Consolidated plan annual performance report (Atlanta, Ga.)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4

II. SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC ANNUAL OBJECTIVES

7

HUD TABLE 3A

III. SUMMARY OF RESOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS

13

Federal Resources

Other Resources

Relationship of Investment and Housing Priorities

IV. ANNUAL HOUSING ACCOMPLISHMENTS HUD TABLE 3B

19

Program Investments

V. PRIORITY HOUSING NEEDS

26

HUD TABLE 2A

VI. ASSESSMENT OF ANNUAL PERFORMANCE

30

Affordable Housing Evaluation

Community Development Evaluation

Program Objectives Changes

Consolidated Plan Assessment

Location of Investment

Affirmative Marketing Efforts

Fair Housing

Actions Taken to Address the Needs of Homeless Persons

and the Special Needs of Persons Who are not Homeless

VII. OTHER ACTIONS

48

Address Obstacles to Meet Underserved Needs

Assisting Households with Disproportionate Housing

Eliminate Barriers to Affordable Housing

Overcome Gaps in Institutional Structure and Enhance Coordination

Improve Public Housing and Resident Initiatives

Fostering and Maintaining Affordable Housing

Carrying Out the Actions in the Consolidated Plan

Citizen Participation

VIII. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)

57

Allocation by Jurisdiction

Program Accomplishments

Program Priorities and Objectives LMeovneirtaogriinngg

Evaluation of Progress of Community Development Objectives

IX. HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP (HOME)

66

Allocation by Program

Geographic Distribution of Assistance and Investments

Leverage

Projects Funded with Program Income

Monitoring

X. EMERGENCY SHELTER PROGRAM (ESG)

77

Allocation

Geographic Distribution of Assistance and Investment

Match Requirements

Homeless Discharge Coordination

XI. HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS (HOPWA)

82

Allocation

Racial/Ethnicity Characteristics

Special Needs

XII. APPENDIX I: HOPWA CAPER

86

XIII. APPENDIX II: DISTRIBUTION OF HUD FUNDS BY COUNTY

APPENDIX III: COPY OF PUBLIC NOTICE

APPENDIX IV: HOME PROGRAM ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDIX V: HOME MATCH REPORT A

RREPORT

3

INTRODUCTION
In compliance with regulations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the State of Georgia prepared the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2011 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) on the State's housing and community development activities and accomplishments. The four federal programs covered in this report are: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) Programs.
During State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2012, the period of July 1, 2011 June 30, 2012, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) administered the CDBG funds from HUD. The Georgia Housing and Finance Authority (GHFA) received the HOME, ESG, and HOPWA allocations; however, GHFA contracted with DCA to manage the programmatic requirements of the funds.
The CAPER is a document that enables the citizens of Georgia and HUD to monitor the State's progress in implementing its Consolidated Plan, which is a single document that describes the planning and application requirements of the federal funded programs. The CAPER includes a summary of the resources, the programmatic accomplishments in attaining the goals and objectives for the above period, and other actions taken to implement the overall strategies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The State's Consolidated Plan required the following objectives be addressed based on two categories: (1) to directly benefit low- and moderate-income households and (2) to improve the production capacity of affordable housing providers.
Direct Benefit Priorities
To increase the number of Georgia's low- and moderate-income households who have obtained affordable rental housing which is free of overcrowded and structurally substandard conditions
To increase the number of Georgia's low- and moderate-income households who have achieved and are maintaining homeownership in housing free of overcrowded and structurally substandard conditions
To increase the access of Georgia's homeless to a continuum of housing and supportive services which address their housing, economic, health, and social needs
To increase the access of Georgia's special need populations to a continuum of housing and supportive services which address their housing, economic, health, and social needs
To increase the access of Georgia's Hispanic population to a continuum of housing and supportive services that address their housing, economic, and social needs
To increase the access of Georgia's elderly population to a continuum of housing and supportive services that address their housing, economic, and social needs.
To provide assistance to local governments to meet their community and economic development needs
Production Improvement Priorities
To increase coordination, strengthen linkages and encourage the formation of partnerships between Georgia's private sector housing developers, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, public sector agencies, foundations, and other providers
To increase the capacity and skills of local nonprofit organizations and other providers to offer housing assistance
To improve the responsiveness of state and local policies to affordable housing issues
4

The State continues to address its priorities and objectives related to affordable housing and community development issues and the administration of related HUD-funded programs. While production results have sometimes exceeded or fallen short of stated goals within the Consolidated Plan, the State concludes that significant progress has been made to address the priorities and objectives outlined in its Consolidated Plan. Additionally, in spite of fluctuations in federal program funding, changes in program features, and the generally challenging economic climate, production was consistent. Below is a summary of the State's past activities to meet the objectives identified in the adopted Consolidated Plan.
1. Rehabilitate or construct affordable rental housing units for low and moderate-income households.
2. Provide rental assistance to low or moderate-income households. 3. Assist low or moderate-income households with rehabilitation or construction of housing. 4. Assist low or moderate-income households with down payment assistance. 5. Make funding awards to nonprofit organizations that provide housing and supportive
services necessary to break the cycle of homelessness. 6. Make funding awards to nonprofit organizations that provide housing and supportive
services necessary for Special Need households to achieve decent, safe and sanitary living conditions. The data used to track disbursements and to report performance throughout the program year was provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Community Planning and Development Division's Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS). IDIS reports provide an opportunity for the State to provided details to citizens on the successes achieved of revitalizing neighborhoods and meeting objectives outlined in the Consolidated Plan. To see an example of the kind of reports available in IDIS and to get details on how to access them, please visit the DCA website at the following link:
www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CommunityInitiatives/programs/PerformanceMeasurementReports.as
5

Demographic Characteristics of Georgia

The table on the following page provides a demographic breakdown of Georgia's population based upon the 2010 U. S. Census total of 9,687,653.

RACE
American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian Black or African American Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander White American Indian/ Alaskan Native and White Asian and White Black or African American and White Some Other Race Alone or Two or More Races Single Parent Families with Children under 18 Persons with Disabilities* Sources: 2000* and 2010 U. S. Census

TOTAL RACE

NO.

%

32,151

.3

314,467

3.2

2,950,435

30.5

6,799

.1

5,787,440

59.7

27,198

.3

29,613

.3

59,398

.6

442,198

4.6

401,094

11.2

1,456,812

17.8

HISPANIC OR LATINO

NO.

%

10,872

.1

2,775

.0

39,635

.4

1,647

.0

373,520

3.9

6

HUD TABLE 3A - SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC ANNUAL OBJECTIVES FFY2011/SFY2012 Year 2

Specific Obj. #

Outcome/Objective

Sources of Funds

Specific Annual Objectives

Performance Indicators

Program Expected Actual Percent Year Number Number Completed

DH-1.2

Accessibility for the purpose of providing decent affordable housing

DH-1.2.1.1 Construct affordable rental

Number of

2010

77

77

100%

housing units for extremely low- HOME

affordable rental 2011

60

85

142%

income households.

housing units

Program

2012

252

Income

GOAL

389

DH-1.2.1.2 Construct affordable rental

Number of

2010

131

131

100%

housing units for low-income

HOME

affordable rental 2011

90

146

162%

households.

housing units

Program

2012

320

Income

DH-1.2.1.3

Construct affordable rental housing units for moderateincome households.

GOAL

541

Number of

2010

37

37

100%

HOME

affordable rental 2011

40

62

155%

housing units

Program

2012

162

Income

GOAL

239

DH-1.2.2.1 Assist extremely low-income

HOME Number of

2010

0

households with the construction

affordable

2011

1

of housing so that they may achieve homeownership.

Program

housing units for 2012

3

Income

0

N/A

0

0%

GOAL

4

DH-1.2.2.2 Assist low-income households

HOME Number of

2010

0

with the construction of housing

affordable

2011

1

so that they may achieve

housing units

homeownership.

Program

2012

5

Income

0

N/A

2

200%

GOAL

6

7

DH-1.2

Accessibility for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing

DH-1.2.2.3 Assist moderate-income

Number of

2010

2

households with the construction HOME

affordable

2011

of housing so that they may

housing units

0

achieve homeownership.

Program

2012

0

Income

2

100%

10

N/A

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

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

HOME
CDBG HOPWA

GOAL
Number of Hispanic households assisted

2010 2011 2012

2 2,427 2,000 2,000

ESG HCV

GOAL

6,427

Affordability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing

Provide extremely low-income households with rental assistance.

HOPWA
HCV

Number of households assisted

2010 2011 2012

14,060 13,954 14,009

Provide low-income households with rental assistance.

S+C
HOPWA HCV

GOAL
Number of households assisted

2010 2011 2012

42,023 3,232 3,046 3,046

Provide moderate-income households with rental assistance.

S+C
HOPWA HCV

GOAL
Number of households assisted

2010 2011 2012

9,324 414 388 388

2,427 1,447
14,060 13,277
3,232 3,819
414 623

100% 72%
100% 95%
100% 125%
100% 161%

S+C

GOAL

1,190

8

DH-2.2 DH-2.2.2.1

Affordability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing

Assist extremely low-income households with down payment assistance so that they may achieve homeownership.

HOME
Program Income

Number receiving down payment assistance

2010 2011 2012

DH-2.2.2.2

Assist low-income households with down payment assistance so that they may achieve homeownership.

CDBG
HOME
Program Income

GOAL
Number receiving down payment assistance

2010 2011 2012

DH-2.2.2.3

Assist moderate-income households with down payment assistance so that they may achieve homeownership.

CDBG
HOME
Program Income

GOAL
Number receiving down payment assistance

2010 2011 2012

DH-2.2.3

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

CDBG
HUD Housing Counseling
HOME

GOAL
Number of households receiving home buyers education.

2010 2011 2012

32

32

18

26

21

71

236

236

134

163

150

520

474

474

263

213

287

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

6,563 932

100% 144%
100% 122%
100% 81%
100% 18%

DH-2.2.4 DH-2.2.5 DH-2.2.6

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

HOME HOPWA
HCV S + C

GOAL
Number of Special Needs households assisted

2010 2011 2012

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

7,898 9,120

GOAL

22,948

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

HCV

Number households assisted

HOME

2010

12

12

2011

0

0

2012

55

living situations.

GOAL

67

Provide housing assistance and

Number

2010

0

0

services to break the cycle of

ESG

households that

2011 1,100

194

homelessness

received

emergency

2012 1,100

financial

assistance

GOAL

2,200

100% 122%
100% N/A
N/A 18%

9

DH-3.2

Sustainability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing

DH-3.2.1.1 Rehabilitate affordable, rental

Number of units 2010

40

housing units for extremely

HOME

rehabilitated

2011

0

low-income households.

Program

2012

76

Income

GOAL

116

DH-3.2.1.2 Rehabilitate affordable, rental

Number of

2010

166

housing units for low-income

HOME

units

2011

0

households.

rehabilitated

Program

2012

0

Income

GOAL

166

DH-3.2.1.3 Rehabilitate affordable, rental

Number of

2010

5

housing units for moderate-

HOME

units

2011

0

income households.

rehabilitated

Program

2012

0

Income

DH-3.2 DH-3.2.2.1

GOAL

5

Sustainability for the purpose of providing Decent Affordable Housing

Assist extremely low-income

Number of

2010

45

households with rehabilitation

HOME

affordable

2011

27

so that they may achieve

units

sustainable and affordable homeownership.

CDBG

2012

36

GOAL

108

DH-3.2.2.2 Assist low-income households

Number of

2010

51

with rehabilitation so that they HOME

affordable

2011

41

may achieve sustainable and

units

affordable homeownership.

CDBG

2012

56

40

100%

12

N/A

166

100%

6

N/A

5

100%

0

N/A

45

100%

37

137%

51

100%

55

134%

DH-3.2.2.3

Assist moderate-income households with rehabilitation so that they may achieve sustainable and affordable homeownership.

HOME CDBG

GOAL

Number of

2010

affordable units

2011 2012

GOAL

148

37

37

100%

37

23

62%

51

125

10

SL-1.1 SL-1.1.1.0
SL-1.1 SL-1.1.2
SL-1.1.3
SL-1.1.4

Accessibility for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments

Provide housing necessary for Georgia's homeless to break the cycle of homelessness to provide housing to homeless

ESG CDBG

Number of homeless given overnight

2010 2011 2012

33,766 33,000 33,000

individuals (transitional and

shelter

shelter)

GOAL

99,766

Accessibility for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments

Enhance the availability and accessibility of suitable living environments through the construction of public facilities

CDBG

Number of people assisted

2010 2011 2012

16,588 3,000 3,000

to benefit residential areas with

a LMI percentage of 51 or

greater.

GOAL

22,588

Enhance the availability and accessibility of suitable living environments through the construction of buildings to

CDBG

Number of people assisted

2010 2011 2012

1,468 3,000 3,000

benefit LMI people at a rate of

51 or greater. For CDBG, this

will primarily involve projects

that offer limited clientele services through construction of

GOAL

7,468

new facilities.

Provide supportive services

ESG

Number of

2010

47,963

necessary for Georgia's

homeless

2011

46,000

homeless to break the cycle of homelessness to individuals.

individuals assisted

2012

44,000

33,766 29,873
16,588 9,118
1,468 23,680
47,963 39,890

96% 91%
100% 304%
100% 789%
100% 87%

SL-1.1.5 Provide emergency housing for

Georgia's homeless seeking

ESG

overnight accommodations in

shelters and transitional to

break the cycle of homelessness

GOAL
Number of beds created in overnight shelter or emergency housing
GOAL

2010 2011 2012

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

4,505 4,593

100% 102%

13,505

11

SL-3.1 SL-3.1.1.0
SL-3.1.2.0
SL-3.1 L-3.1.3.0
EO-1.3 EO-1.3.1.0

Sustainability for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments

Make funding awards to local governments, or organizations that assist elderly persons with housing and/or supportive services. NOTE: For CDBG, these numbers generally represent services through senior centers.
Enhance the sustainability of suitable living environments through the construction, reconstruction or rehabilitation of public facilities to benefit residential areas with a 51% or greater LMI percentage. NOTE: For CDBG, these numbers represent upgrades to existing services such as replacing 2" lines with 6" lines.

HOME Number of 62% elderly persons assisted

2010 2011 2012

CDBG

GOAL

CDBG

Number of people assisted

2010
2011 2012

GOAL

3,081 3,994 4,110 11,185 4,255 9,000 9,000
22,255

Sustainability for the purpose of creating Suitable Living Environments

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

CDBG

Number of people assisted

2010 2011 2012

GOAL

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

Accessibility for the purpose of creating Economic Opportunities

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

CDBG

Number of new jobs created

2010 2011 2012

648 1,200 1,200

EO-3.3 EO-3.3.1.0

GOAL

3,048

Sustainability for the purpose of creating Economic Opportunities

Provide economic opportunity by

Number of

2010

782

retaining jobs via loans to

CDBG

jobs retained

2011

400

businesses, grants for public

infrastructure and funds for training

2012

400

centers.

EO-3.3.1.1

Provide economic opportunity by



assisting businesses grants to create CDBG

or retain jobs

GOAL
Number of businesses assisted

2010 2011 2012

1,582 16 16 16

3,081 100% 2,491
4,255 100% 2,383 26%

1,468 100% 5,223 261%

648 100% 969 81%

782 100%

36

9%

16

100%

12

75%

GOAL

48

Water and sewer projects and drainage/street improvements

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

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

12

SUMMARY OF RESOURCES AND DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS

The State utilized a variety of federal and non-federal resources to accomplish the housing and community development objectives for the FFY2011. These resources were allocated to carry out the activities performed by the state and local governments. Local government and other agencies awarded funds used match funding to impact the production results in their communities.

CDBG, HOME, and ESG required a match contribution to generate additional investment in planned activities. Local government applicants for the CDBG Program received additional points for providing evidences of other resources (i.e. local general revenue, other federal and state loans or grant funds, and private commitments) for their projects.

ESG recipients matched the awarded HUD funds with an equal amount from another resource. HOPWA grant recipients were not required to match federal funding but they are encouraged to seek additional funding to ensure sustainability of supportive services.

The total amount of HUD funding allocated for the program year for all the State's programs was $62,420,239. Following is a breakdown of this total by program.

FFY2011 State of Georgia Funding Totals by HUD Program

CDBG

HOME

ESG

HOPWA

$36,631,109

$21,491,880

$2,277,822

$2,019,428

Other Resources
The State received other funding sources to achieve the housing objectives during the period. This CAPER does not report on the State's federal economic stimulus programs created by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP 1, and 3), the CDBG-Recovery program (CDBG-R), the Tax Credit Assistance Program, the Tax Credit Exchange Program, and the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Housing Program (HPRP). These programs report separately according to their respective federal regulations.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit/Georgia Housing Tax Credit
Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) have been an important tool in the development and preservation of affordable rental housing in Georgia. The Housing Tax Credit Program allocates federal and state tax credits to owners of qualified rental properties who reserve all or a portion of their units for occupancy for low-income tenants. The program helps to address the need for affordable rental housing by providing a 10year federal and state tax incentive to attract private investment for the development of affordable housing. The money raised by the sale of the tax credits reduces the size of the mortgage needed for development, so rents can be reduced. Owners agree to rent all or some of their units to low-income residents for at least 15 years. During SFY2012, DCA administered both the federal and the state program for the State of Georgia, allocating $22,250,788 in federal and State Housing Credit authority. This activity will produce 2,327 rental units.
Since 2002, DCA has awarded approximately $139 million in federal 9% housing tax credit annual allocations to affordable housing developers. In turn, these developers have constructed or rehabilitated more than 20,000 units of affordable rental housing statewide.

13

Housing Choice Voucher Rental Assistance (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program allows public housing authorities the opportunity to offer rental and utility assistance to lower-income families by utilizing the existing housing stock. The program is tailored to meet the individual needs of qualified families by offering each family the freedom to find a suitable unit and contract with landlords who will agree to accept the HCV rent subsidies on behalf of the family and to maintain their rental properties to the required Housing Quality Standards.

Currently, the HCV program serves over 15,000 Georgia families and processes over 13,000 rental assistance payments per month. This adds more than $98 million to Georgia's economy each year. During SFY2012, the State's Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8 Rental Assistance) program provided $98,354,217 in assistance, benefiting 15,151 households.

DCA administers the program in 149 counties through four regional offices located around the State. Local public housing authorities administer this program in the remaining 10 counties (Bibb, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Glynn, Muscogee, Richmond, and Sumter counties). In addition to the above services, DCA administers other rental assistance programs such as:

PROGRAM

DESCRIPTION

Mainstream Program Vouchers

Assist persons with disabilities find accessible rental housing in the private marketplace

Project-Based Voucher

Families can live at certain housing development that have vouchers attached to the property and received supportive services for the special needs populations

Enhanced Voucher

HUD provides assistance to Section 236 of Section 221(d)(e) property owners with financial assistance to convert projectbased assisted properties to the Housing Choice Program

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing

HCV rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs at its medical centers in the community

Homeownership Program

Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) are allocated as income for a participant to purchase a home in DCA's jurisdiction for the purpose of qualifying for a mortgage loan

Georgia's Housing Settlement Agreement

(NEW) Assistance provided to any person meeting the criteria under the Americans with Disabilities Act Settlement Agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Georgia to carry out the housing remedy of the Settlement Agreement

Money Follows the Person Demonstration

Assistance to qualified elderly, people with significant physical disabilities and acquired brain injury, and persons with serious developmental disabilities to transition from nursing facilities, hospitals, and intermediate care facilities to qualified community residences

14

HUD Shelter Plus Care Rental Assistance (S+C)
Shelter Plus Care Housing provides permanent housing and on-going services for homeless persons with disabilities and their families. Persons served by this program primarily have disabilities associated with serious mental illness, chronic problems with alcohol and/or drugs, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or related diseases.
There are 16 Community Service Boards that fall under the purview of the Georgia Department of Human Services that deliver services under the S+C program. The staff is trained to identify the appropriate housing and on-going treatment the clients need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eligible clients can receive either sponsor-based or project-based rental assistance (with or without rehabilitation).
Currently, there are 69 current projects with 1,636 units under contract. Thirty-one (31) programs are operating in a five-year grant period while 38 programs are operating in a renewal term for a 12 month period. The programs benefit an estimated 2,452 persons who are homeless/chronically homeless and have a disability. Approximately 95% of the households residing in Shelter plus Care units were below 50% of the area median income.
Mortgage Revenue Bond Proceeds
The Georgia Dream First Mortgage program uses the proceeds generated from GHFA's issuance of mortgage revenue bonds to offer low interest rate loans to qualified low and moderate-income home buyers with modest assets. The loans are 30 year fixed rate mortgages with interest rates that are typically lower than existing market rates. Except for targeted rural counties and some urban census tracts, borrowers must be first-time home buyers and the mortgage must be either FHA or conventionally insured, or VA or USDA/Rural Development guidelines if the loan-to-value ratio was greater than eighty percent. Homes purchased under this program cannot exceed maximum sales price limits and must be the borrower's primary residence.
The Mortgage Revenue Bonds provided $94,912,621 in loans to assist 1,053 households. The State also used the proceeds of its mortgage revenue bonds to fund down payment and closing costs through the State's Georgia Dream Second Mortgage programs, which resulted in 622 loan closings totaling $3,725,000.
State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless
The State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless (Trust Fund) serves as a conduit for federal Homeless McKinney funds. DCA is responsible for administering grants and loans to local governments and private nonprofit organizations to assist low-income and homeless persons. During SFY2012, the Trust Fund awarded 205 grants to assist family with the following supportive services:
1) case management, outreach, and counseling 2) operating emergency shelters, transitional and supportive housing facilities 3) technical assistance to organizations delivering the services
The Trust Fund also provided funds to the Permanent Supportive Housing Program (PSHP). This program provided financial assistance to developers of permanent housing for eligible homeless tenants. In addition, DCA provides project-based rental assistance (Housing Choice Voucher) for 100% of PSHP units occupied by eligible tenants in certain jurisdictions. These units are designated for low income homeless individuals that require supportive services.
During SFY2012, DCA committed Freedom's Path for $5,479,831 in IDIS. Freedom's Path is multifamily development in Augusta that consists of 70 units of permanent and transitional housing for homeless veterans with disabilities. Additionally, the following project was completed in IDIS:
15

Project Dutchtown

# of Units
48 units

Location Savannah

HOME Funding $4,860,372

State Funding
$206,000

Continuum of Care Funds
DCA coordinates the application of the Balance of State Continuum of Care (CoC) each year. The Balance of State Continuum covers 152 counties. This document serves as the state's blueprint for providing a series of comprehensive and progressive care to homeless individuals and families such that they become self-sufficient and permanently housed. In addition to being used as a planning tool, the CoC document is also a means that many Georgia communities can use to access federal NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) funding from HUD. Each year since 1998, the Trust Fund and its many community partners have developed a plan that has generated $121.5 million for 483 awards for transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, mental health programs, day facilities, child-care and a host of other projects (new and renewal). Under the 2011 CoC NOFA, the Balance of State Continuum application resulted in the renewal of 60 projects and the funding of 8 new projects. The 60 renewal projects included 2 permanent supportive housing projects, 26 Shelter Plus Care projects, 23 transitional housing projects, 8 supportive service projects, and 1 Homeless Management Information System projects. The new projects funded included 1 transitional housing project, 2 permanent supportive housing projects, and 5 Shelter Plus Care projects. The total amount of Balance of State Continuum of Care awards under the 2011 CoC was just over $14.4 million.
Home Access Program
The Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission made $132,400 in funding available for the Home Access Program for persons with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries for the SFY 2012. This program has demonstrated effectiveness for maintaining individuals and families in communityintegrated housing and allows persons to age in place with the necessary modifications instead of being placed in institutional settings such as assisted living or nursing home placements.
Through the program, eligible households receive up to $15,000 for accessibility modifications. Funding is used to complete any of the following activities which can include: the widening of interior and exterior doorways, construction of wheelchair ramps, bathroom retrofitting which may involved the construction of roll in showers, ADA level toilets, installation of chair or porch lifts, accessibility improvements to kitchens, lowering of closet shelves, installation of visual aids and/or audible alarms, and other modifications as approved by DCA. The contract administrator provides the oversight and monitoring of the improvements to ensure the property is the individual's primary residence.
During SFY 2012, DCA assisted 9 eligible households with home modification services. The average rehabilitation cost was $14,711. The network of contract administrators for the Home Access Program includes:

16

Administrators
Action, Inc. Multiple Choices Center For Independent Living Walton Options For Independent Living BAIN, Inc. Center For Independent Living Dalton-Whitfield Corporation Community Development DisAbility Link Center For Independent Living Disability Resource Center Valdosta Lowndes County Habitat for Humanity LIFE, Living Independence for Everyone Friends Of Disabled Adults & Children Too! Middle Georgia Community Action Agency

Location Athens Athens Augusta Bainbridge Dalton Decatur Gainesville Valdosta Savannah Stone Mountain Warner Robins

Re-Entry Partnership Housing Program (RPH)

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles, DCA, and the Department of Corrections partnered to continue to assist convicted felons that are released from prison with obtaining housing services through the Reentry Partnership Housing (RPH) for the Residence-Problem Inmates (RPI) project. This program provides housing to convicted felons who remain in prison after the Parole Board has authorized their release due solely to having no residential options. Under the partnership, the agencies link services and other resources to the individual to help stabilize their basic living arrangements to enhance their ability to remain crime free. During this reporting period, the RPH program assisted 506 eligible parolees with housing placement, meals and the opportunity to reintegrate into the general population and become reconnected with society and DCA disbursed $654,600 to agencies providing the required services.

HomeSafe Georgia

In April 2011, the HomeSafe Georgia program rolled out statewide to assist unemployed and underemployed homeowners with mortgage payment assistance. Approved applicants received up to 18 months of assistance, which is provided as a zero cost, 0% interest loan that is forgiven at 20% per year for five years following the assistance period.

At the end of the SFY2012, DCA had assisted 1,228 Georgians with mortgage assistance and outreach service. Outreach is accomplished through mailings to unemployment benefit recipients, events with servicers, congressional offices, churches, and local organizations. This program is expected to continue through the next funding year and additional information can be obtained at www.HomeSafeGeorgia.com website.

OneGeorgia Authority

The OneGeorgia Authority makes grants and loans to local government entities, typically rural communities, for economic development from the 25-year term State's tobacco settlement economically challenged areas.
There are two basic fund areas available to challenged areas that rural communities can access for economic development assistance:
Equity Fund provides financial assistance to rural communities to help build the necessary infrastructure for economic development and the creation of jobs. Funds are made available for capacity building and existing industry through this program. Equity funds are also available as loans for several different types of projects, such as constructing speculative buildings in order to attract additional industries to these regions.

17

Entrepreneur and Small Business Development Loan Guarantee (ESB) provides new financial resources and opportunities for business development in Georgia's at-risk areas by partnering with accredited Georgia financial institutions.
Relationship of Investments to Georgia's Affordable Housing Priorities
This section outlines the state's progress towards addressing the affordable housing priorities identified in the State's Annual Action Plan for FFY2011 Consolidated Funds.
Because of the current structure of DCA's housing programs, such as the HOME Program, a twoyear cycle to commit funds to individual activities is feasible to allow additional time to finalize the deal. Therefore many of the accomplishments outline in the CAPER include activities from funding years that where completed during this reporting period. Additionally, the total amount of program funds committed to projects identified in this section does not equal the amount of FFY2011 program funds received from HUD.
The projected and actual household benefit figures associated with each objective only represent the assistance level produced from the following sources: State's consolidated formula allocation, state funds available as match to the federal funds, program income and other HUD assistance.
The actual production statistics of other funding sources are provided separately for informational purposes, as available.
Data on beneficiaries of the HUD funds is based on the following:

HOME

# of activities completed

ESG

# of individuals who received assistance during the reporting period

HOPWA

# of households who received housing and/or supportive services

CDBG

# served in housing activities undertaken by grant recipients and reported quarterly

Information on investments by other funding source is based on the following:

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

# of households receiving housing and/or utility assistance and $ of financial assistance disbursed

Shelter Plus Care

# of households receiving housing assistance and $ of financial assistance disbursed

Georgia Dream First Mortgage Program

$ of investment funds from loans closed

Low Income Housing Tax Credit/Georgia Housing Tax Credit/State Housing Trust Fund Programs

# of awards made

18

HUD TABLE 3B - Annual Housing Completion Goals 3 Year - Program Accomplishments

Grantee Name: State of Georgia Dept. of Community Affairs
Program Year: SFY 2012 AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING GOALS (SEC.215)
Acquisition of existing units Production of new units Rehabilitation of existing units Rental Assistance Total Sec. 215 Affordable Rental ANNUAL AFFORDABLE OWNER HOUSING GOALS (Sec. 215 Only) Acquisition of existing units

Expected Annual Number of Units To Be Completed
0 142
0 93 235
0

Actual Annual Number of Units Completed

Resources used during the period
CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA

0

245

X

18

X

137

X

400

X

X

0

Production of new units

2

12

X

Rehabilitation of existing units

105

115

X

X

Homebuyer Assistance

415

Total Sec. 215 Affordable Owner

522

TOTAL ANNUAL

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

GOALS (Sec. 215 Only)

Acquisition of existing units

0

402

X

X

529

X

X

0

Production of new units

144

257

X

Rehabilitation of existing units Rental Assistance Homebuyer Assistance Total. 215 Affordable Housing
ANNUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING GOALS (Sec. 215 Only)
Homeless Households
Non-homeless Households
Special Needs Households
ANNUAL HOUSING GOALS
Annual Rental Housing Goal Annual Owner Housing Goal Total Overall Housing Goal

105 93 415 757
4,300 527 450
235 522 757

133

X

X

137

X

402

X

X

929

X

X

29,873 780 875
400 529 929

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

19

BREAKDOWN OF THE HUD-FUNDED PROGRAMS INVESTMENT TABLE BY THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The chart below list the State's investments and assistance by the following programs: Rental, Homeownership, Homelessness and Special Needs.

Investment and Assistance by HUD Funded Programs - SFY2012

RENTAL
Objective
Construct affordable rental housing units

Program
HOME Rental Housing Loan Permanent Supportive
Housing

Investment $14,816,708
$4,860,372

Assistance 245 units
48 units

Rehab affordable rental housing units

HOME Rental Housing Loan

$1,162,500

18 units

Provide rental assistance

HOPWA
Housing Choice Voucher
Shelter Plus Care

$356,612 $98,354,217
$8,986,167

133 households 15,151 households
2,452 households

HOMEOWNERSHIP
Assist HH with construction of housing to achieve homeownership
Assist HH with rehab of housing to achieve homeownership

Georgia Dream Single Family Development
Program
CHIP
CDBG Housing Rehab

$240,142

12 households

$2,417,317

69 households

$2,009,162

46 households

20

Objective
Assist HH with down payment assistance to achieve homeownership

Program Georgia Dream Second Mortgage (Traditional)
Georgia Dream: CHOICE
Georgia Dream: PEN Georgia Dream Single Family Development CHIP CDBG Down Payment Assistance HUD Counseling Grant

Assist Spanish speaking HH

CHIP
Georgia Dream Second Mortgage (Traditional) HOPWA
ESG

Investment $985,000

Assistance 197 households

$145,000 $660,000 $142,565
$1,000,635 $15,600
$208,000

19 households 88 households 12 households
84 households 2 households
932 individuals assisted

$57,000 $45,000 $29,574 $87,447

6 households 9 households 31 individuals 2,453 individuals

21

HOMELESSNESS
Objective
Provide housing and services to homeless individuals

Program Emergency Shelter Grant

Provide housing and services to break cycle of homelessness (Homeless prevention)

Emergency Shelter Grant / Transitional Shelter Program

HOPWA

Shelter Plus Care
Permanent Supportive Housing

Investment
$3,339,285
$153,309
$1,693,631
$8,986,167 $4,860,372

Assistance
205 awards* 3,662 total daily housed (2,188 in
emergency shelter
and 1,474 in transitional housing)* 1,448 daily
services*
*includes state & federal funds
9 awards 194 households (544 persons total) received homeless
prevention assistance. 90% of persons served were in households with children (total of 335 children).
8 awards 460
household s housed
w/ 804 people housed
(483 persons w/HIV/AIDS and 321 other family members) 366 HH w/ non-HOPWA funded housing
also received supportive services
1,636 units assisted
48 units assisted

22

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

Objective

Program

Investment

Assist Special Needs HH with housing and supportive services

Shelter Plus Care HOPWA

$8,986,167 $1,693,631

Permanent Supportive Housing Housing Choice Voucher
Georgia Dream: CHOICE

$4,860,372
$23,301,072 $145,000

Assistance 1,636 units
assisted
826 households 48 households
4,335 households 19 households

Assist elderly persons with housing and supportive services

CDBG Rehabilitation/Reconstruction

$1,303,975

ESG

$35,640

HOPWA* Shelter Plus Care
HOME Rental Housing Loan

$89,676 $104,082
$2,679,604

29 households
556 individuals (528 in
emergency shelter and 21 in
transitional housing and 7 in
supportive services) 94 individuals 33 households including person with a disability 34 households

CHIP
Housing Choice Voucher
Georgia Dream Second Mortgage including all financial options
* - Under the HOPWA Program, "Elderly" represents anyone 51 years or older.

$1,271,605 $10,837,140
$77,500

40 households 2,393 households
14 households

23

RENTAL
Objective Construct affordable rental housing units

Investment and Assistance by Other Programs - SFY2011

Program Low Income Housing Tax Credit (State and Federal)

Investment $22,574,109

Assistance 1,772 units

Rehab affordable rental housing units

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (State and Federal)

$3,711,947

392 units

Provide rental assistance

Georgia Housing Voucher Program

$4,232,940

648 households

HOMEOWNERSHIP

Assist HH with

No Investment or Assistance by other programs

construction of

housing to achieve

homeownership

Assist HH with rehab of housing to achieve homeownership

No Investment or Assistance by other programs

Assist households with assistance to achieve homeownership Assist HH with down payment assistance to achieve homeownership

Georgia Dream First Mortgage-Bond Funds
Georgia Dream Second Mortgage - Bond Fund Georgia Dream Second Mortgage State Funds Georgia Dream Second Mortgage Programs borrowers may have also received assistance through DCA's Georgia Dream First Mortgage program.

$94,912,621
$3,725,000 $1,030,000

1,053 HH
622 HH 137 HH

24

Objective Assist Spanish speaking households

Program

Investment

No Investment or Assistance by other programs

HOMELESSNESS
Provide housing and services to homeless individuals (Housing)

No Investment or Assistance by other programs

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

Assist Special Needs HH with housing and supportive services

HOME Access
Permanent Supportive Housing (State Funding)

$132,400 $206,000

Assist elderly persons with housing and supportive services

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (Federal and State) Georgia Dream First Mortgage-Bond Funds

$4,994,351 $225,000

Assistance
9 HH 48 units 541 elderly HH 40 elderly HH

25

HUD TABLE 2A PRIORITY HOUSING NEED*

PRIORITY NEED CATEGORY

RENTERS

0-30% AMI

31-50% AMI

51-80% AMI

SUBTOTAL

OWNERS

0-30% AMI

31-50% AMI

51-80% AMI

SUBTOTAL

HOMELESS

INDIVIDUALS

FAMILIES*

SUBTOTAL

NON-HOMELESS SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSEHOLDS **

CDBG 0 0 0 0 19 22 7 48 0 0 0 29

HOME 97 152 62 311 44 196 229 469 0 0 0 95

ESG 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
15,240 14,633 29,873
0

***HOPWA 64 57 12 133 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 133

TOTAL 161 209 74 444 63 218 236 517
15,240 14,633 29,873
257

48

780 29,873

133

TOTALS

* Represents the number of persons in households of 2 or more assisted with shelter or transitional housing.

** Elderly households are also counted in the above categories and are therefore separated here.

***Recipients of HOPWA STRMU assistance are not reported based upon owner or renter status so all HOPWA

beneficiaries are classified as renters for the purposes of this chart.

30,834

Performance Measures
Decent housing: The provision of decent housing assists both the homeless and persons at risk of becoming homeless in obtaining housing and increases the availability of permanent housing in standard condition and at affordable cost to low- and moderate-income families. Decent housing also increases the supply of supportive housing with services needed to enable persons with special needs to live independently, and provides housing affordable to low to moderate-income persons that are accessible to job opportunities. Under this provision, DCA will expand access to affordable rental housing, expand homeownership opportunities, make the home buying process less complicated, assist renters to become homeowners, fight practices that promote predatory lending, and increase public awareness of fair housing laws.

Suitable living environment: The provision of a suitable living environment improves the safety and livability of neighborhoods; increases access to quality public and private facilities and services; reduces the isolation of income groups within a community or geographical area by offering housing opportunities for persons of lower-income and revitalizes deteriorating or deteriorated neighborhoods.

Provide economic opportunity: The provision of expanded economic opportunities creates and retains jobs; establishes, stabilizes, and expands small businesses (including micro-businesses); provides public services concerned with employment; provides jobs to low income persons living in areas affected by those programs and activities; makes available mortgage financing for low-income persons at reasonable rates using nondiscriminatory lending practices; provides access to capital and credit for development activities that promote the long-term economic and social viability of the

26

community; and provides empowerment and self-sufficiency opportunities for low-income persons to reduce generational poverty in federally-assisted and public housing. The outcomes in this system help further refine the objectives and capture the nature of change or the expected result. Availability/accessibility applies to activities that make services, infrastructure, public services, public facilities, housing, or shelter available or accessible to extremely low, low and moderate-income people. Affordability applies to activities that provide affordability in a variety of ways to extremely low, low and moderate-income people. Sustainability applies to activities that are aimed at improving communities or neighborhoods, or helping to make them livable or viable by providing benefit to extremely low, low and moderate-income people. One of the more difficult aspects of this Performance Outcome Measurement System is that it requires the quantification of planned annual and multiple year program outcomes in considerable detail including project completion and beneficiary data. This is a considerably easier task for entitlements, as they are able to plan uses for HUD funding years ahead. State programs typically utilize competitive annual award processes. The following chart identifies the prioritization of need by the four federal programs covered by the Consolidated Plan. CDBG funding is the largest part of the State's annual HUD funding, making up about 59 percent of the $62.4 million received from HUD. HOME funds are the second largest source of housing and community development funding at about 34 percent of the total. Clearly, these funding sources play a very important role in meeting the State's priority needs. For SFY2012, the State identified the areas of greatest need. The State is unable to place a specific priority need in the categories because the prediction level is unknown. The State could not predict the level of need. Therefore, the State has indicated below a check mark for each category. The following chart indicates the State's priority levels for each housing category that has been designated in the strategic plan that comprises the Consolidated Plan.
27

State Priority Housing/Special Needs/Investment Plan Table

PART 1 PRIORITY HOUSING NEEDS Small Related

Renter

Large Related Elderly

Owner

All Other

PART 2 PRIORITY SPECIAL NEEDS
Elderly Frail Elderly Severe Mental Illness Developmentally Disabled Physically Disabled Persons w/ Alcohol/Other Drug Addictions

Priority Level Indicate High, Medium, Low,
Checkmark, Yes, No

0-30%



31-50%



51-80%



0-30%



31-50%



51-80%



0-30%



31-50%



51-80%



0-30%



31-50%



51-80%



0-30%



31-50%



51-80%



Priority Level Indicate High,

Medium, Low, checkmark, Yes,

No













Persons w/HIV/AIDS



Victims of Domestic Violence



Other



28

PART 3 PRIORITYHOUSING ACTIVITIES
CDBG Acquisition of existing rental units Production of new rental units Rehabilitation of existing rental units Rental assistance Acquisition of existing owner units Production of new owner units Rehabilitation of existing owner units Homeownership assistance
HOME Acquisition of existing rental units Production of new rental units Rehabilitation of existing rental units Rental assistance Acquisition of existing owner units Production of new owner units Rehabilitation of existing owner units Homeownership assistance
HOPWA Rental assistance Short term rent/mortgage utility payments Facility based housing development Facility based housing operations Supportive services

Priority Level Indicate High, Medium, Low, checkmark, Yes,
No

No
No

29

ASSESSMENT OF ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
Evaluation of Progress to Provide Affordable Housing
The State continues to make significant progress towards meeting its housing priorities established in its three-year strategy with the Consolidated Plan. In SFY2012, the State assisted 30,834 households with housing and shelter assistance funded through HOME, CDBG, ESG or HOPWA. Following is an assessment by performance outcome measurement of the State's ability to meet its goals and objectives as outlined in HUD Table 3A.
DH 1.2-Accessibility for the Purpose of Providing Decent Affordable Housing
This measurement included the construction of affordable housing for homeowners and renters and also addressed assistance to Hispanic households. The State projected to construct affordable rental housing units for 60 extremely low, 90 low and 40 moderate-income households. It would also construct homes to be sold to 1 extremely low, 1 low and 0 moderate-income households and provide housing assistance to 2,000 Hispanic households. During SFY2012, the State actually assisted in the construction of rental housing for 85 extremely low, 146 low and 62 moderateincome households using HOME funds so the target numbers were exceeded for all income groupings. Twelve single-family homes for ownership were completed under the Single Family Development Program as mortgage financing for low and moderate income families in Georgia became more readily available than in previous years. A total of 1,447 Hispanic households were assisted during SFY2012, 72% of what was anticipated. This was likely due to an outward migration of this population from the State due to continuing job losses and stricter immigration policies.
DH-2.2-Affordability for the Purpose of Providing Decent Affordable Housing
This outcome included the numbers served with down payment assistance by income level, home buyer education, homeless prevention, and assistance to special needs households. The State estimated it would provide 13,954 extremely low, 3,046 low and 388 moderate-income households with rental assistance during this reporting period. During SFY2012, the State assisted 13,277 extremely low, 3,819 low, and 623 moderate-income households with rental assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher, HOPWA, and Shelter Plus Care programs. Overall production was slightly higher than projected and more low- and moderate-income households were served through this program than anticipated. A total of 415 households were anticipated to receive down payment assistance with 4% being extremely low-income, 32% low-income, and 64% moderate income. A total of 402 households received down payment assistance, a figure that is 97% of what was projected. In addition, the number of households that received home buyer education was only 18% of what was projected. Counseling numbers were down because no HOME dollars were received for this activity in SFY12 and the HUD housing counseling grant was not received until April, 2012 so it only included 3 months of services. The number of special needs households receiving housing or supportive services was 122% of what was projected as the demand for this assistance continued to remain high. No households were assisted with everything needed to transition from institutional to community living situations because the approval of federal preferences in the Housing Choice Voucher Program was delayed. Funding for this population to transition to community housing was instead provided through State resources provided by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. It was anticipated that a total of 1,100 households were expected to receive emergency financial assistance during SFY12, but only 194 were assisted. The lower number served was due to the fact that there were a number of new subrecipients that were awarded homeless prevention funding and there were delays in implementing their programs as they dealt with logistical and procedural issues.
30

DH3.2-Sustainability for the Purpose of Providing Decent Affordable Housing
This outcome involved the rehabilitation of rental units for extremely low, low, and moderateincome households. No rental units were projected to be completed during this reporting period and 18 were completed. This figure was higher as there was one project completed that involved rehab. Typically, most multi-family projects that receive HOME funding are new construction rather than rehabilitation of existing units as they often receive assistance through the Low-income Housing tax Credit Program as well.
SL-1.1-Accessibility for the purpose of Creating Suitable Living Environments
This outcome involved the provision of housing, emergency shelter, and services to the homeless with ESG funds and the construction or reconstruction of buildings and public facilities with CDBG funds. A total of 33,000 homeless persons to be given overnight shelter was projected and the actual number was 29,873, 91% of the projected total. A total of 4,500 beds of overnight shelter or emergency housing were predicted with an actual total created of 4,593. Supportive services were anticipated to be provided to 46,000 homeless individuals and the actual total was 39,890, 87% of what was projected. This was because there was an increase in the number of awards and in the number of project grants awarded during this reporting period and the State modified supportive service programs funded, which resulted in a lower number of clients reported. Previously, agencies were reporting the total number receiving supportive services, but during this past year DCA has moved to funding services/programs that are more essential to increasing housing stability and requesting data specifically aligned to funded programs. In addition to focusing more on housing stability, this change will enable programmatic data reported to be better monitored in HMIS. Regarding the construction or reconstruction of new public facilities with CDBG funding, the projection of 3,000 to be assisted was exceeded as a total of 9,118 were assisted. For the construction, reconstruction, or rehab of buildings with CDBG funds, 3,000 were projected to be assisted with the actual figure being 23,680.
SL 3.1-Sustainability for the Purpose of Creating Suitable Living Environments
This outcome measurement related to the assistance provided to the elderly with CDBG and HOME funds and the rehab of existing public facilities and public buildings with CDBG funds. A total of 3,994 elderly persons were anticipated to be assisted with HOME and CDBG and the figure was actually 2,491, which was 62% of the projection. As to the persons benefitting from the rehab of public facilities, the number was 2,383, which was lower than the projected figure of 9,000. With many of the programs that assist the elderly, it is often hard to predict how many will benefit as there are few set-asides for elderly households in the program design. The reconstruction of public buildings was expected to assist a total of 2,000 people in SFY 12. The actual total receiving assistance was 5,223, 261% of what was anticipated. The figure was higher as it is difficult to predict sometimes when projects will be completed and produce beneficiaries.
EO-1.3-Accessibility for the purpose of Creating Economic Opportunities
This outcome relates to providing economic opportunities by providing CDBG-funded grants for infrastructure, loans to businesses, and funds for training centers. The total number of new jobs created was projected to be 1,200 and the actual number was 969.
EO 3.3-Sustainability for the Purpose of Creating Economic Opportunities
This outcome concerned the number of jobs retained and number of business assisted through the provision of CDBG grants. A total of 400 jobs were expected to be retained and the actual figure was 36. Sixteen businesses were projected to receive assistance and the actual number assisted was 12.
31

Variances in CDBG Projections
The variances in the expected and actual numbers for CDBG activities included in Table 3A are unavoidable. DCA has little control over the specific annual numbers for subcategories in Table 3A, which are dependent on what grantees report as accomplishments during the year.
Like the accomplishment or actual number, DCA has little control over the expected or projected accomplishment number. This number is based on applications submitted by local governments and funded through the Method of Distribution (MOD). The Georgia MOD does not specify in advance the types of projects to be funded. 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 projected accomplishment numbers are reviewed annually as part of the Annual Action Plan development process to allow them to more closely align with recent experience and funding allocations in the next Annual Action Plan (AAP).
Evaluation of Progress in Meeting Georgia's Community Development Objectives
The State is making significant progress in meeting these objectives. This conclusion is based on the number and type of grants awarded and the numbers of persons benefiting from these projects.
During the program year covered by this report, 97 awards to local units of government were made with CDBG funds. A table in the CDBG section of this report presents the number of persons benefiting from these CDBG funds, currently and previously awarded. Included are all CDBG funding categories, including the Annual Competition, Redevelopment Fund, Immediate Threat and danger Program, and Employment Incentive program. The vast majority of the persons benefiting are low and moderate-income. Also included
HUD Table 3A in Section II of this report shows the goals and objectives associated with CDBG activities and DCA's performance for SFY2012 in meeting those goals. Performance was as expected in most areas with the exception of two categories. The number of jobs retained was 9% of the expected figure and the number of people assisted through the construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of public facilities was 26% of the anticipated outcome. The job retention numbers were lower than anticipated due to the ongoing recession during this reporting period and the continuing loss of jobs throughout the state due to a number of factors. The number of persons benefitting from CDBG-funded upgrades to public facilities was lower as there were fewer requests for projects from local governments during this period. Additionally, for those that are funded, the development process can extend over several years and no program beneficiaries will be produced until the building has been completed and is operational.
One major challenge in meeting the objective is the reduction is the amount of CDBG funds available to the State through Congressional appropriations. At the national level, the appropriations have declined every year since 2003. Since 2003, Georgia's share of these funds has declined from $48,000,000 to just over $43,000,000 in SFY2011. This factor, combined with declining tax revenues for the state's grantees and the need to focus on job creation has created a greater need for CDBG assistance throughout the state than ever before.
In addition, over the past few years, Congress continues to set-aside millions of dollars for congressional mandated "ear marks" or set-asides. These set-asides reduce the amount of funds
32

available to the State and seem to contradict the currently favored "block grant" approach to local community development.
Changes to Program Objectives
The State currently is working under a Consolidated Plan for the 3-year period of FFY2010FFY2012. Any changes to program objectives or priorities will be reflected in the Annual Action Plan updates for this document. The updated Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan are accessible on the DCA website at: www.dca.ga.gov.
Assessment of Efforts in Relation to the Consolidated Plan
The number of down payment assistance loans made through HOME and CDBG including all of the financial options totaled 390, accounting for $2,806,235 in assistance. Approximately 81% of these loans were in urban areas while 19% were located in rural counties. During SFY2012, DCA continued its efforts to expand the availability of these programs by targeting and making outreach to special needs/rural populations. Because of continued tight credit restrictions, demand for down payment assistance from low- and moderate-income households was down during this reporting period as many could not qualify for mortgage loans. In addition, many in rural areas sought to purchase homes built before 1978 and bond financing was used for their down payment assistance rather than HOME funds.
The State continued to increased opportunities for the sharing of experiences and expertise regarding affordable housing issues through the Continuum of Care Plan which maximizes the broad spectrum of services available to special needs populations, especially the homeless. Proposed actions have included technical assistance to local governments in the adoption of ordinances and the continued support of the Community Planning Institute. In terms of production improvements, the State has sought to increase the capacity and responsiveness of housing assistance providers, including local nonprofit organizations.
In addition, the State worked especially closely with several rural communities in Georgia to encourage the development of affordable housing for the region's workforce population. CHIP serviced these areas with homeowner rehabilitation and down payment assistance. During the past fiscal year, several communities have concentrated on developing new housing in order to maintain workers or spur work force development. CHIP continued to allow non-profit organizations and housing authorities to apply for funding as well as local governments to increase the pool of qualified applicants to successfully carry out housing activities.
In SFY2012, the State worked to address the priorities and objectives related to affordable housing and community development and compliance. The State is confident that the significant strategies identified in the Consolidated Plan were achieved during the program year despite a number of economic challenges. The State continued to evaluate housing policies and programs for potential improvement during this reporting period to allow it to meet the growing housing needs and to promote opportunities for enhanced living conditions of low and moderate-income Georgians.
Location of Investments
Appendix II provides information on the investment of consolidated formula funds within each county during SFY2012. Please note that ESG, HOPWA, and CDBG investment figures are equal to the amount of funds awarded within each county. HOME investment amounts are equal to the total of funds used in all projects funded through the CHIP, HOME Rental Housing Loan, Permanent Supportive Housing Loan, Georgia Dream Single Family Development, and various Georgia Dream Second Mortgage programs in which a project completion report was filed during SFY2012. Investments are also provided for the CHDO Predevelopment Loan and CHDO Operating Assistance programs if a loan was closed or grant awarded during SFY2012.
33

Please note that for the ESG and the HOPWA programs, the listing only includes the county where the nonprofit agency providing housing and/or services is located, and may not actually reflect the total of the counties that are actually in each agency's service area.
Affirmative Marketing Efforts
The effort to meet the annual goals and objectives relied heavily on the State's attempt to effectively market the programs offered through the HUD programs by local governments, nonprofits, for-profit developers, and public housing authorities. Recipients of the CHIP and Rental Housing programs developed and implemented both the Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing (AFHMP) and a Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) outreach plan that was reviewed by the State.
Additionally, the State makes every effort to inform minority groups of other HUD programs by requiring that each recipient of the Georgia Dream Single Family Development and Permanent Supportive Housing Loan Programs develop and implement an Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan. This plan outlines actions the developer will take to attract to the project eligible persons from all racial, ethnic and gender groups, regardless of handicap or familial status especially those households least likely to apply for the housing without special outreach.
These plans were used to establish the marketing procedures and requirements in the housing market area and to ensure the inclusion, to the maximum extent possible, of minorities and women, and entities owned by minorities and women. The State monitors the implementation of Affirmative Marketing Plans developed by the recipients to ensure full compliance with the State's affirmative marketing goals and conducts routine site visits to funded projects to ensure they are meeting their requirements.
The affirmative marketing plan must meet each of the following criteria:
Specify a method by which the owner will inform potential residents about fair housing laws; Solicit applications from persons not likely to apply without special outreach by at minimum
posting and/or distributing information on the project in such places as community organizations, places of worship employment centers, fair housing groups and housing counseling agencies; Require the use of the Equal Housing Opportunity (EHO) logo or slogan in any press releases or written materials distributed by or on behalf of the owner; Require the recipients of HOME funds to maintain records of efforts under the affirmative marketing plan and the results of said efforts; and, Require the recipient to assess annually their affirmative marketing efforts and describe the method of self-assessment used.
In addition to developing a plan, the recipient must include an opportunity for prospective tenants or buyers to indicate how they became aware of the affordable housing opportunity. The recipient must display the Fair Housing Opportunity logo or slogan in a high traffic area of its central sales or rental office. In addition, the recipient must develop or assign for the development of communications material including flyers, brochures, handouts, advertisements and news releases, all of which must contain the Fair Housing opportunity logo or slogan. The State will not release funds for projects unless this plan has been reviewed and approved by DCA.
Each General Partner of a rental housing development must also sign an Annual Owner Certification that attests that the property is adhering to HOME Program requirements and attach a copy of their current Affirmative Marketing Plan with the required documentation.
34

Assessment of Outreach to Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
The State's MBE/WBE Outreach Plan requirements ensure the inclusion, to the maximum extent possible, of entities owned by women/minorities. The maintenance of records on the actual involvement includes real estate firms, construction companies, appraisal/management firms, financial institutions, underwriters, and providers of legal services. The State collects information and reports to HUD on the participation of minority and women-owned businesses (M/WBE). The level of M/WBE participation varies based on the amount and type of the HOME-assisted activity during a reporting period.
During SFY2012, the State reported to HUD the total investment of $26,463,682 in contracts to projects funded through the CHIP, Permanent Supportive Housing, Georgia Dream Single Family Development, and HOME Rental Housing Loan programs. This investment accounted for 84 contracts entered into for associated projects. Twenty-seven contracts were awarded to minority and womenowned businesses. During the same period, the State reported to HUD the total investment of $25,529,188 in contracts to projects funded through the CDBG program. This investment accounted for 165 contracts entered into for associated projects. Eighteen projects were completed by a minority or women-owned businesses enterprise. Further details for SFY2012 will be included in DCA's HOME Annual Performance Report in Appendix III with final submission to HUD.
Actions Taken to Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
DCA is continually seeking new ways to increase statewide participation in its programs. Additionally, through its compliance and monitoring activities, DCA ensures that all housing and community development projects are being implemented in a manner that provide benefits and opportunities to residents regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. DCA continues to implement policies and procedures in order to mitigate and eliminate the identified impediments to fair housing choice. DCA, in conjunction with other agencies, addresses these impediments in several innovative ways:
Continued to distribute the Landlord-Tenant Handbook upon request that was developed in conjunction with Georgia Legal Services Program, Inc. A total of 481 copies were distributed during this reporting period.
Disseminated the fair housing brochures and informational packets to area housing counseling agencies identified by HUD, DCA and Metro Fair Housing Services, Inc.
Provided training to landlords on the IRC Section 42 regulations to increase understanding of key requirements of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and the use of Housing Choice Voucher or certificate.
Participated in roundtable discussions with other city and county government representatives, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and HUD to discuss the ongoing foreclosure crisis in metro Atlanta and to discuss ways to work cooperatively to address the problem.
Attended the Atlanta Regional Housing Forums to discuss regional housing issues.
Summary of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
DCA collaborates with the Georgia Civil Rights Department/Georgia Commission Equal Opportunity (GCRD-GCEO) to provide educational and outreach activities, receive complaints and conduct investigations, and initiate enforcement. During the SFY 2012, GCRD-GCEO processed 72 complaints and received $104,043 under the Federal Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) for enforcement to further fair housing at the state and local level and to increase the awareness of the State's fair housing laws.
35

DCA offers many innovative ways to mitigate and eliminate fair housing impediments such as publishing and distributing fair housing brochures at events and public hearings and through funded grantees. In addition, DCA hosts various program workshops and trainings and staff attends privately sponsored events throughout the year to discuss fair housing requirements. The State does not allocate specific funding to fair housing or have the available resources to meet the needs of all Georgians in this area but provides information and outreach whenever possible.
Identify Actions Taken to Overcome Effects of Impediments Identified
In 2008, DCA identified three impediments to fair housing choice that it planned to continue to address in the FFY2011 planning year:
1. Lack of knowledge about fair housing. 2. People with disabilities having difficulty finding suitable and accessible housing. 3. In the Hispanic communities of Georgia, language barriers and unfamiliarity with the home
buying process are catalysts for discrimination.
DCA has established goals to remove homeownership barriers and foster opportunities for housing accessibility for every Georgia resident. DCA accomplishes this by providing educational & training to educate home buyers on the federal and state fair housing law and enforcements, workshops on down payment assistance and other financial resources to purchase homes, housing training for housing professionals and developers, and publication of fair housing equal opportunity marketing materials.
Based on the AI, DCA has designed a plan of action in order to eliminate and mitigate the identified impediments to fair housing choice in conjunction with other agencies in several innovative ways. Planning efforts also began during this reporting period to update the State's AI Study in conjunction with the preparation of the 2013-2017 Consolidated Plan.
A. Office of Homeownership (OH)
a. Disseminate the fair housing brochures or other promotional material in home buyer classes and in other housing workshops and conferences that DCA sponsors and increase the number of certified housing counselors in areas that are lacking capacity.
b. Provide enhanced down payment assistance for units that have received the funding to assist individuals with disabilities in the purchase of a home.
c. Provide training to lenders
d. Outreach & Marketing
e. Foreclosure Prevention Program
B. Office of Special Housing Initiatives (OSHI)
a. Ensure that subrecipients and service providers have access to fair housing information such as the Landlord-Tenant Handbook to meet the most recent requirements under the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. All CHIP subrecipients are required to submit affirmative marketing plans for approval by DCA prior to undertaking applicable housing activities.
b. Training workshops and review of subrecipients' affirmative marketing plans
c. Provide an on-line resource, www.GeorgiaHousingSearch.org website, which provides property managers with a tool to market affordable rental units and offers a convenient resource to prospective renters to locate affordable and accessible
36

housing and obtain additional community resource information. This website is free, searches are conducted in both English and Spanish, and the site is updated by owners/property managers at least bi-weekly with vacancy information
C. Office of Affordable Housing (OAH)
a. Train property owners on fair housing requirements and Section 8 regulations as they pertain to low income housing tax credit developments
D. Office of Community Development (OCD)
a. OCD will distribute fair housing brochures, posters or other printed material to CDBG grant recipients with the request to display them in a prominent location for public access.
Actions Taken to Address the Needs of Homeless Persons and the Special Needs of Persons who are not Homeless
During the last week in January of 2011, DCA collaborated with local representatives in more than 60 counties to document unsheltered homelessness. This information was assessed by DCA's partners at Kennesaw State University and the following is included from KSU's June 2011 report:
From the 2009 Report on Homelessness, the previous estimate of unsheltered homeless in the State of Georgia was 12,101. The current estimate of unsheltered homeless is 11,366. The estimated number of individuals precariously housed (generally meaning homeless by other definitions) in Georgia is 4,712. Together, the number of unsheltered and precariously housed individuals in Georgia (on a single day in January of 2011) is estimated to be 16,078, which is .1636% of the population.
The State administered several programs during SFY2012 to benefit the homeless, including the Emergency Solutions Grant Program (ESG), the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA), the HOME-funded Permanent Supportive Housing, and the Shelter Plus Care (S+C) Programs. Once ESG funds are awarded to each nonprofit agency, the State provides administrative workshops and training, and each program is monitored.
During SFY2012, the Emergency Solutions Grant program provided financial assistance to providers serving the homeless to meet the emergency needs of homeless individuals and families. Applicants were eligible to use the ESG funds for operational expenses or the provision of essential services. The State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless contributed $1,243,786 in cash resources and sub-grantee agencies contributed in excess of $1,053,236 in eligible match to meet the 50% nonfederal funding match required by the federal ESG program regulations.
The first line of defense against homelessness is prevention. During this reporting period, Homelessness Prevention assistance was provided through the ESG program. Prevention funds can be used to pay utility bills, past due rents, security deposits and rent in a new unit in order to help stabilize families that experience temporary economic setbacks. In SFY2012, awards were made to nine agencies to provide assistance under the Homeless Prevention program. Through homeless prevention, seven agencies assisted 194 households (544 persons) of which 90% of the individuals served were persons in families (335 children).
Emergency Shelters and outreach to unsheltered populations are the points of entry for thousands of persons that have become homeless. Families living in emergency facilities receive food, shelter and essential services designed to stabilize them for a period of thirty to sixty days. Emergency shelter staff guides clients through the maze of social services available to them, including Social Security, Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), employment training and other resources designed to return them to permanent housing. The next phase along the continuum of care is Transitional
37

Housing. Families in transitional housing typically have private to semi-private living quarters. The daily regimen in these facilities is more relaxed than in shelters, but greater responsibilities are placed on the families to adhere to a plan for self-sufficiency. Families can stay in transitional housing for up to twenty-four months. In SFY2012, the Trust Fund assisted its grantees with the provision of 2,779 bed spaces in emergency shelter facilities and 1,814 bed spaces in transitional housing facilities. Forty-seven percent (47%) of the persons housed by funded shelter programs this year were persons in families, and fifty-three percent (53%) of the persons housed were single individuals. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the persons housed by funded transitional housing programs this year were persons in families, and thirty-four percent (34%) of the persons housed were single individuals. Twenty-eight percent (28%) of the total persons housed by funded emergency shelter and transitional housing programs were children (8,434).
The unduplicated number of persons who received housing through DCA's ESG grantees in SFY2012 was slightly lower than the number reported for the previous year. Over the past five years, the number of persons housed by the agencies receiving ESG funds from the State continues to fluctuate. The State continues to work with agencies to help insure better data is being submitted with less duplication, if any. Also, each year the specific nonprofit agencies that submit applications for each funding cycle tend to vary from year to year for various reasons or internal issues unique to each nonprofit, and that fluctuation can also cause data fluctuations from one reporting period to the next. Many of the agencies receiving State homeless assistance have faced budget cuts of their own due to decreased funding on the public as well as private side and this, combined with the increased demands they are seeing on their resources, has made it difficult for them to maintain their service levels as in years past.
In SFY2012, there were 69 current projects with 1,636 units under contract in the Shelter Plus Care Program. A total of 31 programs were operating in a five-year grant period while 38 programs were operating in a renewal term for a 12 month period. The programs benefitted an estimated 2,452 individuals or heads of families who are homeless/chronically homeless and have a disability. Approximately 95% of the households residing in Shelter Plus Care units were below 50% of the area median income.
During SFY2012, DCA awarded $5,479,831 in HOME funds under the Permanent Supportive Housing Program to one recipient that will produce 70 special needs units. Additionally, one project was completed during the fiscal year that involved the new construction of 48 special needs units. Approximately 75% of the occupants of the completed project were below 50% of the area median income.
Also during SFY2012, Pathways Community Network continued to operate the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS). This system is used by homeless service providers to report on their numbers served in addition to serving as a case management tool to track assistance provided to homeless persons in the past. This past year, the focus has continued to be on data quality and increasing HMIS participation among PATH, VASH, SSVF, VA per diem, HOPWA, and faithbased programs. Significant progress has been made since the HMIS project started in 2002 both in the number of agencies using the system and in the quality of data being reported. The Georgia HMIS was used to track 1,071,722 services provided to 264,433 homeless or at-risk Georgians during this reporting period. Of this total number, 91,521 were children and 7,918 were senior citizens. As of the end of June, 360 organizations were using HMIS, a 10% increase from the previous year.
38

Supportive Services
In addition to housing, the State awarded money to organizations that provide services designed to address issues that may have contributed to the family's homelessness. The range of services include things such as housing counseling, child care, education, employment training, financial counseling, legal aid, mental health counseling, primary health care, and substance abuse therapy.

In SFY2012, DCA made 205 ESG funding awards to organizations that provide housing and other supportive services necessary to break the cycle of homelessness. Through this program, a daily average of 3,662 individuals received housing assistance (2,188 in emergency shelter and 1,474 in transitional housing) and a daily average of 1,448 persons received only supportive services. Under the Permanent Supportive Housing and Shelter Plus Care Programs, service provision to the residents is a key component of both programs. Services are funded with non-DCA resources that are paired with the housing assistance to meet the needs of those individuals and families.
Characteristics of Georgia's Homeless Served
During SFY2012, DCA collected the following client data from ESG grantees. This data is a requirement of the Integrated Disbursement Information System (IDIS) from which Federal ESG dollars are dispersed.

The characteristics of the 26,297 clients who received emergency shelter are shown below:

Characteristic

Number Percentage

Chronically Homeless (by HUD definition)

3,243

12.0%

Severely Mentally Ill

944

3.6%

Chronic Substance Abuse (alcohol &/or drug)

2,238

8.5%

Persons with HIV/AIDS

169

.6%

Other Disability

1,471

5.6%

Veterans

1,685

6.4%

Victims of Domestic Violence

6,292

23.9%

Elderly (> 62 years old)

528

2.0%

Illiterate or Marginally Literate

272

1.0%

Criminal History

1,824

6.9%

NOTE: Since many homeless clients have multiple issues, the total will not equal 100%.

The characteristics of the 3,576 clients who received transitional housing are shown below:

Characteristic

Number

Percentage

Chronically Homeless (by HUD definition)

425

11.9%

Severely Mentally Ill

161

4.5%

Chronic Substance Abuse (alcohol &/or drug)

749

20.9%

Persons with HIV/AIDS

21

.6%

Other Disability

86

2.4%

Veterans

142

4.0%

Victims of Domestic Violence

428

12.0%

Elderly (> 62 years old)

21

.6%

Illiterate or Marginally Literate

46

1.3%

Criminal History

402

11.2%

NOTE: Since many homeless clients have multiple issues, the total will not equal 100%.

39

Of the 39,890 clients who received supportive services, the numbers below have the following characteristics:

Characteristic

Number

Percentage

Chronically Homeless (by HUD definition)

5,155

13%

Severely Mentally Ill

3,292

8.3%

Chronic Substance Abuse (alcohol &/or drug)

2,601

6.5%

Persons with HIV/AIDS

835

2.1%

Other Disability

1,186

3.0%

Veterans

2,482

6.2%

Victims of Domestic Violence

1,178

3.0%

Elderly (> 62 years old)

2,024

5.1%

Illiterate or Marginally Literate

1,044

2.6%

Criminal History

4,996

12.6%

Other (recurring homelessness)

1,125

2.8%

NOTE: Since many homeless clients have multiple issues, the total will not equal 100%.

Discharge Planning

Through the work with the Georgia Interagency Homeless Coordination Council and collaboration with particular agencies, the Council has worked on several initiatives to minimize the discharge of individuals from institutions into homelessness. One of the goals of the State Plan to End Homelessness is to develop and adopt state policies to end the discharge of institutionalized individuals (to include discharge from correction facilities, public health or mental hospitals, treatment facilities, foster care, or juvenile justice programs) directly to homeless facilities which are unprepared and unable to meet the supportive service needs of the individual. The council includes representation from the Department of Corrections, Board of Pardons and Parole, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Community Health. In addition, DCA collaborates with both the Department of Corrections and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities on two projects designed to transition individuals into the community from institutions. The discharge protocols for the state are as follows:

Foster Care

If a youth in foster care reaches 18 and is unable to transition to independent living or be reunited with their family, they have the option of signing a Consent to Remain in Foster Care. This allows the youth to stay in the foster care system until such time that they are able to live independently or until the time that they are 24 years of age. In addition, youth in foster care are assigned an Independent Living Coordinator and work with staff to develop a Written Transitional Living Plan.
Health Care
The Money Follows the Person Grant Initiative is implemented between Dept. of Community Health (DCH) and Dept. of Human Services (DHS) to transition and discharge 1,312 individuals from institutions to the community. Populations include older adults, adults and children with physical disabilities and/or Traumatic Brain Injury, and adults or children with mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities. The goal is to transition individuals, from nursing facilities, hospitals and/or Intermediate Care Facilities for Mental Retardation (ICF-MR), to qualified community residences and to rebalance the long-term care system by offering enhanced transition services for 12 months for qualified persons transitioning from a qualified institution to a qualified communitysetting. MFP policy changes now allow for the cost of home modifications to be made such that persons with accessibility issues can have the proper modification performed to reduce barriers to community-based and integrated placements.
40

Mental Health
The Continuity of Care Transition Planning Guidance is provided to all state mental health hospitals. The hospitals are asked to develop a Transition Plan for all individuals being discharged which addresses multiple areas including housing and residential supports. Staff conducts assessments to identify those individuals who are at risk of readmission and their housing status and are linked with community based service providers. A Person Centered Transition Plan provides for receipt of appropriate community services at discharge.
Under the United States Department of Justice Settlement Agreement, DBHDD established the Georgia Housing Voucher Program (GHVP), a state-funded, tenant-based rental assistance program, that, when fully phased in, will serve approximately 2,000 individuals covered by the Settlement Agreement. Through GHVP, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, (DBHDD) covers 100% of the rent for a unit leased to an individual covered by the Settlement Agreement, up to the Fair Market Rent. The rent for a specific unit may not exceed the rent for a comparable non-GHVP assisted unit in the same property. Unlike the HCV program, the GHVP can also provide funding for one- time costs associated with move-in expenses such as security and utility deposits, household necessities, and other start up living expenses. Prior to allocating GHVP resources to a prospective tenant, DBHDD encourages providers to seek to enroll the tenant or place the tenant on federal housing support programs (such as HCV and Shelter plus Care programs).
To meet DBHDD's goal to maximize overall movement of individuals covered by the Settlement Agreement into federally sponsored housing, DCA proposes to create a structured partnership with DBHDD that would facilitate the transition of GHVP participants who have leased units into available DCA Settlement Agreement allocated HCV units. This model would expedite a seamless transition of GHVP participants to the HCV program while allowing the participant to benefit from the bridge funding available from DBHDD to settle into the rental unit and remain in the unit they have already leased. This model would allow DBHDD to re-issue the available GHVP rental subsidy to another household. DCA will allocate HCVs to be linked to the GHVP program. In order to ensure that this program provides a seamless transition for GHVP program participants as well as GHVP landlords, certain GHVP program requirements must be the same as the HCV program. For example:
GHVP units must meet Housing Quality Standards; GHVP units must meet HUD/DCA's HCV "rent reasonableness" and "payment standard"
requirements; Tenants assisted with GHVP must agree to accept a HCV when one becomes available and
owners must agree to accept HCV payments from DCA; GHVP participants transitioning to the HCV program must meet basic HCV eligibility criteria;
and GHVP participants must agree to pay rent to the owner of their unit in accordance with all
HCV program requirements.
The Georgia Housing Voucher Program (GHVP) has been in operation for two state fiscal years with specific outcomes mandated by the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement. For SFY 2011, there were to be 100 individuals housed under the GHVP program. DBHDD exceeded the outcome measure of 100 and actually placed 122 individuals by June 30, 2011, exceeding the outcome by 22 individuals. For SFY 2012, there were to be 500 individuals served under the GHVP. Again, DBHDD exceeded this outcome by placing 648 individuals which was 129% of the established outcome. The average state wide monthly rent was $544.36 for the individuals participating in the GHVP.
41

Corrections
An individual convicted of a Board-designated violent offense or banished from their county of conviction is only eligible to receive parole from the State of Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole if they have an approved residence plan which has been verified by parole staff. The residence must be considered stable and suitable. A homeless shelter is not considered to be a valid residence; therefore, no individual meeting one of these designations is released on parole directly to a homeless facility. Non-violent offenders with no banishments may be released without a valid residence plan. To facilitate the transition of individuals in all three groups who are eligible for parole but lack a residence, the Re-entry Partnership Housing Program (RPH) was formed as a collaborative effort between Pardons and Parole, the Department of Corrections and DCA. The program provides participating organizations with short term financial assistance in exchange for the provision of stable housing and food. In addition to RPH, the Department of Corrections has several re-entry initiatives for individuals maxing out of prison. Two Pre-Release Centers exist across the State to address reentry needs of offenders with two years or less to serve with the focus of locating suitable housing and meaningful work upon discharge. The Department of Corrections also has a Faith and Character Based Initiative to match ex-offenders with faith based organizations that assist with housing and mentoring upon release.
Training
Providers of homelessness assistance require on-going training to stay abreast of innovative social work strategies as well as resources for funding, staff and volunteers. The Trust Fund invested some $17,407 to provide technical assistance in SFY2012.
One form of training was through Project Homeless Connect, providing communities funds to coordinate and sponsor one-day, one-stop events to deliver services to people experiencing homelessness. At a minimum, these events provide an array of supportive services including health care, legal aid, housing assistance, job opportunities, benefits enrollment opportunities, and quality of life resources with the underlying idea to get as many as possible on a track to self-sufficiency and ultimately, into permanent housing. Using State HTF dollars, DCA is able to fund and support local sponsors of Project Homeless Connect events. During SFY2012, events were held in Atlanta and Henry County, (Region 3), Augusta (Region 7), Hinesville (Region 12), and Jesup (Region 9).
DCA hosted regional meetings to explain grant application requirements for its 2012 homeless and AIDS housing programs. Meeting dates and locations were as follows: MaconFebruary 21; Savannah February 22; Valdosta February 22; Albany February 22; Augusta February 23; Norcross February 24; Athens February 24; Gainesville February 27; Dalton February 27; Columbus February 28;
In addition, an HMIS Conference was held in Savannah in October, 2011. Information was provided to attendees on changes and updates within HMIS requirements at the HUD level as well as general information specific to the Pathways system including system changes, training opportunities, and information on how to use the system.
Other Training provided through HMIS
In the 2002 Balance of State Continuum of Care, DCA was awarded funds from HUD for a comprehensive, state-wide Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) initiative. The purpose of HMIS, as mandated by Congress, is to generate an unduplicated count of each continuum of care's homeless population. This data will allow agencies to better allocate resources and serve their communities in their mission, and the State's, to end homelessness. Through the HUD grant,
42

DCA has provided funding to eligible agencies to assist with hardware procurement, internet connection fees, and supportive software to make this project successful. During SFY2012, $502,069 was expended by Pathways Community Network through DCA's HMIS grant and State matching grant making it possible for many agencies to become active with HMIS or increase their level of participation. This past year, the focus has continued to be on data integrity, increasing utilization of the system by the 360 HMIS member agencies, and increasing HMIS participation among PATH, VASH, SSVF, VA per diem, HOPWA, and faith-based programs. As a byproduct of collecting good homeless data, the State is developing a more comprehensive picture of the homeless population's needs and is able to see how those needs and demographics change over time. This data is allowing local community agencies to better allocate resources and serve their communities in their mission, and the State's, to end homelessness. In addition to focused classroom training programs, last year, Pathways introduced more than 50 HMIS data exports that HMIS user agencies and Continuums of Care could download and use to monitor data quality, merge with other data sets and build custom reports with common desktop software.. Special Needs The Trust Fund recognizes that some homeless individuals may never become completely independent of charitable assistance from the public and private sector because of the complex nature of their homelessness. To address this, the Trust Fund provided funds to aid people that require long-term social and psychological support. These individuals suffer from a range of medical issues to include physical disabilities, mental illnesses, and/or chemical addictions. To keep such persons housed and treated, a comprehensive support mechanism is needed. DCA operated three such programs in SFY2012. These were the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, Permanent Supportive Housing, and the Shelter Plus Care Programs.
43

Shelter Plus Care (S+C)
Since 1998, the State has been the primary applicant to HUD for Shelter Plus Care Housing. This program provides permanent housing and on-going treatment for homeless persons with disabilities and their families. Persons served by this program primarily have disabilities associated with serious mental illness, chronic problems with alcohol and/or drugs, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or related diseases. Sixteen Community Service Boards that fall under the purview of the Georgia Department of Human Services deliver services under the S+C program. Their trained staff identifies appropriate housing and provides on-going treatment. Program grants are used to provide rental assistance payments through two eligible components:
Sponsor-based Rental Assistance (SBRA) Project-based Rental Assistance with rehabilitation (PRAW) or Project-based Rental
Assistance without rehabilitation (PRA)
In SFY2012, there were 69 current projects with 1,636 units under contract in the Shelter Plus Care Program. A total of 31 programs were operating in a five-year grant period while 38 programs were operating in a renewal term for a 12 month period. The programs benefitted an estimated 2,452 individuals or heads of families who are homeless/chronically homeless and have a disability. Approximately 95% of the households residing in Shelter Plus Care units were below 50% of the area median income.
Permanent Affordable Housing
Permanent supportive housing is a key solution in offering housing stability to homeless families that also have a disability. By leveraging funds with DCA and HUD, the Trust Fund has helped organizations through the Permanent Supportive Housing Program to acquire land, renovate and build multi-family units for persons who are low-income. To support the development of affordable housing projects, DCA awarded $5,479,831 in HOME funds and $200,000 in State Housing Trust Funds during SFY2012 to one recipient that will produce 70 special needs units. One project consisting of 48 special needs units was completed during this reporting period. DCA also provided one-on-one technical assistance to prospective developers of the permanent supportive housing.
Assisting Other Special Need Households
The State administered several programs during SFY2012 to benefit Georgians with safe, decent, affordable and accessible housing options. These programs assist individuals and families with special needs as well as mainstream Georgians that meet eligibility for these programs because of age and income criteria.
DCA's Housing Choice Voucher, Georgia Dream Second Mortgage Program, CHIP and HOME Rental Housing Loan programs assist households that may include an individual who is elderly or has a disability. Full descriptions of these programs and their level of assistance to these special need groups can be found in Section I of this document. DCA also made available an online housing search tool, the www.GeorgiaHousingSearch.org website, which provides owners, landlords and property managers with the ability to register and market available rental units (including those designed with features to make the units accessible for individuals with disabilities) to prospective tenants across the state of Georgia. DCA provides this service to Georgians and there is no cost to the user for this service.
DCA improved and increased access for homeownership for qualified individuals with disabilities and/or households with members who have a disability, by providing the Georgia Dream Second
44

Mortgage Program CHOICE, (Consumer Homeownership and Independent Choices for Everyone) option. The CHOICE option may be used by the borrower to cover a portion of the borrower-paid closing costs and prepaid expenses and/or to reduce the principal amount of the first mortgage. Assistance under the CHOICE option is based on the income level of the household and the location within Georgia where they would like to purchase a home. Loans are generally used in conjunction with the State's Georgia Dream First Mortgage Program.
The Interagency Homeless Coordination Council continues to promote the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) process for assisting persons with disabilities to acquire and increase the receipt of their SSI, SSDI or other eligible benefits. DCA's Shelter Plus Care Program is conducting a pilot program to determine SOAR's outcome effectiveness in establishing benefits and income for participants in the S+C program with hopes that individuals will acquire income and be less reliant on the S+C funds to provide all of the monthly rent for the units. The outcome will be to expand production in the S+C program for more units with the individual being able to pay for their portion of the monthly rent. DCA will assess outcomes from the four pilot areas before expanding the program. In addition, a DBH SOAR Benefits Specialist continues to provide technical assistance at the state level.
DCA provided technical assistance to the State's supportive housing providers through the provision of specific assistance targeted to the needs of each organization (technology, professional services, onsite visits by DCA staff) and through resource fairs and/or Project Homeless Connect events funded by DCA and by local agencies across the State.
DCA continues to partner with and improve coordination between governmental and nongovernmental entities in order to expand the affordable housing opportunities of person with disabilities. Through a recent DCA initiative to strategically plan for housing opportunities for persons with disabilities, DCA contracted with the Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc., (TAC). Through this process, DCA did a thorough review of its housing resources to determine how to use these more efficiently and effectively assist with the U. S. Department of Justice Settlement Agreement and with the Money Follows the Person initiative in the state. This initiative involved an engaged collaboration with the following agencies: Georgia Department of Human Services, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Georgia Department of Community Health, and the Department of Pardons and Parole. Through this work, DCA and the collaborative partners developed several key strategies to expand housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities in community integrated housing.
DCA continues to be engaged with multiple key stakeholders to promote housing and supported service options for persons with disabilities which include: other public housing authorities across the state, the Center for Financial Independence and Innovation, the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission, the Georgia Department of Labor/Vocational Rehabilitation, the Georgia Advocacy Office, Atlanta Legal Aid, the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, Habitat for Humanity and their affiliates, the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, the Statewide Independent Living Council, the Mental Health Planning Advisory Council, the Georgia State Trade Association of Not-For-Profit Developers (G-STAND), the Supportive Housing Committee of the Atlanta Regional Commission on Homelessness and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities.
DCA continues to promote community initiatives to educate the general public, housing providers and community service providers on current issues and evidence based practice as it relates to permanent supportive housing options for this population. Last November, the Georgia Supportive Housing
45

Association held its First Annual Conference on Supportive Housing. It was evaluated as a huge success and plans have been made to continue to provide this educational resource annually.
DCA continues to collaborate through its agreement with Tech-Able Inc. to assist individuals with disabilities to secure affordable loans through the Credit-Able Program. Under this Agreement, Federal funds were permitted to be used for any loan guarantee eligible under the Credit-Able Program. GHFA funds were dedicated specifically to support loan guarantees for allowable accessibility modifications under this program. GHFA funds and interest were used solely for loan guarantees for Georgia residents with disabilities who are within applicable income limits based on the location of the residence and the household size of the consumer. The loans can be applied at owneroccupied residences and/or rental units. This past fiscal year, services were expanded to include financial literacy and training in preparing for applying for funds to acquire assistive technology, and vehicle modifications.
DCA and Olmstead Planning for Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities
For this state fiscal year, Georgia has contracted with the Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc. to assist in the development of a strategic planning process to expand housing opportunities for persons with disabilities.
DCA has a strong track record of creating and supporting housing opportunities for people with disabilities through an array of programs including its Permanent Supportive Housing Program, Shelter Plus Care initiatives, and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Since 2000, DCA has financed the construction of 508 units of supportive housing, provided 1,511 units of Shelter plus Care (S+C) assistance, and provided 373 units of tenant and project-based HCV rental assistance targeted to households that include an individual with a disability. Since 2005, DCA has financed the construction of 415 units of supportive through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (Tax Credit) program, with an additional 296 units currently under construction. The Tax Credit Program has also financed the development of 750 additional units that are equipped for the mobility impaired and participating owners have agreed to set aside up to 5% of their units, approximately 500 units, for special needs tenants with a rental assistance voucher.
DCA has also implemented policies within its Tax Credit Program designed to foster the marketing of units to providers serving individuals with a disability or who are homeless. To help market all of these units as well as those created solely in the private sector, DCA has established a web based resource, www.GeorgiaHousingSearch.org to facilitate the identification of affordable rental units by individuals with special needs. With the assistance of TAC and the collaboration of multiple state agencies and key stakeholders, DCA has expanded this commitment by developing housing strategies provided in the new strategic plan. The strategic planning process was a direct effort to assist Georgia in meeting the terms, conditions and outcomes as outlined in the goals of the Settlement Agreement (2010) between the State of Georgia and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The Settlement Agreement requires the State to assist two disability sub-populations:
9,000 people with mental illness who have co-existing medical, behavioral health, and/or cooccurring substance use disorders who are currently served in the state's hospitals, frequently admitted to state hospitals, frequently seen in hospital emergency rooms, chronically homeless, and/or being released from jails and prisons.
People with developmental disabilities transitioning from state operated psychiatric hospital and institutions or who are at risk of institutionalization.
46

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities has provided State funding to persons exiting institutional care to community-based housing opportunities. They have provided a total of $1,452,850 in bridge funding to allow for this population to transition to community settings by providing furnishings, household items, utility deposits, security deposits, temporary rental assistance, and provider fees. In addition, ongoing rental assistance in the amount of $4,232,940 has been provided these households through voucher assistance.
In addition to the Settlement Agreement, Georgia, through the Department of Community Health (DCH), participates in the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration program "designed to help individuals who are institutionalized in nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities (ICF) for people with developmental disabilities return to their homes and communities."
DCA, as the state housing finance authority for the balance of state, recognizes that it has a significant role to play in creating housing opportunities to not only meet the terms of the Settlement Agreement, but also to meet the specific needs of the individuals covered by the MFP Initiative. DCA acknowledges that there are important interagency partnerships and communication protocols that must be in place, and that a joint partnership with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and DCH is beneficial to the successful long-term achievement of community integration as outlined in Georgia's Settlement Agreement and in the MFP Demonstration program.
In addition to embracing its role in creating housing opportunities, DCA seeks to support the broader goals of community integration expressed in the original Olmstead Decision. The 1999 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v L.C. held that people with disabilities have the right to live in the least restrictive, most integrated settings, and created a mandate for states to develop comprehensive plans to end unnecessary institutionalization of people with disabilities.
Other efforts at the federal level further support DCA's direction. The Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2010 restricts new Section 811-financed multi-family projects, including condominiums or cooperative housing, to have an occupancy preference of no more than 25% of the units for people with disabilities. CMS is also attempting to define integration as part of its eligibility criteria for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). Given the changes in federal housing policy, proposed Medicaid financing criteria, and overall changes in State practices to implement the Olmstead decision, DCA recognizes that a deliberate strategy is necessary to develop housing options for people with disabilities in non-segregated, integrated settings.
This strategic planning will translate into the implementation of actual housing units in the next reporting period as the strategies are implemented of acquiring a preference for persons in our rental assistance division and the housing choice voucher program, incorporating HOME funding to provide tenant-based rental assistance, and DCA's application to HUD for the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Demonstration Program for 150 units in existing and current development tax credit properties.
Georgia's Other Non-Housing and Community Needs
The State continued to focus on enhancing the quality of life for all residents by focusing on enhancing community livability, administration and planning, increasing coordination and sustainability, and bridging essential partnerships to maximize the use of resources. Listed below are projects that the State initiated or served as a major sponsor in achieving the above objectives:
47

Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) explores housing options available, in partnership with the federal government and other state agencies, which have the primary responsibility for severe weather preparedness and hurricane plans through the Georgia Evacuee Support Plan Housing Annex Project.
The Georgia Planning Association partners with DCA's Community Planners' Institute to host work sessions around the state to disseminate information on the latest planning process and the challenges in land use, comprehensive planning and legal issues.
Georgia Quality Growth Partnership (GQGP) examines local government implementation of quality growth approaches by disseminating information on the various strategies available, developing implementation tools, sharing best practices, and promoting acceptance of quality growth by the general public and community leaders.
Office of Downtown Development provides technical assistance to various cities and organizations on downtown development and revitalization opportunities.
The Fiscal Planning Guide provides printable data reports that forecasts average and per capita revenue, as well expenditures and liabilities by categories to assist local government officials with understanding how certain jurisdictions are performing compared to a similar area within the state.
Hands On Georgia undertakes various projects utilizing volunteers throughout the state including the following projects: river clean ups, building restorations, wheel chair ramp construction, playground builds and mentoring sessions with children.
The Main Street Program continues to recognize excellence for Community Downtown Development programs.
Economic Development Finance Packet provides a comprehensive listing of state, federal, local and national programs that are designed to promote economic development and business enhancement in Georgia.
Quality Growth Best Practices Tool Kit provides advice to local governments on tools that may be used to put quality growth principles into practice at the local level.
Other Actions
Addressing the Obstacles to Meet the Needs of the Underserved
The State has recognized in its Consolidated Plan that many obstacles connected to affordable housing issues relate to public perceptions and market factors. The State continues to provide essential services and activities that meet the community needs to increase affordable housing initiatives, addressing accessibility and homelessness opportunities, and developing effective marketing strategies to communicate all the available products and services to Georgia residents.
During SFY2012, the State implemented the following programs, activities and initiatives as a way to meet the needs of the underserved according to the HUD requirements:
Supported the activities and programs of twenty-three (23) housing counseling agencies to conduct home buyer education and financial literacy workshops through funds from GHFA, HUD, and the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program. GHFA began offering homebuyer education through an online system called E-Home America during this reporting period. The curriculum meets all HUD guidelines and is taken from NeighborWorks America's "Realizing the American Dream" home buyer education workbook.
Provided housing counselors training funded by GHFA to advance their skill to receive state and national certification on foreclosure prevention programs and other programs available to homebuyers.
48

Facilitated a continuing education 6-hour credit training course called "Housing Solutions for Cities: A Key Element to Economic Development" with the Georgia Municipal Association that focused on responding to the community housing needs and issues.
Provided affordable housing workshops and training sessions to review the funding requirements for the Federal and State Low Income Housing Tax Credits, the programs of the State Housing Trust Fund, CHIP, and CDBG.
Promoted the online housing search website www.GeorgiaHousingSearch.org which is designed to assist property management agencies and prospective tenants with identifying affordable rental housing throughout Georgia.
Continued to offer an online application checklist for the Georgia Dream program to expedite the mortgage loan application process for lender approval in underwriting and hosted quarterly lender advisory meetings to obtain lender feedback and input on loan programs and evaluation; discuss best practices; market changes and policy updates and designed to increase DCA's level of customer service.
Coordinated the annual Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) public hearings to review the proposed changes to the 2012 draft and receive comments.
Assisting Households with a Disproportionate Housing Need
The State has recognized in its Consolidated Plan the existence of a disproportionate need for housing on the part of some Hispanic, African-Americans, and elderly household types. The State continued to provide incentives through its various programs that encourage the development of affordable housing opportunities for households of these groups. In addition, DCA provided Spanish language materials and workbooks and offered Spanish translation compatibility on the GeorgiaHousingSearch.org website.
Local planning requirements for local government comprehensive plans require that a comprehensive plan include a community assessment of housing needs, including the needs of the underserved, and a community agenda listing goals and objectives as well as work programs to address those identified needs. Funding is provided through the Qualified Allocation Plan to projects solely benefiting the elderly or those households containing persons 55 years or older.
The State continues to actively market its Georgia Dream first and second mortgage programs to real estate and mortgage companies operating in neighborhoods with high minority concentrations. The Georgia Dream combines the resources of the Georgia Dream below market interest rate first mortgage and 0% second mortgage financing with the existing resources of the cities, homeownership opportunities under these partnerships have become even more affordable for Georgia's first time home buyers.
Eliminating Barriers to Affordable Housing
The following activities were implemented to eliminate or reduce the barriers to affordable housing opportunity:
Permanent Supportive Housing Program offers construction and permanent financing to develop affordable rental housing with supportive services available to the targeted tenant population.
HOME CHDO Predevelopment Loan Program offers interest-free loans to qualified nonprofit organizations for the preparation of complete and comprehensive applications for financing low to moderate-income housing developments using DCA's HOME Rental Housing Loan and Permanent Supportive Housing programs. 49

HOME CHDO Operating Assistance Program provides qualified state designated CHDOs with funding to maintain their operation and to develop their capacity to implement HOME-funded CHDO activities.
The Spanish version of the "Home of Your Own" housing counseling workbook to assist the growing Hispanic population in Georgia was updated and distributed to housing counseling agencies throughout the State.
GeorgiaHousingSearch.org website was highlighted throughout the year as the key resource to prospective households seeking affordable rental property across the state of Georgia.
Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH), Georgia Municipal Association and the University of Georgia's Housing and Demographics Research Center and Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Outreach offers communities a three-year program of collaboration and technical assistance to meet their housing and neighborhood revitalization needs. In SFY2012, fifteen communities participated in the program.
The Communities of Opportunity (Co-Op) initiative was another major partnership undertaken by DCA during the year to enhance the economic vitality of rural, persistent-poverty communities. Public and private organizations and institutions collaborated to discuss the housing needs to eliminate persistent poverty. A total of 28 counties in Georgia participated in this program during SFY2012.
Overcoming Gaps in Institutional Structure and Enhancing Coordination
The State continued to take steps to increase coordination, strengthen linkages and encourage the formation of partnerships between Georgia's private sector housing developers, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, public sector agencies, foundations, and other providers. The State's efforts included: Collaborated with other governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, housing developers,
financial institutions, foundations and other providers to create effective solutions to the housing needs of Georgians Participated in various forums, meetings, focus group discussions, and seminars across the state to address affordable housing, homelessness or the housing issues of special needs groups Implemented the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for the Balance of State Continuum of Care Plan and established network of providers Collaborated with the Georgia Interagency Homeless Coordination Council to address the issues concerning ways to end chronic homelessness with the focus on establishing policies that will eliminate discharging clients back into homeless situations; increasing access to SSI with a consideration given to presumptive eligibility; and improving state agency coordination Participated in planning efforts with several agencies throughout the state including but not limited to, Mental Health Planning Advisory Council, Georgia State Trade Association of Not-For-Profit Developers (GSTAND), and the Supportive Housing Committee of the Atlanta Regional Commission on Homelessness, and the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. Participated in the local homeless coalition meeting with Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless, the South Georgia Homeless Coalition Meeting, and the Macon Coalition to End Homelessness. Facilitated the Continuum of Care planning meetings in multiple regions throughout the State Partnered with 10 local public housing authorities through National Housing Compliance, f/k/a Georgia HAP Administrators, Inc. to provide Section 8 HAP contract administration services to HUD
50

Distributed the Downtown Development Resource and Program Guide that highlights DCA's resources and programs
Supported the local officials and leaders through the Community Housing Initiative to achieve their community goals to strengthen downtown revitalization and rejuvenate deteriorating or blighted neighborhoods to create a stronger tax base using established DCA resources and programs
Implemented the Boomtown Initiative, a marketing initiative designed to inform communities throughout the state of the various financial tools and technical assistance available to them to assist in revitalizing their downtown areas. A website was established www.boomtowngeorgia.org to provide a central location to get information on the available programs and how to access them. The Main Street Program and the Better Hometown Program is featured on the website and highlights that 52 cities participated in the Main Street Program in SFY2012 along with 41 in the Better Hometown Program
Participated on the Georgia Rural Development Council that advocates for rural development opportunities to strengthen rural communities and to serve as a clearinghouse for policies and initiatives affecting community and economic development in rural Georgia
Improving Public Housing and Resident Initiatives
DCA does not have an ongoing financial relationship with local public housing authorities in regards to traditional public housing.
Management
The State of Georgia does not own, manage, nor operate any public housing as a public housing authority. Neither does the State foresee owning or managing any public housing in the future. The State has not developed a plan to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in the public housing management or to become owners of their units. However, the State encourages individual PHAs to develop such a plan with residents. The State also continues to encourage within its programs the transition of public housing residents into private housing living situations. As such, it does not anticipate any major State involvement in this area, except to continue to provide related program information to interested parties.
While DCA does not specially target funds in the Consolidated Plan for public housing programs, the State is committed to provide resources for the operation, maintenance and preservation of public housing and for the Housing Choice Voucher Program while the public housing authorities implement a large portion of Georgia's housing assistance effort.
Local governments have created 202 PHAs providing public housing throughout the State. Seventeen PHAs offer Housing Choice Vouchers rental subsidies. PHAs utilize funds from public housing rent receipts, federal subsidies from HUD and proceeds from bond issues for some development costs
Troubled Public Housing Authorities
Local public housing authorities are established through the auspices of local government, subject to state enabling legislation. The HUD Office of Public and Indian Housing (OPIH) uses a scoring system by which it can determine if a housing authority is "troubled". DCA periodically contacts the OPIH Field Office in Atlanta to obtain an updated list of troubled authorities in the state. OPIH can establish a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with each troubled PHA that establishes a program that will enable a troubled PHA to resolve their troubling issues.
51

Upon consultation with the OPIH a determination is made whether or not State assistance is necessary to assist a troubled PHA. In the event that an authority whose service area is not entirely contained within a locality that must prepare a consolidated plan is determined to be troubled, DCA would be prepared to offer technical assistance. This would be offered upon the request of the local public housing authority and would focus on those areas of deficiency contributing to the designation with the intention of assisting in removing the designation.
During this reporting period, OPIH indicated that there were five qualifying PHAs that met this criterion and had a "troubled" status. Two of these PHAs, McRae and Milledgeville, have implemented recovery agreements and are being monitored by HUD. Fulton County is troubled in the area of finance and is in the process of implementing corrective actions for a sustained recovery. Hawkinsville just received its "troubled" designation in June 2012 and recovery efforts are just beginning. The fifth, Sparta, has experienced problems in the area of management and finance and the Authority and HUD are reviewing the option of having another Authority manage it.
It was determined that these PHAs were in the process of resolving their deficiencies working directly with OPIH and submitting monthly reports, and that no State assistance was necessary at this time. DCA will continue to monitor the status of these troubled PHAs and any other qualifying PHA that acquires a "troubled" status in anticipation of offering technical assistance as needed.
Coordination Efforts with Public Housing Authorities
The continual success of Public Housing Authorities weighs heavily on resident participation towards economic self-sufficiency, innovations in finance, design and management of the authorities, and partnerships with other organizations to address the needs of their residents. Therefore, the State continued activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and government health, mental health, services, and fair housing agencies. DCA staff continued its partnership with 10 statewide public housing authorities to oversee National Housing Compliance, Inc. (NHC), formerly known as Georgia HAP Administrators (GHA) Inc. NHC is a nonprofit organization created by its member organizations to conduct performance-based contact administration for HUD by auditing federally-assisted properties to ensure they are in compliance with their contract and all program requirements. NHC/GHA assumed this role on August 1, 2000. The contract to administer this program was rebid during this reporting period but there were procurement issues that will require a new RFP process in SFY 2013.
DCA is committed to soliciting landlord participation and reached out to several housing authorizes to utilize GeorgiaHousingSearch. Ten housing authorities have joined this online listing and locator service for affordable rental housing: Columbus, Fulton, Atlanta, Decatur, DeKalb, Macon, Marietta, Savannah, Augusta, and NW Georgia Coalition.
DCA's Office of Homeownership facilitates partnerships with several local housing authorities: Marietta Housing, Cobb Housing, Atlanta Housing, Jonesboro Housing, Griffin Housing, Fulton County Housing, DeKalb Housing, Gwinnett Housing, Savannah Housing, Macon Housing, and Hawkinsville/Pulaski County to coordinate the use of the Georgia Dream First and Second Mortgage Program and the Housing Choice Voucher Programs. DCA also provided Georgia Dream Homeownership brochures and other informational tools for use in their home buyer education sessions.
Fostering and Maintaining Affordable Housing
52

All of the programs implemented by DCA using any of the consolidated program funds are designed to foster and maintain affordable housing opportunities across Georgia.
The National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program awarded the State a total of $386,524.50 for counseling. The State has participated in this program since 2007 and through the housing counseling agencies has provided foreclosure prevention counseling. The National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program is being administered through a competitive application process by NeighborWorks America, within guidelines defined by Congressional legislation. GeorgiaHousingSearch.org, the online housing listing and locator service, sponsored by DCA and the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, continued to expand. To date, GeorgiaHousingSearch.org has registered over 176,000 rental-housing units statewide, has 60% of local public housing authorities administering the Housing Choice voucher program listing their properties, and supports over 10,000 daily searches from prospective renters.
Evaluating and Reducing Lead-Based Paint Hazards There are three State agencies that has come together to develop a coordinated strategy to address Georgia's lead-based paint hazards. These agencies include:
Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR), Division of Public Health, through implementation of the CDC funded Georgia Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Georgia Department of Natural Resources which is responsible for certification of lead abatement contractors and professionals
Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) which administers the HUD- funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Programs that works to eliminate lead hazards in housing built prior to
DCA lead-based paint hazards elimination activities included:
CDBG and CHIP provide homeowner awareness and education on lead-based paint by referring prospective homeowners to the information provided by the HUD/EPA entitled "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home" before housing rehabilitation assistance is provided to the homeowner.
Housing administrators and rehabilitation advisors are required to enroll in the Visual Assessment Course that is located at www.hud.gov/lea/training and pass all relevant tests.
Training provided to lead abatement contractors and risk assessors working with local housing rehabilitation recipients.
Providing mandatory form in all HOME and LIHTC properties and reviewing the form during annual training and file review audits.
Actions to Reduce the Number of Poverty Level Families
While a solution to assisting the significant number of Georgians living in poverty is beyond the scope of the four HUD formula programs, the implementation of the housing and community development programs as described in Section I has assisted in the alleviation of some of the conditions of poverty manifested in poor or overcrowded housing, lack of jobs and deteriorated neighborhoods. The grants the state made to local governments and nonprofit service providers helped persons and families in poverty.
DCA continued to serve on the Governor's Workforce Investment Board's (WIB) Coordinating Council. Georgia's Work Ready initiative is based on a skills assessment and certification for job
53

seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. The Certified Work Ready Community initiative builds on the assessments and job profiling system to create opportunities for greater economic development. Each designated community created a team of economic development, government and education partners to meet the certification criteria. Counties are given three years to reach the goals necessary to earn the designation. The total number of certified counties in the state as of the end of this reporting period was 136.
During this past fiscal year, Georgia Appalachian Center for Higher Education (GACHE) awarded $166,259 to 27 high schools. All schools are located in one of Georgia's Appalachian Regional Commission-designated counties. The grants provided schools with resources to enable them to continue to increase their graduation and college-going rates.
During SFY2012, CDBG set-aside funds for the Employment Incentive Program resulted in the awarding of grants, which directly produce employment. In addition, the local program income generated by the creation of new jobs should help lift families above the poverty level. DCA's Office of Economic Development, which manages the EIP Program and several other state funded economic development programs, is actively coordinating with the Department of Adult and Technical Education for job training.
CDBG funds were also used to fund the Redevelopment Fund Program. This 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.
DCA offers assistance to cities, counties, and development authorities through the Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund. Financing is provided at below market rates to fund capital projects in core historic downtown areas and adjacent neighborhoods where the loans are expected to spur commercial redevelopment. Activities can be undertaken in municipalities or counties with a population of 100,000 or less,
DCA's Opportunity Zone Program offers 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. Areas throughout the State are designated by DCA for eligibility for the program based upon local governments undertaking redevelopment and revitalization efforts in commercial and industrial areas that are within or adjacent to a Census block group with a poverty level of at least 15% or where an enterprise zone or urban redevelopment plan exists. There were a total of 85 opportunity zones in the State as of the end of this reporting period.
During SFY2012, DCA established the Georgia State Small Business Credit Initiative using federal funds awarded through the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Georgia received a total of $47,808,507 to be used to strengthen State lending programs that support small businesses and manufacturers. Any approved program must ultimately generate $10 in private leverage for each public dollar awarded to it. The three programs established under the initiative are Georgia Funding for CDFIs ($20 million), Georgia Small Business Credit Guarantee ($17,808,507), and Georgia Capital Access Program ($10 million).
The Regional Economic Assistance Projects Program provides a mechanism for local governments and the private sector to cooperate on large-scale tourism-related projects with multiple uses that will create jobs and enhance the local tax base. The program assists in producing growth and development,
54

particularly in rural areas, that result in additional tax revenue and provide employment opportunities to residents in the tourism and hospitality industries. DCA continues their partnership in the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The ARC is a federal-state partnership comprised of 13 states in the Appalachian region of the United States. The goal of the program is to create opportunities for selfsustaining economic development and improved quality of life in the region.
55

Carrying Out the Actions Identified in the State's Consolidated Plan The actions identified in Parts I-IV of this performance report indicate the State's commitment to carrying out the activities identified in its Annual Action Plan for FFY2011 Consolidated Funds. DCA has administered all of the consolidated resources that it planned to receive from HUD and moved to implement its housing and community development activities with the goal of meeting the priorities established in the State of Georgia's Consolidated Plan.
During SFY2012, DCA also reviewed the Agency Plans of local public housing authorities for consistency with the State's Consolidated Plan. DCA reviewed 9 plans during the program year.
In addition, the State acted to assist other entities seeking funds from HUD for projects that also further these priorities. During SFY2012, the DCA approved 5 Certifications of Consistency with its Consolidated Plan for other entities.
No requests submitted were determined to be incompatible with the Consolidated Plan. Citizen Participation A comprehensive effort was undertaken to disseminate draft versions of this Consolidated Plan Annual Performance Evaluation Report in conformance with the State's Citizen Participation Plan. DCA placed the draft of the CAPER for public review on the website September 11, 2012. The public was made aware of the review process from the public notices published in the following newspapers during the period September 5-11, 2012:
Albany Herald, Athens Banner-Herald, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Augusta Chronicle, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Dalton Daily Citizen Gainesville Times Macon Telegraph Rome News-Times Savannah Morning News Waycross Journal-Herald
No written or verbal comments were received from the public during the 15-day comment period.
56

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
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. It is an important tool for helping local governments tackle serious challenges facing their communities. To meet this goal, a minimum of 70% of all allocated CDBG funds must benefit lowand moderate-income persons. In addition, each activity must meet one of the following national objectives established by Congress for the program: benefit to low- and moderate-income persons, prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or address community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community for which other funding is not available.
CDBG funds may be used for a variety of eligible activities that must principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to housing improvements, code enforcement, administrative cost, rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures, project related soft costs, acquisition of real property, relocation and demolition, clearance, interim assistance, removal of architectural barriers, down payment assistance, provision of assistance to profit motivated businesses to carry out economic development and job creation or retention activities, activities relating to energy conservation, public infrastructure improvements, such as water and sewer facilities, and economic development. Housing activities may involve costs associated with the reconstruction or rehabilitation of either homeowner or rental units.
The program is a flexible source of competitive funding for a broad range of community development activities. Funds are awarded to local governments following a Method of Distribution (MOD) described in the Annual Action Plan. Therefore, the type of projects receiving CDBG assistance is based on the self-identified needs of each community and varies yearly. The MOD places a priority on funding projects that address health and safety concerns or create jobs. DCA competitively allocated all CDBG funds to eligible units of local government through an annual competition or through setasides for economic development or urgent needs projects. Each unit of local government determined the type of eligible project for which assistance through the State's CDBG program was sought.
During SFY2012, the State of Georgia and twenty-four entitlement jurisdictions in Georgia each received a formula allocation of federal CDBG funds totaling $74,356,236. The twenty-four entitlement jurisdictions are not covered in this report and include the cities of Albany, Atlanta, Brunswick, Dalton, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Hinesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Savannah, Valdosta and Warner Robins; the counties of Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett; and the three consolidated governments of Athens-Clark County, AugustaRichmond County, and Columbus-Muscogee County.
The State administered CDBG funds in the remaining, non-entitlement jurisdictions in Georgia. During SFY2012, the State awarded 97 CDBG grants totaling $40,534,528 to units of local government as indicated in the table on the following pages, which shows the geographic distribution by county.
57

58

Program Accomplishments

Following is a chart showing the program accomplishments for all CDBG projects that were fully drawn and closed out within DCA's system during this reporting period along with a description of each of the activity types.

Activity Type

Number Benefited

Number LMI Percent LMI Public/Private

Benefited

Benefited

Leverage

Public Improvements

27,945

26,449

94.6 % $12,645,086

Economic Development/Jobs Created or Retained

897

707

78.8 % $85,113,670

Housing/Households

46

46

100 %

$2,007,703

Benefited

Public Improvements
Note that all funded Public Improvement grants are chosen based on a rating and ranking system described in the Annual Action Plan, which gives greatest priority to the severity of demonstrated health and safety needs of low- and moderate-income communities and people.
Infrastructure: The State's CDBG program combines local government investments with CDBG funds to finance infrastructure that provides: (1) public water to replace contaminated wells; (2) public sewer to remove sewage from homes, yards and neighborhoods; (3) drainage and street improvements to prevent neighborhood flooding and provide passable streets; and (4) disaster assistance projects.
Public Buildings: The State's CDBG program combines local government investments with CDBG funds to finance the creation, expansion or rehabilitation of public buildings - including youth centers, shelters for the disadvantaged, senior centers, health centers and similar projects.
Economic Development/Jobs Created or Retained
Commercial/Industrial Infrastructure: The State's CDBG program combines local government/private investments with CDBG funds to finance infrastructure and business assets initiating economic development in Georgia's rural, non-entitlement areas. These projects are benefiting Georgians by creating or retaining jobs.
Housing/Households Benefited
Housing Rehabilitation and Homeowner Assistance: The State CDBG Program has funded the removal of blighted units, the rehabilitation of substandard housing, and the provision of down payment assistance. CDBG housing activities provide 100% benefit to low-to moderate-income citizens.

59

Race/Ethnicity Characteristics of Housing Beneficiaries of HUD Funding of CDBG

The following table highlights housing beneficiary households by race and ethnicity status.

Race or Ethnic Groups White
Black/African-American Asian
American Indian/Alaskan Native Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
American Indian/Alaskan Native & White Asian & White
Black/African-American & White Amer. Indian/Alas. Native & Black/African-
American Other Multi-Racial Total Unduplicated Counts

# Households 3 45 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 48

# Hispanic
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
0 0

Special Needs: Elderly Persons Assisted with CDBG Funding
The following table shows the number of elderly households receiving housing assistance with rehabilitation or reconstruction.

Non-Homeless Special Needs

Investment $1,303,975

Assisted 28

Leveraging
The State's CDBG program rewards local government and private sector leveraging commitment through the leverage score component of the Rating and Ranking system. For the annual CDBG competition, DCA requires a local cash match for all non-housing CDBG projects. The required cash match is based on the type of project and the amount of CDBG funds received as follows:
0% for amounts up to $300,000 in CDBG funds 5% for amounts from $301,000 to $500,000 10% of amounts from $500,001 to $800,000 in CDBG funds
During SFY2012, local units of government that received CDBG funds provided $649,250 in local CDBG cash match. In addition, all competitive CDBG applications receive up to 20 additional points in the rating system for provision of additional resources. While these are not always cash amounts, usually they are other loans, grants or local government cash and in-kind contributions. For CDBG (all programs), grant awards made during this period pledged leveraged funds of $295,402,023.

60

CDBG Priorities
This section describes the use of CDBG funds as well as the accomplishments of the CDBG Program during the period July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. The following subsection describes the relationship of these accomplishments to the goals and objectives stated in the Consolidated Plan for FFY2011 Funds.
As anticipated in the Annual Action Plan for FFY2011 funds, the State received a CDBG allocation of $36,631,109. The Annual Action Plan proposed the following allocation of these funds:

SFY2012 Funding and Allocation of FFY 2011 CDBG Funds

Award From HUD: Less Set-Aside For: State Administration
Immediate Threat and Danger Program Redevelopment Fund Employment Incentive Program Set-aside for Technical Assistance

$36,631,109 $832,622.18
$500,000 $1,500,000 $8,000,000
$366,311

Remainder: Amount Available for Regular Competition

$25,432,176

The amount awarded for the 2011 Annual Competition, includes monies from the FFY2011 allocation as well as funds available from past allocations or funds de-obligated from previous grantees. The distribution of these funds by type of project is displayed in the table on the following page.

61

Distribution of CDBG Awards by Project Type with Number of People Projected to Benefit

Type of Projects

Projects Award

People LMI LMI% People

Multi-Activity

2

$1,600,000

228 209

92%

Neighborhood Revitalization

4

$1,578,188

202 195

100%

Public Facilities:

Drainage and Streets 17

$ 7,332,372 1,806 1,646 91%

Health Center

1

$ 498,646 2,217 2,217 100%

Head Start Facility 1

$ 500,000 71

71

100%

Boys and Girls Club 1

$ 500,000 151

151

100%

Multi Infrastructure 3

$ 1,500,000 556

536

96%

Senior Center

2

$ 800,000

4,642 4,040 87%

Sewer Improvements 22

$10,337,249 8,504 7,836 92%

Water Improvements 14

$ 5,885,304 3,688 3,005 81%

Water and Sewer

Improvements

8

$ 3,839,524 1,407 1,352 96%

Immediate Threat and Danger Awards 8
Employment Incentive Program 11
Redevelopment Fund 3

$ 179,702 $ 4,377,845

8,310 5,077 61%

Jobs Jobs

1,058 914

86%

$ 1,162,617

207

187

90%

62

Relationship to Consolidated Plan Priorities and Objectives
As stated in the Annual Action Plan for FFY2011, the State has established both a longterm and a short-term objectives. In measuring the success in meeting these objectives it should be noted that the State is in the role of deciding what local governments receive funds and does not mandate the type of projects funded.
The primary long-term objective of the State's CDBG Program is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, principally for low income and moderate-income persons. The short-term objective is to make CDBG funds available to local governments to address their locally identified needs. Locally elected officials through consultation with local residents identify these needs.
The Distribution of CDBG Funds by Project Type (above table) summarizes the FFY2011 CDBG awards made during this report period and the proposed number of people to benefit. Since the average duration of each project from grant award to project closeout is two to three years, the measurement of actual accomplishments is reported in the HUD IDIS database, as projects are completed, over several report periods. Available data from past awards indicates that nearly 90% of all persons to benefit will be low- and moderate-income persons. The table shows that the CDBG Program is used to meet a wide variety of locally identified needs.
Based on the information reported above on the use of State CDBG funds, there is a very strong relationship between the uses of CDBG funds to the identified CDBG Program Objective. Funds have been provided to local units of government based on locally identified needs to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities. Wide varieties of locally identified needs are being met. The major limitation in meeting these needs is the availability of adequate funds to meet those health and safety needs as identified by local governments.
The priority of principally benefiting low income and moderate-income persons is met because approximately 90% of the program beneficiaries are documented to be from low and moderate-income households. Because of the success of the CDBG Program in meeting its objective, presently the State does not plan or anticipate any major changes in the program objective or basic program design.
Minimizing Displacement: The only time displacement occurs under the State CDBG Program is when a dilapidated occupied house is to be demolished. In the rare instance that this event occurs, DCA monitors the grantee very closely and provides technical assistance to ensure that the activity is in full compliance with Section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act. This includes relocation assistance for displaced persons and the one-for-one replacement of the dwelling unit.
All Grantees Met a National Objective: The Housing and Community Development Act of 1976 lists three National Objectives for the CDBG Program: Job Creation, Meeting Urgent Needs and Benefit to Low and Moderate-Income Persons. All CDBG grants made by DCA meet at least one of these Objectives.
63

Program Annual Competition Redevelopment Fund Employment Incentive Program Immediate Threat and Danger

National Objective LMC, LMA or LMH SB and LMJ LMJ UN

The Annual Competition activities can be for any CDBG-eligible activity. Some of these activities were identified above in the Distribution of CDBG Funds by Project Type table on the previous page. These awards can be further described by the national objectives below:

Compliance with Program Requirements: DCA has established a compliance program for CDBG that regularly monitors on-site all grantees for compliance with all state and federal requirements using a set of written compliance standards and checklists. In addition, two annual CDBG Workshops are designed to assist grantees comply with applicable requirements. More information is available in the DCA CDBG Recipients' Manual.

Qualified Local Government Status: All local governments are required to meet the State's standards to meet and maintain this status in order to receive final approval to proceed with a CDBG project. Cities or counties may apply for CDBG funds without having this status but they must be so designated before they can begin drawing down CDBG funds for approved projects. In order to meet these standards, the county or municipality must dopt and maintain a comprehensive plan in conformity with local planning requirements, establish regulations consistent with its comprehensive plan and with the local planning requirements, and participate in DCA's mediation or other means of resolving conflicts in a manner in which, in the judgment of DCA, reflects a good faith effort to resolve any conflict.

Jobs Available and Not Filled by L-M Income Persons: All jobs created by CDBG economic development activities are made available to low- and moderate-income persons, but not all jobs are taken by low- and moderate-income persons. All businesses assisted with CDBG funds must sign a contract that a minimum of 51% of jobs created will be filled by low- and moderate-income persons or funds must be repaid to the State. DCA and the assisted businesses work with a number of other programs, such as the Georgia Department of Labor, to ensure this goal is met.
Limited Clientele Activities not included in Presumed Benefits: This would include activities such construction of public health facilities, Head Start facilities and Boys and Girls Club facilities. DCA requires that such facilities collect family income information from all persons benefiting to document that at least 70% of the persons do have a lowor moderate-income level. Generally, these activities achieve a benefit level exceeding 95% LMI.
Source(s) of Program Income: Generally, the only Program Income received by the State are funds from discontinued CDBG capitalized local economic development Revolving Loan Funds.

64

Progress report on HUD approved neighborhood revitalization strategies: During this period, there are no HUD approved neighborhood revitalization strategies approved for non-entitlement CDBG eligible communities.
Monitoring of Compliance with CDBG Funding Regulations
To insure that each recipient of CDBG funds operates in compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations, DCA conducts frequent on-site monitoring of every grant award. This includes beneficiary documentation, financial records, construction progress and all CDBG Compliance areas (a total of 17 monitoring topics). DCA follows a monitoring strategy that closely reviews government activities and provides extensive technical assistance to prevent compliance problems. Pre-funding site visits were made to each potential grant recipient. Once grants were awarded, staff conducted an initial "startup" visit to assess the capacity and needs of each recipient. In addition, all recipients were required to attend a workshop that provided extensive technical assistance and received a guidance manual to utilize for implementing their projects. During the Program Year ending June 30, 2012, 1,065 site visits were made by CDBG Program Representatives.
Evaluation of Progress in Meeting Georgia's Community Development Objective
The State is making significant progress in meeting these objectives. This conclusion is based on the number and type of grants awarded and the numbers of persons benefiting from these projects. During the program year covered by this report, 97 awards to local units of government were made with CDBG funds as outlined in the table found earlier in this section. Included are all CDBG funding categories, including the Annual Competition, Redevelopment Fund, Immediate Threat and Danger Program, and Employment Incentive program. The vast majority of the persons benefiting are low- and moderate-income.
HUD Table 3A in Section II of this report shows the goals and objectives associated with CDBG activities and DCA's performance for SFY2012 in meeting those goals.
One major challenge in meeting the objective is the reduction is the amount of CDBG funds available to the State through Congressional appropriations. At the national level, the appropriations have declined every year since 2003. Georgia's share of these funds has declined from $43,600,000 in SFY2011 to $36,631,109 in SFY2012. This factor, combined with declining tax revenues for the state's grantees and the need to focus on job creation has created a greater need for CDBG assistance throughout the state than ever before.
In addition, over the past few years, Congress continues to set-aside millions of dollars for congressional mandated "ear marks" or set-asides. These set-asides reduce the amount of funds available to the State and seem to contradict the currently favored "block grant" approach to local community development.
65

HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME)
The HOME Program is designed to strengthen public-private partnerships to provide more affordable housing. HOME strives to meet both the short-term goal of increasing the supply and the availability of affordable housing and the long-term goal of building partnerships between State and local governments and private and nonprofit organizations to strengthen their capacity to meet the housing needs of low, very low, and extremely low income Georgians. Generally, the HOME Program has three main purposes:
(1) To expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing with primary attention to rental housing for extremely low and low income Americans;
(2) To mobilize and strengthen the abilities of states and units of general local government throughout the United States to design and implement strategies to achieve an adequate supply of decent, safe, sanitary, and affordable housing; and,
(3) To provide participating jurisdictions, on a coordinated basis, with various forms of federal housing assistance, including capital investment, mortgage investment, rental assistance, and other needed federal assistance.
HUD regulations allow the HOME Program to serve a variety of activities such as owneroccupied housing assistance, homebuyer assistance, tenant-based rental assistance, and rental housing development assistance. The State of Georgia provides a variety of programs to address these main purposes.
The State of Georgia and each of twelve participating jurisdictions in Georgia received an annual formula allocation of federal HOME funds totaling $38,522,981. The participating jurisdictions included the cities of Albany, Atlanta, Macon, and Savannah, as well as the counties of Clayton, DeKalb, and Gwinnett. Three consolidated governments Athens-Clarke County, Augusta-Richmond County and ColumbusMuscogee County also received HOME funds directly from HUD. In addition, two consortiums the Georgia Urban County Consortium (composed of Cherokee and Cobb counties) and the Fulton County-City of Roswell Consortium also received an allocation of HOME funds.
GHFA is the Participating Jurisdiction (PJ) and recipient of the State of Georgia's allocation of HOME funds, which received in FFY2011 $21,491,880 in HOME funds and $5,404,389 in program income from the repayment of the loans made using HOME funds to implement affordable housing programs in Georgia. As a result of State budgetary constraints, no State funding was appropriated as match to the HOME Program funds as in prior years. In SFY 2012, the State allocated HOME funds to seven (7) programs using the above allocation and unused funds from previous years:
HOME Rental Housing Loan Program
This program provided construction to permanent loans for the construction or rehabilitation of affordable rental housing. A portion of the funds allocated to this program was made available to community housing development organizations (CHDOs). These funds are available only for developments in areas outside the political boundaries of participating jurisdictions receiving a direct allocation of federal HOME funds. During SFY2012, the State awarded the funds competitively to for profit and nonprofit organizations. DCA completed twelve projects utilizing HOME funding, totaling $20,839,580 that created 311 rental units. Of these 311 units, six CHDO projects produced 189 assisted units.
66

HOME CHDO Predevelopment Loan Program (CPLP) This program offers interest-free loans to qualified nonprofit organizations for the preparation of complete and comprehensive applications for financing low to moderateincome housing developments using DCA's HOME Rental Housing Loan, and Permanent Supportive Housing programs. Eligible activities for the CPLP include the financing of predevelopment costs, but are not limited to, initial feasibility study, environmental reports, physical needs assessment, market study, consulting fees, associated expenditures with the preparation of preliminary financial applications to nonDCA funding sources, site control, title clearance fees and expenses associated with architectural, legal engineering and development services. The maximum loan amount is $30,000. During SFY2012, the State closed out two loans under this program totaling $54,857.
HOME CHDO Operating Assistance Program This program assisted qualified state-designated CHDOs with funding to maintain their operation and to develop their capacity to implement HOME-funded CHDO activities. CHDOs used the funding for salaries, wages, benefits, and other employee compensation; consultants to address deficiencies in the organization's capacity as identified by the Capacity Assessment Tool; office supplies; employee education, training and travel; rent and utilities; taxes and insurance; communication costs; and equipment and the lease payments, materials and supplies. All activities under this grant must be linked to the deficiencies identified by the organization in their completed Capacity Assessment Tool. During SFY2012, a total of $30,000 in assistance was awarded to one CHDO to support its overall mission to provide affordable housing development in the communities.
Permanent Supportive Housing Program This program provided financial assistance to developers providing permanent housing for eligible homeless tenants. Construction and permanent financing was available for the cost of constructing or rehabilitating rental housing for eligible homeless tenants. Supportive services must be applicable to the needs of the targeted special need population must be provided.
To implement this program, the State used a portion of its HOME CHDO set-aside, its non-CHDO HOME allocation, and an allocation of funds through the State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless. Recipients eligible to receive funding from the CHDO setaside must be qualified by the State as a CHDO. During SFY2012, DCA awarded $5,479,831 in HOME funds to one recipient that will produce 70 special needs units. Additionally, one project was completed during the fiscal year, representing 48 special needs units.
67

Georgia Dream Single Family Development Program
This program provides two forms of assistance: a home buyer subsidy and a development subsidy. The home buyer subsidy was down payment assistance in the form of a deferred payment second mortgage provided to eligible low-income borrowers. The development subsidy was made available as a grant to the developer when the total development costs of a unit exceeded the sales price. DCA awarded funding to five Habitat affiliates in July 2011. Three other projects were completed during this reporting period that involved the construction and sale of twelve single-family homes using $382,707 in SFDP assistance. Of this total, $240,142 was provided as developer subsidies and $142,565 as down payment assistance to the buyers.
Shortly after the award of funding in July 2011, the program was discontinued and the home buyer subsidy portion available to Habitat for Humanity affiliates was included as an eligible activity under the Community HOME Investment program (CHIP).
Georgia Dream Second Mortgage Program
This program offered a $5,000 deferred payment second mortgage to low- to moderateincome home buyers. The proceeds were applied as down payment, closing costs, prepaid expenses and/or principal reduction. The deferred loans were joined with the State's Georgia Dream First Mortgage Program. Borrowers were asked to contribute a minimum of $1,000 to the purchase transaction and complete Home Buyer Education provided by a DCA or HUD-approved education counselor. In addition, the State offered an enhanced amount of financial assistance with the same terms as above to borrowers who meet the following guidelines:
PEN (Protectors, Educators and Nurses): This program provides a $7,500 second mortgage to Georgia's service workers who help others in times of need. The target participant for this program included professional protectors, educators and healthcare providers. Any of the five branches of the armed forces or other law enforcement agencies responsible for the enforcement of the penal, traffic, highway laws or the incarceration or detention of offenders; and fire departments, including volunteer firefighters. The educators' option included all employees of a local, city or county school board recognized by the state or accredited by a state or regional association, including Head Start, and Pre-K programs. The health care providers included state licensed health care facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, dental and doctors' offices, health departments, and individuals with nursing or other approved health care certifications.
CHOICE (Consumer Home Ownership and Independence Choices for Everyone): The CHOICE option expanded housing opportunities to households that include an occupant with a disability. The applicant may receive a second mortgage loan of up to $7,500.
The Georgia Dream Second Mortgage program was implemented using a combination of funds including federal HOME monies and state funds. During SFY2012, DCA completed 389 units under this program including all of the financial options using a total of $2,290,000 in State and Federal assistance. The following table reflects a breakdown of each financial option.
68

Traditional PEN CHOICE

Georgia Dream Second Mortgage Program Performance

Federal ($)

# of

State ($)

# of Loans

Loans

$985,000

197

$275,000

55

$660,000

88

$195,000

26

$145,000

19

$3,000

4

Community HOME Investment Program (CHIP)
CHIP provided funding to local governments and nonprofits to implement homeowner rehabilitation and down payment assistance activities in their respective communities and service areas. Local governments/nonprofits seeking HOME funding must apply directly to DCA in conjunction with the annual application process. Applicants were evaluated based on the rating and ranking criteria outlined in the CHIP program description. Project funds awarded to a local government or nonprofit could not exceed $300,000. During SFY2012, funds were competitively awarded to eligible applicants across Georgia. Eleven local governments and one nonprofit organization in Georgia were awarded $3,431,557 in project and administrative funding to implement local housing programs in their communities. CHIP recipients successfully completed 153 affordable housing units, totaling $3,417,772. Of this total, 84 homebuyers were assisted using $1,000,635 and 69 owner-occupied homes were rehabilitated using $2,417,137. Although the provision of mortgage assistance to buyers of homes constructed by Habitat for Humanity was added this year as an eligible activity to CHIP, there were no completed units under this initiative.
Redistribution of Program Funding
During SFY2012, the State redistributed the allocation of funding among the programs to meet the program income requirements and to meet the housing priorities for the fiscal year. There was one substantial amendment to the State's Consolidated Plan that revised the projected numbers to be served in FFY2011 in HUD Tables 3A and 3B for CDBG and HOME, but this did not result in any reallocations for either program. There was an additional substantial amendment related to the State's receipt of the second allocation of Emergency Solutions Grant Program funds, but this also did not involve the reallocation of any funding. There were no substantial amendments involving the reallocation of funds for the CDBG, HOME, ESG, or HOPWA Program during the program period.
A change in HOME funding of 10 percent or greater triggers an amendment to the Action Plan. The State must make all amendments public and notify HUD that these amendments have been made. The following chart lists all HOME funding redistributions in SFY2012 that met this criteria.

69

Program
FFY2010/SFY2011 GA Dream Second Mortgage Program

Original Allocation $7,377,623

Current Allocation Percentage Change

$5,003,684

32% decrease

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF ASSISTANCE AND INVESTMENTS
Many of the State's housing programs are available on a "first come, first served" basis, including the Georgia Dream Second Mortgage Program and all of the financial options, Georgia Dream Single Family Development, CHDO Predevelopment Loan, CHDO Operating Assistance Program, and Permanent Supportive Housing Program. The remaining HOME programs are offered on a competitive allocation process and therefore the geographic distribution of the funds and assistance cannot be determined each program year. However, the State does provide the actual distribution of funding awarded during the fiscal year.
The distribution made during the SFY2012 was reported on between urban and rural areas using the metropolitan statistical area as determined by the Census Bureau.
Urban Counties Baker, Barrow, Bartow, Bibb, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Burke, Butts, Carroll, Catoosa, Chatham, Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Columbia, Coweta, Crawford, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Dougherty, Douglas, Echols, Effingham, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Glynn, Gwinnett, Hall, Haralson, Harris, Heard, Henry, Houston, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Lanier, Lee, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, McDuffie, McIntosh, Meriwether, Monroe, Murray, Muscogee, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Paulding, Pickens, Pike, Richmond, Rockdale, Spalding, Terrell, Twiggs, Walker, Walton, Whitfield and Worth.
Rural Counties ALL OTHER COUNTIES NOT LISTED

Any county included within one of the state's fifteen MSAs is classified as "urban." The designation of "Urban County" does not equate to a "Participating Jurisdiction." Of the $26,696,195 in HOME funds that were disbursed during SFY2012 as outlined in the following chart, $13,681,296 (51%) was spent on projects in urban areas. Of this total, $6,473,549 (24%) was for projects in participating jurisdictions where the local governments qualified for their own HOME allocations. The bulk of these dollars were spent on down payment assistance loans to homebuyers in those areas under the Georgia Dream Program which is available state-wide. The remaining 76% of all HOME disbursements were made in areas where DCA is the only resource of HOME funding. This total HOME funding distribution exceeds the allocation of the state's population as 62% of residents live outside of local participating jurisdictions.
The timing of the assistance used in the following chart is different between the HOME distribution and assistance and the remaining consolidated funding sources because the information on the HOME Program, with the exception of the CHDO Predevelopment Loan Program (CPLP) and the CHDO Operating Assistance Program (COAP), is reported on completion reports submitted directly to HUD. The information on the CPLP
70

and COAP is reported based on the awards of the grants or loans to eligible applicants. The figures in this chart differ from those in the HOME Activity by Program chart as that includes all activities based upon the date of commitment or expenditure. The accomplishments noted in this chart relate solely to those projects that were completed during SFY2012 regardless as to when the funds were drawn down.

HOME Geographic Distribution of Assistance by Program

URBAN UNITS/

URBAN

RURAL UNITS/

RURAL

PROGRAMS

GRANTS/LOANS EXPENDITURES GRANTS/LOANS EXPENDITURES

Georgia Dream Second Mortgage

386 (95%)

$1,930,000 (95%)

20 (5%)

$100,000 (5%)

Georgia Dream: CHOICE

37 (86%)

$310,000 (86%)

6 (14%)

$50,000 (14%)

Georgia Dream: PEN

173 (93%)

$1,297,500 (93%)

14 (7%)

$105,000 (7%)

Georgia Dream SFDP

2 (100%)

$44,199 (100%)

0

0

HOME Rental Housing Loan

2 (67%)

$4,804,884 (71%)

1 (33%)

$2,009,700 (29%)

Permanent Supportive

5 (100%)

$17,108,808 (100%)

0

0

Housing Loan

HOME CHDO Predevelopment Loan HOME CHDO
Operating Assistance

1 (50%) 2 (67%)

$30,000 (50%) $55,000 (61%)

1 (50%) 1 (33%)

$30,000 (50%) $35,000 (39%)

CHIP

127 (73%)

$3,535,160 (90%)

48 (27%)

$393,337 (10%)

TOTALS

735 (89%)

$29,115,551 (91%)

91 (11%)

$2,723,037 (9%)

71

Geographic Distribution of Assistance and Location of Assistance The map represents the distribution of HOME funding within each county during SFY2012.
72

Investments by Racial/Ethnicity Category of HOME Funding
The following table highlights beneficiary households by race and ethnicity status. Information is provided as available for each HOME-funded program that provided affordable housing opportunities during SFY2012.
Data is included for the Georgia Dream Second Mortgage Program including all the Dream financial options, Georgia Dream Single Family Development Program, CHIP, Permanent Supportive Housing Program, and the HOME Rental Housing Loan Program. All projects in which a completion report was filed during SFY2012 are included in the table. The racial and ethnicity characteristics of HOME beneficiaries during SFY2012 are as follows:
Racial/Ethnicity Characteristics of Housing Beneficiaries of HOME Funding

RACE OR ETHNIC GROUP

Georgia Dream Second MortgageTraditional

Georgia Dream: CHOICE

Georgia Dream:
PEN

Georgia Dream SFDP

HOME Rental Housing Loan

Permanent Supportive
Housing Loan

CHIP

TOTAL

# of Hispanic

Households

9

0

0

0

9

1

6

25

White

73

Black/African-

113

American

Asian

2

American

0

Indian/Alaskan Native

Native Hawaiian/Other

0

Pacific Islander

American Indian/Alaskan Native

0

& White

Asian & White

0

Black/African-

0

American & White

Amer. Indian/Alas.

Native &

0

Black/African-

American

Other Multi-Racial

9

Total Unduplicated 197 Counts

7

19

0

186

12

48

345

12

68

12

117

35

97

454

0

1

0

0

0

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

0

9

1

7

32

19

94

12 312

48

153 835

73

Leveraging
Federal HOME dollars leveraged funding from a number of other public and private sources to meet needs identified in the Consolidated Plan. HOME funds provided to multi-family projects to make them viable were used in combination with a number of other funding sources including low-income housing tax credits, private financing, and grants from private foundations as well as the Federal Home Loan Bank. HOME funds provided through the CHIP Program for homeowner rehabilitation and down payment assistance also leveraged private and USDA financing as well as owner cash and local city or county funding.

HOME match liability and credits are reported on the federal fiscal year period of October 1, 2011-September 30, 2012. The HOME Match Report will be prepared after the end of that period and submitted to HUD by the end of October, 2012. The report will be included in the final CAPER that is posted to DCA's website for this period.
PROJECTS FUNDED WITH PROGRAM INCOME TO THE HOME PROGRAM
The State of Georgia expended $5,404,389 to fund nine HOME Rental Housing Loan projects. The chart below lists all projects that received program income expenditures during this reporting period.

Project Name Summerville Gardens Etowah Terrace Senior Residence Powell Place Maple Square Conners Senior Village Faith Crossing Walnut Square Grace Crossing Green Mountain Village

Program Income $ 10,000 $ 904,708
$ 282,720 $ 900,160 $ 938,770 $ 728,270 $ 50,000 $ 702,460 $ 887,301

Total:

$ 5,404,389

Rental Housing On-Site Inspections

During SFY2012, the State followed the HOME audit policies and procedures to monitor developments funded through the Rental Housing Loan Program and the Permanent Supportive Housing Programs.

In an effort to ensure that the property owners understand on-going compliance requirements, notification of upcoming training and detailed HOME management packages (including all

74

required Compliance Forms) are given to the participants at the Pre-Construction Conferences and onsite HOME Technical Assistance visits and through the use of the MITAS Database System. The State performed regular monitoring reviews throughout the year. During the SFY2012, the State monitored 175 properties that had not reached the period of affordability.
In addition, there were 175 on-site compliance visits that included but were limited to file reviews, physical inspections and other administrative review. The staff provided hand-on training to the owners and property management prior to the leasing phase and well as offered the compliance-training seminar. During SFY2012, the State provided training to 95 staff members of HOME-funded developments.
DCA continues to collect and review the Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan as required. Updates of the Marketing Plan are reviewed and Self-Evaluation/Transition Plans for accessibility are requested. All participants are encouraged to list all vacancies on the GA Housing Search. DCA requires all recipients to undergo and complete an accessibility plan review. An Annual Owner Certification of Compliance with HOME rules and regulations is required to be submitted to DCA by all property owners.
This fiscal year, DCA planned a conference of all permanent supportive housing projects to determine unique operating issues, information tracking and a thorough review of support services that enhance the probability of housing stability. After arriving at a consensus on those services needed to maintain housing stability and establishing a data information protocol, DCA will again conduct on-site monitoring of supportive services based on the following process:
1. Request a tour of the facility to identify rooms set up to conduct services. 2. View onsite copy of support services agreement. 3. View tenant's case file. 4. View copy of the lease and any addendums to the lease. 5. View copy of services agreement between apartment complex and the tenant. (Tenant
acknowledges/agree to conditions for occupancy) 6. Utilize checklist to verify support services. 7. Prepare letter to apartment manager advising findings.
CHIP Compliance Monitoring
The CHIP program staff will be monitoring the work of the State Recipients and Sub-recipients at time of Pre-Set Up (if a homeowner rehabilitation activity), Set Up, and Draw. Additionally, State Recipients or Sub-recipients that have not administered a CHIP-funded program in the past also will have a Program Start-Up Review conducted to verify that the award recipient is on target with award timelines and in compliance with program regulations. A review of the program policies and procedures is also conducted. General Condition and Special Condition compliance, fair housing, use of manuals and forms and all required written agreements are discussed.
DCA will conduct an On-Site Monitoring Review annually of all State Recipients funded prior to SFY2011to evaluate adherence to locally established policies and procedures; conduct a site visit of completed projects; and review individual household activity file to verify income, verify property ownership, owner occupancy, property type and value, property standards, loan and grant documentation, construction documentation, environmental screening, reconciliation of CHIP checking account, source documentation for all invoices and other financial management review.
75

After all project funds have been drawn, DCA may conduct an on-site Close-Out Review to monitor program and project records for compliance with HOME regulations including reconciliation of draw down records, final quarterly reporting, outstanding monitoring issues, unused funds return, administrative draws, case file reviews and record retention. DCA staff will provide technical assistance during the program year at the request of State Recipients and Sub-recipients. CHIP recipients and sub-recipient administrators. Periodically, DCA issues CHIP policy memoranda to all active State Recipients and Subrecipients and administrators providing clarification of CHIP programmatic issues and/or to provide updates. When a Participating Jurisdiction (PJ) like the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority accepts HOME funds, it also accepts the responsibility to see that those funds are spent for the program purposes, and in accordance with all applicable Federal regulations and state and local laws. The PJ retains the responsibility even when it relies on other housing partners to carry out all or a portion of its HOME Program activities. Noncompliance with HOME Program rules by any entity can lead to any number of consequences, including the repayment of HOME funds to HUD by the PJ. In regard to State Recipients and Sub-recipients administering the HOME program on behalf of GHFA please reference the sanctions that DCA can impose in the event the local government fails to comply with program requirements. When HUD monitors DCA's implementation of CHIP, they also randomly select a State Recipient or Sub-recipient to monitor. Whether HUD is monitoring DCA or the State Recipient or Sub-recipient, their review evaluates several functions within the organization's operational system including Financial and Administrative, Program Operations, and Projects. While monitoring may uncover specific instances of noncompliance with program rules, it is generally focused on evaluating whether or not an organization has an effective flow of work and has incorporated checks and balances into its operations, so that compliance is built into the standard operating procedures. Because HUD monitors both DCA and its State Recipients and Sub-recipients, DCA will use the actual HUD monitoring forms in the "Monitoring HOME Program Performance" booklet prepared by HUD.
76

EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT (ESG) PROGRAM
The ESG program is designed to improve the quality of housing and associated services that exist for persons who experience homelessness, to help make available additional emergency shelters and transitional housing facilities, to help meet the cost of operating these programs and of providing certain essential social services to homeless individuals so that these persons have access not only to safe and sanitary shelter, but also to the supportive services and other kinds of transitional assistance needed to achieve permanent housing.
During SFY2012, 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 provision of essential services, or the acquisition, rehabilitation, or construction of associated facilities. Each funding award is based on numerous factors including housing capacity, number of months open, number of homeless individuals served, coordination with other providers, cost effectiveness and administrative capacity.
Allocation
The State and eight entitlement jurisdictions in Georgia each received a formula allocation of federal ESG funds. The eight entitlement jurisdictions included the cities of Atlanta and Savannah; the counties of Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Gwinnett; and the consolidated government of Augusta-Richmond County. The State administered ESG funds in the remaining, non-entitlement jurisdictions in Georgia.
During SFY2012, the State awarded $3,294,822 to 205 recipients to provide homeless assistance throughout the State. Eight percent of the funding was awarded in rural counties and 92% went to urban designated counties.
ESG Awards FFY2011
$263,296

Rural Urban

$3,031,526

77

Racial/Ethnicity Characteristics for the ESG Recipients
The following table highlights beneficiary households by racial and ethnicity status. Information is provided as available for each HUD funding source that provided affordable housing opportunities during SFY2012.

Race or Ethnic Groups White
Black/African-American Asian
American Indian/Alaskan Native Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander

# Persons 7,818 20,357 64 58 36

# Hispanic
529 135 2 9 2

American Indian/Alaskan Native & White Asian & White
Black/African-American & White Amer. Indian/Alas. Native & Black/African-American
Other Multi-Racial Total Unduplicated Counts

23 4 212 27 1,274 29,873

0 0 10 2 482 1,171

Information regarding the distribution of ESG assistance in SFY12 by category along with the numbers of person s assisted is as follows:

ESG Expenditures by Activity (Federal & State Funds)

# Persons

$ Expended

Assisted

Emergency Shelter

26,297

Transitional Housing

3,576

$ 3,339,285

Supportive Service

39,890

Homeless Prevention

544

$ 153,309

Project Homeless Connect Technical Assistance

$ 17,407

Administration

$ 130,807

TOTAL AMOUNT OF ESG FUNDS EXPENDED

$ 3,640,808

Matching Resources
The State Housing Trust Fund contributed $1,243,786 in cash resources and sub-grantee agencies contributed in excess of $1,053,326 in eligible match to meet the requirements under the FFY2011 Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) program.
State Method of Distribution Applications were solicited by means of a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA). This notice was mailed and/or e-mailed to known homeless service and housing providers, local governments, and other interested parties. Regional workshops to discuss application requirements were also conducted by DCA staff. All homeless service and housing providers, local governments, faith-based organizations, and other interested parties could apply subject to application requirements.

78

All applications were reviewed for compliance with threshold eligibility requirements. These threshold requirements included, but were not limited to, incomplete grant applications, the extent to which the program serves exclusively (100%) homeless persons; 501(c)(3) status for nonprofit agencies, and outstanding or repeated findings of noncompliance (including noncompliance with the DCA HMIS policy). All applications that met threshold were evaluated by staff following scoring criteria developed to ensure that the limited pool of funding received is used in the most effective way possible. Individual scores by program were assessed for completeness of the grant application, past performance (including bed utilization and reporting), implementation strategy (narrative describing need, clients served, local coordination, goals, outputs, outcomes, etc.), procurement of outside resources, extent to which programs result in increased housing stability for clients, organizational development and experience, budgeting and financial reporting, efficient and effective use of HMIS, adherence to DCA Housing Support Standards, and other relevant factors. Applicants requesting funds for multiple programs may have received funds for some, but not all, programs. Geographic Distribution of Assistance and Investments The geographic distribution and location of assistance is shown on the following page for SFY2012.
79

80

Homeless Discharge Coordination All grantees of ESG funds are required to follow the HUD eligibility guidelines regarding individuals and families being discharged from institutions to receive homeless services. In addition, various State agencies have discharge planning policies around population served. Under the foster care system, the youth aging out who are not able to transition to independent living or reunion with their family are permitted to sign a consent that allows them to remain in foster care until 24 years age to allow time for them to develop a transition plan. The healthcare system has the Money Follows the Person Initiative (MFP) that provides the qualified individuals transitioning from nursing facilities, hospitals and other care facilities to community residences or other long-term care system. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) maintains the Transition Planning Protocol for individuals that are on the Mental Health Olmstead list, which states that no person is discharged without an appropriate transition plan that includes appropriate community services. The performance of the transition planning process is monitored by DBHDD to track quality and consistency. The release of a paroled individual has specific guidelines as well. The State's policy indicates that an individual convicted of a Board-designated violent offense or banished from their county of conviction is only eligible to receive parole from the State of Georgia Board of Pardons and Parole if they have an approved residence plan which has been verified by parole staff. A homeless shelter is not considered to be a valid residence; therefore, no individual meeting one of these designations is released on parole directly to a homeless facility or to homelessness. Non-violent offenders with no banishments may now be released without a valid residence plan. To facilitate the transition of individuals in all three groups who are eligible for parole but lack a residence, the State collaborates with the State Board of Pardons and Parole and the Department of Corrections to implement the Re-entry Partnership Housing Program (RPHP). This program provides short-term housing assistance to paroled residents who do not have a place to live after they are released from prison. Further, in order to promote a stable housing transition for all offenders, the Department of Corrections coordinates services through four of the Pre-Release Centers to assist with the housing needs of prisoners who have 24 months or less to serve.
81

HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS (HOPWA) PROGRAM

HOPWA 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 longterm 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 SFY2012, eligible applicants included qualified organizations whose missions incorporate the provision of housing and supportive services to persons with AIDS or related diseases. To be considered "qualified," an applicant must have demonstrated the capability and capacity to provide the level of support services required by these residents. The applicant must also have received written approval and support of the local government where the assisted housing is or would be located. Recipients must also have operated their programs in full compliance with the HUD regulations published at 24 CFR Part 574. Any housing assisted under this program was required to be restricted to occupancy by eligible persons with AIDS.
Applicants were eligible to use HOPWA funds for the following activities:

Community-based housing Short-term assistance which could include rent, utilities and mortgage payments for
persons who are in danger of becoming homeless Tenant-based rental assistance programs for eligible persons Provision of supportive services to individuals with AIDS or related diseases Rehabilitation or construction of a housing facility owned and operated by the applicant
demonstrating organizational/financial capacity in providing supportive services Acquisition of facilities providing housing and/or services to low income persons with
AIDS or related factors
The applicant determines the housing and service needs within their service area. The State's goal is to assist designated sponsors with the expansion or enhancement of their organizational capacity and/or current programs.
Allocation
The State uses its HOPWA allocation to serve the 127 counties outside of areas that HUD has designated to receive their own formula HOPWA program funds. The two entitlement jurisdictions included the Atlanta MSA and the Augusta MSA (Richmond, Burke, McDuffie, and Columbia Counties). During SFY2012, the State awarded $1,958,869 in HOPWA funds. Six percent of the funding was awarded in rural counties and 92% went to urban designated counties.

Rural Urban

$114,680

$1,844,189
82

Racial/Ethnicity Characteristics of Housing Beneficiaries of HUD HOPWA Funding
The following table highlights HOPWA beneficiary households by race and ethnicity status. Information regarding HOPWA assistance relates only to the clients provided housing assistance during SFY2012.

Race or Ethnic Groups
White Black/African-American
Asian American Indian/Alaskan Native Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander

# Persons
108 672 0 2 1

# Hispanic
27 1 0 0 0

American Indian/Alaskan Native & White 0

0

Asian & White 0

0

Black/African-American & White 14

0

Amer. Indian/Alas. Native & Black/African-American 3

0

Other Multi-Racial 4

3

Total Unduplicated Counts 804

31

83

HOPWA SPECIAL NEEDS
The HOPWA program serves individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Because this disease often leaves individuals and families financially devastated due to accumulating medical bills and lost wages due to sickness, the State's HOPWA Project Sponsors make rental assistance and supportive services available to eligible persons. For persons impacted by HIV/AIDS, this is a very important phase of the continuum of care.
In FFY2011, the State administered $1,693,631 in HOPWA funds to assist seven (7) Project Sponsors located throughout Georgia in serving persons affected by HIV/AIDS. HOPWA funds were also administered by the State to provide Housing Information for persons calling in seeking housing or services.

HOPWA
Project Sponsor
AIDS Athens, Inc. Central City AIDS Network, Inc. Comprehensive AIDS Resource Encounter, Inc. Georgia Housing & Finance Authority Homeless Resource Network, Inc Living Room, Inc. Lowndes County Board of Health, a/k/a South Health District 8-1 Union Mission (Savannah), Inc. Total Amount Expended:

Funds Expended
$354,898 $432,935
$117,556 $5,447 $87,578 $25,724
$268,538 $400,955 $1,693,631

Service Provided
Housing & Supportive Services Housing & Supportive Services
Housing & Supportive Services Housing Information
Housing & Supportive Services Housing and Supportive Services
Housing & Supportive Services Housing & Supportive Services

An important note is that six HOPWA Sponsors and/or other nonprofit agencies also received $851,037 in Shelter Plus Care (S+C) funds for the rental assistance of homeless persons with both a disability and with HIV/AIDS. They are responsible for maintaining 128 units of rental assistance through the S+C Program. For participants in the State's consolidated planning jurisdiction who receive S+C Program funding, they receive additional supportive services provided through the HOPWA Program.
In addition to housing, some of the services provided through the HOPWA Program were case management/client, advocacy/access to benefits and services, outreach, health/medical/intensive care services, alcohol and drug abuse services, employment assistance, education, meals/nutritional services, permanent housing placement, life management skills, legal services, mental health services, and transportation. Appendix I provides information on the number of households (consisting of one or more persons with HIV/AIDS) that received housing and/or services using HOPWA funds during SFY2012 and a comparison to planned actions, as approved in the Consolidated Plan Annual Action Plan for this operating year.

84

HOPWA Distribution of Assistance

Households

1+persons

with

HIV/AIDS

Housing 460

Housing Information

51*

Supportive Services

826

Permanent Housing Placement

41

Project Sponsor's Administration

Persons with
HIV/AIDS 483
51*
826 41

Other Family
with HIV/AIDS
321
--
690 --

$ Expended $ 746,894
$ 5,447
$ 806,230 $ 19,897 $ 115,163

TOTAL AMOUNT OF HOPWA FUNDS DISTRIBUTED

$ 1,693,631

*In addition to the 51 receiving Housing Information services under a specific activity, project sponsors reported that an additional 124 households receiving housing information services through case management.

85

APPENDIX II

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION OF HUD FUND

AWARDS BY COUNTY FFY2011/SFY2012

COUNTY NAME Appling County Atkinson County Bacon County Baker County Baldwin County Banks County Barrow County Bartow County Ben Hill County Berrien County Bibb County Bleckley County Brantley County Brooks County Bryan County Bulloch County Burke County Butts County Calhoun County Camden County Candler County Carroll County Catoosa County Charlton County Chatham County Chattahoochee County Chattooga County Cherokee County Clarke County Clay County Clayton County Clinch County Cobb County Coffee County

HOME
$50,648 $5,250

CDBG HOPWA $497,379

$7,500

$58,300 $117,660
$17,875

$698,448
$931,933 $618,300

$467,179

$82,100

$1,500,000

$93,700

$873,200

$415,211

$4,928,872

$399,100

ESG $6,767 $12,000 $104,837 $22,000
$52,000 $232,656

TOTALS $497,379 $50,648
$5,250 $0
$14,267 $0 $0
$768,748 $117,660 $931,933 $741,012
$0 $467,179
$0 $0 $1,522,000 $82,100 $0 $0 $93,700 $0 $925,200 $0 $415,211 $5,560,628 $0

$1,152,500 $60,625 $5,000
$297,900
$337,850 $1,964,612

$1,000,000
$996,456 $994,074 $500,000

$373,217

$8,925 $127,933 $42,000 $217,400

$2,161,425 $60,625 $506,150 $996,456 $339,900 $994,074 $555,250
$2,464,612

COUNTY NAME Colquitt County Columbia County Cook County Coweta County Crawford County Crisp County Dade County Dawson County Decatur County DeKalb County Dodge County Dooly County Dougherty County Douglas County Early County Echols County Effingham County Elbert County Emanuel County Evans County Fannin County Fayette County Floyd County Forsyth County Franklin County Fulton County Gilmer County Glascock County Glynn County Gordon County Grady County Greene County Gwinnett County Habersham County Hall County Hancock County Haralson County Harris County Hart County

HOME $1,210,300
$15,450 $75,850
$247,575 $347,835 $204,752 $155,884
$17,675 $447,655 $37,975 $413,175
$172,402
$353,925 $1,080,700

CDBG $964,802 $432,643
$855,315
$284,877 $500,000 $500,000 $359,605 $50,000 $404,932 $992,200
$849,945
$500,000 $500,000 $982,475 $520,000
$500,000

HOPWA
$37,450 $10,000

ESG $54,003
$136,000 $39,403 $23,500
$1,236,974 $12,400 $23,288 $62,000 $37,000 $134,000 $4,675

TOTALS $2,229,105
$15,450 $432,643 $75,850
$0 $0 $0 $0 $855,315 $383,575 $0 $632,712 $244,155 $679,384 $500,000 $0 $359,605 $50,000 $404,932 $0 $992,200 $17,675 $485,105 $37,975 $0 $1,660,149 $849,945 $0 $184,802 $523,288 $500,000 $982,475 $415,925 $557,000 $1,214,700 $0 $0 $0 $504,675

COUNTY NAME Heard County Henry County Houston County Irwin County Jackson County Jasper County Jeff Davis County Jefferson County Jenkins County Johnson County Jones County Lamar County Lanier County Laurens County Lee County Liberty County Lincoln County Long County Lowndes County Lumpkin County Macon County Madison County Marion County McDuffie County McIntosh County Meriwether County Miller County Mitchell County Monroe County Montgomery County Morgan County Murray County Muscogee County Newton County Oconee County Oglethorpe County Paulding County Peach County Pickens County

HOME

CDBG HOPWA

$2,602,046 $137,395 $11,958 $457,382
$5,150 $674,730 $7,500 $194,411 $610,134 $68,249 $1,500,000
$759,192 $500,000 $29,183 $5,000 $460,622 $500,000 $356,373 $54,094 $500,000 $500,000

$337,514

$276,275

$156,962 $5,150

$355,996
$24,857 $10,020

$800,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 $220,991

$5,835

$46,000 $25,550 $173,400

$92,397

$218,875 $12,675

ESG $11,673 $72,000
$12,000 $16,673 $95,494 $8,400
$108,000 $29,000 $17,000

TOTALS $0
$2,613,719 $209,395 $469,340 $679,880
$7,500 $804,545 $1,568,249 $759,192 $500,000 $29,183
$5,000 $460,622 $512,000 $356,373 $570,767 $500,000
$0 $709,283
$8,400 $156,962
$5,150 $0
$1,155,996 $500,000 $1,000,000 $245,848 $10,020
$0 $5,835
$0 $46,000 $225,947 $202,400
$0 $0 $235,875 $12,675 $0

COUNTY NAME Pierce County Pike County Polk County Pulaski County Putnam County Quitman County Rabun County Randolph County Richmond County Rockdale County Schley County Screven County Seminole County Spalding County Stephens County Stewart County Sumter County Talbot County Taliaferro County Tattnall County Taylor County Telfair County Terrell County Thomas County Tift County Toombs County Towns County Treutlen County Troup County Turner County Twiggs County Union County Upson County Walker County Walton County Ware County Warren County Washington County Wayne County

HOME $21,177

CDBG HOPWA $500,000

$1,967,500 $500,000

$500,000 $14,262

$26,518 $41,405 $37,750

$174,522

$1,060,500 $116,325

$431,423 $500,000 $500,000

$23,024

$500,000 $914,732

$834,599 $500,000 $999,993

$201,710 $225,500

$442,088 $500,000 $500,000

$169,283 $68,453

$368,085 $500,000 $493,427 $22,800

$5,150 $42,650

$500,000 $500,000

$178,558 $1,000,000 $114,680

ESG
$209,083 $11,000
$6,000 $45,000 $9,325 $6,000 $8,000 $8,000 $11,913

TOTALS $521,177
$0 $2,467,500
$0 $500,000 $14,262
$0 $201,040 $250,488 $37,750
$0 $431,423 $1,560,500 $627,325
$0 $500,000 $23,024 $914,732
$0 $834,599 $500,000 $999,993
$0 $649,798 $770,500 $500,000
$9,325 $368,085 $675,283 $561,880 $22,800
$0 $500,000 $13,150 $542,650
$8,000 $0
$1,178,558 $126,593

COUNTY NAME Webster County Wheeler County White County Whitfield County Wilcox County Wilkes County Wilkinson County Worth County

HOME

CDBG HOPWA

$3,561,982 $300,000 $104,206

$37,450

$104,065 $1,096,420

$878,386 $114,720 $500,000

ESG $20,500

TOTALS $0 $0
$3,861,982 $162,156
$0 $878,386 $218,785 $1,596,420

APPENDIX III
TEXT OF PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF THE DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
Public Input Requested for the State of Georgia's
Draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
The State of Georgia, in compliance with applicable U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, has prepared a draft version of the State's Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the State Fiscal Year 2012 (SFY2012).
The Consolidated Plan is a comprehensive planning document designed to examine the housing and community development needs of low and moderate-income households within Georgia. The State has established activities and initiatives to meet the priorities and objectives outlined in the Consolidated Plan. The CAPER is the annual review of the State's progress in meeting these priorities and objectives.
The State of Georgia encourages citizens, public agencies and other interested parties to review the contents of its draft CAPER and to submit their written comments. The report will be available for review on September 11 by 5 p.m. at :
http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CommunityInitiatives/programs/ConsolidatedPlan.asp
The report may also be obtained upon request from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs at (404) 679-5821 or by e-mail to housingplanning@dca.ga.gov. TDD users may call (404) 679-4915 to request a copy.
All written comments should be submitted by email or postal mail no later than Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report Georgia Department of Community Affairs Housing Policy and Administration Division Attn: Rick Heermans 60 Executive Park South, NE Atlanta, GA 30329-2231

APPENDIX IV HOME ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDIX IV HOME ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT

APPENDIX V HOME MATCH REPORT