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

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St. Joseph County Housing Consortium neighborhoods, as well as the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA) including Census Tracts 19, 20, and 21. Counseling: Counseling is seen as critical to address the current foreclosure situation of many residents and, the preventative educational effort for potential homeowners. The City is a HUD certified housing counseling agency that addresses both aspects of counseling. Homeownership programs of the CHC and HDC require pre- and post-purchase counseling, and the NSP funding requires a minimum number of hours of counseling for NSP assisted individuals/families. Rehabilitation: HIGH PRIORITY Homeowner Rehabilitation: Provided for those individuals and families up to 80% of median household income that own their home but need assistance in major safety related and/or health modifications. Such assistance addresses improvements to an aging housing stock, aids in homeowner retention rates, and can assist in the stabilization of neighborhoods. For the elderly population this option often provides a less expensive alternative and allows people to remain in their homes. CDBG funds will continue to support the South Bend Home Improvement Program (SBHIP), REAL Services Home Modification Program and Rebuilding Together (RT). Permanent Rental Housing: Acquisition, rehabilitation, infrastructure and/or new construction for assisted rental housing for persons at 80% or below median household income. Primarily in the community development corporation target areas and the NRSA. Permanent Supportive Rental Housing: Acquisition, rehabilitation, infrastructure and/or new construction for assisted rental housing for the special needs population below 80% of median household income. Tenant Based Rental Assistance: Assistance for families eligible for Section 8 Vouchers. The South Bend Housing Authority's (HASB) Section 8 Waiting List opened July 20, 2009, for the first time in three years. In 2006, the Waiting List opened and received 3,000 applications in 7 days. On the first day the list was opened in 2009, by 10:00 AM, over 6,000 applications were distributed and over 3,000 had visited the HASB Website. Assistance for individuals that are seriously mentally ill to provide safe, structured residential placement for persons who can live semi-independently with supportive services. Mishawaka HIGH PRIORITIES The City of Mishawaka has a lower percentage of owner-occupied dwellings than does the surrounding county. In Mishawaka, the homeownership rate is 56.80%, while in St. Joseph County homeownership is 71.70%. Therefore, to stabilize established neighborhoods, increase housing standards, create a more diverse community, and positively affect the tax base, the City has made increased homeownership a priority. The City has several programs in place that it will continue to fund during the 5-year plan to address the housing needs of those in the 30-80% AMI range for St. Joseph County. Direct Homeownership Assistance -First Time Homebuyer Program: The City of Mishawaka will provide direct homeownership assistance through our First Time Homebuyer Program. Program participants are in the 65-80% AMI range for St. Joseph County. The First-Time 2010-2014 Housing and Community Development Plan 31