counties, and development authorities through the State Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund, which provided financing to fund capital projects in core historic downtown areas and adjacent neighborhoods where the loans are expected to spur commercial redevelopment. The Opportunity Zone Program offered state job tax credits of up to $3,500 per job created to new or existing businesses that create two or more jobs. The credits can be applied to the businesses' income tax liability or state payroll withholding.
The Appalachian Regional Commission provided funds for community and economic development in 37 counties in Georgia and worked to promote and preserve the cultural identity unique to the Appalachian Region of the United States.
Actions planned to develop institutional structure
The largest challenge in the institutional delivery system is the 159 counties that must be covered by a limited number of staff members. The State is seeking ways to expand the different options available through technology to meet this challenge.
Another major gap is outreach strategies to nonprofit organizations to meet the community housing development organization (CHDO) requirements to address the affordable housing needs in rural areas and underserved non-entitlement areas. The State continues to develop training and encourages constituents and stakeholders to attend other training opportunities.
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 implementing 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).
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies
The State will continue to take steps to collaborate with other government agencies, nonprofit organizations, housing developers, financial institutions, foundations and other providers to create effective solutions to the housing needs. The State participates in various forums, meetings, focus group discussions, and seminars across the region to address affordable housing, homelessness or the housing issues of special needs groups.
Additionally, the State leads the Georgia Interagency Homeless Coordination Council to address the issues concerning ways to end homelessness. The State actively participates in the planning efforts with several agencies throughout the state, including but not limited to with the following: Mental Health Planning Advisory Council, Georgia State Trade Association of Not-
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For-Profit Developers (GSTAND), Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), Georgia Municipal Association and the University of Georgia's Housing and Demographics Research Center, Metro Atlanta's Regional Commission on Homelessness, DBHDD Coordinating Council, the Governor's Office of Transition Support and Reentry, Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, Georgia Rural Development Council, Conserve Georgia, and OneGeorgia Authority.
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Program Specific Requirements

AP-90 Program Specific Requirements 91.320(k)(1,2,3)

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 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. 3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 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 5. The amount of income from float-funded activities Total Program Income:

$37,308 $0
$0 $0 $0 $37,308

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%

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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 the State'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:
Georgia Housing & Finance Authority (GHFA) is a Participating Jurisdiction and a recipient of HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program funds to be used to expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing available to low-income and very lowincome residents. GHFA has established these recapture provisions in accordance with the HUD guidance provided in CPD Notice 12-003 and 24 CFR 92.254 (a)(5)(ii). These provisions permit the original home buyer to sell the property to any willing buyer during the period of affordability while GHFA is able to recapture all or a portion (limited to "net proceeds" as defined below) of the HOME-assistance provided to the original home buyer. The key concepts in the recapture requirements are the Direct HOME Subsidy to the home buyer and net proceeds that are used to determine the amount of HOME assistance subject to recapture and the applicable period of affordability on the unit. "Direct HOME subsidy" is defined as the amount of HOME assistance that enabled the home buyer to buy the unit. The direct subsidy includes down payment assistance, closing costs, interest subsidy, or other HOME assistance provided directly to the home buyer. In addition, direct subsidy includes any assistance that reduced the purchase price from fair market value to an affordable price. If HOME funds are used for the cost of developing a property and the unit is sold below fair market value, the difference between the fair market value and the purchase price is considered to be directly attributable to the HOME subsidy. "Net Proceeds" are defined as the sales price minus the superior loan repayment (other than HOME funds) and any closing costs. Under no circumstances can GHFA recapture more than is available from the net proceeds of the sale. Refer to the State's Recapture Policy for additional information.
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:
Recapture is an affordability enforcement mechanism where GHFA executes a written agreement with the home buyer that includes the amount of direct HOME subsidy that enabled the home buyer to buy the dwelling unit. GHFA requires that if a property is sold, either voluntarily or involuntarily (e.g., foreclosure) during the affordability period, all or a portion (limited to "net proceeds") of the HOME investment must be repaid. For instance, when a home buyer receives HOME down payment assistance to purchase a home, the direct HOME subsidy to the home buyer will result in a specified period of affordability, as set forth in Section II. If the home buyer sells the home before the period ends, GHFA will recapture, assuming that there are sufficient net proceeds, the entire direct HOME subsidy. The home buyer will receive the excess net proceeds. In addition, the full amount of the subsidy shall be recaptured in the event the home buyer fails to occupy the home as their principal place of residence during the period of affordability, but retains ownership. GHFA will use restrictions in the executed written agreement and security deed to enforce the recapture provision of the HOME program found at 24 CFR 92.254 (a)(5)(ii) determined during the subsidy layering review.
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For more information on the following policy, refer to in the attachment: Foreclosure, Transfer in Lieu of Foreclosure Enforcement Refinance Policy Subordination Policy Ongoing Monitoring
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 The State will not refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is rehabilitated with HOME funds.
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Reference 24 CFR 91.320(k)(3) 1. Include written standards for providing ESG assistance (may include as attachment)
(See Attachments) 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, ESG funds are available to nonprofit organizations (including community and faith-based organizations) and local government entities. Private and 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 2015 ESG Application Guidelines, and the full application guidelines can be found at:
http://www.dca.state.ga.us/housing/specialneeds/programs/esg.asp 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.
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5. Describe performance standards for evaluating ESG. ESG programs with different eligible activities will require different assessment standards. DCA diligently works with sub-recipients to ensure a level of HMIS data completeness by which an accurate evaluation of program performance can continually be measured. Baselines for performance measure criteria, such as increases in cash income and noncash benefits during program enrollment, have been established in the last year. DCA will review all available data annually to evaluate performance. Criteria for the performance standards for evaluating ESG can be found at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/housing/specialneeds/programs/esg.asp
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Citizen Participation Summary
PROPOSED DRAFT ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2015/STATE FISCAL YEAR 2016
***NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD*** The public is encouraged to provide comments on the State of Georgia Department of Community Affairs Annual Action Plan The Annual Action Plan is required to receive federal funds for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Programs. The Plan draft includes community and housing priorities for the use of the above funds; goals of the priorities, citizen participation/consultation, housing needs assessment for the homeless, and the investment of resources to meet these needs and any minor amendments. It also provides a strategy for meeting the identified needs, addressing barriers to fair housing and lead-based paint hazards, non-housing community development plan, and anti-poverty strategies. The FFY 2015/SFY2016 Annual Action Plan is the second year implementation of the current five year (2013-2017) Consolidated Plan. The draft specifically details how CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA annual funding allocations will be used to carry out the strategy of the Consolidated Plan. A copy of the draft Annual Action Plan will be available for public comment from April 10, 2015 after 5:00 PM through close of business on May 11, 2015.
DRAFT
Submit comments in writing to: Department of Community Affairs ATTN: ANNUAL ACTION PLAN PUBLIC COMMENTS 60 Executive Park South Atlanta Georgia 30329 Or email to housingplanning@dca.ga.gov. View and Download the Plan:
http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CommunityInitiatives/programs/ConsolidatedPlan.asp.
To request a hardcopy, send an email to housingplanning@dca.ga.gov DCA complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Individuals with disabilities who are may need auxiliary aids or special modification
to participate in the public comment process should call (404) 679-4840.
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Citizen Comment Summary

Federal Fiscal Year 2015/ State Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Action Plan

Citizen participation is an integral part of the citizen participation process. In addition to holding public hearings to solicit feedback from the public as a part of the Annual Action Plan development process, other meetings take place throughout the year where input is received by DCA that relates to programs, policies and funding decisions.

Certain questions asked during the periods below are program specific and were answered during the meeting.

Washington November 18, 2014

Attendees: 12

1. How do we get more information on CDBGs Immediate Threat and Danger program?

A: The Immediate Threat and Danger Program provides 50% matching funds for community development activities having a particular urgency when existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community. Local funds must comprise at least 10% of project costs. Funding for this program comes from the state's annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Applicants can apply for $50,000 and DCA reserves $200,000 for "major disasters." Eligible applicants are units of general purpose local government, excluding metropolitan cities, urban counties, and units of government eligible to participate in the urban counties or metropolitan cities program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. To be fundable, applications must address an event or situation having 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 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 developed or became critical within 18 months of application. Ample descriptions of the cause of the threat, and probable ramifications, must be provided. More information can be found at:

http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/cdbg/programs/threatdanger.asp

2. Who enforces Section 3? Who addresses the issues of training for Section 3? Who makes sure that the contractors are adhering to Section 3?

A: Section 3 of the U. S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Act of 1968 and the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, requires that economic opportunities generated by federal Housing and Community Development programs shall, to the greatest extent feasible, be given to low- and very low-income persons, and to businesses that provide economic opportunities for these persons.

Under this guidance, DCA publishes its Section 3 Policy for subrecipients and contractors/subcontractors in order to promulgate specific requirements and forms to be used by subrecipients and contractors/subcontractors when hiring or contracting is covered by DCA's Section 3 Policy.

Please note that when applicable subrecipients and contractors/subcontractors are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable Section 3 law and regulation. See the Section 3 regulations at 24 CFR Part 135. See DCA's Section 3 Policy Solicitation Package and DCA's Section 3 Policy at the link below:

http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/programs/CDBGforms.asp

The link provided references the CDBG programs; however, the Section 3 Policy is enforced

agency

wide.

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Citizen Comment Summary
3. What constitutes a minority neighborhood?
A: HUD defines a minority neighborhood as a neighborhood in which the percentage of persons of a particular racial or ethnic minority is at least 20 points higher than that minority's percentage in the housing market as a whole; the neighborhood's total percentage of minority persons is at least 20 points higher than the total percentage of minorities for the housing market area as a whole; or in the case of a metropolitan area, the neighborhood's total percentage of minority persons exceeds 50 percent of its population.
A minority owned- business as a business in which more than 50 percent of the ownership or control is held by one or more minority individuals; and more than 50 percent of the net profit or loss of which accrues to one or more minority individuals.
4. What assistance does DCA offer when a nonprofit or local jurisdictions is completing an application under any of the rounds? Speaking in terms of after you have gone to a workshop, what assistance is available?
A: For the ESG program, in addition to the multiple Application Workshops held, DCA will offer a series of Q & A Webinars for applicants to raise questions regarding the application process or programmatic requirements. DCA held 6 Q&A webinars throughout the current application period.
For the HOPWA program, in addition to the multiple Application Workshops, DCA will respond to questions individually regarding the application process or programmatic requirements.
For CDBG, we offer on-site visits from a CDBG program representative to review the criteria for application review. We will meet with representatives of the local government, the local government's grant writer, and any other cooperating organizations (public or private partner entities). We will review the planned project for eligibility and competitiveness and offer advice in order to improve the proposed project. Central office staff may also be accessed for assistance depending on the need (e.g., expertise in various areas of compliance). If an application fails to be funded, feedback letters are provided to the local government regarding their score and providing approaches that may improve chances for future funding.
For multifamily rental programs (LIHTC and HOME), we conduct listening sessions and public hearings prior to the finalization of the QAP to help nonprofits and any potential applicant to understand the provisions in the QAP and to get feedback. After the application workshop, and prior to Q&A that is open with published answers for approximately 90 days prior to the competitive round, we offer `roundtable' sessions. These are generally limited to less than 50 attendees and discuss detailed questions about meeting policy and documentation requirements, the mechanics of completing the core application, and common errors to avoid for a successful application.
5. We see the funds being distributed to boost economic development in the area, the downtown development corridor is happening but the houses that surround the corridor are not being addressed. When they submit applications for the development of downtown, can they also submit applications for housing?
A: Through Georgia's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and other state and federal economic development and community development programs, local governments have the ability to address their most pressing needs and their highest priorities. Local governments are able to use the states' economic development and community development programs, including CDBG, to address economic development, downtown development, community development, and housing needs. In addition, local governments, developers, and families have access to other housing programs (e.g., tax
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Citizen Comment Summary
credits for developers of multi-family units, the Housing Choice Voucher Program, homeless and special needs housing, and first mortgage financing and down payment assistance) through DCA's Housing Finance Group and the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority. Also, through DCA's planning office, DCA can assist in providing technical assistance to local governments for the housing element of the local Comprehensive Plan and by providing information about the state's construction codes. Keep in mind that despite the array of programs, funds are limited and not all needs can be addressed by DCA efforts alone.

Hinesville November 19, 2014

Attendees: 5

1. Can housing and/ development authorities become CHDOs?

A: Yes, in some cases, a public housing authority can become a CHDO.

However, the

CHDO staff cannot be employed by the housing authority, and the housing authority must

establish a separate nonprofit organization which it does not operate or control. CHDOs, or

Community Housing Development Organizations, are special nonprofit housing developers.

DCA reserves 15 percent of its HOME funds for allocation to CHDOs. In exchange, CHDOs

must meet several criteria. For example, they must be certified by DCA under the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development's HOME program guidelines. They must be

501(c)(3)- or 501(c)(4)-certified before applying for HOME funds. They must also have

specific requirements regarding board members, staffing, and community service.

2. Is DCA still looking for nonprofits to qualify under the tax credit program?

A: The State is always seeking new partnerships to collaborate with in order to establish and facilitate new opportunities in our communities for the residents and businesses throughout Georgia.

3. None of the coastal areas have seemed to apply, how do we get them involved?

A. The State has open and competitive annual rounds for CDBG, and HOME funds. ESG and the CHIP Program have moved to biannual funding, however these rounds are also open and competitive. The State also has four outreach teams that are available to discuss the funds and resources that are available at DCA. There is also a resource guide available on DCA's website. To learn more about available resources in your area please visit http://www.dca.ga.gov/main/contact/index.asp, or contact us at:

B. 60 Executive Park South, NE Atlanta, GA 30329 (404) 679-4940 (800) 359-4663 (877) 204-1194 (TDD) www.dca.ga.gov

4. Will funding remain the same for ESG if they proceed with the biannual funding cycle?

A: A final policy has not been determined on the funding amounts available should DCA proceed with a biannual funding cycle for the ESG program.

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Citizen Comment Summary
5. How come there are only two CHDOs reported in the AP?
A: The State estimated that at a minimum two (2) nonprofit organizations would qualify to be a community housing development organization during the program year.
6. Does the State have a listing for minority/ women owned business? How would we access that list?
A. Currently, the State allows companies to `self-report' to designate themselves as a small business through the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) through the supplier registration on Team Georgia Marketplace where they can select the organization's classifications.
http://doas.ga.gov/state-purchasing/suppliers/getting-started-as-a-supplier
Additional, companies can receive certification by the State as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), performed by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
http://www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Business/DBE
GDOT processes the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification once the DBE certification is approved and proper criteria are met. The minority certification is a collaborated between DOAS and GDOT. This eliminates duplication of effort for suppliers and provides greater exposure of certified minority companies to state and local procurement officials and private sector suppliers.

Atlanta December 10, 2014

Attendees: 12

Hope to see investment in transitional housing programs addressing homeless to preventional for metro Atlanta and its surrounding communities. We also need affordable housing for families transitioning from programs that still need some assistance as they move toward becoming self-sufficient.

Marci Howington Homeless Women & Children
Rockdale County

People who live on disability benefits are way below the "very-low" income definition. Is there a way to talk about "terminally" low income? We need retrofit dollars for accessibility. There is also a rehab tool on the SILC website for those that are interested.

Patricia Puckett Independent Living Council of Georgia, Inc.

There is still a great need for affordable housing especially for the working poor in Georgia. Low income women with children are more in need for affordable housing to avoid homelessness.

Victor Mbaba Africa's Children's Fund

Retrofit dollars are needed for low income people with disabilities. Prioritize CHIP funds to rehab homes occupied by people with physical disabilities. Use the renovation tool published by SILC of GA to ensure all rehabs consider enhanced physical access with the rehab process. Beef up efforts to reach minority and women businesses in the contracting process. Questions on the survey regarding fair housing are assuming that the respondents work for housing agencies. We would like to see questions that target community level, trends, concerns they may be aware of.

Marty Collier SOPOS Coalition

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Citizen Comment Summary

Atlanta Webinar December 16, 2014

Attendees: 50

1. After looking at the CDBG funding map, why it reflects some counties with no funding?

A: The State is committed to reaching every county in Georgia. There are also 159 counties in Georgia, as with all federal resources funding has been reduced over years. All counties are welcomed to apply during the open and competitive annual funding cycle. Some counties simply do not apply. Please contact your local jurisdictions if you believe that funding is needed in your area.

2. What HUD funding is part of the Continuum Resolution?

A: The Continuing Resolution is the resolution passed by Congress to allow funding for government operations to continue until regular appropriations are passed. Generally, under the CR new appropriations for government programs like HOME, CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA are not made.

3. Are impediments identified by each of the protected groups?

A: Yes, impediments are identified by each of the protected groups. The State is currently conducting a study concerning fair housing. Known as the "Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice" (AI), the study is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a condition for receiving federal housing and community development funds. The report is expected to be available by the end of the fourth quarter.

4. What is low income?

A: Low income is defined as 80% or below the median income of that area. Very low income is defined as 50% or below the median income of that area. Income limits are shown on the HUD USER website (http://www.huduser.org) broken down by year and by county. To view the income limits for a particular county, click on the following link: datasets/il.html. Once open, select the year for which you would like to see the Income Limit, and on the following page, scroll down to the U.S. map and select the state in which you want a Section 8 voucher. You will see an alphabetical listing of counties by state and their income limits.

5. What type of programs are funded through Neighborhood Stimulus Programs.

A: The CDBG Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP 1), which is Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, H.R. 3221, is a program designed to assist local governments to purchase abandoned and foreclosed properties. Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 (NSP 3), authorized by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (H.R. 4173) is a program designed to further address the national foreclosure crisis through provision of funds to eligible local governments to purchase abandoned and foreclosed properties.

6. What fund sources can be made available to assist with retrofitting?

A: CDBG funds can be used to assist with retrofitting.

7. Have you identified the areas in need of funding?

A: Yes.

8. It would be helpful to have more than 2 weeks to review the CAPER.

A. In accordance to the rule, the CAPER has a 15 day comment period.

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60 Executive Park South, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30329-2231
404-679-4940 1-800-359-4663 (Outside Metro-Atlanta)
www.dca.ga.gov
An Equal Opportunity Employer/ Equal Housing Opportunity
If you have a disability and would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please contact
the Georgia Department of Community Affairs at 404.679.4915 (TDD).