2016 HOME Program - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

the national housing crisis and the resulting number of vacant and abandoned homes. This situation, ' coupled with an aging housing stock, created a challenging environment for neighborhoods and the community. Complementary responses including acquisition/ rehabilitation,and demolition were seen ' as necessary and critical to achieving revitalization and assuring other investment. Therefore resources were directed toward programs that addressed those activities. ' Another significant obstacle has been the reduction of State funding and the lack of availability of State ESG funding to agencies serving the most vulnerable in St.Joseph County. There are no other resources ' to counter the reduction of these previously available funds. This hampers the ability to provide service at the level anticipated and/or desired.The limitation of short term rental assistance dollars in the community as compared to the need was also a major obstacle. The economy and state of ' unemployment created a greater challenge as services were sought by even more individuals and families. t Members of the St.Joseph County Continuum of Care (CoC) have attended meetings, over the recent past, held by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority(IHCDA) and voiced concerns about the reduction of funding from the State of Indiana. Written concerns were also submitted to IHCDA. Actions taken to reduce lead-based paint hazards. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) In 2012, the Housing Authority of South Bend (HASB), in partnership with the County Health Department ' and financial support from the City of South Bend, County Commissioners, County Health Department, the Community Foundation of St.Joseph County, South Bend Medical Foundation, and Residence Inn by Marriot, received a Lead Hazard Control Grant for the second time.This grant brought$2.48 Million in resources to the County to combat the poisoning of children by lead hazards.As part of these resources, $180,000 was used to focus on a physical and holistic approach to several additional home toxins and safety hazards in what HUD refers to as a Healthy Homes initiative. One hundred and forty (140) homes were targeted to address Lead and Healthy Homes hazards. Homes with children under the age of six and children identified with elevated Blood Lead Levels were the main priority. ' Outreach and training have created more jobs by increasing the capacity of the certified contractors in the County. Over 156 personnel, including 75 that qualified as Section 3 eligible (low income), have ' received training and certifications in Lead Hazard Abatement.The HASB has partnered with local institutions and companies to access funds from other programs in order to assist families by completing much needed repairs in addition to the Lead Hazard Work. The HASB continues to accept applications and complete assessments in order to identify properties for the next LHCG Grant application. The HASB maintains Section 8 Landlord Assistance Program whereby any resident living in a Section 8 unit that is lead contaminated and the owner refuses to bring the home into a lead safe status, is given preference on the Public Housing waiting list for the first available unit. With 2,124 Section 8 vouchers and a Housing Authority property 99.5%occupancy rate, these policies are seen to significantly increase ' the number of affordable housing units that are lead-safe in the City. The HASB also maintains a listing of previous lead safe addresses at http://www.hasbonline.com/docs/safe.pdf. CAPER 22 OMB Control No:2506-0117(exp.07/31/2015) '