St. Joseph County Housing Consortium

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FY 2025-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan City of South Bend, IN lending practices for minorities and other protected classes when they wish to purchase properties located in impacted areas of the Cities or County. 5-C: The Housing Consortium should consider using Federal and State funding to provide a higher rate of public financial assistance to potential homebuyers in impacted neighborhoods to improve the loan- to-value ratio, so that private lenders will increase the number of loans made in these areas. Impediment 6: Impacted Areas of Concentration There are specific areas throughout the two Cities and the County where the concentration of low- income persons exceeds 70% of the area's population, and areas with concentrations of minority persons. Goal: Promote the de-concentration of low-income and minority areas that may exist within the Cities of South Bend and Mishawaka to reduce concentrations of low-income households and minorities, while preserving fair housing choice for both low-income and minority residents. Strategies: To meet this goal,the following activities and strategies may be undertaken by St. Joseph County and the Cities of South Bend and Mishawaka: 6-A: Support, promote, and plan for affordable housing developments outside areas of low-income concentration,while still supporting the improvement of housing within concentrated areas. 6-B: Market and promote housing opportunities for both minority and low-income residents outside areas of low-income concentration. 6-C: Provide fmancial assistance to low-income households to provide them with a choice to reside outside areas of low-income concentration. Impediment 7: Economic Issues Affecting Housing Choice There is a lack of economic opportunities in the County and both Cities which prevents low-income households from improving their income and providing an opportunity to live outside areas of low- income concentration. Goal: The local economy will provide new job opportunities, which will increase household income, and thus promote fair housing choice and mobility. Strategies: To meet this goal, the following activities and strategies may be undertaken by St. Joseph County and the Cities of South Bend and Mishawaka: 7-A: Strengthen partnerships that enhance local businesses, expand the tax base, and create a more sustainable economy for residents and businesses. 7-B: Support and enhance workforce development and skills training that results in increased job opportunities and a living wage. 7-C: Continue to support programming that enhances entrepreneurship and small business development,expansion,and retention within low-and moderate-income and minority neighborhoods. OMB Control No:2506-0117(exp.07/31/2025) 111