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

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St. Joseph County Housing Consortium • The number of state, local and nonprofit agencies delivering local services • Cooperative attitude and dedication by service providers • Willingness of service providers to accomplish goals in unique ways • Relationship between government and service providers Gaps: • ~` Time the member jurisdictions spend interacting with each other given vast responsibilities • Full coordination of resources across the three jurisdictions • Difficulty in providing services to rural areas -few neighborhood-based satellite service facilities outside the incorporated areas of South Bend and Mishawaka Delivery System for Public Housing St. Joseph County is unique in that it has 2 separate Housing Authorities offering public housing units. In addition, it has 3 Housing Authorities which offer subsidy vouchers in the County (South Bend Housing Authority, Mishawaka Housing Authority, and the Housing Assistance Office which offers vouchers generally outside of the two cities). Board members of the South Bend and Mishawaka Housing Authorities are appointed by their respective Mayors. The Housing Assistance Office has aself-appointed board. Other than such appointments, the city administrations play no additional oversight role. The cities are not involved in issues of hiring, contracting and procurement or provision of services. In general, the Housing Authorities are not funded through the CDBG or HOME programs for normal public housing services. The exception is funding for homeownership programs through the Housing Assistance Office. Review of capital expenditures are limited to review and signature on HUD required "Certification of Consistency with the HCD Plan." Yet, the Housing Authority of South Bend (HASB) works in continual communication with the City of South Bend's Department of Community and Economic Development, Mayor's Office; and the St. Joseph County Housing Consortium. For example, in 2009, the City of South Bend and the HASB have submitted joint applications to HUD for projects that would increase public housing and stabilize neighborhoods in the City. Currently, the HASB is in partnership with the City of South Bend on the Eddy Street Commons Project. As part of this development, the HASB has committed to maintaining a public housing presence in this area. With a public housing occupancy rate of 97-98% percent and a Housing Choice Voucher utilization rate of 100+%, there are no significant gaps in the delivery of subsidized housing or tenant assistance from the Housing Authority of South Bend (HASB). In response to needs expressed by local supportive service agencies, the HASB has implemented a preference for homeless families and a working family preference. Strengths in the delivery system for public housing in the City of Mishawaka lie in the locations of properties-management capacity and the condition of the units themselves, which are very good to excellent. The Mishawaka Housing Authority currently manages 299 housing units. This number is insufficient to meet demand. There is also a lack of emergency /immediate housing available. The City of Mishawaka cooperates with the Mishawaka Housing Authority in the development and operation of rental property that was renovated and developed by the City. Examples include the Battell School and Mary Phillips School senior apartments. The board of the Community Development Corporation (CDC) is comprised of City and Housing Authority staff. The CDC is a nonprofit entity whose mission is to develop, implement and 2010-2014 Housing and Community Development Plan 22