9978-09 Appropriating $2,463,435 from Community Development (Fund 212), defraying expenses of CED

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St. Joseph County Housing Consortium Ministries concentrates on the HIV-positive, Youth Service Bureau concentrates on youth, YWCA concentrates on homeless women escaping spousal abuse, and the Center for the Homeless concentrates on general homelessness. The Department of Housing & Urban Development does have some specific ESG submission requirements. The homeless provider that receives ESG funding, must match Federal funds dollar for dollar. Matching funds generally come from sources such as: • Donations and non-federal grants • United Way funding • Volunteer labor The HOME Program The HOME funding is allocated among the three participating jurisdictions by formula. In South Bend and Mishawaka, the HOME funds are generally used to increase and complement the affordable housing activities undertaken with CDBG funds. In recent years, the City of Mishawaka has invested its HOME fund allocation in providing housing for senior citizens and new home construction for first time homebuyers. In 2010- 2014, HOME funds will be directed exclusively toward Mishawaka's First-Time Homebuyer Program. The intent of this activity is to strengthen and improve neighborhoods through the construction of single-family homes on cleared lots in the City's inner city neighborhoods. HOME funds are utilized to provide down payment and closing cost assistance as well as infrastructure improvements. As previously mentioned, it is anticipated that 100% of the HOME funds allocated in 2010-2014 will be utilized in the Milburn Boulevard Neighborhood. In the remaining portion of the County, the availability of HOME dollars allows the County to participate in affordable housing projects as well. In recent years, a good deal of the County's money has been used to help revitalize the West York neighborhood in the Town of Walkerton. Originally built as temporary housing for a local munitions plant, the two unit structures had not stood well the test of time. Narrow streets made the small community hazardous for the residents as emergency vehicles cannot safely use the original streets. A comprehensive plan has been developed with the town and the Housing Assistance Office to make significant improvements in the neighborhood. Much has been done to date, but it was recognized at the onset that the full project would take many years to complete. While there is no specific commitment to fund the project every year, it is anticipated that future HOME funds will be requested from time to time, until the entire neighborhood has turned around. Funds allocated in 2010 will be for rehabilitatign of owner-occupied homes given the spike in interest with the current economic climate and the desire of owners to stay in their homes longer. The Near Northwest Neighborhood, Inc., has been designated as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). As mandated by HUD, at least 15% of each year's funding must be used by CHDOs for certain CHDO-eligible projects. Delivery System The following are strengths and gaps in the local delivery system: Strengths: • Ability of local nonprofit agencies to deliver quality services • Ability of entitlement communities to leverage dollars 2010-2014 Housing and Community Development Plan 21